Local Farmers Go Wild!

Well, I'm not in SoCo this weekend but still wanted to add a post. I'm north of the border in Ottawa with my partner visiting friends. We took a walk this morning to the Ottawa Farmers Market. It appeared to be a more established farmers market than we have in SS. It probably had about twice the vendors we have - but since it's wicked cold here for most of the year they are just now getting some veggies and fruits we've had for a while. So it was like taking a step back in time - well not really - but you know what I mean.

Another striking difference we found was that the Canuckers here really seem to love their meat. There were many vendors selling local meats - and a lot of game. As we were walking I had a bite of some great smoked elk sausage. In addition we saw venison, boar, emu and ostrich for sale. Here is a pic of one of the local vendors - unfortunately since her stall was located near the end we ended up not buying from her. Feeling a little bit bad. I'm sure she would have been much happier if we bought her wild boar rather than simply taking a picture of it. Not much profit in customers simply photographing the meat. Oh well.

But is was great to see the amount of locally raised meats and poultry at this market. Some really fabulous stuff that I wished made its way a few hundred miles south to us. I think we compared well in most other categories - greens, strawberries, asparagus, etc. It was clear that the locals here really support their farmers market. But in addition - at least in the neighborhood where we stay - they have more than one butcher, a local fish monger and many other non-chain small businesses. The city does have a European feel that I think we sadly miss in almost all parts of the States. But it is heartening to know that in SoCo we do have a thriving farmers market and more and more - mostly local - shops opening up. I'm not sure we'll reach a point like Ottawa, but we have a lot to be thankful for in our little piece of heaven. Stay tuned for the next post.