A couple weeks ago Caron and I had a coffee date with “The Rhyming Chef” (Philman George) at Oakville Place, when we stumbled onto a delightful little farmers market in the parking lot of the mall. As a foodie and fresh produce junkie, I just had to spend a few minutes touching, smelling and taking in the general sights at this quaint farmers market. My senses go wild whenever we hit a market or any sort of produce store as when we did St Jacobs market last year (note to self – go back to St Jacobs soon) and Caron is somewhat of a similar market junkie as I am so we grabbed the camera and browsed the stalls.

The Oakville Place Farmers Market is relatively small and from speaking with the vendor at the fruit/berry stall, we learned that the market season is from June 16 to October 6 and is only open on Thursdays between 8 am and 2 pm. With locally grown seasonal fruits, vegetables and tons of baked goods, it’s a great way to not only support the local farmers, but a chance to get fresh food as it was meant to be enjoyed. If you’re a fan of the kitchen as I am, you’ll know that using fresh produce only enhances whatever recipe you’re using. But be warned that once you go “fresh” you won’t want to go back to the stuff sitting on the grocery shelves for weeks.

We also noticed that there was a vendor selling locally made knit products and if she wasn’t already busy answering some questions from a customer we certainly would have had a chat with her to know if she was the one doing the knitting and how were customer’s reaction to her beautiful creations.

We skipped by the baked products (not by choice), since we were now running late for our meeting and with the weakness I have for homemade apple pie, I would have surely adopted one to take home. Working on eating healthier and loosing some weight though!

Both Caron ann I couldn’t believe how vibrant the colours were and how perfect the produce seemed. No blemishes and even with the heat of the miday sun, they were not wilted. The greens of the beans, lettuce, asparagus and herbs, the yellow, red and orange of the peppers were all striking. The fruits we’re bursting with that strong punch of colour that convinced us that they were like little fruit sugar crystals just waiting to explode with flavor in your mouth. Caron even asked “have you ever seem more perfectly ripe tomatoes?”.. maybe she was right as they were indeed perfect to the eye.

Don’t let another Thursday go by without a quick stop at the Farmers Market at Oakville Place Mall and be sure to take your kids so they get to meet the farmers. This way they’ll know that what they eat does not originate in some grocery store.

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from the farmers market at Oakville Place) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

Oakville Place Farmers Market
Where:     Oakville Place at Trafalgar Rd. & Leighland Ave., Oakville, ON

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Oh how I miss the temporary location of the Hamilton Farmers market and the original market from a couple years back! At first I thought that I was being overly critical of the “New” market, but I’ve now gone 3 times since it was reopened and my thoughts are pretty much the same. Funny enough, the people who were with me as well as a couple of the vendors we spoke with, feel the same way.

After over a year or so of renovations and much hype during that time (a lot of money was spent as well I must add), I walked though the new glass doors leading into the market from Jackson Square with much excitement. But wait! The main (top) floor is exactly as it was before, except some vendors were moved around a bit. We then decided to head downstairs to the main market area, when we noticed that the escalators were gone and now replaced by stairs. Stairs that seem to take up a lot of room from what was a wonderful way to descend into the hub of shopping.

At the top of the stairs is the only thing that really stands out from the work they’ve done… a wonderful crafted Birks clock (see notes below). For people needing wheelchair access there’s also a new elevator to the left side of the stairs and the original ramp on the right side is still there. Again, the very same as it used to be in the past.

As you make your way around the ground floor you can’t help but feel boxed in. The previous layout didn’t have this sort of boxed-in stalls which now crowd the landscape. There used to be such an open feel to this area before, a feel that worked to the benefit of both vendors and shoppers. You could easily glance over and see what other offerings the stalls across the floor had to offer. This is no longer the case. additionally, the aisle now seems more crowded and with less room to move around freely. The funny thing is that I don’t believe the width of the aisles got any smaller, but the layout itself contributes to the overall crowded feel.

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Gone from the market is the natural vibe it once had… the chatter between vendor and shopper, the sort of melting pot ambiance generated from the many cultures that were represented in the past and the overall inviting feel one would get while browsing the many food stalls. Even the temporary location had all of this! In previous years you could stand at the top of the ramp and look down and across the floor and see this wonderful buzz of activity, now you’ve got to settle for limited views and that boxed-in feel I mentioned earlier.

Yes, the clock really stands out, the idea of a food court is creative and the natural light which filters in from the use of ground to ceiling glass windows overlooking the street are all appreciated, but we left asking “what did they really do after being closed for so long, doing renovations?”

Interesting Facts About the Historic Birks Clock

- Also known as “Clock of the Charging Horsemen”
- Commissioned by Birks Jewelers for the corner of their building at King and James; designed by Kruger Gray, who also created the designs for the Canadian penny and nickel
- The clock measures over 17’ in height, weighs over a ton and is made of bronze cladding
- The clock features a round Norman tower, and four jousting knights at the base modeled after a clock at Wells Cathedral in England
- The knights joust 2 times at the quarter hours; 4 times at the half hour; 6 times at the ¾ hour and 8 times at the hour – the same as they did in 1930
- For its restoration in the newly renovated Farmers’ Market, the clock was taken completely apart – over 1,000 pieces – and each piece was treated and most painted before reassembly
- The new mechanism includes a sound system that is capable of playing numerous programmable tunes:

The ¼ hour chimes are based on the Winchester tune.
9 a.m.: ‘Oranges and Lemons’;
Noon: ‘Cockles and Mussels’
3 p.m.: ‘Polly Put the Kettle On’

Hamilton Farmers Market

Location:       35 York Boulevard,
Hamilton, Ontario
Phone:     905-546-2096
Fax:     905-546-2829

Hours of Operation
Tuesday:       7 am – 6 pm
Thursday:       7 am – 6 pm
Friday:       8 am – 6 pm
Saturday:       6 am – 6 pm

The Market is closed on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Sundays and
all statutory holidays.

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Immediately after our buffet breakfast at Stone Crock Restaurant, it was our plan to browse the many shops in the village and then head over to the Farmer’s Market, since that was the last stop on our way out of St Jacobs. I was stuffed from that magnificent breakfast and was really not in the mood to walk, as I would much prefer a shady tree, cool breeze and hammock. However the “tourists” were just starting to pack the one street town and there was a nice buzz of activity. Plus Caron and Toni were eager to get started, even if it was just window shopping. Thankfully there were many benches along the street where Marko and I could sit and relax as the ladies did their thing.

Though the shops themselves are not run by the Mennonites, there was the occasional time I would see someone dressed in their traditional gear walking about town and I even caught the glimpse of a horse and buggy driven by a Mennonite gentleman. I’ve seen such on tv, but never live an direct (very neat). The town itself is basically one street lined with several unique shops, restaurants and what could be considered working museums.

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Our first stop was the mini mall at the end of the strip on the left side facing the bridge that crosses the river that runs through the far end of the town. Caron was intrigued by the assortment of items from Scotland and the other British Isles, but I found the woman who manned the cash register to be very rude and unwelcoming. She’s one of those people who makes you think you did something wrong, even though you know you’ve not. I walked out the same speed I walked in after this negative vibes and I can guarantee you that I will never go back to “A Touch Of Scotland”. Next door, within the same mini mall building is Taste- The Forth Sense (Gourmet condiments: oils and specialty sauces.) , so I was like a kid in a candy store with all the hot sauces they had on sale. The young man on duty was very helpful in explaining the background of all the hot sauces he had on display and I could see his face light up when I asked to try what he said was their hottest sauce in stock. “He’ll regret asking me to try this sauce” is what I could see going through his head and was very sorry to disappoint him when my reaction was not what he expected. I have a very high tolerance for anything hot and spicy and though this sauce was very hot, it didn’t phase me one bit. The selection, friendly atmosphere and the ability to sample, is why I would highly recommend a visit to “Taste- The Forth Sense”.

By this time the sun was getting hot and the touristy crowds were starting to get thick, so make note of this if you’re planning a trip to St Jacobs. Arrive early to get a jump-start on things. Basically the Village of St. Jacobs, is where simplicities of small town life complement the fabulous shopping in many fine specialty shops, boutiques and artist’s studios. And though I personally didn’t go into each store, I must make mention of the ones that stuck out…

Chocolate ‘n More: Featuring truffles, creams, caramels, clusters, bark and No-Sugar-Added products. Plus Brittles ‘N More featuring handmade fudge, brittles, beernuts, Turkish Delight, sponge toffee. Enjoy selections from espresso/coffee bar and 17 flavours of soft-serve “Flavorburst” and “Crunchi Creme” icecream.

Christmas in St Jacobs – An all year store with tons of Christmas decorations and trinkets.

Artistic: The Gift And Garden Place – This store is jammed with stuff you can use to decorate your outdoor (and indoor) living spaces and it’s a great option for finding that perfect gift for someone without having to break the bank. Be sure to check out the model train that run through the ceiling of the store and whimsical water wheel on the outside of the building.

Hamel Broom – Manufacturer and retailer of corn brooms. Absolutely my favorite spot as it’s like a working museum on how corn brooms are made. A bit dusty, but definitely something you must not miss.

The Cake Box 2 – Cupcakes, cookies, organic teas, gourmet coffees. And I believe they also offer cake decorating classes on the weekend.

If your back is towards the river and you’re facing the way into town, on the left side there are 2 stores that you must also check out, the bakery and the butcher shop. In the pics above you’ll catch a glimpse of the inside of these two establishments. As you enter the bakery a sudden hunger takes over your body, with the tasty scent of breads and dessert fresh out of the oven and as you look around you notice that you’re surrounded by pies and other baked goods that causes you to almost drool on yourself. I’m, so sorry I can’t remember the names of these two stores to give them full credit for their amazing product line.

I’m sure if you were to ask the girls what their favorite stores were on this trip they would probably mention some of the Jewelery, Clothing, Quilts and other specialty store that are geared for women. So ladies, go prepared to shop, but at a laid-back pace as no one seems to be in a rush.

One last thing I must mention before I wrap up this review. In the pics above you’ll see a snap of a “Home Hardware”, supposedly this is the very first location of this proud Canadian franchise and we were told that not too far from the town’s core,  is a massive distribution center for Home Hardware. I guess the locals are very proud of this as they suggested we drive over to see this building.

If you’re looking for something to do as a family, couple or with friends, why not head out to St Jacobs and be sure to also check out the Farmer’s market!

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After  a lovely breakfast at Stone Crock Restaurant, we headed over to the St Jacobs Farmer’s Market, since this was the real reason for our day trip to St Jacobs. A vibrant market with over 600 vendors and aisle upon aisle of fresh produce from across Ontario and from local farm gardens. Plus, there’s meats, cheese, baking, local crafts, home decor, furniture, clothes, tools, housewares, and more.

I was like a kid in a candy store this day! We arrived around noon and the parking lots were jammed packed, however the amount of people you have coming and going, a spot was not that difficult to find. On entering the indoor market you’re immediately greeted with the vibrancy of a packed farmers market. The sounds of people negotiating prices, placing their orders and the occasional shouts from vendors broadcasting what they have on special for the hour. The scent of baked goods, smoked meats and ripe fruits permeated the entire two floors of this master crafted wooden structure. With exposed timber and fine craftsmanship, it felt as if you were in a glamorous barn type building. It reminded me of a scene in the movie “Witness” during a barn raising by the Amish people. But as far as I could tell, the Mennonites were the ones who can lay claim to founding this astounding market.

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The selection and quality of products were unmatched as far as freshness, size and taste goes, but I found the prices to be about 10-15% more than what you’d pay at the grocery store. There were samples galore and one could easily skip lunch and dine just of the wide variety of samples vendors were giving out to shoppers. And in all honesty, it’s the widest selection of pies I’d ever seen in my life and to top it all off I saw a kid selling pickles on a stick. As you would expect to find popsicles, this kid (see pic above) had pickles on sale and they seemed to be hit, with the large crowd I saw around him.

Couple pointers I must mention though… the crowds can be extensive and navigating the market can become a bit of a challenge, without bumping into others and if you plan on bringing your children with you, you may want to think twice about bringing that baby buggy. With the crowds and tight hallways, navigating the aisles may be a bit challenging. However, the outdoor market is well suited for the entire family with it’s complete openness and the kids will get a kick out of the petting zoo at the rear.

You also got the sense of the true multicultural aspect of life in Canada as the food on sale represented many corners of the world. And if you listened closely you could also pick up on a wide array of languages and accents from the vendors and those shopping and others like me who were just mesmerized by everything.

It’s takes a good hour or so to walk through and really grasp everything the indoor market has to offer so do consider this when planning your trip. St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market  is a unique and lively place to shop.

The Outdoor Market.

Just when the sadness of having to leave the market came over me, our friends who’d been here several times before said it was time to go to the outdoor part of the market. My eyes lit up once again and this time I was in for a bigger and better treat. This section reminded me of my childhood days accompanying my mom to Sunday market in the Caribbean. Which was all open-air. The only thing that was missing was the fresh catch of the day, since the market we went to also had a seafood section where the local fishermen would sell what they caught that morning.

Here you’re greeted with the smell of cooking food as there were many options for street food to choose from. Including some of the best pita sandwiches I’d ever seen. Fresh grilled meats, topped with mouthwatering cooked vegetables (peppers,onions etc) and wrapped tightly into a sandwich which you could hold onto while still walking through the market. Seems the fresh cut fries were just as popular, with the huge lines that were gathered to fork over cash for this deep fried goodness.

Just as the indoor market had a wide selection to choose from, the outdoor market was not to be out done, except you here you could find buskers, a flea market and a small petting zoo. There were chickens, ducks, pony rides and from the pics below you’ll see a couple beautiful horses that stuck their heads out the window just in time for me to capture them with my camera.

I’ve never been a friend of flea markets so I quickly browsed through the cheaply made stuff on sale, but I did come across the most magnificent horses I’d ever seen at the rear/side of all the vendors. They was part of the trolley ride you can take through town and this can be found at the back of the outdoor market, where the flea market section is.

It seems that this section of the St Jacobs Market was also used for wholesale selling as there were options to buy in huge quantities. I saw bushels of corns, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, etc and I can only image if we came later in the summer when the local farmers were really reaping their crops.

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BTW if you’re looking for bathrooms you have two options. There’s some within the indoor market on the ground floor and in the outdoor market, work you way into the red building where there’s the designated seating area. And if you’re visiting on a sunny day remember the sunblock and walk with a bottle of water as it gets pretty hot.

I can honestly say that there’s no better way to spend the day or reason to take the drive to St Jacobs. Enjoy international favourites, and local delicacies including sausage, apple fritters, and pure maple syrup sold by Mennonite farmers who travel to market by horse and buggy. Oh yea! – don’t forget to try the pickle on a stick

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market:

878 Weber Street North, Waterloo Ontario

Hours of Operation Phone: 519-747-1830
E-mail:markets@stjacobs.com

3 km. south of Village of St. Jacobs

DAYS & TIMES

Thursday & Saturday year around

7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday Summer Market

June 16 to September 1, 2009

8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Gone are the days when on a Saturday morning the real “buzz” of Hamilton could be found at the farmers market in downtown Hamilton. I’ve been going to the market religiously since I emigrated to Canada many moons ago, but the past 4 years I’ve been forced to stay away. The culture the market once represented of this great city was gone and the once majestic location needed new life. Well it seems that I was not the only one paying attention, as a complete renovation is underway.

We’ve been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit the past 5 years or so and one of the norms when we travel is to visit the local markets in whatever new city or town we’re in. You won’t believe how much you can tell about a country or city, just from a quick visit to a market. And a visit to the Hamilton Farmer’s market is no exception.

Culturally you’ll be blown away at the representations of the different ethnic groups that call Hamilton (and Canada) home. From the Italian baked treats, to the wide selection of ground provisions found at Ms Tilly’s Caribbean stall, the fish section run by the South Asians, the pastries influenced by the jolly German lady, the fresh locally grown berries run by the Dutch family, the prepared vegetarian delights from India… culture to the extreme! And I love it!

Presently due to the renovations to the old location of the market, the market is relocated down the aisle way from the Sheraton Hotel and the Dollarama Store in Jackson Square and this move seems to have brought back life to the once prosaic existence.

Rather than try to convince you about how nice it is to visit the market now and all the wonderful things you can get here, I let some of my pictures tell the story. There is no place in Hamilton or the surrounding area where you’ll not only find the true vibe of Hamilton represented, but there’s no better place for fresh produce, fish, baked treats, flowers, cheese, deli meats and just about everything you’d expect to find at a farmers market.

History of the Market

The Hamilton Farmers’ Market was originally founded in 1837, at the corner of York & James Streets. Andrew and Mary Miller transferred a small parcel of land to the President and Board of Police of the Town of Hamilton, to be utilized specifically for a Market.

The Market has been in its current location next to the Hamilton Public Library since August 1980. The modern architectural design provides a mezzanine level and lower level, consisting of 176 stands and approximately 80 stallholders. All indoors!

The Market re-opened for business in April 2009 in its temporary location inside Jackson Square. It will remain there until the renovations are complete (Fall 2010). All stallholders are operating, and the hours are the same: Tues & Thurs. 7-6, Fri. 8-6 and Sat. 6-6.

Location:   2 King Street West
Jackson Square Mall, Phase 4
Hamilton, Ontario
Phone:     905-546-2096
Fax:     905-546-2829
Email:     farmersmarket@hamilton.ca

Hours of Operation

Tuesday:        7 am – 6 pm
Thursday:      7 am – 6 pm
Friday:            8 am – 6 pm
Saturday:       6 am – 6 pm

The Market is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays and all statutory holidays.

Free Parking

One hour of free parking at the York Blvd. Parkade when the market is open. Take your parkade stub to the Market Office, show proof of your Market purchase, get your validation stamp and show it to the cashier when you exit the parkade.

Come out and support the local economy and enjoy the sights, sounds and taste of Hamilton.