Dance on Over for Dinner

Hey, you are not going to let a few warm spring puddles stop you from coming to market this week, ARE YOU? We’ll have so many nice things to eat that it is totally worth jumping in a few (Gene Kelly-style) and showing up. Remember, if you want the market to be there for you, you need to be there for the market. Hate to take you on a guilt trip, but we were disappointed with the turnout last week. Just sayin’.

We are excited to welcome back Earth & City, with familiar favourites like cowgirl cookies, macaroons and super-salads, and Tapioca Toronto, with Brazilian-style gluten-free crepes. Southbrook Wines will be coming, too. Bon appetit!

Those aren’t the only vendors returning; Farmer Ted Thorpe called to say he’s got a greenhouse bursting with greens to bring. Yahoo!

Damon Dewsbury of Culture City will come every time now, so you won’t have to wait for your favourite fermented condiments.

In the park, Heidrun and Michael will be making Challah this week as well as the other delicious breads, including the all-time favourites Rosemary, Multigrain, and Rye Sourdough. Heidrun says she tried the German trick of putting some coriander seeds in the Rye Bread. Samples will be available for those who have opinions….

You’ll get to meet Jordan at the Everdale table, standing in for Wolf, who’s at a conference. Here’s their news: “In terms of delectables, we have the following crops with which to charm your palate: bok choi, carrots, chives, cilantro, Jerusalem artichokes, green onions, parsnips, rutabagas, red radish, Easter egg radish, salad mix, salsify, spinach, salad turnips, and tulip bunches for Mother’s Day!

Also, here is a shot of us laying down our snazzy new paper mulch.  Normally, organic growers (including us!) rely on black plastic mulch for large field plantings of squash and some other crops.  We are trialling this nifty new paper mulch product this year that we are really jazzed about!  It’s fully compostable!”

Which reminds me to ask you: Can you help to make the market plastic-free? We all know that systemic change is needed. In the meantime, changing personal habits is mostly about remembering to bring easily available alternatives, such as your own bags and glass containers. We’re talking with the vendors about ideas to cut back on throwaways, too. You can borrow bags from our info table if you forget yours, but please bring some extras back to contribute when you remember. Add some cutlery wrapped in a cloth napkin to your tote, and you can eat supper at the market without making any garbage.

Andrew from Waymac Mushrooms wrote to say that it’s Career Day at his wife Erika‘s school, and  he’s the farmer (duh), but if he can get his tractor loaded back up and get on the road in time, he’ll head to market. I bet there will be some pretty excited kids imagining themselves on that tractor….

Bees Universe will return next week.

We’ll have a mix of out and in once more, with benches reserved for dinner eaters. Ali Harris will have delicious rotis and sandwiches, and Leslie will be turning out park pizzas. How to choose?
See you at the market!
Anne Freeman

This Week’s Vendors: