I thought I had popped down to the City Market at an opportune time this morning, finding a fortuitous break in the clouds. Well, it lasted all of several minutes, then the rain returned.
More grey
That seems to be the norm so far this year – I can only hope things get better from here, otherwise the market won’t achieve the same kind of banner attendance numbers that they did in 2010.
On the plus side, the rain does mean shoppers don’t necessarily have to be early birds in order to have a good selection (I was able to get the last box of strawberries from Sundog Organics at 11!). And, it was a very good week for vegetables.
Gorgeous herbs at Sundog Organics
Field grown tomatoes from Sundog Organics
Garlic scapes from Sundog Organics
Peas, glorious peas at Kuhlmann’s
Dill from Kuhlmann’s
A variety of lettuces at Kuhlmann’s
Broccoli at Green Valley Farm
Vibrant carrots from Riverbend Gardens
Kohlrabi from Riverbend Gardens
The Filipino festival was supposed to take place today, rain or shine, and we did hear some music later that morning, but I can imagine performing in the downpour would not have been pleasant. Here’s hoping there’s more market conducive weather next week!
Afterwards, Mack and I hopped on the train and headed to Alberta Avenue for the Taste 118 event. The event was to encourage visitors to explore the great restaurants in the neighbourhood, in addition to perusing sidewalk retail set-ups on a festive afternoon. Due to the rain, however, the event was cancelled – unfortunate and curious, given most of the activities would have been indoors anyway (the Highlands Street Festival last year went on regardless of the downpour, and the weather most definitely encouraged people to take refuge, and thus browse shops). Taste 118 may be rescheduled for next Saturday, but keep your eyes on the Facebook page to be sure.
Taste 118 poster
Still, the promise of the event got us down to Battista’s Calzones, which seemed to be the catch-all for other wanderers also hoping for good eats.
Full house
It was Mack’s first time at the restaurant (though I’ve brought him leftover calzones in the past). His first calzone served hot out of the oven lived up to the hype – success!
Delicious!
We found Liv behind the counter too, serving up samples of biscotti and cookies. She will be selling her products out of Battista’s – perfect for those looking for a sweet ending after their lunch. The Nutella biscotti I tried was fantastic – best of luck, Liv, with your venture!
Liv and Battista
We also sampled some of Baconhound’s homemade Baileys – there’s nothing more festive than a shot of liqueur on a summer afternoon.
Bottom’s up!
Hope you had an equally good Saturday!
Only Here for the Food 
I remember reading your posting a few weeks ago about the Downtown Farmer’s Market Association’s proposal of a permanent indoor market. At that time, I was thinking that it wouldn’t be a good move given the good atmosphere that the outdoor market has. But then, thinking about it today with the rain that we’ve had today and a couple of weekends ago, I wonder how many people were also thinking that an indoor market isn’t such a bad idea. I still like outdoor markets, but perhaps a indoor market held all year round 4-5 days per week may be economically more viable for the vendors and might be something that ends up being better for downtown especially considering all of the competing farmer’s markets in Edmonton and surrounding communities.
Thanks for the mention, I appreciate it, and I’m glad you liked the “Baileys”.
Great post. Too bad about the event being such a dud, except for Battistas. Seems like it was very poorly organized, unlike a recent food truck event I attended recently…
I love the downtown market – and the outside is a huge draw for me – yet, I do not go down in the pouring rain. I still go if it is windy or sprinkling… so, I believe that an investment in a covered walkway of some kind that could be set up on the rainy days would be money well spent. Surely the association has some money for this kind of thing? If not, it is a good time to start a fund raiser.
🙂
Valerie
Buddha Pest – I, too hope for a permanent indoor market downtown, but not at the expense of the outdoor market. I realize the attendance waivers because of the weather, but I suppose that’s just a part of the business of an outdoor market. I’m sure we will hear more about the Board’s research into other potential indoor venues this year, though.
Baconhound – sorry we didn’t get to meet officially! Agreed that the event wasn’t very well organized. Hopefully it is just a first time blip though.
Valerie – I had never thought about a covered walkway…nor have I ever come across the idea before. Wonder if the Board has considered it before, or at least investigated its viability? I would think that would be something that would impact the choice of location. 8 more years on 104 Street :).