As usual, I’m going to apologize for making you run to Bloor Street on your lunch break. In the past 5 or so years that I’ve been working in the neighbourhood, I’ve had a lot of great finds in Yorkville/Bloor. Aside from the opening of Kate Spade, none have been quite as deliciously dangerous as the chic Club Monaco Farmer’s Market that popped up last week. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the world’s chicest farmer’s market. You’ll see…
Popping up outside Club Monaco’s Bloor Street flagship in Toronto, the market is home to five of the city’s top vendors and will be open 7 days a week until mid-October. You don’t want to miss this one – trust me.
I visited last week for a quick tour – the first of way too many, I’m sure – with my friend Jaime and was immediately taken by how lovely it is. Bloor is no stranger to beauty – every shop along the mink mile is jaw-dropping – but the lush greenery outside Club Monaco’s impressive Toronto home was something else.
Our first stop, of course, was Philip’s Ice Pops. It wasn’t even a muggy day, but I learned last year that these pops are not to be missed. Of all the ice pops in town, these are my favourite – flavourful, made with local ingredients and just delicious. I had strawberry basil while Jaime enjoyed watermelon mint – yum!
I’ve been seeing Bake Shoppe‘s homemade pop tarts all over Instagram, so I knew we’d have to try one of those as well. The chocolate/peanut butter treat was to die for, but what really stole our hearts was the ruffles marshmallow bar. HELLO. I’ll be MIA for the next week while I figure out how to recreate it in my kitchen.
These beauties from Sweet Woodruff – one of my go-to Toronto floral shops – made their way home with me. They’ll be offering up Club Monaco-inspired bouquets all summer long and you can bet they’ll be gracing the desks of all the agency ladies along Bloor. These dahlias were my first of the season and made it just a little easier to say goodbye to my beloved peonies.
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, Parts & Labour is serving up a custom white fish & quinoa salad designed by executive chef Matty Matheson. Early birds wanting a change from the area’s bazillion Starbucks will find freshly brewed artisinal coffees from Boxcar Social.
If you’re ever in the area, make sure to shoot me a message so we can check out the market together! I’ll be walking over every chance I can get.
