Viva la convivencia!
Dec 6, 2018
Hello Market Friends: This is an easy time of year to feel discouraged, by grey skies, short days, the news. It can feel like a time to hide out, when actually, company is what’s needed. Nicole and I received a letter this week from a market customer wanting to encourage everyone to come through the winter. She signed off, “How we survive is on our own, how we thrive is together.” Yesterday a friend dropped off a bag of books for me to look at, and one led me to the blog, ‘otherwordly’, which (as you may know)... Read More
No Ice, but a Very Nice Market
Nov 29, 2018
Hello Market Friends: The compressors aren’t working yet, but we are going to fill the rinkhouse and garage with a lovely assortment of food and friendly people, and chase grey November away with good cheer. Please note that we have no door-crashing specials or online deals, no canned music or extended hours. We hope you will enjoy coming, and eating good meals in the week ahead as a result. News from Jennifer at All Sorts Acres: “Just wanted to let everyone know that this week we have a new sheep milk tzatziki! It is super tasty... Read More
What are you eating?
Nov 22, 2018
Hello Market Friends: I’m hoping the first shock of the cold has passed, and many fridges and pantries are empty enough that venturing out for food seems like a good idea, because we haven’t seen some of you in a while! We’ve settled into our indoor quarters, there’s still lots to choose from, and it’s cozy and fun inside. Chocolate fans, time to stock up! ChocoSol will be in the garage this week! The other bi-weekly vendor will be Kevin of Shared Harvest, and the rest of the usual suspects will be on hand, too. In the... Read More
Chilly Harvests, Cozy Market
Nov 15, 2018
Everyone really enjoyed the market birthday cakes last week, and (since you asked), you can find instructions for the sensational Parsnip Cake in the ‘About’ section of our website, under Recipes. We’ve been hearing some happy market memories from fans. From one of our longest time and distance market friends, Deirdre Newman, a lovely tribute: “One of the aspects of life in Toronto I miss the most is Dufferin Grove. Even in this rich country – France – where food – and eating – is so highly... Read More
Sweet 16
Nov 8, 2018
Hello Market Friends: This week, we are celebrating a sweet 16 years having a year-round market at Dufferin Grove. Happy 16th to everyone who loves the market! Please come for a taste (or two or three) of delicious market birthday cake. We’ll be sharing round Leslie Lindsay‘s legendary Parsnip, Beet-Chocolate and Carrot Cakes, including gluten-free and vegan options. It’s time for a little reminiscing….Anybody reading this who was at the very first market in November 2002? Anyone who has a favourite market memory?... Read More
Help! Send Jokes!
Nov 1, 2018
Hello Market Friends: Everybody is grumbling about the rain. My first thought was that a little humour might help, but weather jokes are terrible. You may be relieved to hear that I have decided not to tell you to wear your thunderwear or to watch out for poodles if it’s raining cats and dogs. Really, I would just like you to come on over and get some good food at the market. Support our farmers and vendors. Tell them your worst weather joke if you need to get it out of your system, but please — don’t be grumpy. Here’s... Read More
Pumpkins, Parsnips and Perogies – but no Pine Cones
Oct 25, 2018
Hello Market Friends: When his future mother-in-law asked if he liked Brussels sprouts, my now husband replied that he would rather eat pine cones. That was long ago, and the poor misguided fellow didn’t know what he was missing. Never mind how cute they are, Brussels sprouts are delicious flash-fried with garlic, amazing grated in salads, and loaded with Vitamin C. They are like parsnips in being unfairly reviled, and tastier after a frost. Unfortunately, the little devils aren’t easy to grow and they take a long time to mature,... Read More
To-Do Lists and To-Eat Lists
Oct 17, 2018
Hello Market Friends, Before we get to the details about vendors and food that you’re looking forward to, I’d like to mention a topic usually saved for the end of the newsletter. All through the outdoor season we’ve been trying to reduce the waste produced at the market and our reliance on single use plastic, especially bags. Call it a small and symbolic attempt if you will, but it’s surprisingly difficult to make progress even in our thoughtful community of shoppers. Some say the vendors shouldn’t provide... Read More
Abundance
Oct 4, 2018
NOTE: If you are coming by car, we suggest using the streets to the east of Dufferin and parking around the N-E-S sides of the park. There is a lot of construction on Dufferin right now. Next week the market will be on the rinkpad (east side of the building) so we can use the hockey lights at sunset. Hello Market Friends, I’m back in the editor’s seat after some travels, which included visits to quite a few other markets. While I always spot stellar displays and great ideas, you could search the world over for a market with the... Read More
Help Us Get Greener!
Sep 26, 2018
Heard the news? Dufferin Grove organic market has been nominated for Toronto’s Greenest Choice 2018! This is a City of Toronto initiative that invites residents to vote for the places, spaces and businesses that are helping to make Toronto one of the greenest cities in North America. Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market is a nominee in the Farmers’ Market category. The online poll is now open for voting, and closes on Monday, October 8. So please vote for us – soon! There are prizes to Toronto residents who complete the... Read More