Private: Blog & Recipes Archive

Thank you for coming back; this is our twelfth installment of Vendor Highlights, where we dive in and explore a different vendor each week, allowing you to learn more about them and discover their story and some hidden gems. Today, we would like you to have a glimpse at the story behind Rafet from Market Cafe:

For as long as he could remember, the idea of owning and running his very own business had been a constant presence in Rafet’s thoughts. This dream finally took form when he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by establishing a cozy nook within the London library. This humble beginning marked the inception of his passion for creating spaces that fostered wonderful connections.

Then in 2016, there was a significant turning point in Rafet’s life when he made the bold decision to transition from the library to our bustling Market and opened Market Cafe. This shift allowed Rafet to experience the vibrant energy of central London, a dynamic place where people from all corners of the city join. It was within this atmosphere that he discovered his true calling – bringing individuals together in a warm and inviting environment. Rafet cherished the art of making every person who came to his establishment feel not only welcome but also completely at home.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Rafet’s journey was the joy he found in serving his community of London. He saw himself as a beacon of familiarity and comfort, a place that both locals and tourists alike could rely on for their daily caffeine fix and more. Rafet was not just passionate about his products; he was equally dedicated to delivering exceptional service with a warm, ever-present smile.

His aspiration was simple yet profound: to create a lasting impression as the person who made everyone’s day a little brighter through a perfect brew, friendly service, and a welcoming ambiance. Rafet’s dedication to his dream was boundless, and his journey is forever continuing.

Vendor highlights are all about shining a spotlight on the heart and soul of each vendor and learning more about the who, the what and the why around their story. If you’ve enjoyed this journey, join us again next week for another vendor and a new highlight as we continue celebrating the outstanding contributors that make our Market a genuinely magical place.

We are super excited to start up our Market Loyalty Card program this Monday! When you spend a minimum of $10 at any participating indoor vendor locations, you will receive a sticker, once your card is full, you will receive a $25 CGM Gift Card. One sticker per transaction. Once cards are ready to be redeemed, you can be bring it to the Office (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

You can get your Loyalty Card at any of the participating vendors or in the Market office. The card itself is the size of a business card to easily fit into your wallet.

If you’re seeking a seasonal role with limited hours, we have the perfect opportunity for you during our festive four-week “Holly Jolly” Market, held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We’re looking for individuals to delight our customers with steaming cups of hot chocolate.

Rate of pay is $20 per hour!

We value enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a commitment to the entire four-week duration. If this exciting opportunity piques your interest, please contact us. Feel free to reach out via email: etuljak@coventmarket.com

This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Saturday, October 21st from 8AM to 1PM on the Rotary Square. Click on their names to find information on pre-orders and to learn more about their farms and businesses! 

• Blanbrook Bison Farm; bison products
• Den Besten Trout Farm; smoked rainbow trout, sausage rolls and fresh eggs
• Janssens Farm Fresh Produce; fresh produce
• Greystead Gardens; fresh produce, preserves
• Our Fields, fresh produce, preserves, honey
• Sungold Market Garden, fresh produce, honey
• Lynch Maple Farm; maple syrup and maple products
• Wandering Bee Flowers, fresh cut flowers
• La Houlette de Vie; fresh baked organic naturally fermented bread
• The Whole Grain Hearth; fresh baked sour dough bread & pastries
• Morsels, vegetarian savoury baked goods
• Helm Baked; gluten free baked goods
• The Dough Joe Bakery; gourmet cookies
• JBogal Foods; homemade frozen pierogies 
• Proper Heathen Hot Sauce, quintessential hot sauces
• Harvest Moon Trading Co.; preserves, granola, mustards, and more
• London Brewing Co-Operative; organic craft beer
• London Sandwich Co.; handcrafted gourmet breakfast sandwiches
• The Pie Boss; small-batch caramel apple pie filling, pies & more
• Maya’s Dog Cookies; Gourmet dog cookies
• Pastry Culture; fresh bread & pastries 

We are entering the fourth week of The 519Pledge For Socks & your donations are creating change in our community!🧦 Consider donating a new pair of socks to @519pursuit this Saturday, outside at the Farmers Market 8–1 💛

Winter happens fast and can happen overnight. For friends facing homelessness and extreme poverty, there is little to no time to prepare. Survival is at the front lines of day-to-day living and we are hoping to keep people warm. Starting the day with a clean/fresh pair of socks can re-energize and support one’s overall health and comfort. With the weather fluctuating and environmental factors changing all the time, friends facing homelessness and extreme poverty can be found in damp, cold, or sometimes very wet socks. We want to change this! We want to make sure no toes go cold this winter!

Paris Monroe will be performing outside at the Farmers Market this Saturday from 8:30am to 10:30am.

Tyrone Traher II, known professionally as Paris Monroe, is a Canadian singer-songwriter from London, Ontario. Traher began developing the concept of Paris Monroe in January of 2021. The purpose of Paris Monroe is to create self-aware and relentlessly honest music that captures the entire spectrum of the human experience.

Aidan Hough will be performing outside at the Farmers Market this Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

20-year-old Aidan Hough has spent more than half of his life singing and playing guitar, and now this recent graduate of the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College, is ready to take his talents to bigger stages in his hometown and beyond. If you are within earshot of this developing singer/songwriter while he is performing, his infectious tone and impressive range draws you in, making it difficult to turn away.

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Nancy Salamanca. Nancy will be demonstrating how to make a Strawberry Shortcake.

From now until November 11th, we will be taking sock donations for the 519Pledge for Socks. Please help our community and consider making a donation!

SATURDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

• Saturday, October 21 | Nancy Salamanca – Strawberry Shortcake
• Saturday, October 28 | Hannah Howey – Decorating; Pumpkin Spice Cake
• Saturday, November 4 | Polina Shadman -Persian Jewel Rice with Chicken
• Saturday, November 11 | Kimi Abdullah – TBD
• Saturday, November 18 | Ankita Vaidya – Old British Curry

Doors open at 10:40am, class starts at 11am. No registration is required. First come, first served.