Date Night: Beverly Farmers’ Market and Historical Tour

A few years ago, Mack and I had dinner followed by a carriage ride, and in that post I wrote that this was only possible in Highlands. Well that wasn’t true.

On Tuesday, Mack and I headed to the neighbourhood of Beverly. I’d been meaning to visit their farmers’ market for some time, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine a few activities.

A smaller market open Tuesday evenings from May to September, it is definitely modest in its offerings, but anchored by two recognizable vendors, Riverbend Gardens and Steve & Dan’s, it does draw regular shoppers.

Beverly Farmers’ Market

Rounding out the offerings are more than a dozen other vendors, with wares ranging from baked goods, seafood, and crafts. It was nice to see that the Beverly Farmers’ Market had an incentive program in place – if customers purchased $10 from the featured vendor of the week (in this case, it was the kettle corn truck), they would receive $5 in market dollars to spend at a future market.

Steve & Dan’s

An inflatable play structure was set up in an adjacent field (accessible by admission), and we were told that live music was also a mainstay. Three food trucks were present, but Dolce & Banana immediately drew our attention. We had the chance to sample their mojito-flavoured Italian sodas at our last What the Truck?!, but we were keen to finally try one of Ernesto’s sandwiches on this occasion.

We ordered the The Soprano, filled with spicy salami, mortadella, banana peppers, muffelata and vegetable spreads, basil pesto and mozzarella. Made fresh and pressed to order, the focaccia was hot and delightfully crispy, each bite layered with salty pops of flavour.

The Soprano from Dolce & Banana

We actually ended up taking our sandwiches on the carriage ride. A part of Doors Open Edmonton (on until July 12, 2015), the free historic tours of Beverly provide a chance to learn more about a neighbourhood that just celebrated its centennial in 2014.

We had to pre-register, and given the group was at capacity, I was especially glad we did so. Seated in a horse-drawn wagon, it was a comfortable introduction to Beverly. Mack and I were particularly taken with the Cenotaph Park. Built to commemorate the men who served in the first World War, we were told it is the oldest cenotaph in Alberta.

Cenotaph Park

Unfortunately, the majority of the tour, led by a member of the Olde Towne Beverly Historical Society, was difficult to follow. The chronology of the events shared were not linear, and given a vast majority of the historical buildings are no longer standing (another discussion altogether), some photographic resources could have been shown for reference. In some ways, it was disappointing that a quick perusal of their website and Wikipedia was more informative than the in-person tour.

Horse and wagon

Still, we were directed to some beautiful murals we wouldn’t have otherwise looked for, such as Beverly Beginnings, which shows, among other things, the town’s coal mine foundations.

Beverly Beginnings

To end our evening in Beverly, we stopped by Take 5 (11801 48 Street), a doughnut shop I hadn’t heard of until recently. Lucky for us, they still had multiple varieties for us to choose from. The ones we tried tasted really fresh and springy, and both agreed that the most straightforward flavours of honey glazed and raised sugar were the best.

Hawaiian and banana cream

It was great to spend the evening in a corner of the city we haven’t frequented before. It has been said before, but a stay-cation in Edmonton over the summer is a blessing in so many ways.

City Market 2012 Winter Season Kick-off!

Although the City Market shifted from its 104 Street location last week to Churchill Square (as a part of the Olde Time Fair on the Square), today marked its first date inside their winter home of City Hall.

Inside the City Room

Mack and I arrived at the tail end of the market, but the selection of fresh produce was still very good (we picked up the last of Steve & Dan’s blueberries, for instance). It also looks like there is a new vegetable vendor this year – Erdmann’s, who would be familiar to those shoppers who frequent the St. Albert, Callingwood, Festival Place and Mill Woods markets.

Erdmann’s

The City Market did a great job of posting vendor maps for the 104 Street market – I am hoping a similar list will be cropping up for the winter edition. The signage was also lacking today – no sandwich boards could be seen, either directly outside City Hall or at Churchill Square directing patrons towards the market.

Great to see a fair number of vendors!

The City Market inside City Hall runs from 10am-3pm every Saturday (except December 22 and 29, 2012) until May 18, 2013. Hope to see you there!

City Market Report: Week 14

Mack and I had great intentions to wake up early to have a leisurely stroll at the City Market yesterday before we had to drive to Viking for the Rge Rd 135 dinner at Nature’s Green Acres, but of course, that didn’t quite happen. We did end up getting almost everything we wanted, but at a pace a little more frantic than usual for a Saturday morning.

Loved the City Market’s new flag markers

We were happy to see Martin Kerr back busking, too, and picked up his second CD of acoustic songs. We can legitimately say that Martin played us into Viking!

Martin Kerr

It seemed busier at the market than we’d ever seen it. Stalls were bustling with activity, and many were already sold out of some seasonal items. The appetite for fresh vegetables was palpable this week!

Riverbend Gardens was clean out of corn

Cabbage from Riverbend Gardens

Celery from Sundog Organic

Garlic from Kuhlmann’s

Mack always gets the fun job of toting around everything I throw into our shopping basket, and yesterday, even I had to admit it was fuller than usual!

Not impressed with the load

See you next week!

City Market Report: Week 5

It was another Saturday perfect for a stroll down the aisles of the City Market!

Busy market square

Mack and I had a blissfully late start to the morning – great for us, not so great for our grocery list. Though we were still able to pick up most things, we were out of luck on a few basics. Early birds are definitely rewarded!

Green onions from Kuhlmann’s

Spinach from Kuhlmann’s

The south end of the market continues to be configured with vendors back-to-back along the centre of the street. At present, the market is looking for feedback from shoppers on this orientation, so make sure you share your opinion with them on Facebook or Twitter, or in person the next time you’re there.

We did make sure to tuck around the alley to check out Bikeology taking place in Beaver Hills Park. I thought the event organizers did a great job of making the space feel warm and inviting.

When we arrived, we found a bike tune-up station, some spin cyclists doing their thing and a stunt performer demonstrating his skills!

What I was most looking forward to was the pedal-powered smoothies. I had read about this several years ago, but never had a chance to try it. Mack and I both gave it a whirl, and enjoyed the blended results!

Mack checks out the progress of his smoothie

Whee!

It was a great Saturday to be out – hope you enjoyed your day as well!

Grand Opening: Highlands Farmers’ Market

Though the City Market is our neighbourhood farmers’ market, Mack and I love exploring other markets. Edmonton’s newest market in Highlands debuted tonight, and we wanted to see what it was all about.

Highlands Farmers’ Market

Located in a small parking lot on 112 Avenue and 65 Street, the Highlands Market is a modest, community-based gathering of vendors. It seems to be less ambitious than the 124 Street Grand Market, but is a good size for the neighbourhood. We asked about the time of the market (short in duration, only 7-9pm, and the only market to start at so late an hour), and it turns out the business next door that lends the use of the parking lot agreed to those terms. Though we initially weren’t sure about such a brief time frame, it might work well for customers who desire being the early bird without skipping dinner first, and for vendors who need to get back to the farm.

Small but lots of heart

With just over a dozen vendors, the selection of products isn’t extensive, but there are a number of solid vendors. Sundog Organics and Tree Stone in particular are draws, each cultivating devotees from other parts of the city.

Sundog Organics

Tree Stone (without signage, curiously)

Creole Envie, a new catering business and restaurant (which opens its physical location tomorrow at 15120 Stony Plain Road) offering up Creole and Cajun flavours, will also be a consistent presence, as will Sugared & Spiced a new home-based bakery that specializes in cookies. We tried the blueberry oatmeal cookie (soft with just the right amount of sweetness) and the cinnamon bun (good texture and loved the icing!). I can imagine they will do business like gangbusters for the after-dinner crowd!

Danielle from Creole Envie

Jeff from Sugared & Spiced

The weekly vendor lists (with all dates until the end of September) are online, a great tool for shoppers deciding which of the four Thursday night markets to visit (124 Street, Alberta Avenue and Salisbury are the other three). I imagine with this competition, it will be even more imperative for markets to keep this information up to date. Highlands also steps it up a notch with a “Lovin’ the Market” button, which patrons can purchase for $10. The proceeds support the market, but the button provides shoppers with discounts on specific items from five vendors each week (for example, Tree Stone’s baguette was on special for button holders). It’s an interesting way to reward loyal visitors.

We also took the opportunity to peruse some of the area’s shops (open late as a part of Late Night on the Ave), as I think many market patrons did as well. All in all, it was a great way to spend a beautiful summer evening –I encourage you to check it out in the weeks to come!

Highlands Farmers’ Market, open from June 7 – September 27, 7-9pm, 112 Avenue & 65 Street

2012 City Market: Week 2

Without a wedding to rush off to this Saturday, Mack and I were able to take our time at the City Market this afternoon. It really was a gorgeous day, sunny with a light, warm breeze – such a difference just one week can make!

Beautiful day

We did treat ourselves to a lazy start, however, which did mean that some sought-after spring produce was already sold out by the time we got downstairs.

Jen’s Organic Garden was sold out

That said, we still encountered a full table of Edgar Farms asparagus, so made sure to snag a bundle. We also picked up an order from Greens, Eggs and Ham – the benefit of being on their Futures Program is that they will set aside some of their coveted produce for members!

Asparagus from Edgar Farms

Sunflower sprouts from Greens, Eggs and Ham

Rhubarb from Sundog Organics

Our leisurely walk down the market aisles also meant we were able to connect with some vendors we likely walked right past last week.

Elaine and Gary of Allium Foodworks

Amy of Ameya Studio

Vendors and shoppers alike are still getting used to the new back-to-back set up, but we really hope it sticks. Change always takes time to adapt to, but as a whole, it seems like the right decision for all involved on the street. And given the growth of the City Market this year, it might also be a good time for the organizers to develop a map app that would help consumers locate their favourite vendor.

Down one aisle

As we were browsing the market around lunch time, the lines at the different food vendors were noticeably long. Today, there were a total of six vendor options: Fork & Spoon Brigade, Medicine Man Bison, Serben Free Range, Fat Franks, Eva Sweet and Carnival Cravings. Lit was also selling burgers and Italian sausages from their patio barbecue.

Fat Franks

Filistix, a popular food truck who has been a mainstay at the City Market for several years, decided not to sign up for the 2012 season to focus on their campus ventures. For that reason, it seemed like an ideal time to usher in other food trucks, especially since they have been such a draw for the market. We know of many people who visit the market not specifically to shop, but to enjoy the outdoors, and people watch. Many of these people may not purchase groceries, but will buy something to eat, whether it be kettle corn, a hot dog, or lemonade. Street food has become an integral part of the market.

Picking up my sweet treat of the day

We know of at least one food truck who applied this year was turned down, but there could be others as well. Though the savoury dishes provided by the Fork & Spoon Brigade are a good start, other more unique options would be a welcome complement, and ultimately, could help entice more people to the market. Hopefully the City Market embraces other food trucks soon – because if they won’t, other markets will.

See you next week!

City Market Report: Week 16

It was one of the coldest Saturdays in recent memory, chilly and gusty, particularly depressing given the fact that it is still August. But I was still looking forward to the City Market, given the penultimate cultural festival would be taking place today.

Roving accordion player!

Pinocchio gelato stand (the weather was really unfortunate)

Edmonton Opera was on hand at the market also to promote their upcoming season. And boy, did they ever – three “flash mobs” were organized throughout the day, with opera singers disguised as market shoppers spontaneously breaking into song, and additional singers joining in as the aria continued.

The aria begins (in the beginning, I had no idea where the sound was coming from – but I followed the line of sight to the singer’s tall white hat)

In full song

A crowd gathers

If you missed it, not to worry – staff were on hand to capture the performances, which should be uploaded to YouTube soon.

Amidst the excitement, we did our shopping. Mack and I had invited Grandma Male for breakfast this morning, and were eager to show her around the market, which she hasn’t visited in some time.

At Kuhlmann’s with Grandma Male

Gladiolas from Kuhlmann’s

She picked up some basil from Sundog Organics, remarking at how fresh and pungent it smelled, while I bought some eggplant.

Parsnips from Sundog Organics

Heirloom and heritage tomatoes from Sundog Organics

Many shoppers were in a frenzy over the fresh corn available – ourselves included.

Corn from Riverbend Gardens

Massive flat cabbage from Riverbend Gardens (we were told they are great for making cabbage rolls)

Next week, the Market gears up for the back-to-school rush, with many family-friendly activities planned, including a petting zoo.

Salisbury Farmers’ Market

While I do constantly lament the hiatus of my favourite (City Centre) farmers’ market over the winter months, I know I really ought to look on the bright side and take in one of the several year round farmers’ markets in Edmonton. One such market is located in Sherwood Park, at the Salisbury Greenhouse. Mack, Grandma Male and I checked it out for the first time last week.

Besides being my first visit to their market, it was also the first time I had been to the greenhouse. I wasn’t expecting their enormous Christmas decoration section – between their enormous assortment of ornaments and tree varieties (including a few trees hung upside-down), I almost felt like I was at the Festival of Trees! Salisbury is definitely worth a peek if you’re looking to deck the halls.

Christmas Central!

How about a palm tree for Christmas?

Can’t forget the poinsettias!

The market itself is fabulous, and a lot larger than I anticipated. It isn’t fair to compare Salisbury to an outdoor market or even to the Old Strathcona venue because of its dual purpose space, but aside from a too-dim interior, I loved it.

Salisbury Farmers’ Market

The vibe was great – patrons chatting up a storm with vendors, and as a bonus, the market was giving away $5 gift certificates to the first 50 people who asked for them, so between Mack and myself, we rang up $10 worth of free food. They said the promotion will continue until the December 17 market.

Produce!

I appreciated the variety of vendors there, which was a mix of familiar (Irvings Farm Fresh, Medicine Man Bison and enSante) and not so familiar (we picked up some baked goods and veggies from vendors that I neglected to note down). We also discovered another locally-roasted coffee company called Blackdoor Coffee based out of Camrose. The beans are fair trade, obtained from a women’s co-operative, and some of the profits from sales are donated to a women’s shelter in Camrose.

In addition, the market featured a non-profit organization that rehabilitates miniature horses as therapy animals – one of their charges was greeting customers all over the space, too cute!

Almost actual size

While I can’t say I will be back to Salisbury frequently (Old Strathcona is definitely more central and easier for me to get to), if you live in the area or don’t mind the drive, it is a worthwhile market to visit.

Salisbury Farmers’ Market
52337 – Range Road 232, Sherwood Park
Thursdays year-round, 4:30-8pm

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