We’re Here All Winter Long! ⛄

written by Nicole Jacobs,
Market Manager
Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, 
INDOORS, at 875 Dufferin St 
*full vendor list here

Wow – what a week it’s been! Hope you love snow! And yes, perhaps it is a bit more “snowy” than we’re used to – but if you look closely, it’s also quite beautiful.

What’s equally beautiful, is how some of you have really been making the most of it – and also helping others do the same. Cross-country skiing, for example – yes, that happens, in Dufferin Grove Park. I know this, partly because of a thank you note that I recently came across, on the Dufferin Grove listserv. From one neighbour to another (it read):
“Hey neighbours, I’ve been X country skiing in the park and noticed that I’m not the only one. Whoever has been laying down track, I really appreciate it!  thank you.” 
Such a special community we have – made me wish it was me, (who had laid the tracks down.)

Delicious treats from Johnson Family Bakery, can surely help to sweeten the bitterness of a cold winter’s day.

But all the same, this past weekend, I took in some of the “spectacle” for myself. And my, what a scene it was! Dufferin Grove Park’s transformation into “winter wonderland” was thriving! Kids shouting in delight, as they “devoured” the park’s blanketed hills – speeding down in colourful toboggans, (and other snow-sliding apparatuses.) Ah, to be young again. Although, many “grown folk”, I witnessed, were fully taking part in the fun as well!
And all of this was in addition to our incredible outdoor ice rinks. And remember  – no skates, no problem! FREE skate rentals are available 7 days a week. 

So many choices. And if you’re unsure about which activity best “speaks to you”, then take a few minutes to stroll through the park, and just “observe”. Such a marvelous urban ecosystem surrounds our farmers’ market, each and every week. Always a good time to get reacquainted. And if you happen to choose Thursday afternoon to “reacquaint” yourself, even better. Our wonderful vendors can always use your support. And (as you know), we really can’t do this without you.

Sabrina, of Fisherfolk, helping customers get some of her incredible selection of sustainable fish and seafood. 

Beets from  Plan B Organics – loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.

Fungus Fun Facts..

Last week, I had a delightful convo with Nykole, of Noki Farms. Her mushroom bouquets, (also shown in our feature photo), were simply NOT to be ignored. Just incredible!

So typically, with mushrooms, I will often “migrate to the familiar”. And for me, that’s oyster mushrooms, (pictured on the left.) But last week, Nykole presented me with a bouquet that also had wild enoki mushroom, and lion’s mane – each of which, I had not tried. Thankfully, She patiently explained how to cook each of these, (also describing their flavour profiles.) Thus, all “panic” and hesitation, on my part, vanished! But perhaps what was even more helpful, was the “how-to instruction card” that she handed me. It contained numerous facts and tips, that I was unaware of – and It definitely encouraged me to be a little more adventurous.
Interactions like these, are among the many benefits of shopping local and supporting farmers’ markets. And to let you know, (for your convenience), Nykole brings these (info) cards every week. But  always feel free to also get your “fungus facts” from her directly, when you’re at the market. 

Vendor News..
A great market lies ahead for us this week! (Full vendor list here.)
So I’ll first start with a few “welcome backs” to acknowledge. At long last, Dento Dream Foods returns to the market. Dento’s incredible selection of kimchi and chilli oils will be back once again. 

Also back this week, is Urban Harvest! And yes, like a couple others, Colette had fully intended to be at last week’s market. The snow however, (as you may have guessed), was much harder for her to manage, than expected.
But all is well, and Colette can’t wait to see everyone again!

Another vendor who was looking forward to their “welcome back” last week, is “From Lex’s Pantry”. Lex was also “snow-struck” (on February 13th), but is definitely looking forward to returning to Dufferin this week! 

And finally, (regarding having missed last week’s market), please accept apologies from Nith Valley Organics. Nathan, (as many of you can attest to), rarely misses a market. And he certainly hopes to not miss any more (if he can help it. 🙂 But hey, if you decide that you’d prefer to stock up from Nathan (just to be certain), I’m sure he won’t mind.

Carrots (above), and garlic (below) – among the treasures available from Nith Valley Organics.

And some sad news from House of Tigernut. Please know that they will be taking a pause from the market, until the spring season. Michael wants to work on product development, so that he’ll have even more to provide us with, for the spring, summer and beyond! Look for House of Tigernut in mid-May, when we move outdoors.
Full vendor list here.


The Hugs Continue.. (Belated Valentine’s Wishes ) 
Yes, it’s true – for this year, Valentine’s Day has come and gone. And it’s also true that for some, February 14th may just be another day. However, at the Dufferin Grove Market, (along with lovely food bouquets), we’re also lucky enough to have Marc, our “resident poet”. And many of you, (including yours truly), kept him very busy last week!
However, it turns out that we actually have another local poet among us – (who also shares an affinity for the market.) “Meet” Norma – a very kind and generous community member, whom some of you may have have seen around the market. Well Norma has given me “the ok”, to share some “valentine verses” she wrote – for Dufferin Grove!  
From Norma:

There’s a farmers market that I Love  
A funky little place at the Dufferin Grove  
Where the food is good, and the folks are kind  
I am so grateful to call it mine    
Even when the BIG snow flies, never fear  
You’ll find a cozy fire, plus an empathetic ear  
My very large thanks to one and all  
For a civilized alternative to the mall

I’ve said this before, and undoubtedly will do so again: “what a special community we have.” 

“Snow-Day Market”, February 13, 2025.

(Although very different from Norma’s poem), here’s an adorable valentine I received, from the Organic Council of Ontario. 

OCO further reminds us that: “Shopping at farmers’ markets, or joining a CSA, lets you purchase fresh organic produce, directly from growers, often at lower prices – while supporting local farmers.”
And yes, you knew all of that – coming to the market each week, definitely shows it. Happy Belated Valentine’s Dufferin Grove!

Yummy selections from Forbes Wild Foods. 

Delicious patties from Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine – definitely a personal favourite of mine.

Plans For This Sunday? (February 23rd..)
If you were looking for another reason to declare our park, and our community, as the best in the city, you’re welcome! And this time, it’s the amazing folks at Clay and Paper Theatre, who are helping us do that.

Yes friends – this coming Sunday, February 23, 2025, (1-3pm), Clay & Paper Theatre will be  presenting “Puppets On Ice”! As C & P describes it: “They slide, they glide, they chase and they skate!”
And it’s all happening at the Dufferin Grove Park rink, (at 875 Dufferin St.) The event is family-friendly, and FREE – hope to see you there!


Food, farmers and fun – and hopefully you! xo
til Thursday,
-Nicole

Rodrigo, of Plan B Organics – nourishing us with both food and music. Hooray for farmers!

VENDORS_February 20th, 2025

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Noki Farms

Meat & Fish:

• Link Haus (gourmet sausage)
• 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
• From Lex’s Pantry – welcome back!
• Dento Dream Foods – welcome back!
• Urban Harvest – welcome back!

“Extras”:

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

Come on in! Your friends are in here waiting for you. 💜 Every Thursday, 3-7pm – (at 875 Dufferin St.)