Here I stand, in the middle of the glorious work of the hands of farmers, producers, bakers, cooks and artists - now seventy-three local people and families sharing their passion with us. We are truly fortunate to have these people in our communities.
Watching the products arrive in a steady parade makes me feel like every day is my birthday. I love to watch customers share their discoveries..."Have you tasted the .....? oh-h-h-h....sooo delicious! Have you tried it with.....?" I also love hearing the producers talk about their food - how they raise their animals, how the weather affected them this year, where they get their recipes.
This week we're going to have a special treat. Meredith Cowan, winner of the Meaford Dragon's Den competition with her product "Meredith's Ginger Syrup" is going to be offering samples and conversation Thursday from 3 until close and Friday afternoon and evening. Look for ginger lattes - just one of Meredith's treats that satisfies the senses while nourishing the body.
The unpredictable weather this year has had a number of effects on our producers. Overall it has been a poor year for honey in eastern Canada, but Kelly from Chatsworth Honey says local consumer demand has meant more honey than ever is being packed instead of being shipped in bulk for commercial use. This is more secure and lucrative for the producer and you can buy your neighbour's honey for a price competitive with the grocery store honey from a mystery location. (Remember that Canada #1 on the honey label does not mean the honey was produced in Canada).
Speaking of honey, we had a wonderful visit from a grade one class at Dufferin School and they bought apples, honey and puffed cereal to make a delicious local snack. They tried two kinds of apples from Soundview Orchard and declared Jonogold to be their favourite. Look for their thank you notes on my wall, and keep an eye out for their snack recipe, coming soon. If you'd like to come for a tour or visit with your group, or arrange to have the store and perhaps some producers all to yourselves after hours, just let me know. We and they also go out to speak to classes and groups on a variety of subjects related to local food.
Back to the weather - the sunny November weather has kept many vegetables in the field, and because supermarkets buy on contracts signed months ago, many are already by-passing available Ontario food for American produce. This week we expect to have Ontario cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes and Boston lettuce at Around the Sound. Local garlic is still available, and our carrots and onions are from the Mennonite growers' co-op in Kinloss.
Everything you need for great Gyros is available at Around the Sound (except for the herbs and the pitas and I'd love to find both of those locally!) Just brown ground lamb with a minced clove of garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with rosemary, marjoram, basil and thyme and fresh ground pepper. Drain off the fat when cooked and scoop into pita pockets. Top with chopped fresh tomatoes and onions and homemade tzaziki - sour cream or yogurt, pureed and drained cucumber, pressed garlic and salt and sugar to taste.
Kathy from Wolf River Farm has filled the store with the smell of Christmas - come and pick up your fresh pine boughs, swags and dogwood. If you're really on top of your seasonal preparations, pick up Around the Sound gift certificates with Christy's beautiful watercolour of the store. Everyone on your list eats!
Or order a custom gift basket - like the breakfast basket with coffee or tea, a hot or cold cereal, jam, honey or maple syrup and a gift certificate for the ham, eggs and toast!
Remember that the Festival of Northern Lights opening festivities start Friday at 6 and you can park at Around the Sound and shop after the lights go on. We'll be open at least until 8 and our neighbours in the DIA are having Moonlight Madness. Saturday is the Santa Claus parade so if you're coming from the east, shop Thursday or Friday or wait until after 1. We'll still be here, and if you call ahead we'll save your bread for you!
Around the Sound Local Food Market is at 972 1st Avenue West (until we move in late Janary!) and we're open Thursday and Friday 10 until 7 and Saturday 10 until 4.
Call us at 370-2333 if you're looking for something special, need delivery or want something set aside for you.
Email us at aroundsoundfood@gmail.com.
See you soon.
Anne