💕 An (Almost) Valentine’s Day Market… 💕

written by Lillian Carcao, Communications Coordinator
Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, at 875 Dufferin St 
*full vendor list here

It’s already almost Valentine’s Day – meanwhile, I’m still having to correct my dates from 2024 to 2025. Time really does fly! 
(Our feature photo this week, is massive lamb ribs from Nith Valley Organics – why not treat yourself? 🙌)

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day (on the 14th), or patiently waiting for all the yummy chocolate to go on sale afterwards, all of us at the Dufferin Grove Market are wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day~  

And if this week wasn’t enough, there’s still more! Lunar New Year may be coming to an close, with Valentine’s Day being shortly after, but we also have a nice long weekend to look forward to! Happy Family Day Weekend everyone!!   

Nathan, of Nith Valley Organics, (pictured here), was “caught” embodying that Family Day spirit” a bit early! He brought his young son, David, to the market last week, who got to try ice skating for the very first time!! Though the youngster was a little nervous at first, he put on his brave face – and I heard that he did pretty well for his first time. Congrats David!!

Incredible selections of rainbow trout and salmon – available from Fisherfolk.

And on the topic of skating, I recently got back into it, myself, – and it’s been super fun. If you’ve been looking for a fun and budget-friendly activity to do with others, definitely check out the free skating at Dufferin Grove – taking place all throughout the week. And hey, if it’s a Thursday evening, we’d love to have you come by the market as well. *wink* *wink*

Valentine’s Bouquet… of Mushrooms!

Unlike traditional floral bouquets, these beautiful mushroom bouquets from Noki Farms aren’t just pretty — you can eat them!!! Imagine your date not only brings you a bouquet, but also makes you a delicious home-cooked meal? 
Sounds like a catch to me! Ask Nykole to make one for you this week!


Meat Lovers Rejoice!
And back to our feature photo..
Now it’s not every day that you’d find a fantastic rack of lamb ribs at a grocery store – no way! But at the Dufferin Grove Market? That’s just another amazing Thursday. And beyond those incredible ribs, Nith Valley Organics has lots more to choose from – including chicken (and eggs), turkey, pork, and other lamb products. If you eat meat, definitely visit their stall.

But Nith isn’t the only one bringing amazing meat products to the market. So here’s a few more to highlight…
Starting with Link Haus’ sausages — check out their many varieties, both fresh and frozen. And of course – don’t forget that yummy scoop of kettle chips, that comes with the grilled option! Inspired by flavours from around the world, these sausages are made with whole cuts of 100% Ontario meats (pork, beef and chicken). Try them hot and fresh while you’re at the market, or pick up a frozen set, to grill at home.

BBQ chicken chow mein, (Guyanase -style), from Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine. Estelle has many regulars who come for her chow mein every week, which sometimes makes it hard to photograph — it sells out fast! So if you want some for yourself, visit her stall early!

Johnson Family Bakery always has such an incredible variety of sourdough to choose from. This week, (as pictured), I’m highlighting their bacon, gouda & caramelized onion sourdough. Considering that right after taking this photo, three loafs were purchased by several hungry Dufferin Grovers, you might already be familiar with this delicious breakfast-themed bread! Savoury bacon, salty gouda, and oh so sweet, caramelized onions – all encased in their amazing sourdough. Hungry yet? 🤭


Sit, Chat And.. Request A Poem!

Our local poet, Marc, is at the market again this week, so I wrote a limerick to celebrate!

“Marc is a poet through and through.
Give him a topic; he’ll know what to do.
Then go do your shopping,
And Marc won’t be stopping
‘Til a poem is ready for you!” 

And speaking of shopping, Marc did some at last week’s market as well. Picking up some of Plan B Organics’ garlic and Nith Valley Organics’ free-range eggs – great ingredients for an omelet!  Just sayin’.


Dinner Planning Made Easy!
Nowadays, many end up too busy to plan out the week’s meals, and sometimes end up using pre-planned meal-kit services. But obviously, NEVER, among you loyal Dufferin Grovers! Haha

But jokes aside, many of our vendors luckily, have come up with ways to address your time-saving needs. “Ready-to-cook” meal-kits, like those from Plan B Organics, are nutrient-dense, and made with locally-grown and gathered ingredients. And best of all, you can ask Rodrigo directly, how to prepare it! Look for Plan B’s pre-portioned, chopped salads, soup starters, and stir-fry mixes (as pictured above).

Fisherfolk meanwhile has a variety of specialty fish stews, curries, and chowders — including this recently-released Butternut Mushroom Chowder. A fantastic comfort food, to pop on the stovetop on a cold, snowy day.

Looking for a natural sweetener that’s also rich in antioxidants? Forbes Wild Foods has the solution for you! This whipped honey‘s texture, makes it a great topping for waffles and pancakes. Also an amazing addition to whipped cream and frosting. Others may also enjoy stirring it into their coffee or tea. Either way, it’s a unique and versatile honey product that you’ll just love!

And Magic Oven’s samosas, burritos and spanakopitas are always a yummy grab-and-go option. Definitely top it off with that incredible tamarind sauce!

Welcome Back!!

At long last, Urban Harvest is back at the market this week! Colette finally returns, with her organic skincare and seeds – yay!! Let’s all give her a warm “welcome back”! 

Lex, of From Lex’s Pantry, enjoyed her first market at Dufferin Grove last week. So much so, that she’s back again this Thursday! Pick up some of her yummy spice rubs to add to your next meal. Ask Lex about samples too!


Celebrating Canada’s Black Farming History

I only recently learned about strawberry farmer, James Wesley Hill – absolutely incredible person!
Hill was born into slavery in Pennsylvania, and eventually escaped to Oakville, Ontario, (in the mid-nineteenth century). There, he started his own strawberry farm, and also helped other African-Americans escape slavery. Hill was not only one of the first self-made Black farmers in Canada, but also an integral “conductor” of the Underground Railroad. Again, just incredible. Let’s keep celebrating the fantastic contributions of Ontario’s Black farmers (past and present), like James Wesley Hill. 🍓💕

Fresh parsley, from Nith Valley Organics – still available, every week.


To all our wonderful Dufferin Grovers, thanks for spending your Thursdays with us. xo
Until then! 
-Lillian 
*Market operates every Thursday, 3-7pm – INDOORS, (at 875 Dufferin St) 

VENDORS_February 13th, 2025

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Noki Farms

Meat, Fish & Dairy:

• Link Haus 
• Fisherfolk
• Nith Valley Organics (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

• Nith Valley Organics

Bakery:

• Johnson Family Bakery 

Prepared Foods:

• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Link Haus (grilled sausage & chips)

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax
• House of Tigernut
• From Lex’s Pantry
• Urban Harvest – welcome back!

“Extras”:

• Black History Month
• Poetry (with Marc!)
• Ice Skating!

Kalmplex pictured with his amazing sweet and spicy dried fruit leathers – so much to smile about. 💜