Good Food, Good Times! 💜

written by Nicole Jacobs, Market Manager

Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm,

at 875 Dufferin St 

*full vendor list here

Good food, and good times indeed. That is definitely the main takeaway (we hope), of the Dufferin Grove Market. Simple enough, for sure – and yet essential, to what makes our market so special and so unique. Terrific vendors, dedicated staff and volunteers, along with an amazing community (like you), that shows up to support, each and every week. Thanks so much, for continuing to make our market better. (And remember, “the fun continues”, indoors – starting November 7th.)

And once again, a well-deserved shout-out, must go to my communications coordinator, Lilly. She took our feature photo this week – of “yours truly”, along with my superstar assistant, Izak (right.) Last week, I just couldn’t seem to get over how amazing it was to STILL be able to get the precious heirloom tomatoes I’m holding, (from Nith Valley Organics). I mean, it’s almost November – wow! These orange gems are my absolute favourite. 🙌

And here’s Nathan himself, (of Nith Valley Organics), posing with one of his incredible sheepskins, (alongside Lilly.) So if you’ve been worrying about the colder temps (soon to come), one of these will definitely keep you warm and cozy. And with the two of them posing side-by-side, you can easily see how one of his (very largest) sheepskins will actually “measure up”!

Farmers A-Plenty! 

The farmers really are tops at our market. Many of you have shared stories with me, about who your “go-tos” are each week, and why – amazing. It all adds to “the magic” of what we have here at Dufferin Grove. So please allow me to “brag” a little bit. Also, another great reason to find yourself at our last outdoor market this week – and again, (being the 31st), feel free to show up in full-costume! 👻

Isn’t it so cool, having a “daughter and mother” farming duo at the market each week? Yup – that’s Jenny (left), of Knuckle Down Farm, alongside her mom. I just love seeing this pair “in action”.

This is another pair that I always enjoy sharing a laugh with – in addition to the amazing veggies (and popcorn) of course! Holly and Ed of Nature’s Way Organics, are such a treat to have at the market – also (if you haven’t yet), try the hot sauce! 🔥 

And here, we have Rodrigo of Plan B Organics – but you probably knew that! And if you also knew that Plan B is one of our original vendors, good on you! Yup – they’ve been with the Dufferin Grove market since “day one” – going all the way back to 2002!

Peppers galore at Kooner Farm – and lots of great squashes too! Pictured “up front”, (from the Kooner crew), is KB – whom you likely would have seen, throughout most of this season. And in the background, is the actual farmer, Indy Kooner! But please don’t blame Lilly (for only getting this shot of him) – Indy’s generally been a bit sheepish for my camera too. I’ve been trying for years! haha

Aldergrove Farm’s stall is pictured here (in the foreground) – looks like Fraser was feeling a bit “camera shy” that day too. But I suppose we can forgive him – especially with such a magnificent bounty to choose from. And right “next door”, is (a bit of) the Reyes Farms stall. Farmer “Nacho” is pictured (wearing a black toque) – can you spot him? 💜

“Skunk” Can Also Be Sweet – Try Some!

Yes, it’s true! But perhaps I should clarify that I’m speaking of the (wild) “red hairy skunk currant” (compote), available from Forbes Wild Foods.

Now if you’re like me, (loaded with curiosity, as soon as you heard the name), here’s some info, straight from the Forbes’ website:

“These hairy, and admittedly smelly, shrubs are actually delicious! They received their evocative name due to the odour they release, as the fruit ripens, and when the plant is not handled carefully by the spines and leaves.  While these berries are great raw, many people prefer to make jams from the berries because they have small, soft seeds compared to other red currants. These are great on toast, as part of a charcuterie board or in desserts (they make a great goodberry substitute).”

Yummy scones from Johnson Family Bakery.

Indoor Season Vendors..

As promised, here’s a list (currently), of who will be with us for those colder months ahead. Please do come out and support them. And please know that while many will be full-time, some will only be doing bi-weekly or just once per month. (An “F” indicates full-time, for the winter season.)

• Nith Valley Organics – F
• Plan B Organics – F
• Noki Farm – F
• Aldergrove Farm (starting in December)
• Knuckle Down Farm (“until stock runs out”)
• Forbes Wild Food – F
• Kalmplex Snax – F
• Urban Harvest
• Green Florin
• House of Tigernut
• Bitter Better
• ChocoSol (until December)
• Magic Oven – F
• Estelle’s Caribbean – F
• Johnson Family Bakery – F
• Fisherfolk – F
• Rogers Ranch (until December) 

This Week’s Vendors..

(As always), full vendor list here. Our halloween market brings with it, some really cool (returning) pop-up vendors!

Laneway Distillers is back this week. Woman-owned and operated, (premium gin and vodka.)

 Alma Bakery also makes a return to the market! Some of you may recall when Reza was here earlier this spring. Either way, in addition to his incredible flatbreads, you must try the hummus!

And now’s the time to pick up a beautiful, handmade corn broom, from Kawartha Brooms! They’re back at the market this week, and will be fully-stocked!

Ask Michael this week, about his House of Tigernut (completely nut-free), chufa products. The tigernut ginger drink is my personal fauvorite, but there’s lots to choose from!

This week is the last chance to get some momos (for the season!) Don’t they look good? Visit the TC Tibetan Momos stall, to get some for yourself!

Also – we’ve got eggs! Just ask Dave, of Rogers Ranch! 

And please know that ChocoSol regrets having missed the market last week – major car trouble kept them away, unfortunately. But David promises that he will be there this week – and is looking forward to it! Full vendor list here.

“Night Of Dread” – So Much Fun!

This past Saturday, October 26th the (25th annual) Night of Dread took place. And it was held right here, in Dufferin Grove Park.The grand parade went well outside of the park, but main festivities were here at Dufferin Grove. Even Mayor Olivia Chow stopped by! A big congrats to all of those who made it happen – well done, Clay & Paper Theatre!

Councillor Alejandra Bravo, and Erella Gagnon – all smiles!

I labelled this pair as “dreadful”, but adorable – love it! 🙌

Tamara of C & P, pictured here – no doubt, taking in all of her incredibly hard work, while also looking spectacular. Hope you can get some well-deserved rest Tamara! 💜

Last chance to grab a refreshing can of Blood Brothers’ craft beer.

Can You Help Out At St Anne’s Church?

1- “Volunteers needed to Help Install Floors in the chapel: Saturday, November 9th, at 10:00am.” Contact: Shari at shari.ellis@saintanne.ca. (St Anne’s is located at 270 Gladstone Ave, near Dundas.)

2- Fundraising Recital – Sunday, November 10th, 2:00pm – at Beaches Presbyterian Church

The recital (location is 65 Glen Manor Drive), and  will include Arias and Duets from Purcell, Handel and Mozart, as well as popular selections from Broadway Musicals. Donations will go towards St Anne’s rebuilding its ministries, following the devastating fire of June 9th, 2024. Visit St Anne’s website for more details.

A Special Thanks To..

A big thanks to Micah, who played wonderful music for us last week. Great to have you back at the market, Micah!

A big thank you as well, to our talented face-painter, Isabel. So many lovely young faces were transformed into fabulous works of art, throughout our outdoor season – just incredible. Great work Isabel! Her last (outdoor) market was on October 24th – but “if space allows”, hopefully she’ll be able to join us (from time to time), indoors. Either way, have a great winter Isabel, and thanks so much! 💜

Cheers everyone – and Happy Halloween! 🎃

-Nicole 

*every Thursday, 3-7pm – Indoor Market begins November 7th (at 875 Dufferin St) 

Flavourful, delicious cold drinks, from Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine. I recommend the guava – yum!

VENDORS_October 31st, 2024

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Reyes Farm – last market!
• Aldergrove Farm
• Noki Farms
• Kooner Farm – last market! 
• Nature’s Way Organics – last market!
• Knuckle Down Farm

Meat, Fish & Dairy:

• Rogers Ranch
• Fisherfolk
• Nith Valley Organics (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

• Rogers Ranch
• Nith Valley Organics
• Kooner Farm

Bakeries:

• Johnson Family Bakery 
• Alma Bakery – pop-up

Prepared Foods:

• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Tapioca Toronto 
• TC Tibetan Momos – last market!

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax
• Honey’s Ice Cream – last market!
• Urban Harvest
• Green Florin
• House of Tigernut
• Sharbat Vitality – pop-up
• Kawartha Brooms – pop-up
• ChocoSol – new!

Brewery/Distillery/Cidery:

• Blood Brothers Brewing
• Laneway Distillers – pop-up

Order “Heartwood” online: 

• Heartwood Cidery – online only

“Extras”:

• Music – “Richard Underhill”
• Poetry “on Demand” – with Marc!
• HOT Apple Cider fundraiser
• Ripple Community Collective

We’ll be serving up Hot Apple Cider (from Reyes Farms) once again. A gentle reminder, that this is a market fundraiser – so every $2 cup, purchased, is greatly appreciated. 🥰