In the Spring Edition, we explored the Crossroads Market… so, where is our next stop?
The Calgary Farmers’ Market! However, this one is going to take two stops, as they have two separate locations in Calgary. Calgary Farmers’ Market South, located at 510 77 Avenue SE, and Calgary Farmers’ Market West, located at 25 Greenbriar Drive NW.
Although some of the vendors are located in both the South and the West markets, there are a lot of vendors unique to each location, so it is definitely worth spending an afternoon at each one. Both locations host several events during the year that are great for families, and they help foster community spirit, which is truly the definition of what farmers’ markets are. They build connection and local identity through food, local artisans, and live music, which transforms your shopping experience into a fun-filled family event.
Calgary Farmers’ Market South was the first location to open in April 2011, and presently it hosts 75 vendors, 20 restaurants in the food hall, seating for 300 people, and a children’s play area. In the summer of 2022, the Calgary Farmers’ Market West location was opened, which also hosts plenty of vendors, restaurants, and a play area. There is no shortage of fascinating vendors to visit at either location, and here are a few of my favorites.
Margarita’s Dishes
Margarita’s Dishes is a family business located in the food halls of both the South and the West farmers’ market locations. It was established by none other than Margarita herself in 1986 after immigrating from the Ukraine. They have been in farmers’ market locations since the 90’s, serving up some of the best Ukrainian dishes in the city, including Margarita’s famous borscht, beef and rice cabbage rolls, and, of course, perogies. They are also well known for their schnitzel, blintzes (homemade buttermilk crepes), and spinach-parsley-avocado smoothie. You can definitely come here for a well-rounded meal, and you will leave incredibly full!
Shef’s Fiery Kitchen
Another family-owned restaurant business, run by sisters Sharon and Shefali, is Shef’s Fiery Kitchen. It has been part of the Calgary Farmers’ Market since 2017 (back when it was located in the Currie Barracks), and they are presently located at the South location. They claim that their food is rooted in both family and travel, as they learned how to cook from the best cook they know – their mom! They have travelled to Thailand to learn authentic Thai techniques and they also gain inspiration from India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and East Africa.
They bring all of those influences together in their dishes, which are made on-site in a traditional clay oven. Their food is gluten-free (except for their naan and samosas), and they use locally sourced, natural meats that are antibiotic- and hormone-free. In addition to the hot food that you can purchase to eat at the market, they also offer frozen heat-and-serve curries and spice blends for purchase. I love the fact that their menu rotates every three weeks! Be sure to be there to try one of their top sellers – the butter chicken!
Thai Manna
Thai Manna is another exotic favorite that started in 2008 inside Calgary Farmers’ Market West. Michelle Chick, founder of Thai Manna, was fuelled with a passion for Thai food after a trip to Thailand. Her do-it-at-home curry kits (especially her green curry) and her Pad Thai kits are exceptionally popular. They allow you to prepare healthy, flavorful meals for your family in under 20 minutes, and they give you the freedom to choose your protein and/or vegetables. All of the kits are MSG- and preservative-free, and are made from scratch. You can also find them at the Millarville Market, as well as the Spruce Meadows Christmas Market. Thai Manna is an active part of the community, collaborating with organizations like Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, where one dollar from every large green curry kit sold is donated to this awesome community program. They also do fundraisers for local sports teams and schools. Stop by today for a free sample!
YYSeafood
Husband-and-wife team Grant and Leanna actually met in the seafood industry 12 years ago. Grant became a fishmonger in 2014 and Leanna became a certified butcher the same year. Leanna says that when the opportunity came up to open a seafood stall at the Calgary Farmers’ Market West, they knew it was meant to be. Love at first bite? Well, I’m o-FISH-ally “hooked” on their housemade salmon patties and crab cakes! They also recently started carrying ten-day dry-aged sushi-grade salmon and tuna fillets. And their fresh poke bar looks outstanding! Try them out! Just for the hali-but!
Looking for fresh produce to go with your crab cakes? Panorama Orchards, found in both Calgary Farmers’ Market locations, has stunning, fresh produce handpicked from the Brar family farm in Oliver, British Columbia.
Want to spoil yourself? Stillwater Design (also found in both locations) has a wide array of fashionable handbags, jewelry, and clothing which will have you leaving the market in style!
On your way out of the West location, be sure to treat yourself to a Kinder Buena with white chocolate cookie from Chunk’d and a colorful bouquet from BlossomsYYC to truly feel pampered!
Jennifer is a local foodie with a passion for food writing. Find more of her food writing on her Facebook page: For The Love of Food YYC.
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