City Market Report: Week 9

Hallelujah, sunshine at the City Market! It was great to see large crowds again gracing 104 Street.

Market sun seekers

Mack and I wouldn’t be stocking up on much produce because of our travels next week, so treated ourselves to a late start. I know we probably missed out on a lot (the peas at Kuhlmann’s were nearly gone, for example), but we still managed to see some of what was available this week.

Strawberries from Steve & Dan’s

Raspberries from Steve & Dan’s

Swiss chard from Green Valley Farm

There’s something so comforting about a mound of Riverbend Gardens’ fresh carrots

We loved the sign out in front of Mighty Trio Organics today – there’s no other vendor at the market that can make that claim!

Fit for a Duke and Duchess

I hope the weather holds up next week!

City Market Report: Week 8 (and Taste 118…sort of)

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!

City Market Report: Week 7

Mack and I weren’t sure we’d even get to the City Market today, as it was moving day for two of our friends. As we should have expected though, many hands make light work, so we were finished loading and unloading by the early afternoon! We made it back before closing, but it was clear the early birds snapped up most of the produce by the time we arrived.

Radishes from Sundog Organics

Cucumbers from Kuhlmann’s

The large crowd today were likely partly due to the long weekend, but also due to the fact that for the first time in three weeks, the sun shone down on the market.

Shoppers out in full force

On to next week!

City Market Report: Week 6

It was another overcast day at the City Market on Saturday. Thankfully, the rain wasn’t coming down in sheets quite like last week, so for the most part, it was still a pleasant visit.

Almost dry again

We were tuckered out from What the Truck?! the night prior, so gave ourselves the morning to sleep in. By the time we made it to the market that afternoon, most of the prime produce had already been snapped up!

Beets from Riverbend Gardens

Cherries from Steve & Dan’s

We came across a new vendor, though perhaps not a new company to those who have investigated home grocery delivery services. The Organic Box, a business similar to Eat Local First, but with a focus on organic produce, was at the market selling fruit. Most of what they had wouldn’t be considered local (strawberries, cantaloupe and watermelon from California, though they also had BC apples), but they were all clearly marked. We picked up some strawberries – The Organic Box will tide us over until the BC and Alberta strawberries start coming in!

The Organic Box

We also noticed for the first time (although they’ve been at the market for a few weeks) a vendor selling cake pops! Though I think these bite-sized treats became mainstream when Starbucks started selling them, it’s nice to see some local entrepreneurs trying to capitalize on the trend as well!

Adorable cake pops

To help promote the Feats Festival of Dance, which had started two days prior and runs until July 1, 2011, the main market square hosted different dance demonstrations throughout the day. From above, we caught a sampling, including salsa and belly dancing!

Salsa

Belly dancing (with audience participation!)

It’s also great to catch those seemingly spontaneous moments at the market – like a wedding party using the market as a photographic backdrop. It turned out the bride was a cousin of Bamir’s – hence the Eva Sweet love!

Who doesn’t love waffle trucks?

I really hope the rain lets up next Saturday – it’s the long weekend, after all. See you at the market!

City Market: Week 5 (plus Africa Connect!)

Oh, it was a miserable day at the City Market on Saturday. The rain was spiteful, coming down hard that morning.

Rain, rain go away

Jill had joined me, and probably regretted doing so when it became clear a poncho, wellies and waterproof shopping bags would be necessary. Still, she kept me in good spirits – the market is always better with friends!

Jill tries a dolmade at Theo’s Greek Kouzina

We came across a new vendor on Saturday – Jen’s Organic Garden is a family-run booth, selling produce grown in the garden of a regular city lot. Between this vendor and Little Shoots Neighbourhood Farm, I have to wonder if the trend of basing a viable business in one’s home has finally hit Edmonton?

Jen’s Organic Garden

We heard that the final numbers of the day were around 4,500 (compared with the usual 12,000 that visit the market). There’s no question those that made it down had their pick of a great selection of products though!

Spring onions from Kuhlmann’s

Parsnips from Kuhlmann’s

Radishes from Greens, Eggs and Ham

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the rain lets up next week!

After dropping off our groceries, Jill and I headed to Africa Connect, a one-time event the City of Edmonton organized to celebrate African cultures, and to encourage learning exchanges.

Art

There were over 100 exhibitors, including non-profit organizations, City departments, and market vendors (some were more decidedly out of place than others – like Tupperware). Jill and I wished African cuisine could have been on the menu, but the EXPO Centre doesn’t allow external food to be served on the premises.

Marketplace

These gorillas made me laugh

The Hall was definitely spirited, and those who were in the crowds seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Romeo & Group Hip Hop performs

An article in today’s Journal pegged the overall attendance to be 3,000 – double what the City expected. Given the resources dedicated to the event, it’s a shame that more people didn’t attend!

Next weekend will be an equally busy one in the city – make sure to check out ShareEdmonton for a list of events if you’re interested!

City Market Report: Week 4

It was another busy Saturday in Edmonton! It’s great when there are so many options that you’re forced to choose – it just felt so alive in the city yesterday.

104 Street before the storm

Though I know the City Market isn’t the only ongoing event in the core, it often feels to me like the farmers’ market is the constant, the backbone of downtown. It definitely bolsters the success of other complementary events, like the Downtown Edmonton Community League pancake breakfast, and the Al Fresco Block Party.

Speaking of the pancake breakfast, one of my first orders of business with DECL was to help out with the fundraiser on Saturday morning. All of the food had been donated by Sobeys, so all proceeds collected would be going towards the E4C School Lunch Program.

Real “street” food

6:30 was an early wake up call, I’m not going to lie. But I’ve never been up early enough to see the street before the vendors started setting up, so it was neat to be there before the crescendo of energy. It also meant we were able to get things set up before the rush hit, with shoppers fuelling up before perusing the market.

Patrick makes the first pancakes of the 2011 breakfast!

I wasn’t able to finish up my shift because I had to pop into work for a few hours, but I had great fun while I was there! Most patrons donated more than the requested $2 when they found out proceeds would be supporting children’s nutrition. I would imagine the same generosity would be present at the Al Fresco events.

Our line cooks Alison, Patrick and Scott hard at work

After work, I was able to do my shopping. It was absolutely hopping at the market!

Busy market

Similar to last week, there were lots of green to be seen in market stalls!

Salad onions from Sundog Organics

Spinach from Riverbend Gardens

Mixed Heritage Greens from Greens, Eggs and Ham

As the Pride Parade would be travelling down 102 Avenue, some of the vendors had to be relocated. Because the Melcor parking lot between the Great West Saddlery and Armstrong Block had to be vacated for the Al Fresco festivities anyway, some vendors were able to set up shop in the lot.

An almost craft fair

Although there were a few food-related vendors in this space, most of the merchants were selling arts, craft and clothing. It’s unfortunate the Melcor parking lot couldn’t be vacant on other Saturdays; while there are more crafters than the space could hold, it lent an alternative feel to the shopping experience a (and reminded me of how the largest market in San Francisco operates, with crafters grouped together across the street from the Ferry Building).

In the shadow of two buildings

The Al Fresco wine and spirits tasting tent had also just opened up for the day.

Outdoor tasting

At noon though, all eyes were on 102 Avenue, the route of the Pride Parade.

It was fantastic to be a part of, even just from the sidelines. The colours, the sounds, the dancing…the sheer joy of parade participants was infectious.

A wedding float

Balloons!

Dancing!

Councillor Ben Henderson

Cowboys representing the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association

Even puppies got into the spirit!

I ended my afternoon with a pulled pork Filibun from Filistix. It hit the spot – the tender, braised meat, with a hit of freshness from the cucumber and pineapple salsa.

Pulled pork Filibun

We were planning on checking out the Al Fresco street food later in the day, but I needed a bit of a breather first. More to come!

City Market Report: Week 3

The chilly and overcast weather definitely seemed to affect the usual early morning crowds at the City Market today, but it was clear the spirit of the vendors was undaunted!

City Market

The Queen of Tarts had a beautiful spread, as usual

Like last week, we unfortunately didn’t have much time to spend at the market due to another engagement, but half an hour was enough to pick up the necessities for the week. There were lots of green vegetables to be had (and in the next few weeks, more to come!).

Green peppers from Doef’s

Thai basil from Gull Valley Greenhouses

Red mustard from Greens, Eggs and Ham

Lettuce from Green Valley Farm

Asparagus from Edgar Farms

Although the weather wasn’t optimal, it turned out to be a great day for music at the market – there were three separate acts to enjoy!

Martin Kerr, one of our favourite market buskers

Samantha Schultz, one of our favourite local singers

P.A.L.S. was also on hand today with a book sale to support their literacy programs.

P.A.L.S. tent

Be sure to check out the market next week; it’ll be a great gateway to the other activities going on downtown on Saturday – the Pride Parade, and of course, the Al Fresco Block Party. See you on 104 Street!

City Market Report: Week 2

Though it was a bit chilly this morning, the sun was shining on the City Market again (can we make it three in a row next week?).

Morning at the market

Mack and I weren’t able to take quite the same leisurely pace as we did last week because we had wanted to make it to a few other events this morning, but we also wanted to ensure we had our groceries for the week.

Tomatoes from Gull Valley Greenhouses

Sorrel from Greens, Eggs and Ham

Rhubarb from Edgar Farms

This time of the year is always so magical – every passing week brings more and more produce, and often, it’s not until a trip to the market reveals exactly what’s in season at that particular time.

Radishes from Riverbend Gardens

Spinach from Green Valley Farm

We had picked up a pot of pre-planted lettuces from Kuhlmann’s last week, but we also loved the mini herb containers from Riverbend Gardens. We bought one for someone special, who we know uses lots of fresh herbs.

Mini herb containers from Riverbend Gardens

Flowers from Kuhlmann’s

We came across a new vendor, Little Shoots Neighbourhood Farm. On a different day, I’d like to learn more about them, but it sounds like they’re doing something really interesting – growing microgreens out of one of their residences. They had pea and bean shoots for sale, as well as mixtures of kale, cabbage and kohlrabi shoots, but will have more variety next week.

Little Shoots Neighbourhood Farm

While shopping, we ran into Ben Weir, a finalist in the CHG Top Chef competition, and Valerie, who would be one of his sous chefs for the finale. We spied asparagus in their cart, so knew that would be on the menu tonight!

Ben and Valerie

The City Market started offering its veggie valet service again (where patrons can leave their purchases with the information desk, to be picked up at the end of the market day to allow them to enjoy the downtown free of bags).

Veggie valet!

Before heading to our next stop that morning, we grabbed a breakfast bowl ($6) from the Fork and Spoon Brigade. It was definitely a hearty breakfast, made with three eggs, Irvings tomato and basil sausage, baby potatoes, bell peppers, green onions, and shredded cheese. Bonus: it was very easy to smuggle onto the bus in my purse (given open foods aren’t usually permitted).

Breakfast bowl, complete with a fork and a spoon! (I am hopeful that they might consider paper and plant-based containers and cutlery in the future)

It was a bit fortuitous that we returned to our street earlier in the afternoon than we’d planned for, and thus, were able to catch a performance that was a part of the City Market’s Chinese Festival.

Lion dance

The lions then started a procession down the aisles!

Fan dancers from above

Watch for other cultural festivals in the coming weeks – they certainly add some excitement and colour to the market. See you next week!

City Market Opening Day 2011

I suppose the title of this post is not quite accurate, given the City Market has been running indoors at City Hall since mid-March, but I know many people (myself included) feel the market just isn’t quite the same unless it’s out on the street.

Back with a vengeance

Mack and I made were on hand for the opening celebrations at 9am (and really had no excuses given the market is right out our front door!). Edmonton Eskimo Aaron Fiacconi was on hand as the bell ringer to kick things off.

Aaron Fiacconi signals the opening of the market

Things were a bit overcast, but save for a sprinkle or two, the skies held up. I’m sure that was part of the reason why the crowds were massive today – both Mack and I remarked that neither of us had seen the aisles quite so full before. It’ll be interesting to see what the final attendance estimate will be, given last year’s equally jubilant start.

Packed street

So many people!

We did find there was a lack music early on at the market, though. One of our favourites, Capital Sax, came out to play around 11 – hopefully, they’re out a little earlier next week.

Capital Sax

There was also an impromptu dance performance!

There did seem to be an inordinate number of dogs today, with one tweeter remarking, “Unsure if downtown #yeg market is actually farmers mrkt or dog show.” Though it did mean watching where you walked to some extent, I’m a sucker for puppies, especially when they’re as cute as Dave and Kyla’s dog!

Hi Max!

The organizers changed up layout, meaning we had to do some hunting for our usual vendors. We had to think some of the adjustments had to do with the fact that the construction on the north end of 104 Street, just before 103 Avenue, still hasn’t been resolved. Given the fenced-off area has been pretty dormant in recent weeks, it’s puzzling why the City wouldn’t have ensured the project’s completion before this date. It impacted at least one vendor, who was positioned away from the foot traffic, adjacent to the fence – hopefully the vendor will be relocated next week.

Construction at the City Market

Other than that, we had a great time perusing the stalls, visiting with vendors, running into friends, and of course, picking up groceries for the week!

The always smiling Patty Milligan (aka Lola Canola) – she’ll only be at the Market for the next few weeks, so load up on honey now!

Alan of Irvings Farm Fresh is always a good sport about pictures

We also had to start our day off with waffles from Eva Sweet

Marianne shows off her fabulous shopping basket that attaches to the back of her bike!

Cameron Hancock and Christy Menzies of Dreamin’ Green Farm are new City Market vendors. Located near Pigeon Lake, they describe themselves as the “home of the happy chicken”, and provide chemical-free pasture for their birds to roam around in. Their pens are moved on a regular basis, and at night, they are shut into a mobile pen for protection from predators. Look for them the next time you’re at the market!

Christy and Cameron of Dreamin’ Green Farm

Transcend Coffee was also out on the street selling their beans, and handing out free samples of coffee. Although their downtown cafe is literally just around the corner, it’s handy to be able to pick up beans along the way!

Transcend Coffee

Although cellared root vegetables made up much of the produce offerings today, I was still surprised at the amount of other vegetables available today, so early in the season.

Tomatoes from Gull Valley Greenhouses

Edgar Farms asparagus (they had about 30 cases today, about half of what they would normally have)

Rhubarb and pea tendrils from Sundog Organics

Gerda of Green Valley Farm helps me pick out some onions

Bedding plants were also out in full force; though we didn’t pick up any decorative flowers for our balcony, we did buy one of those salad bowl starters from Kuhlmann’s that we had been eying up last week (I guess we should have jumped on it last week though; 7 days later resulted in a $5 increase in the price).

Beautiful display at Riverbend Gardens

A sea of hydrangeas from South Cooking Lake Greenhouses

Tomato plants galore from Sundog Organics

It was a great first day at the market – I’m looking forward to next week already. See you there!

Recap: The City Market Decides Against the Mercer Warehouse as a Potential Year-Round Venue

On April 18, 2011, a special meeting was held by the City Market Board, as motioned at the AGM earlier this year. Vendors were to discuss whether or not the Board should continue to consider the Mercer Warehouse as a potential year-round venue for the market.

The Mercer Warehouse (10363 104 Street) is one of the few vacant buildings left in the historic Warehouse District, and is only separated from the burgeoning outdoor City Market by one block. It was built back in 1911 by a liquor and cigar seller named John B. Mercer to be a shipping/receiving hub. More recently, it housed an antique shop, but has been empty for many years now.

Mercer Warehouse

The conference room at the Sutton Place Hotel was standing room only, as land developer Greg Wilkes presented how the heritage building would be transformed into three levels of market space over 37,000 square feet of space. This area could be divided into 120 stalls, 120 square feet each, with early plans also including provisions for a food court, performance space and children’s play area. The proposal was for the market to be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Interior shot (from Jon Hall, at the City Market Facebook page)

Kelly Pope, a local developer (who, in this 2004 article is credited with “single-handedly doing a huge job of cleaning up and restoring almost two blocks of Jasper Avenue”) recently purchased the building, and has been negotiating with the City Market, through its Board and Wilkes, on terms and the cost of renovations. The deal:

Ten year lease plus a five year option;
Pope would be responsible for base building upgrades (e.g. washroom refurbishing, roof repair) in the amount of $775,000-$1 million;
the City Market would be responsible for market-specific upgrades and demising costs (e.g. installation of public elevator, upgrade of stairs, refurbishment of common areas) for a total cost of $2 million; and
Market vendors would be responsible for individual stall improvements (e.g. installation of sinks, freezers, food-safe flooring, lighting and signage), which could run anywhere from $5,000-$50,000.

The Board had calculated that each vendor would be responsible to pay rent of $10,080 a year (an estimate of sorts that they were using for decision purposes), plus utilities, building tax and a proportional cost of operating the common space. That amount did not include the individual stall improvements. Vendors would also have to sign a $16,700 covenant with the owner over 15 years to cover the cost of the $2 million in upgrades.

Rough interior plans

Before the voting motion was presented, Wilkes opened the floor to questions. It was apparent that vendors were apprehensive about the Mercer Warehouse for many reasons, including the terms of the lease (some suggesting whether or not it would make more sense to simply purchase a building themselves), the viability of a multi-level market and the lack of dedicated parking, particularly for a year-round venue in a winter city. Also, though Wilkes did his best to assure vendors that the street market would continue from May through to October, he did not have a reassuring answer as to how the indoor market would interact with the outdoor component. Most of all, it became clear that vendors were not satisfied with the exploration of alternatives to the Mercer Warehouse – such as the Kingsland market model of an investors base, continuing in City Hall, or negotiating with the arena for inclusion in the winter garden.

The City Market Board

During the discussion, what was most distressing to Mack and I was perhaps the suggestion that locations outside of the core should be explored. The storied history of Edmonton’s original farmers’ market aside, as owners of a 104 Street condo and fervent downtown boosters, it was difficult not to slide into the “it has to be downtown” reasoning made (in)famous by Mayor Mandel on the arena.

After the lengthy discussion period, a motion was presented for members to vote upon. It asked whether or not members wanted the Board to continue pursuing the Mercer Warehouse as a potential year-round venue. A secret ballot was proposed for the voting, and after the votes were counted, there was no doubt the vendors did not like what they heard – 69 nay votes and only 3 yay votes.

It’s important to note that the City Market still has eight years left on the lease on 104 Street to house the summer market, but there is no doubt that there is an appetite for a year-round space in the core. The Board has been directed to go back and consider all other options – we can only hope that those options will be downtown.

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