City Market Report: Week 15

The haze that remained over the city couldn’t cast a shadow over the City Market this week; at least for us. I’m not sure what it was, but we really enjoyed ourselves today – possibly because we could actually do some real shopping today (our fridge is now working again), or because we were able to linger, and catch up with people without needing to be time conscious.

Time for another overhead shot

It was also noon by the time we made it down to the market. And though that meant missing out on some early bird pickings (like eggs from Sunshine Organic), we were still able to strike off most of the things on our shopping list.

Riverbend Gardens had corn!

Romanesco broccoli from Kuhlmann’s (I had to look that name up)

Lobster mushrooms from Mo Na

Some of the vendors have been steadily adding banners to their booths as the weeks pass. One such example is Mighty Trio Organics – I love their colourful banners!

Mighty Trio Organics

Sugar Sugar Bakery, the newest cupcake business to join the vendors at City Market, was back this week. If you haven’t yet, check out her cupcake menu – many of the flavours are cleverly named after Archie comic characters! We bought two “Honey Honey” cupcakes to try – the cake, sweetened with honey, was quite distinct, and one I would buy again.

Chandra, of Sugar Sugar

Lastly, a special shout out to Patty Milligan for making my day – she gave us the sunflowers that were gracing her table – they have been brightening up our space all day!

Next week – the penultimate cultural festival at the City Market takes place, celebrating all things Italian.

City Market Report: Week 14

The unthinkable happened – we were up and at ‘em at the City Market this morning even before it opened. We had a good reason though – Patty Milligan (aka Lola Canola) had lent us two of her market tents to use at the Wild Boar and Beer BBQ last Sunday, and we had arranged to return them to her bright and early this morning.

Vendors still in prep mode

Kuhlmann’s before the rush

After we dropped off the tent, we returned to our condo to have breakfast and (more importantly) coffee, before heading back down to pick up some groceries. Unfortunately, fridge issues have reared its ugly head again, severely limiting the types of things we could buy today.

Marketing not seen very often at farmers’ markets

We made sure to visit Rick and Amy of Barr Estate Wineries again, to pick up a bottle of wine to try (we opted for “The Other Red”, their raspberry wine), and stopped at Halwa Farms to buy some of their stone-ground whole wheat flour. Zucchini from Kuhlmann’s, carrots from Beck Farms and peaches from Steve & Dan’s were other purchases today.

Yellow beans from Kuhlmann’s

Cucumbers from Kuhlmann’s

Peaches and nectarines from Steve & Dan’s

Celery from Sundog Organics

Carrots from Sundog Organics

Baby squash and zucchini from Greens, Eggs and Ham

It’s awesome to still see new vendors popping up this late in the season. It was the first week at the City Market for Sunhill Gardens, located near Camrose (they also sell at the Salisbury Market on Thursday nights). The produce they were offering this morning included carrots, potatoes and swiss chard.

Sunhill Gardens

Also great are the community tents – the book sale being hosted by P.A.L.S. was looking quite busy.

P.A.L.S. tent

Our Saturday routine complete, we are now off to enjoy our annual summer tradition – the Fringe! See you in Old Strathcona!

City Market Report: Week 13

So we did end up cruising the City Market early on Saturday, due to some last-minute shopping for the Wild Boar and Beer BBQ to take place the following day.

Great weather for a stroll

After the errands were completed, I made my rounds. It was good to see Julianna, Gabe and Zach out – they were selling the last of their We Eat Together inventory.

Julianna, Gabe, Zach

I know I’ve become a broken record, but I am continuously amazed with Sundog Organic’s selection of produce. I picked up some spinach, kale, basil and cilantro, but marvelled at the rest of the gorgeous goods. I was also happy to hear that their farm tour last week went over well; they hope to offer more tours in the future.

Eggplant!

Field peppers

At Greens, Eggs and Ham, I picked up some lean ground turkey that I had pre-ordered (a privilege of being a member of their Futures program). I saw their rat’s tail radishes for the first time this season – small green pods that resemble a cross between a pea and a chili pepper, but are crunchy, and taste like radishes. They are often eaten as a bar snack.

Rat’s tail radishes

Patty pan squash from Kuhlmann’s

Green beans from Kuhlmann’s

Sarah of Belua Designs made her biggest monster yet (he required 7 socks!)

I love seeing new vendors at the Market, and this week, there were two to meet. First, Barr Estate Winery actually chose the City Market to debut their product in their first official day of business (they were told by their marketing person that the City Market is the place to be – I have to agree!). They have a small fruit orchard on their property in Sherwood Park, and in their spare time (Rick and Amy work as heart researchers during the day), they make wine. At the moment, they have two varieties –raspberry and rhubarb. Between Barr and en Sante, I think it’s a boon for shoppers to be able to pick up local wines at the market to accompany their fresh produce!

Barr Estate Wineries

The second new vendor is Sugar Sugar Bakery, joining Whimsical Cupcakes to expand the Market’s cupcake offerings. I love the cupcake names, many of which have been given a moniker from the Archie series of comics. Though we picked up four cupcakes for a friend’s birthday, we didn’t try any ourselves yet. That said, Maria said the honey cupcake (topped with a honeycomb – too cute) was her favourite.

Cupcakes!

The buskers at the Market play such a huge part at setting the tone at the atmosphere, and one of my favourites, Martin Kerr, was back, for his first City Market date this year. He’s set to return next week, if you’re interested in his acoustics!

Martin Kerr

At the end of the day, Mack and I headed to Patty Milligan (aka Lola Canola)’s booth to learn how to take down her tent (she was kind enough to lend us the tent for us at the Boar & Beer BBQ). While awaiting her return, Mack managed to sell two jars of honey on Patty’s behalf! He was all smiles after that.

Downtown was a busy place on Saturday, also hosting the festive Cariwest parade that afternoon. We could hear the music from our condo, and headed out to Jasper Avenue to watch the colourful procession.

Gorgeous costumes

The flatbed trucks, toting towers of speakers, DJs spinning and a steel drum band, were interesting modes of transportation – more so because of their sheer number!

And another one…

The costumes alone were definitely worth coming out for, and everyone in the parade looked like they were having a great time! I have to wonder though – there was some very suggestive dancing in places – for a family-friendly event, I would have thought those in the parade would have kept it PG.

Steel drums!

We followed the procession down to Churchill Square, where the party continued.

Make room!

Councillors Amarjeet Sohi and Ben Henderson having a blast

Palance!

You can take a look at Mack’s photo set of the parade here.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

City Market Report: Week 12

For a second week in a row, we actually made it down to the City Market early (don’t expect to happen again).

No crowds!

Saturday was Food Day Canada, a “national celebration of restaurateurs, suppliers, growers, farmers and citizens.” To recognize the day, the Market had organized a full day of chef demos, and had put a call out to local food bloggers to volunteer. I agreed to help out, in addition to staffing the Slow Food Edmonton community tent, where we would be selling Wild Boar & Beer BBQ tickets.

Jo and Thea from Slow Food Edmonton

Five chefs demonstrated dishes throughout the day, all that had been put together using ingredients from the market.

Chef Brad Smoliak

Chef Elaine Wilson

Chef Blair Lebsack (of Madison’s Grill)

Blair’s salmon with corn succotash and potatoes

Blair’s guinea fowl clubhouse (one of the special features on Madison’s Food Day Canada menu)

Chef Julianna Mimande and Bianca

Carrot dip from Julianna’s We Eat Together

Chef Duane Hicks from Blue Plate Diner cooks with a blowtorch

Before I started my shift, Mack and I did our shopping. Our first stop was at Sundog Organics, to once again marvel at their beautiful produce, and pick up some beets, cabbage and garlic.

Leeks!

Onions!

Tomatoes!

Steve & Dan’s is another weekly stop. Blackberries went into our bag this time around, but their stone fruits were looking delectable.

Plums!

When I saw zucchini at Kuhlmann’s, Mack could tell you I stopped in my tracks – I love zucchini! Last year, we weren’t able to buy the monstrous zucchini, knowing that we would have to lug it home eighteen blocks. This year, being just upstairs, I anticipate my fridge and freezer to be full of zucchini!

Zucchini!

Perusing the monsters at Belua Designs this week, we came thisclose to adding another monster to our family. We also saw Sarah’s first two-headed creation a couple of weeks ago, and saw that she had another one this week – too cute!

Belua Designs

It was great to see some new-to-us vendors as well, including Shannon and Danny Ruzicka of Nature’s Green Acres. When I visited their farm last summer, they were discussing eventually having a booth at the market, but I didn’t know it would be so soon – apparently, this was their third week already! Visit them for great pasture-raised, hormone and antibiotic-free chicken, beef and pork.

Danny and Shannon

O Sol’ Meatos, purveyor of air-dried charcuterie, was also at the market. I tried their product at Indulgence this year, and it was tasty.

O Sol’ Meatos

Last week saw the first time the veggie valet was introduced at the Market – a complimentary service at the information tent where patrons can leave their purchases until they’re ready to leave the street. On Saturday, a pair of shoppers were the first to use the service!

Veggie valet in action

Though it was a long day, the best thing about being at the market for that length of time was running into people – coworkers, friends – and being able to leisurely chat with my fellow Slow Food members. I was also fed well – some fatty pork belly and slaw from Filistix kept me going.

Filistix

After an exhausting day, I was looking forward to unwinding at a dinner out. Mack and I met up with Maria and Jeff for a late meal at Madison’s Grill, where they had a special menu commemorating Food Day Canada. With entrees starting at $10, it made sense that Madison’s had more than 100 reservations that night.

Maria’s Peas on Earth organic salad with Bles Wold dressing (the strawberries were picked specifically for Blair the day before!)

Jeff’s amuse bouche trio with cold Doef’s cucumber soup, hummus crostini, smoked Greens, Eggs and Ham guinea fowl tart

When I had seen the menu, I immediately gravitated towards the Big Rock-battered Alberta whitefish fish and chips ($10), with a malt vinegar gastrique and a sweet pea aioli (their play on mushy peas). It was everything I was expecting – a crispy coating, fork-tender interior, and a welcome sweetness from the gastrique.

Alberta whitefish fish and chips

I also ordered the duo of sliders ($10) – a Spring Creek Ranch beef slider with Sylvan Star gouda and apple-cherry compote and an Irvings pulled pork slider with coleslaw and Brassica mustard. The pulled pork slider was darn messy to eat, and was worth every bite, but I liked the beef slider better, with its melted layer of cheese and sweetness of the fruit compote.

Duo of sliders

Mack and Jeff also ordered the steamed PEI mussels ($16), Mack with the Irvings habanero sausage and rose sauce, and Jeff with the spicy Gull Valley tomato compote. They both had fun comparing popping the generous serving of mussels to eating pistachios.

PEI mussels

We ended the meal with a “made in Canada” cheese cart, with two soft cheeses from Quebec, two Sylvan Star cheeses and a blue cheese (for Maria, heh, the rest of us abhor blue). Of the condiments, Maria and I liked the apple-walnut compote the best.

Cheese tray

It was a day full of food – just as it should have been.

City Market Report: Week 11

One of the neatest things we’ve found about living right above the City Market are the sounds we’re treated to on Saturday mornings – the hum of excited patrons strolling through amidst the soaring notes of busking musicians. My favourite group of late is Capital Sax, a quartet with a repertoire of fun, popular tunes, including “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “My Girl” and even the former “Hockey Night in Canada” anthem.

Capital Sax

Because we were heading out to Calgary on Saturday, we made every effort to get to the market in expedient fashion.

Smaller crowds early in the day

While we still missed the opening bell, we were early enough for once to get a fresh crack at the produce available from Sundog Organics.

Cabbage and cauliflower

Jennifer had been chiding me for a few weeks for coming when their table was nearly empty – and for the first time, I could see why – the variety and abundance they had available was amazing.

Absolutely gorgeous beets

Turnips

Fennel

We snagged the last bunch of sprightly leeks and a beautiful bunch of basil – sometimes I am glad vendors accept only cash; I know I would otherwise end up with more food than we could possibly eat ourselves. Jennifer and James of Sundog are also hosting a farm tour on August 1, from 12:30-3:30pm, park-and-ride style. They’re asking for $5/family and $2/individual to cover the cost of the bus. Please e-mail Jennifer to confirm your attendance by July 27 if you’re interested.

Mary Ellen of Greens, Eggs and Ham was also proud to show off some of the new vegetables they had available this week, including multi-coloured carrots and neat stir-fry packs that her daughter Arianna had put together, featuring baby zucchini and squash that are slowly coming along.

Multi-coloured carrots

Stir-fry packs (convenient and healthy!)

Dandelion greens

It’s also difficult to walk past Steve & Dan’s without picking up a basket (or two).

Peaches!

Blackberries!

Last week, a bouquet from Sundog Organics graced our kitchen table. This week, partly because we were so early, we had the pick of several dozen bouquets offered by St. Albert Greenhouses. I thought it would be a nice table setting for a dinner we’re hosting later this week.

St. Albert Greenhouses

It was alluded to earlier this year, but Saturday was the first day the market’s “veggie valet” program was offered. Shoppers could leave their purchases with the information tent from 10am-2pm free of charge, which would be convenient for those looking to take in the area’s businesses – catch a matinee at Empire Theatre, have lunch at Blue Plate Diner, borrow some books from Stanley Milner. It’ll be interesting to see if people take advantage of the service

Veggie valet

I love how the market has become a hub for many things, in part because it does draw so many people downtown every week. The City set up a display in the intersection for their “Have a Heart Give Smart” campaign, trying to raise awareness on the issue of donating to charities instead of to individual panhandlers.

Have a Heart Give Smart

Right next to them? A “guerrilla yoga” session, courtesy of Lululemon.

Street yoga

Next week sees the City Market series of monthly festivals continue, this time in celebration of Food Day Canada on July 31. Expect chef demonstrations, including talks by Chef Blair Lebsack of Madison’s Grill and Chef Duane Hicks of Blue Plate Diner. See the schedule of events here.

See you there next week!

City Market Report: Week 10

I have faith that one of these Saturdays, we’ll actually make it to the City Market when it opens at 9am! I think part of why we drag our feet now has to do with it being right outside our door – the urgency is no longer there.

Always busy intersection

A new concession vendor started this week, called The Fork and Spoon Brigade (how cute is that?). They’re hard to miss, in a shiny orange truck, and they feature bacon from Irvings Farm Fresh in their dishes!

The Fork and Spoon Brigade

The menu isn’t extensive (it is a food truck after all), but there’s hearty fare, including a breakfast crepe and egg sandwich for those early risers, and a BLT crepe and a vegetarian chili for those seeking lunch options. Alan Irving showed us his BLT crepe that he picked up – it looked delicious.

BLT crepe

Between The Fork and Spoon, Eva Sweet, Filistix, and of course, the venerable Fat Franks, the City Market is shaping up to be food cart and truck central!

Also new this week was Inspired Market Gardens’ herb sorbets, made exclusively for them by local ice cream maker Pinocchio. Gwen had four flavours this week (they may change from week to week), including basil, rose and raspberry tarragon. We picked up a half pint to try, particularly because we missed out on the lavender sorbet at Indulgence.

Herb sorbets from Inspired Market Gardens (yes, we sampled some too)

While shopping, we ran into Gail Hall’s Market Fresh cooking class, who was busy learning about the difference between” certified organic”, “organic”, and “natural” from Sunshine Organic’s Sherry Horvath. It seems like an eternity ago since I participated three years ago.

Market Fresh cooking class

Between all of our socializing with friendly faces, I didn’t do the best job of documenting the week’s fresh produce. And our tardiness probably meant we missed out on much of it too. I hope for an earlier start next week!

Beautiful carrots from Kuhlmann’s

Radishes from Kuhlmann’s

Cabbages and kohlrabi from Riverbend Gardens (the latter made it into my basket this week!)

With a full fridge after our visit, we’re all set for the week. See you there next Saturday!

City Market Report: Week 9

It was our second weekend at the condo, but it still feels surreal to have the City Market at our doorstep. So it was a little funny on Friday when this was literally true – five vendors from the market had set up in front of our building that morning to be interviewed by Lorraine Mansbridge during the morning news. Though they weren’t selling any products, we lucked out when Bamir of Eva Sweet Waffles started our morning off with a complimentary waffle (thanks, Bamir!).

The Friday City Market

Bamir being interviewed by Lorraine

A day later, the market was on in full swing. Though a little rain started off the day, it didn’t seem to dampen attendance much.

Our balcony view of the market

It’s hard not to be inspired by the fresh vegetables available, and more than that, to limit what I buy because everything is just so vibrant and tempting!

Beautiful pepper plant from South Cooking Lake Greenhouses (this was their last week)

Garlic scapes from Sundog Organics

Swiss chard from Kuhlmann’s

Green beans from Doef’s/Gull Valley Greenhouses

Kohlrabi from Riverbend Gardens

Stone ground wheat from Halwa Farms

Peas were out in full force on Saturday. We picked up a bag from Edgar Farms, but decided one pound was just not enough, and attacked the heap of peas at the Kuhlmann’s booth too.

I just can’t get enough peas

In addition to the peas, carrots from Kuhlmann’s, spinach from Sundog Organics, potatoes from Greens, Eggs and Ham, onions from Green Valley Farms (the producer actually calls me the “onion girl”, heh) and a bell pepper from Doef’s filled up our bag.

We also decided to treat ourselves to a pretzel from Schneckels (their slogan is a mouthful – “If you’re going to ‘schnack’, schnack on a Schneckel). Maria told me to watch for them a few weeks ago, but for whatever reason, I probably walked right past them several times. It turned out to be their fourth week at the market, selling savoury and sweet hand-rolled pretzels. The vendor said he had sold upwards of 400 a week, so he seems to be doing quite well! We picked up a salty pretzel ($3), and though would have preferred to eat it warm, found it to be well-made, with the slightly crunchy exterior and chewy interior. It was a bit too salty for us, however. I’d be willing to give the chocolate version a go next time!

Pretzels from Schneckels

Hope to see you at the market next Saturday!

City Market Report: Week 8

Today was our second official day in the condo, and was one that I’ve been looking forward to for some time. I’ll be writing more about what led to our eventual decision to live downtown, but I can tell you that the City Market, and convenient access to local food, was an important factor for us.

We had intentions to be down at the market for the 9am start time, but the week of moving had taken its toll on us. The funny thing was, as soon as I heard the ringing of the market bell, I bolted awake and ran to the balcony. Peering down below, I could see Jon Hall leading this week’s bell ringer up and down the street. Our life on 104 Street had officially begun!

Our balcony view of the City Market

Our coffee maker was still out of commission, tucked in a box somewhere, so we started our market day at Credo. There, we ran into Valerie and Marianne, who were enjoying their morning coffees out on the glorious patio. Mack’s Dad (in Edmonton for the weekend) and Thom soon joined us, and we set out to show them the market.

Thom and Martin (we had to get them an Eva Sweet waffle!)

It was a fabulous day for market shoppers – not only was the weather cooperative, but vendors are starting to have a greater variety of summer produce.

Sorrel and chives from Greens, Eggs and Ham

Lush lettuce from Sundog Organics

Ranier cherries from Steve & Dan

Beautiful carrot bunches from Riverbend Gardens

It was great to see Halwa Farms back for their first City Market date of the season, with plenty of fresh goods. I couldn’t resist a bag of snow peas – a great addition to any stir fry! Halwa is also doing several other markets around Edmonton, so be sure to look for them at Callingwood, St. Albert and Leduc markets as well!

Swiss chard

Snow peas!

Dill and cilantro I wanted to run my fingers through

Strawberries so red I could taste them with my eyes

There was also quite the commotion around Kuhlmann’s booth – they had the first peas of the season! Asparagus might be the sign of spring here in Edmonton, but I think peas usher in summer’s bounty.

Super sweet peas

Beets

We filled up our empty fridge with the basics – eggs from Sunshine Organic, carrots from Kuhlmann’s, tomatoes and bell peppers from Gull Valley Greenhouses/Doef’s, onions from Green Valley Farms – and our freezer as well, with bacon and sausage from Irvings Farm Fresh (we were happy that Alan still had a package of Indian masala mild curry sausages left – they will go great in a jambalaya this week).

Alan’s always smiling!

Both Martin and Thom bought some fruit from Steve & Dan’s, and Martin refreshed his supply of Mighty Trio Organics cold-pressed canola oil (we gave Martin & Patti a bottle of the oil in a gift basket at Christmas time). He also picked up a jar of dandelion honey from Lola Canola.

Martin decides between dandelion and buckwheat honey

It was great to be able to visit the market with Martin and Thom and introduce them to some of our favourite vendors. Of course, it also became apparent how lucky we are to have this market at our doorstep. Looking forward to next week already!

City Market Report: Week 7

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!

City Market Report: Week 6

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!