The Culinary Joy Of The St Lawrence Market
As busy urbanites always on the go, it’s easy to pop into the ubiquitous grocery chain and load up our carts with easy eats. I get it… ’cause I do it! Especially with the pandemic, it’s how can I do my shopping in the shortest amount of time? Can I click and collect? Or subscription based meal kits. Taking the joy out of picking your own, making sure it’s not bruised, mold or past it’s prime. But every time we succumb to this mindless convenience we’re denying ourselves one of the true pleasures of life in our city. What is that, you ask? It’s savouring the local offerings of the St. Lawrence Market!
I adore the St. Lawrence Market. Where else can you have all your senses tingle the moment you walk through a door? Like the visual assault of colours artfully arranged on the fruit stands. Or catching the burnished whiff of roasting coffee beans as the scent dances under your mask covered nose, suddenly shifting to the salty smell of fresh fish. I love hearing the snippets of conversation of people planning meals, the din of bartering purveyors tempting their wares to passersby, and the inevitable beat of a musical busker. I enjoy the abundance, the freshness, and the pleasure of squeezing local produce to ensure they’re ripe exactly to my liking.
Plus, when I’m at the market I always indulge my taste buds trying a few new artisanal kinds of cheese to pair with a favourite wine, while sneaking a bite of just-purchased still warm freshly-baked bread. Experiences like this don’t happen in the canned-music warehouses of ‘big box’ grocery chains, where solitary shoppers absently fill their over-sized carts with pre-packaged frozen foods while talking on their cell phones. How odd we have become comfortable denying ourselves the simple pleasure of shopping for fresh market food.
After all, as those who savour culinary creation know, the experience extends beyond the kitchen, to include the planning and gathering of goods!
Photo courtesy of the National Post
This wonderful neighbourhood destination has roots that extend back to 1803, when it began offering fresh and prepared food to area residents. One thing that has remained consistent throughout the centuries is the market’s commitment to providing high-quality goods and supporting local growers. Not only is this a favourite for locals, but prestigious National Geographic magazine also placed St. Lawrence Market at the top of their 10 best food markets in the world! The world!
“The Old City Hall”, now known as St. Lawrence Market, on King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The building served as the municipal seat of government for 55 years, at which point it was replaced by what is now called Old City Hall on Queen Street West.
Now, St. Lawrence Market comprised of three main buildings South Market, North Market and St. Lawrence Hall. The South Market houses roughly 120 different vendors and has exhibition space for the city’s cultural services. The North Market normally houses the Saturday Farmers Market and the Antique Market on Sundays. St. Lawrence Hall has retail shops and city offices.
The St. Lawrence Market has remained open during COVID-19, with some modifications. Some vendors are still closed and they have modified their operating hours. The outdoor Farmer’s Market is expected to run until November 14. The Antique market is open Sundays from 5am-5pm.
As with all other local businesses, social distancing, handwashing and mask-wearing are required.
For their full COVID-19 response, click here.
This place is so special!
So when were you last at The St. Lawrence Market?
To learn more about the history and what’s in store at the St. Lawrence Market, click here.
St. Lawrence MarketFront Street East & Lower Jarvis StreetToronto, Canada416.392.7120
How incredible would it be if you could make this market your local go-to for groceries? Here’s a great St. Lawrence Market offering for lease that perfect for the savvy urbanite who loves the hard loft look: A Vintage Loft Steps To St. Lawrence Market!
How would you love to rent a crunchy n’ cool space in a Heritage Building with 1058 square feet of living space spread over two levels?! This 2-bedroom vintage loft is ‘industrial chic’ at its best! Offered for lease at $3,300/Month!
Contact James Ormston at james@urbaneer.com for more information or to book a private viewing!
Right nextdoor to the St Lawrence Market, is Toronto’s Distillery District, which was chosen by the UK Guardian as one of the “coolest shopping districts” because of the area’s pedestrian-friendly streets and lack of chain retailors: 10 Cool Shopping Distrcits Around The World! How neat would it be to live there?!
Here’s a 1bed+den soft loft right in the heart of the Distillery! Crisp, contemporary, and cool, these dreamy digs are ideal for urban dwellers who love the vibrancy and excitement of living downtown, but in a private perch above all the bustle! A Sun-Kissed Soft Loft With Cobblestone Mews View In The Distillery District is NOW SOLD!
Also, check out this pretty penthouse we JUST SOLD in the St Lawrence neighbourhood: A Panoramic Penthouse Perch In The St Lawrence Neighbourhood!
Seeking space to spread out and truly enjoy downtown living? This crisp and contemporary suite could be just what you’re looking for! Penthouse 3 (#1603) is situated at the south-west corner of 39 Sherbourne Street, occupying two-storeys on the 16th and 17th floors. Originally designed as a 2bed + den, 2bath suite, it was reconfigured with the builder – King Plus Development Group Corp – to become a spacious 1-bed, 1.5-bath urban oasis!
Can the personable engaging and service successful Urbaneer team become the realtors of choice for you or someone you love? We’d be delighted to guide you in securing the best of the best Toronto real estate.
With a multi-disciplinary education in housing – and 28 years of experience in the property market – Steve and his team believe the search for a Home requires engagement on sensory, intellectual and emotional levels. In fact, it’s how we’ve become top producing realtors.
Thanks for reading!
-The Urbaneer Team
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative& The Innovative Urbaneer TeamBosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
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