What a difference one week can make at the City Centre Market – thirty degrees and several thousand people, to be exact.
Market Day
Three degrees, spitting rain and the first long weekend of spring meant many less patrons than last week’s blockbuster opening day with an estimated attendance of 20, 000.
No crowds this week
Today was probably a more typical shopping day for us – by the time we made it to the market by foot, it was already near noon. Because of the smaller crowds and the exceptional weather earlier in the week though, the selection of fresh produce was still pretty good when we arrived.
Radishes at Riverbend Gardens
Spinach at Green Valley Farms
Rhubarb at Sundog Organics (they also had pea shoots!)
On Wednesday, Edgar Farms sent out an e-mail saying that they would have a healthy quantity of asparagus available, as they were harvesting the crops every day. They weren’t kidding.
Crates of asparagus!
There was no need to fight over the stalks this week. Besides not having to wait in line, I think Edgar Farms had enough to last until 3pm – not always possible with Edmonton’s voracious appetite for spring vegetables.
Buying asparagus
In addition to asparagus, I also picked up some tomatoes and bell peppers from Doef’s Greenhouses, onions from Green Valley Farms, quick-cook barley and mushrooms from Mo-Na Foods and eggs from Sunshine Organic.
I’m really looking forward to getting back into the routine of weekly visits to the market. See you there next week!
Only Here for the Food 
The May long weekend weather in Edmonton always sucks.
It was sure cold out there yesterday! only the diehards were there 🙂 Next time you’re at the market you’ll have to stop at Tzin for brunch as I know you love brunch 🙂
there’s a new brunch chef there on Saturdays and it’s quite yummy, not to mention the mimosa’s are pretty good too! a great way to get out of the cold.
Have a great rest of your weekend!
Elizabeth – I do love my brunch! Blue Plate is our go-to pre-marke brunch, but I’ve heard good things about Tzin too (having a mimosa isn’t a bad way to start a weekend either :). Thanks for the reminder!
I hit the market nice and early again, and boy was it dead first thing. Although part of me likes walking around before the crowds descend.
Boy does that rhubarb look great; I must have missed those.
It was freezing! My fingers were numb when I got home – but I was very excited by some new vendors – fresh mushrooms and goat cheese at the market! Amazing!