It was one of those Saturdays. Even with the incessant noise of the construction crews working across the street, we did not want to get out of bed this morning. So by the time we got ourselves down to the City Market today, it was already noon.
Still busy
As expected, many vendors were already sold out of their precious seasonal produce – it was the last week for asparagus from Edgar Farms, and they were down to asparagus seconds when we arrived. Sundog Organics were also down to a handful of items – though they were out of arugula, we picked up some spinach, pea tendrils and oregano from them.
Out of asparagus bunches!
The early birds get the best selection at Sundog Organics
We were not only shopping for our week’s groceries today, but also for a Slow Food Edmonton solstice supper. Everyone attending was tasked with bringing something to be cooked in Colleen and Vince’s fabulous wood-burning oven, and our assignment was toppings for three nine-inch pizzas. In the basket went tomatoes from Gull Valley Greenhouses, Portobello mushrooms from Mo Na, and goat feta from Smoky Valley Goat Cheese.
Intriguing sea asparagus from Mo Na (apparently, like a saltier version of asparagus, can be cooked the same way)
Smoky Valley Goat Cheese
The line-up at Ocean Odyssey Inland was long, but that gave us some time to explore some of their countertop goods, such as their salmon dog biscuits. Can you say gourmet?
Dog treats from Ocean Odyssey
Once we crossed everything off my shopping list (including fielding a call from my Mum who asked me to pick up a pound of shitakes from Mo Na), we wandered through the Park(ed) festival along 102 Avenue, which had been closed specifically for the event.
Park(ed)
Park(ed), in its first incarnation this year, promotes car-free transportation, and featured different booths and activities highlighting active lifestyles and alternative modes of transport. I loved the little tracks of grass (though I hope they end up planting them somewhere), and the area where visitors could try out bicycles, including tandem bikes!
Downtown Edmonton Community League patch
Ikea display
Spin class on the street!
If only getting bike lanes were that easy, eh?
Pick your bike
Before we returned home, we couldn’t resist our first Fat Frank at the market. It was tasty, as always.
Mack loves Fat Franks!
See you at the market next week!
Only Here for the Food 
We were quite sad to see the end of asparagus season – and also a bit embarrassed to realize yet another food we regularly consume but have mo idea when it is “in season”.
We will also be at the dinner tonight and look forward to your contributions 🙂
Am insanely jealous that you get to see that gorgeous oven in use be sure and let Colleen & Vince know that I would love to know more about making my own oven Thanks Sharon!
What a relaxing stroll in downtown Edmonton, through a gem of a market and a glimpse of the start of something potentially transformational. Both linked to food and sustainable living.
Thanks!
Looks like a great day. Love the mention of Smoky Valley – there goats milk is astounding.
I stopped at the market en route to Chinatown for dim sum on Saturday. It was really bustling! Nice to see our downtown core so alive on the weekends
Eddie – it was good to meet you and Jennifer!
Habanerogal – it was indeed a gorgeous oven (I’ll be writing about the dinner later this week).
Jas – thanks for reading!
Nate – it was a good day. This was the first time for us to try Smoky Valley. The feta we purchased was quite god.
Jude – agreed, the 104 Street Market is doing wonders for the core on Saturdays.
I really need to get myself down there one of these days! It always looks fantastic. If I get ambitious, maybe I’ll even bike down there… ha ha
Goat Cheese it outstanding at Smoky Valley! Outrageous! Missed this week as I went to OSFM instead… loved to see what was happening… as always. Glad to see you made it, Jude!
Ellen – if you don’t get down, you will be kicking yourself once you do. This is not just shopping. It is an event… get moving.
Valerie
Ellen – your niece and newphew would love it, I guarantee it :).