As urbanites and professionals on the go, we know how easy it is to pop into the closest ubiquitous grocery chain and load up the cart with effortless eats. Especially back during the pandemic, the thought process was, ‘how can I do my shopping in the shortest amount of time? Can I click and collect?!’
But when was the last time you went to a farmer’s market, perused vendors, smelled and felt the potential ingredients for your next meal? Lately, as I meditate more on aging, I’m increasingly conscious of what I put into my body. I’m just as likely to pop on to the Uber Eats app as the next guy, but I’ve also discovered that efficiency comes at a cost, often in the form of extra calories, preservatives, and chemicals – and it can really take the joy out of cooking!
So I’ve been pushing myself to buy fresh meat and produce from farmers and local growers – like at the St. Lawrence Market – at least once a week. It’s a small start, but It feels good to replace complacency with growth – at least when it comes to mealtime!
Personally, I was never one to feel invigorated by the adventure of culinary creation; hand-selecting produce, experimenting with new flavours, and embracing local and seasonal ingredients simply wasn’t something I practiced or explored until recently. There’s a kind of satisfaction that comes from sorting through baskets and bins to find the freshest produce, or asking the butcher to help you select the perfect cut. Every time we succumb to mindless convenience, we’re denying ourselves one of the true pleasures of living in a large, culturally diverse city: food markets!!
The St. Lawrence Market is one of my favourite shopping trips to savour!
I adore the St. Lawrence Market, and the way all my senses ignite the moment I walk through a door. Like the feast of colour in the artfully arranged fruit stands. Or the dark, rich scent of roasting coffee beans dancing under my (mask-covered) nose, which shifts to the aroma of baking bread or the latest catch as I move from stall to stall. I also 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.
I always like to indulge my taste buds by trying a few new artisanal kinds of cheese to pair with a favourite wine, while sneaking a bite of my just-purchased still warm croissant. Experiences like this don’t happen in the canned-music warehouses of ‘big box’ grocery chains, where solitary shoppers absently fill their oversized carts with pre-packaged frozen foods while talking on their cell phones. Isn’t it odd how comfortable we’ve become 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, the gathering, and the satisfaction of serving!
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 the prestigious magazine, National Geographic, also placed St. Lawrence Market at the top of their 10 best food markets in the world! The world!
Today, the St. Lawrence Market is 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.
Did you know that, prior to being renovated for market use, the building on St. Lawrence Market South was actually city hall? It’s true! Beginning in 1845, it served as the municipal seat of government until 1899 when the council was moved to what we now call Old City Hall on Queen Street at Bay.
So, when were you last at St. Lawrence Market? This place is so special! Here are the current hours.
South Market:
Tuesdays – Fridays – 9am / 7pm
Saturdays – 7am / 5pm
Sundays – 10am / 5pm
Mondays – Closed
Farmers Market:
Saturdays – 5am / 3pm
To learn more about the history and what’s in store at the St. Lawrence Market, click here.
St. Lawrence Market
Front Street East & Lower Jarvis Street
Toronto, Canada
416.392.7120
For those who are seeking a space that offers the ideal trifecta of location, style and value, you know that accommodating all of your wishes, wants and needs is no easy feat. But how awesome would it be to live in the downtown core, surrounded by excellent neighbourhoods? Imagine the convenience of having everyday amenities within your grasp and enjoying weekend walks in any direction, knowing you’ll find something stimulating!
Here’s an offering located just a 10-minute cycle – or 12-minute bus ride straight down Sherbourne Street – from the market! (Can you currently claim freshness like this so close to home?)
We’re Singing Shangri-La-La-La On Sherbourne Street – NOW SOLD!
Surrounded by Cabbagetown to the northeast, Corktown to the southeast, and Regent Park to the east, plus Church Street Village to the northwest, the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood to the southwest, and the Garden District to the west, Moss Park offers a supportive blend of convenience, community, and culture.
280 Sherbourne Street is a collection of 18 multi-level townhomes that share a private courtyard behind secure gates. Beloved by its community of residents, these red brick residences – constructed in 1977 – were built to complement the Victorian residential fabric in the area. Comprising two rows of townhomes staggered in height and separated by a tranquil refuge of mature plantings and tiered stone paths, the row facing Sherbourne Street features fenced garden terraces within the private courtyard while the back row of townhomes enjoys private terraces on the west side of the complex overtop the secure exclusive-use carports accessible from the laneway.
Question? Contact nadia@urbaneer.com!
Here’s another property we sold that enjoys a central location, just a stroll from St Lawrence Market:
A Royal Suite At King’s Court Condominium, Steps To Toronto’s Beloved St. Lawrence Market – NOW SOLD!!
Contact James Ormston at james@urbaneer.com for more information or to book a private viewing!
Also, check out this pretty penthouse we SOLD last year 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 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!
And this 1bed 1bath urban pad was perfect for the urban professional! We called it, Culture & Contemporary Living In St. Lawrence Market! Now Sold!
For those who love to live modern, this clean ‘n crisp urban residence is the perfect marriage of style and function! Well-situated in the Toronto’s coveted St. Lawrence Market – where Old Toronto charm meets elegant contemporary living!
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 Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-800
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
Celebrating Twenty-Eight Years As A Top-Producing Toronto Realtor
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*Love Canadian Housing? Check out Steve’s University Student Mentorship site called Houseporn.ca which focuses on architecture, landscape, design, products and real estate in Canada.
