Though we didn’t plan on loading up on produce this week (we’re in the process of moving), we knew our Saturday wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the City Market.
Busy, as usual
It wasn’t as hot as the previous weekend, which was a nice change. And even better – BC fruit was out in full force this weekend! Steve & Dan had cherries, raspberries and even strawberries! I really would have loaded up, but the thought of having to eat the contents of our still-bursting fridge in the next two days was enough of a deterrent.
Cherries!
Lovely raspberries
Jennifer at Sundog Organics was disappointed that we missed out on their first batch of carrots (their produce goes fast!), but we were able to report back that their pea tendrils were a hit as a pizza topping at the Slow Food Edmonton Solstice Supper last week (something I have yet to write about…).
Lettuce from Sundog Organics
Walking by, we noticed that a sign that read “Innisfail Growers” had replaced the usual “Edgar Farms” banner. We chatted with Keri who said that while Edgar Farms normally stops selling at the market after asparagus season ends, because of how fantastic the City Market is, they decided this year to bring products from the five producers that collectively make up Innisfail Growers. They include Beck Farms (produce such as carrots, broccoli, kohlrabi), Upper Green Farms (potatoes), Jungle Farm (fruit, spinach, artichokes, and other vegetables), Hillside Greenhouses (tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers) and of course, Edgar Farms. Look for a customer appreciation day/farm gate on August 15, 2010. I’m really glad to see more produce available at the market!
Innisfail Growers booth
Kuhlmann’s still had quite a bit of vegetables available still, including some monstrous spinach.
That would make quite the salad
The piece de resistance of our visit was an Eva Sweet waffle – it would be Mack’s first. While it looks like Eva Sweet will no longer be on the Alberta Avenue Farmers’ Market circuit (due to low traffic), I think they are a welcome addition to the food carts at the City Market. Anticipating their line-up, they were placed at the north edge of the market.
Wafflemania
Sarah, Sable, Raffaella and friends were out enjoying the market as well, and happened to be awaiting some waffle goodness too. Even Dexter was excited!
Raffaella and Dexter
I decided to try the vanilla flavour this time, while Mack opted for the classic cinnamon variety. I liked the cinnamon better, but loved the caramalization on my waffle. Mack thought it was a bit sweet for his palate, but did enjoy it.
With my waffle
As we strolled down the street, it was funny to watch as people turned to look back, curious as to what we were eating. That’s the best thing about food carts – it becomes a conversation starter! Eva Sweet will be back next week – look for them!
A vanilla waffle from Eva Sweet
There was so much to do this Saturday in Edmonton (The Works, Edmonton International Jazz Festival, among others), but we chose to check out the Safe Streets Community Fair on the way home, taking place this afternoon in Queen Mary Park/Central McDougall.
Safe Streets Community Fair
Last week, I was lucky enough to attend a tour of two areas targeted for revitalization – Alberta Avenue (apparently now known as “The Avenue”) and McCauley – the first obviously further along than the second community. Queen Mary Park/Central McDougall is still in the early stages of revitalization efforts (the plans were just released), but I’m excited that things are finally starting to happen.
Neighbourhood revitalization booth
I’d love to get my agency more involved (participating in Fifteen to Clean was just the start to me), but we’ll see. In the meantime, I wanted to make an effort to check out the event.
Edmonton Police Service booth
Though the fair was supposed to start at 11:30, many activities, such as basketball hoops, were still being set-up. Mack had a question of why the booths (less than a dozen) were so spread out – sometimes less space between is better, to lend some vibrancy to the event.
Cool inflatable WallE tent
I hope more people stoppbed by after we left – besides a few signs on 107 Avenue, there wasn’t much in the way of advertisement for this event. Regardless, I hope this is the first of many such gatherings!
Only Here for the Food 
I hear Evasweet had quite the crowd! I unfortunately had to work at Starbucks that day, but we sent our co-worker on her lunch break to grab us some waffles to try and they had run out. =(
Maybe next week.