Our Faves

Qi Natural Foods

1001 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M6C 2C7

Rated this place:

posted Apr 7 2009

They are a Natural Choice!: So, you want to buy probiotics, organic veggies, diapers, quinoa and a chocolate bar - Qi Natural Foods is the store for you. At first entrance, you might want to flee. It’s not exactly a pleasant shopping experience in cramped aisles with crowded shelves. But once you’ve shopped Qi and explore each and every shelf, it’ll become your favourite stomping ground. I shop at 1001 Eglinton Avenue West near the Allen Road (there are 2 other locations also), where there is also a naturopath on hand to answer questions. As a bonus, they will get in products that you want and their prices are unbelievable. They take weekly organic milk orders in glass bottles also...thanks Gary!

The Healthy Butcher

565 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V2B6

Rated this place:

posted Apr 12 2009

LIVE TO EAT on Eglinton!: What a pleasure it is to shop on Eglinton West at the Healthy Butcher. Even though their store name implies meat, they are my stop gap measure in between farmer's markets for local and organic fruits and veggies, fish, cheese, bread and eggs. In a very small store (compared to a grocery store), you can buy everything from safe cookware, spices, organic condiments + flours, delicious artisinal cheese and crackers (monforte sheep's cheddar and evelyn's crackers...yum!), the best popcorn (passion popcorn from Ontario) and lots of nut-free and organic products (if you haven't already tried Mapleton's Organic Cappuccino Ice Cream, you must!). The staff are absolutely wonderful and very accommodating for any special requests. Even though there is no "easy" parking, it's easy in and easy out (they will carry their groceries to your car)...and open 7 days per week. 2 other locations also...it's worth the drive.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• organic butcher
• staff
• organic + local produce
• mapleton's ice cream

Brickworks Farmer's Market

550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON

Rated this place:

posted Apr 12 2009

Saturday Special!: The only negative about the market at Brickwork's is that it's not year round (there are other markets around Toronto all year, check www.greenbeltfresh.ca ). Going myself or with my family on Saturday mornings to enjoy breakfast and shop for the seasonal delights (faves include Cookstown tomatoes + garlic scapes, Sosnicki's garlic, greens and potatoes, asparagus and strawberries for their limited run, Monforte Cheeses, Kozlik's mustards, oh, the list is endless..the smoked fish, crackers, cheeses, eggs!). If you pair this up with one monthly shop for the few things you won't find here like sugar (except maple), you can live off your weekly shop. Make sure you introduce yourself to Farmer Chris...he can help you grow your own edible garden (shiitake mushrooms included). Once you taste real food, you will understand that the "hype" over lcoal AND organic makes perfect sense!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Eggs
• fish
• cheeses
• organic farm fresh fruits
• organic farm fresh veggies
• garlic scapes

Green Barn Farmers' Market

601 Christie St (Studio 181), Toronto, ON, M6G4C7

Rated this place:

posted Apr 12 2009

New and Neighbourhoodly!: This market recently moved to its permanent home at the Artscape Wychwood TTC Barns, in the covered street barn...what a fabulous space, indoors and out! You will find local, mostly organic and seasonal food here. You'll find the delicious flavours and rainbow of colours of local and organic produce here plus, honey, bread, cheese, fish and meats, grains, jams, syrup, wildcrafted foods, mushrooms, and lots of people to talk to! There is an area for kids to play and keep busy, although I encourage you to elt yur kids shop with you too...it's amazing that when they choose the foods, they will like to eat it...even kale!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• cheese
• organic local fruits
• organic local veggies
• kids playground
• honey
• passion popcorn
• ezra's oatmeal