Monthly Archives: August 2022

Well I pose that as a question, because I guess it depends on your overall outlook of the last week of August.

 

For me, I’m somewhere in the middle. I do love a long, lingering summer, but I also love the bounty that fall provides. And with the amazing farmers at Dufferin Grove, that is sure to be nothing short of spectacular!

 

So if you’re escaping to a cottage, or some other relaxing excursion, this weekend (or next), enjoy!

But if, like yours truly, you’re “stuck” in the city, there are still many ways you can also enjoy!

 

As an avid, but “take my time” cyclist, I love riding to our many beautiful parks and other green spaces – packing a lunch and making a day of it! And if not on “two wheels”, then (one foot in front of the other), or public transit, work fine too.

 

But if you’re looking for something a bit more “loud and lively”, there are a number of festivals happening throughout our fair city. Food, music and culture – it’s so easy to celebrate our urban landscape! I simply looked up “Toronto festivals”, and came up with a slew of ideas. 

 

And today, (being the last Sunday of the month), is also PS Kensington. If you’re unaware, that is “Pedestrian Sunday” – described as a place where: “The streets of Kensington Market are yours, and open in celebration throughout the market. Human beings feel at their best in vibrant, human scale, friendly environments.” Visit: https://pedestriansunday.carrd.co/, for more details. You might even see me there! haha

 

But aside from all of that, (if you’ve got a little extra $$ to spend), you can always visit the X! I’ll admit that the CNE is a bit pricier this year, but hey, at least it’s back! And after three long years, I may just go, for the nostalgia factor alone. Ketchup ice cream anyone? Yup – (at the X), that’s a thing this year!

 

Ok, and now on to our fabulous little market! Where we may not have ketchup ice cream, but the incredible sheep milk gelato from All Sorts Acres, is sure to please. Jennifer even has yummy “pawpsicles” for your favourite canine. And from what I’ve seen, I think many dogs in the neighbourhood, have started to really love Thursdays!

And this is a special thanks from Erick, of Hola Alegrias, who wants to thank the Dufferin Grove community, for a great first market that he had. Erick says he was delighted with the response, and is excited for the remainder of the season at Dufferin – you’re welcome Erick, glad you’re here!

Also at this week’s market, I had an illuminating conversation with the lovely Irina, of Bees Universe. I asked Irina to remind (and inform) me of some of the many uses and health benefits of beeswax, honeycomb and bee pollen – and boy, did I get an earful! I always knew their honey was amazing, but sometimes I forget about all of the other fabulous products Bees Universe provides. And I mean, where would we be without bees, in general? But perhaps that’s a much bigger conversation. All the same, thanks Irina – for reminding us all of how crucial these wonderful little insects are!

Irina of Bees Universe 🙂

And once again, I was dazzled by Nature’s Way, and their “wonder-veggies”, (I’ll call them. 🙂  A few weeks ago, if you recall, it was their giant cucumbers. Well this week,   Ed and Holly somewhat “dared me” to pose with their “super squash”. Of course, I accepted the challenge. But man – it was heavy! And although I’m smiling in the photo, holding it for as long as I did, was no easy feat! And in case you’re wondering, yes! The super squash eventually did go to a good home by end of market – yaaay!

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And a special thanks to longtime musician of the market, Andrea Kuzmich, who kept us all in good spirits throughout the afternoon.

And now a few things to note..

 

(For this season), sadly this will be the last week for our online shop. With most of our staff heading back to school, for now, we will have to suspend this service. But hopefully the web shop can reopen at some future date. A special thanks to Izak, Aidan and Maya for keeping it going as long as they did!

 

Also sadly, First Fish had their last market with us, this past Thursday. Mickayla is also quite short-staffed, and therefore, had to make the difficult decision. However, if you’re like me, and just love their fish, you can find them at Sorauren market or Trinity Bellwoods market. Thank goodness, right? 🙂 

 

Coming this week:

 

Art Hive returns to us this week. They missed out earlier this month, (due to the stormy weather on August 4th), but the forecast is looking good for their return! And if you’re unfamiliar, “Art Hive is a free community art studio that welcomes everyone as an artist. It is a time and place for creativity and conversation with the community.” Thanks Cynthia, looking forward to it!

 

And if you’ve been wondering “where’s Plan B?” Well wonder no longer – Rodrigo returns to Dufferin this week, with his joyful energy and wonderful bounty. Featured here is Rodrigo with Aidan, working hard, as you can see! Perhaps they were wrestling for the last zucchini? Either way,  you’ll have to ask Rodrigo yourself, who the winner was!

TC Tibetan Momos will also return this week. I’m sure many will agree that it’s been way too long – yum!!

 

Heartwood Cider also returns to us this week with their refreshing and delicious beverages. Yes please!

 

Ok folks, thanks for reading, and hope to see you Thursday!

-Nicole

Market VENDORS _  (in-person) _ September 1st, 2022

Farmers, Dairy & Meats:

• Reyes Farms
• Greenhouse Eatery
• Aldergrove Farm
• Sosnicki Organics
• Kooner Farms
• Nith Valley 
• Nature’s Way
• Plan B Organics
• Kind Organics
• Rogers Ranch
• Bees Universe
• Monforte Dairy 

Prepared Foods:

• La Mexicana
• Tapioca Toronto 
• TC Tibetan Momos
• Magic Oven
• Earth + City

 

Bakery, Preserves, & Specialty Items:

• Robinson Bakery 
• Lev Bakery
• Hola Alegrias
• ChocoSol
• Jiggy Popz

Wine, Cider & Brewery:

• Heartwood Cider

 

Special Events/Guests:

• Art Hive
• Community Fridges

 

For a list of online vendors, visit: https://www.dufferingrovemarket.ca/

I’m sure that many of you would agree that this market season has been truly overwhelming in a number of  ways. For one, our little market persisted right on through, even during an unpredictable and highly-challenging pandemic. And then of course, there were the financial difficulties that the market was facing last month – and again we persevered. And of course, I credit that persistence to most of you – so thanks! 🙂

 

But what I wanted to emphasize in this week’s newsletter was (as I said), new faces and “old” – (and before I get into trouble, by “old”, I mean familiar, or from the past.) But hey, you’re only as old as you feel, right? haha

 

So featured above is “Baby Ben” (as I  call him). Ben’s parents Sonia and Geoff, have been shopping with us since before Ben was born! (During our two years at St Anne’s church. He’s holding on tight to that Aldergrove eggplant – let’s hope he eventually let go of it, to let his parents cook it!

Another new face is that of Seth Goering’s daughter, featured here. Yup that’s right – although Seth brings us spectacular maple syrup and wild mushrooms from  Forbes, at market on this Thursday, he brought his own precious bundle of joy – clearly she finds maple syrup and wild mushrooms, just hilarious!

Another new face was a new vendor face! But if you didn’t get a chance to visit Meg Pederson (and crew) of  “Steep & Mellow“, not to worry,! They’ll be back! Their amazing organic teas were a big hit!

Meg (overalls) and crew with some happy customers!

And as for old faces last week, I noticed (and spoke to), quite a few (“past regulars”), who only now happened to now, find themselves at our new/old “in the park market”. Featured below is Nicole with the lovely Paula Stern, who like many of you, connected with us during the pandemic, and have stayed with us ever since – thanks Paula!

Nicole and Paula 🙂

And finally, there’s this little critter – such a cutie huh?! New? Old? Pretty hard to tell with squirrels  – but I would definitely call this one a “market regular”. Nicole says this one can often be seen on market day,, looking around for discarded  treats.

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And in other news, if anyone was wondering about the status of the cob house, it looks just spectacular! Thanks largely to the help of many – including the young and talented, Amelia and River, (featured here), who worked hard painting and beautifying the cob on Thursday. Be sure to take a look on your next visit to the park!

And if some of you were looking for Anarrres Natural Health last week, they send their apologies, but had an emergency to deal with. They will be at market this coming Thursday, to sell their wares, and conduct health-related workshops – don’t miss out!

As a reminder (from Anarres):

“Hi folks! We at Anarres are excited to share that on August 18th we will be at Dufferin Grove Market running mini self-spa workshops. That means that you can stop by anytime and learn to make a DIY face mask, body scrub or bath salt. It’s super simple, easy, and educational!

Anarres is a social enterprise storefront and online resource founded 15 years ago. We focus on body care, bulk DIY supplies and environmentally friendly housewares. We’re committed to using ethical resources and supporting projects and initiatives that we believe in. Our goal is to help teach people about natural fair trade ingredients and how to use them and so we hold a variety of workshops in store from lotions to haircare to deodorant. Feel free to come visit us at 1076 Bloor St. W from 12-7pm Tues-Sat.”

Back last week was Jesse of “Starship Experience” who serenaded us with classic songs for almost the entire 4 hour market!

More exciting news, one of our long time online vendors Hola Alegrias will finally be in person at the park starting next week! He has all your granola and amaranth needs covered and then some, so don’t hesitate to come say hi to Erick and welcome him to the market!

Here is a little introduction from him:

My name is Erick. I am from México City, One of the favourite things in my childhood was food, especially sweet snacks, and my favourites have always been snacks made with Amaranth which are called Alegrias. Amaranth is an ancient grain which is healthy and high in protein, used in traditional Aztec and Mayan Food. Amaranth grows in México, Peru and some areas in the Middle East.

In the last few years, working in kitchens cooking different types of food and desserts gave me the idea to use amaranth mixed with chocolate (70% dark chocolate) and Granola to make healthy and tasty snacks.

I use organic ingredients to make the Granola, and organic Amaranth as well. My products are sugar free and palm oil free to make them healthier and better quality.

Don’t forget to check out Forbes for their Lobster Mushrooms! A perfect substitute for seafood, but only in season for a short time!

Here’s my news for the news!

We are so excited to be back for a second time in August this week. Out here at the farm we have been experiencing a bit of a drought, so we won’t have the piles of greens we usually bring. The good news is that our field grown heirloom tomatoes are some of the most beautiful we have ever grown. If you haven’t had a chance to try them yet, this is the week to do it! We will also bring lots of garlic, onions and basil, in case you need something to pair them with.

See you on Thursday,

Jenny

Lastly, if you love kombucha or are looking to try some out, Alchemy Pickle Company has a STELLAR Peach Kombucha that you won’t want to miss out on!

Thank you again to everyone for another stellar week,
Izak

Market VENDORS _  (in-person) _ August 25, 2022

Farmers, Dairy & Meats:

• Reyes Farms
• Greenhouse Eatery
• Aldergrove Farm
• All Sorts Acres
• Sosnicki Organics
• Kooner Farms
• Knuckledown Farms
• Nith Valley 
• Nature’s Way
• Plan B Organics
• Kind Organics
• Rogers Ranch
• Bees Universe
• Monforte Dairy 
• First Fish

Prepared Foods:

• La Mexicana
• Tapioca Toronto 
• Magic Oven
• Earth + City

 

Bakery, Preserves, & Specialty Items:

• Robinson Bakery 
• Lev Bakery
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Hola Alegrias
• ChocoSol
• Fresh Pops

Wine, Cider & Brewery:

• Harmon’s non-alcoholic Craft Brewery

 

Special Events/Guests:

• Anarres Health
• Greenpeace Canada
• Progress Toronto
• Community Fridges

 

For a list of online vendors, visit: https://www.dufferingrovemarket.ca/

Dear Market Community,

It’s been a while! My name is Aanastasia, and I am guest-writing the market news this week.

Some of you may remember me from when I wore the hat of Data and Inventory Manager for the online market during the early days of the pandemic. I am excited and grateful to continue contributing to this beautiful community as a member of the Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market’s Board of Directors.

There is something magical about this community; I feel it every time I walk through the market at Dufferin Grove Park. There is a sense of unity, harmony, and goodwill. From the small children toddling along the earthen pathway to our vendors’ smiling faces as they share the fruits of their labour – it’s an incredible place to visit!

Aanastasia and one of the sweetest market babies! 

Thank you all so much for your support of the market! The rest of the Board and I are in awe of the outpouring of support via donations and emails that we have received. 

 

We have now reached our fundraising goal! 

 

We appreciate your response to our fundraising call-out. We know how much the market means to you, our vendors, and farmers. As a non-profit, we are kept afloat by grants and the generosity of people like you. We will continue our fundraising efforts, and we have some fun ideas and events in store.

 

Stay tuned! 

.

August has come in with a roar! I hope everyone stayed safe and cool during the extremely hot days.

One of my favourite ways to cool down in the summer heat is by eating ice-cold treats! Thankfully, the market vendors have us all covered.

Fresh Pops has mouthwatering popsicles in flavours like Fresh Mango, Chocolate, Pineapple Coconut, and Raspberry Lemonade. Visit the market early to get your hands on a couple before they sell out!

Or, you can order one of All Sorts Acres Farms’ delicious Sheep Milk Kefreezies or Gelato STIX! 

Prefer to cool down with a cold drink? Alchemy Pickle Company‘s Pear Ginger Kombucha is a refreshing and subtly spicy way to do so. 

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The sounds of Richard Underhill

                               

I don’t know about you, but I am the type of person who eats soup all year round, and I highly recommend it!

 

My soup of choice this week is Cream of Zucchini Soup!

 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 small onion from Green House Eatery, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic from Nith Valley Organics
• 3 medium zucchini (skin on cut in large chunks) from Ta Neter Farm or Kind Organics
• 32 oz chicken stock from Nith Valley Organics or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp Sheep Milk Cream Cheese from All Sorts Acres Farm
• Salt and black pepper to taste (and any other seasonings you enjoy)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired for topping, optional

Braided Onion Bunches by Greenhouse Eatery

Recipe:

1. Boil: Bring the broth, onion, garlic, and zucchini to a boil over medium heat.
2. Simmer: Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Puree: Remove the pot from the heat and puree with an immersion blender. If you only have a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit and fill the blender halfway to puree.
4. Season: Add cream cheese, blend it again, and then season with salt and pepper. If your soup is thinner than you would like, add more zucchini.

Serve chilled or hot.

 

Enjoy!

                               

This past week we celebrated the birthday of our Market Manager, Nicole! 

 

Nicole navigates her role with grace, confidence, and a lot of skill. We are so lucky to have her! Happy Birthday Nicole!

 

Thank you, Nicole! Here’s wishing you a year ahead that’s filled with as much love and sparkle as you bring to the market!

– A word from Nicole: 

 

“First off, let me extend an enormous THANK YOU, and a super-enormous hug, to this amazing community I’m lucky enough to be a part of!

 

Some of you may have heard (or already knew), that it was my birthday on Thursday (August 11th). Well many would not have been thrilled to have to work on their “special day” – but you folks barely made it feel like a work day! 🙂 Many of you (individually), came up to me to wish me a happy one. And this was on top of special performances by Clay and Paper Theatre, and Richard Underhill, (longtime Dufferin Grove musician.) So again, thank you – for being the amazing “Dufferin Grovers” that you are!!

 

xxo,

– Nicole”

And fyi folks, Clay & Paper is putting on their final performance of “Art Ambulance”, in the park tonight (August 14th), at 7pm – a free and fantastic production right in Dufferin Grove Park! (donations are always welcome)

Featured below is a pic of farmers, Ed and Holly, of Nature’s Way, who are convinced that they have the solution for anyone competing for the award of “best cucumber selfie” – be sure to stop by their table, as I’m sure they can suggest some fun poses for you! 🙂

Also this coming week, please extend a warm welcome to a couple of guest vendors.

 

1- Starting with “Anarres Natural Health and Apothecary” who introduce themselves with this message:

 

“Hi folks! We at Anarres are excited to share that on August 18th we will be at Dufferin Grove Market running mini self-spa workshops. That means that you can stop by anytime, and learn to make a DIY face mask, body scrub or bath salt. It’s super simple, easy, and educational!

 

Anarres is a social enterprise storefront and online resource founded 15 years ago. We focus on body care, bulk DIY supplies and environmentally friendly housewares. 

 

We’re committed to using ethical resources and supporting projects and initiatives that we believe in. Our goal is to help teach people about natural fair trade ingredients and how to use them and so we hold a variety of workshops in store from lotions to haircare to deodorant. Feel free to come visit us at 1076 Bloor St. W from 12-7pm Tues-Sat – or visit: www.anarreshealth.ca“

2- We’ll also have a representative from Climate Science to discuss food insecurity and food waste. Here’s a note from them:

 

“Are you passionate about climate change? Do you want to learn more about food insecurity and food waste while shopping at your local farmers market? Then this is the perfect event for you! On August 18, 2022, come visit us, ClimateScience, at Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market, to educate yourself about your impact on food, learn about the Toronto Food Deserts Project and get involved!

We are looking forward to seeing you there. For more information, please email behravan.kiana@climatescience.org or visit us at https://linktr.ee/cstoronto.”

And a brief note regarding Country Meadows, as some of you have asked. 🙂 Angelos’ last day with us was July 14th, as he needed to step back, being a bit short handed. We hope to have him back at Dufferin early next month – as we are all missing his amazing olives, olive oil and feta. However, I am waiting to receive a confirmation from Angelos later this month, as this will also depend on his supply. Keep you posted – thanks for hanging in there!

That’s all for now, folks! Have a wonderful week!

 

– Aanastasia, Nicole and the Market Crew

Market VENDORS _  (in-person) _ August 18, 2022

Farmers, Dairy & Meats:

• Reyes Farms
• Greenhouse Eatery
• Aldergrove Farm
• All Sorts Acres
• Sosnicki Organics
• Kooner Farms
• Nith Valley 
• Nature’s Way
• Plan B Organics
• Kind Organics
• Rogers Ranch
• Bees Universe
• Monforte Dairy 
• First Fish 

Prepared Foods:

• La Mexicana
• Tapioca Toronto 
• Magic Oven
• TC Tibetan Momos
• Earth + City 

Bakery, Preserves, & Specialty Items:

• Robinson Bakery 
• Lev Bakery
• Forbes Wild Foods
• ChocoSol
• Jiggy Popz 

Wine, Cider & Brewery:

• Heartwood Cidery  

Special Events/Guests:

• Anarres Health
• Climate Science
• Community Fridges

For a list of online vendors, visit: https://www.dufferingrovemarket.ca/

Yes, that’s right – August 7-14 is Farmers’ Market Week! Farmers Markets Ontario describes it as:
“A chance to celebrate the wonderful experience of shopping and supporting local farmers’ markets. It is extremely important that our association works together to showcase to consumers your efforts in creating the best farmers’ markets in Ontario!

Farmers’ Market Week is a prime opportunity to connect Ontario shoppers with farmers and producers who work endlessly to deliver delicious produce from farm to plate.”

 

And there’s more!

 

Each year (as some of you may already know), there is a “Famers Market of the Year” award – and this year, I’m hoping “our little market” can claim that prize. Wish us luck!

Some more details from FMO: “Farmers’ Markets Ontario will recognize an outstanding Farmers’ Market that is exemplary in adding value to their communities and the Ontario farmers’ market sector for the 2022 season.” (or visit):

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fD_mflfFazqIY7Xas0dcrY79mlqejfXOMI1C5DCyjzM/edit

Looks like the weather forecast finally got it right, as BOY did it ever pour on Thursday!! But as many vendors and customers remarked, we have been very lucky so far this year in terms of the weather, and you can’t have the good days without the tough ones!! Not to mention the farmers’ crops have been in dire need of a good rain too!

However not all products at the market are water-resistant, good thing everyone’s spirit was! As even Yoni from Lev Bakery had his award winning smile after the rain hit (and after saving his bread from the water!), only his shoes didn’t feel the same way! But he wasn’t alone as kids and market workers alike dawned the barefoot look after that torrential soaking!

Yoni and his muddi kicks!

This week we had the lovely Patrick O’Neill performing with his incredible accordion skills, making you feel like you were walking through a video game or movie, and was the perfect accompaniment for the market that day 🙂 Hopefully you got to hear some of the brilliant tunes he was putting out, but if you missed him this time he’ll be back on September 15th!!

REPAIR CAFE is back this week as well, so don’t forget to come support and bring anything you need fixed up!

Also back in the park this week is Knuckle Down Farms!

“Dufferin Grove friends, we miss the Market so much I have decided to come in for an extra visit! Be sure to stop by for all of your garlic needs, I will be bringing all four of our varieties and it’s a beautiful crop this year. We will also be bringing a rainbow of beets, swiss chard and the most delicious heirloom tomatoes!” – Jenny from Knuckle Down

Avling Brewery Rooftop Garden

The pear and apple trees have begun to bear fruit after about 4 years.

 

Avling Brewery on Queen Street East is coming to the market on August 11, and the second week of each month all season with some of their delicious and unusual brews! We were first intrigued when we learned that they make a beer with marigolds in it from their rooftop farm. 

 

The marigolds aren’t the only farm-fresh ingredient that turns up in their beer! On the roof of the brewery, there is a flourishing urban farm, the first of its kind in Toronto (i.e. a purpose-built agricultural rooftop design rather that a green roof converted for food production). Lush drifts of herbs and indigenous flowers are in abundance, along with tiny strawberries, sunflowers, and many vegetables. These are also turned into delicious menu items in the restaurant that is part of the brewery. 

 

It may be across the great divide of the Don Valley, but it’s well worth the trip to the far east (actually, just past Carlaw) to enjoy the beers and great food at Avling! Ask Danielle or other helpers at their market table for more information about ‘farm tours’ up on the roof!
written by: Anne Freeman

 

For the above photo; Avling uses a nifty system of cords wound on spools to tie tomato plants up, adjusting the height through the season.

(Photos and files courtesy of Anne Freeman)

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Featured here is Beatta – a long time market shopper, and dear friend of the market. She’s holding some of Nature’s Way’s spectacular basil! Fyi, her hand is only gestured that way, because Nicole (market manager), asked Beatta for some “basiltude” – (basil with an attitude!) haha

The market workers and our Happy Feet! Wonder who’s feet are who’s? Can you guess correctly?

I would very much like to thank every vendor, customer, volunteer, and worker who powered through yesterday and stuck it out with such unfavourable weather conditions and with such amazing spirits. It’s unreal how truly lovely and community oriented everyone is here and is one of the many joys I have working at this market; which in itself feels like such a stark contrast from the rough hustle and bustle of other industries and places in these days. So I really hope people know how special they are and how much we appreciate the support and help we get every week <3

-Izak

Market VENDORS _  (in-person) _ August 11, 2022

Farmers, Dairy & Meats:

• Reyes Farms
• Greenhouse Eatery
• Aldergrove Farm
• All Sorts Acres
• Sosnicki Organics
• Kooner Farms
• Knuckledown Farms
• Nith Valley 
• Nature’s Way
• Plan B Organics
• Kind Organics
• Rogers Ranch
• Bees Universe
• Monforte Dairy 
• First Fish

Prepared Foods:

• La Mexicana
• Tapioca Toronto 
• Magic Oven
• Earth + City

Bakery, Preserves, & Specialty Items:

• Robinson Bakery 
• Lev Bakery
• Forbes Wild Foods
• ChocoSol
• Spade & Spoon
• Green Florin
• Bruized
• Fresh Pops

Wine, Cider & Brewery:

• Daughter’s Cidery 
• Avling Brewery

Special Events/Guests:

• Repair Cafe
• Community Fridges

For a list of online vendors, visit: https://www.dufferingrovemarket.ca/