Hooray For Garlic Week! 🧄🧄🧄

written by Nicole Jacobs, Market Manager

Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, at 875 Dufferin St 

*full vendor list here.

Yes, it’s true! Ontario Garlic Week, 2024 is well under way! (September 23 to October 2, 2024.) And whether it comes to garlic’s impact on: cuisine, gardening, history, and of course, “vampire culture”, it’s easy to see why this incredible plant deserves its very own week!

So yes, not only is garlic packed with health benefits, as well as incredible flavour and aroma, but it’s also the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season. And (in my opinion), it all starts with garlic – lots of which, we’ll have available at this week’s market. Our feature photo captures the incredible garlic of Sundance Harvest – visit Cheyenne (of Sundance), at the market this week, for the last time this season. 

We’ll miss you Cheyenne! 💜

Garlic Scapes from Plan B Organic Farms – try some garlic scape pesto!

Garlic Scape Pesto – “How To”:

(In a food processor), all you need are: scapes, olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt. You can also choose to mix in basil – I do mine with parsley. Then fold in seeds or nuts of choice, (if desired). Parmesan can also be added, or it can be kept vegan. 

Great on pasta, or as a dip with tortilla chips from Maizal Tortilleria – yum!

And now back to Garlic Week! First, know that this coming Sunday, is the (annual) Toronto Garlic Festival – (September 29th, 10am-5pm), on Spadina Rd, near Dupont St. I’ve gone to this several times in past years, and can tell you, it’s quite the event – especially for those who love to cook! Visit the website for details (including vendor information.) But definitely, look for some of our very own Dufferin Grove Market vendors at the festival – including Magic Oven, TC Tibetan Momo  and The Cutting Veg, (who returns to the market this Thursday.)

Clothing Swap At The Market!

For the last time this season, a clothing swap for the little ones! September 26th, 3:15-6:15pm. Bring what you can, take what you need – but one does not require the other. All are welcome, and all is free. And best of all, we’ll wrap up with a sing-along with Nash, (starting at 5:30pm.) 

Beautiful fall pumpkins from Kooner Farm.

Yummy “Swedish Knots” from Johnson Family Bakery – can’t you just smell them already?

Vendor News..

Full vendor list here.

So first and foremost, I should start with who will be away this week. And sadly, that’s Reyes Farms, for one – oh no! Nacho truly regrets that he has to miss the market this week, but told me it could not be helped. Fisherfolk (as mentioned last week), will also be away this Thursday. Both Reyes and Fisherfolk are back next month, (on October 3rd.)

And now “popzicles”! This week will be Jiggy Popz’s last market of the season – so be sure to show them lots of support on Thursday. (Business owner), Karim, will be starting a course next month, that will keep him occupied on market day unfortunately. However, for the remainder of the season, Honey’s Ice Cream will once again be stepping in, as our provider of delicious cold treats.

Recognize these hands folks? Yup, you guessed right! (haha) Those are the hands of Daniel Hoffmann, of The Cutting Veg. It’s been a good little while since he was at the market – (February 15th, of this year, to be exact.) But all the same, being that it’s “Garlic Week”, his timing couldn’t be better! Garlic is Daniel’s number one crop, and he has a multitude of varieties! Be sure to visit his stall this week, and purchase a “sampler bag” – he’ll be happy to tell you all about the different flavours that each variety provides. And if that’s not enough “Cutting Veg garlic” for you, (as mentioned), Daniel will also be at the Toronto Garlic Festival, this Sunday.

One of the best (food-related) things about early fall in Ontario, is that there’s still so many incredible tomatoes still available. I love the orange ones myself – such flavour. I’ve been picking these up from Nith Valley Organics for years. However, what Nathan wanted me to pass on, is that he’ll have fresh chicken and fresh lamb this week. And with Thanksgiving, fast-approaching, if turkey’s your thing, you can also place your pre-order now, (or contact: info@nithvalleyorganics.ca.)

And being that it’s super early in the fall season, there’s still lots of time for barbequing! And with that, Rogers Ranch has you covered.  Incidentally, some flavourful Ontario garlic is also great for grilling.

And for delicious ready to eat prepared foods, Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine is a great choice! Whether it’s veggie rotis, curry goat, jerk chicken, or even simple (but delicious) patties and doubles, Estelle’s got it all! And incidentally, this Friday (September 27th), for the Friday Night Supper, Estelle will be preparing the meal! Jerk Chicken, rice & peas, fried plantain, curried chickpeas, doubles – and more! All of that will be on the menu this Friday. 

Dessert will be sour cherry hand-pies, (pictured), from Robinson Bread. More details below – or visit www.fridaynightsupper.ca. 

Our remaining bi-weekly vendors this week: Urban Harvest, Maizal Tortilleria, Pine & Ginga and Green Florin. Laneway Distillers and Bitter Better will each return for a pop-up this week. Full vendor list here.

Aldergrove Farm – so much to choose from last week, including fresh ginger!

Meet Miriyam!

Hello Dufferin Grove – I’m Miriyam. Born in Trinidad, grew up in Montreal, and now, currently residing in Toronto. 
I’ve been performing, teaching, and competing with Steelpan for almost 30 years. I’ve learned to appreciate the history and culture of Steelpan, and I’m doing my part to showcase the range of music that can be played on this unique-sounding instrument. I’ve done solo, and group performances, as well as joined in Steelband competitions.
 My Montreal band won consecutive competitions in Montreal and Toronto between 2007 and 2010. 
I also teach Steelpan in TDSB public schools. Looking forward to seeing you Thursday! 🎵

“Community Board” – For This Weekend..

1– Friday Night Supper:

Once again, have dinner with your community, this Friday September 27th, 2024, and support market vendors. “Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine” will be providing a jerk chicken dinner! (Along with vegan options as well.) And Robinson Bread will be offering a delicious sour cherry hand-pie for dessert!

Dinner is served from 6-7:30pm, and held here in the park, just outside the clubhouse building, (at 875 Dufferin St) – indoors if poor weather. (Pre-orders encouraged, but cash sales will always be accepted.) Hope to see you there!

MENU:

1) Vegan – $12: Curried Chickpea, w/Rice & Peas

*sides: fried plantain and market green salad, w/vinaigrette dressing

*all aspects are GF

2) Meat – $14: Jerk Chicken (leg), w/Rice & Peas

*sides: fried plantain and market green salad, w/vinaigrette dressing

*all aspects are GF, egg-free and dairy-free

3) Kid’s – $4: “Doubles” & Plantain – curried chickpea, sandwiched between caribbean-style mini flatbread

*all aspects are vegan, but NOT GF

4) Dessert – $4: sour cherry hand-pie (from Robinson Bread) 

*pastry contains gluten, butter and egg

2– Community Clean Up Event – 11am, September 28th, (in Dufferin Grove Park):

North of Bloor Mutual Aid is looking for volunteers to participate in their upcoming community clean-up event. This Saturday September 28th, at 11am – in Dufferin Grove Park. They’re also offering grocery gift cards to the first 50 participants who come out.

3– Community Pow Wow – 12-5pm, September 28th, (in Dufferin Grove Park):

Being put on by Native Child and Family Services, in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30th. Visit https://nativechild.org/community/annual-pow-wow/, for more information.

4- Community Veggie Roasting (at the Park Oven) – 3-5pm, September 29th:

*This will take place at the oven located near the Cob, at the south-end of the park, (near the playground) – still 875 Dufferin St, (Dufferin Grove Park.)

Right after the “Make-Your-Own Pizza Day” this Sunday, (Sept 29th), the “fun at the oven” continues! In celebration of the harvest season being now officially upon us, community members are invited to join us at the park oven, and bring their market veggies that they’d like to roast. The farmers market staff along with City of Toronto staff will be there, to answer questions and provide support. We ask that you bring your own roasting pan and utensils, and any herbs or seasoning you like (for flavouring.) And why not roast some garlic too? Another great way to celebrate Ontario Garlic Week!

Wow! Isn’t our park amazing?!! 💜

And a big thank you once again, to Rachel & Connie! Their pleasing sound was such a treat for market shoppers last week. Hopefully they’ll join us again soon! 

“Stop and smell the garlic! That’s all you have to do.” (William Shatner) – Garlic featured, is from Kooner Farm.

See you at the market,

– Nicole 

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

The hard-working crew from Knuckle Down Farm – such amazing stuff! 🙌

VENDORS _ September 26th, 2024

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Aldergrove Farm
• Noki Farms
• Kooner Farm 
• Nature’s Way Organics
• Sundance Harvest – last visit of the season!
• Knuckle Down Farm

Meat, Fish & Dairy:

• Rogers Ranch
• Nith Valley Organics (FRESH lamb & chicken)
• Monforte Dairy

Eggs:

• Rogers Ranch
• Nith Valley Organics
• Kooner Farm

Bakeries:

• Johnson Family Bakery 
• Robinson Bread

Prepared Foods:

• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Tapioca Toronto 

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax
• Jiggy Popz – last visit of the season!
• Urban Harvest
• Green Florin
• Pine & Ginga Juice
• Maizal Tortilleria
• Bitter Better
• House of Tigernut
• Mr Macaw Coffee

Cidery/Brewery/Distillery:

• Blood Brothers Brewing
• Laneway Distillery

Order “Heartwood” online: 

• Heartwood Cidery – online only

“Extras”:

• Kid’s CLOTHING SWAP! (3:15 – 6:15pm)
• Musician – “Time2Dingolay”, (steelpan!)
• Face Painting by Isabel!
• Community Fridges

Fresh flowers from Aldergrove Farm – truly a thing of beauty.