Dufferin Grove Rocks! 💪

Yes, Dufferin Grove does rock, (obviously) – but you knew that! Such a smart bunch you all are. All the same, please bear with me, as I brag a little more. So this past weekend was a celebration of both our amazing community, and our equally amazing park. I’m speaking of the open house, this past Saturday afternoon, (put on by Councillor Bravo’s office.) And hey, maybe (like “my new bestie”, Gabie), you were even there yourself! 💜

Gabie and I, sharing a smile on Saturday. Gabie was only visiting Toronto for one week, (all the way from Switzerland) – and was thrilled with the community vibe at Dufferin Grove. 

Now some of you may be reading this, and wondering: “Hey, I thought this newsletter was supposed to be about the farmers’ market!” And you’re right – but also, I’ll get there! haha

Kalmplex, of Kalmplex Snax, on Saturday.

The farmers’ market had a mini-popup, at the open house – with four of our vendors present! Plan B Organics, Magic Oven, Kalmplex Snax, and (brand-new), Pine & Ginga Juice. Yes it’s true – a (“condensed”) Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market on a Saturday. Yippee! 

Arturo of Magic Oven, serving delicious food to the community on Saturday.

Vendor News..

Introducing, (or perhaps re-introducing), Pine & Ginga Juice! Business-owner Nicole, (pictured), made her (soft) debut at Dufferin Grove, at Saturday’s open house – and what a welcome she received! This week, she makes her formal entry to the Dufferin Grove market – please come out and welcome her once again.

Next up, Noki Farms. Nykole, (seen here), with one of her “grow-your-own” kits, has great news for mushroom lovers! (In addition to their fresh gourmet mushrooms and microgreens), Noki Farms will have Lion’s Mane and Blue Oyster grow kits, ($30 each) – get them while you can!

And more great news, if you were running low on any of the amazing nuts, oils or dried preserves that Green Florin stocks. Vasile is back at the market this week, and will have a full supply!

Vasile of Green Florin.

Spade & Spoon is also back at the market this week. Blythe will have her full selection of organic jams, pickled veggies, maple syrups and more!

Fisherfolk also returns this week. And if you missed my recommendation from last time, here goes:

“Blackened cod. Just pan-seared with a little oil, and add some lemon-pepper seasoning – then enjoy.”

A Garden Co-op – Did You Know?

Now’s your chance folks, to get to know the community gardens of Dufferin Grove Park! And a chance to get to know Skylar, (pictured.) Skylar has been a part of the Dufferin Grove Community for some time, and has also given much of her time, care and dedication, to maintaining the wonderful gardens of our park. However, volunteers are always needed: gardens@dufferinpark.ca. The garden co-op also offers various gardening-related workshops, (free of charge). Like I said, “Dufferin Grove rocks!”

City of Toronto worker, Shazeel, at the market – holding a certified-organic chicken egg from Nith Valley Organics. Duck eggs are also available.

LIST OF VENDORS for April 11th:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Plan B Organics
• Noki Farms
• Johnson Family Bakery
• Rogers Ranch
• Fisherfolk
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Green Florin
• Spade & Spoon
• Kalmplex Snax
• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Pine & Ginga Juice! (pop-up)

Thanks for reading folks – and see you Thursday. 💜

-Nicole

(*in the Clubhouse at Dufferin Grove Park – every Thursday, 3-7pm)

“Doubles” – a delicious vegetarian treat, from Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine. 🙌