Private: Blog & Recipes Archive

Island Fest is a celebration of Caribbean food, culture, art, music, and history. It is a collective of like-minded people living in the London Ontario area. There is a lack of celebrations honouring Caribbean and Black culture and Island Fest is here to change that. Experience a range of live performances, DJs, Caribbean Food vendors, & and so much more at Island Fest out on the Rotary Square!

DATES + TIMES

• Saturday, July 29th 4pm-11pm
• Sunday, July 30th 11am-7pm

FOOD VENDORS

• TNT Tabanca – Authentic Tastes of Trinidad
• TNT Tabanca – Ice Cream Booth
• La Burreria
• Triniman Kitchen
• Taste of the Caribbean
• Paranyde
• Cool Convenience
• T’s Thyme

ARTISAN VENDORS

• The Island Artist – facepainting and henna
• Saltwear
• Kingdom Inspired
• Crafted Crown
• Island Son Peppersauce
• Zee Store
• Whitney’s Peppersauce
• Dirty Hands Free Mind

ENTERTAINMENT 

• DJ Lady Al
• DJ Wickham
• Golden Harps Steel Orchestra
• Big Lou
• The Ground Shakers Tassa
• Tiffany Chantelle
• King Cruff
• Donald Wough
• African Tribal Dancers
• Socacize
• Chris Fire
• Jay O

Glad to see you back for our second installment of Vendor Highlights, where we dive in and explore a different vendor each week, giving you the opportunity to learn more about them and discover their hidden gems.

This week we got to know Barbara, the owner of Better Blend Smoothie Bar AND now the owner of C’est Cheese, our newest food vendor in the Market. In 2011, Barbara embarked on a journey at the Piping Kettle, which she loved and managed for many years. In 2019, seizing the opportunity, she bought the establishment Taylor Sues in the Market and made it her own. She turned formly Taylor Sues into the Better Blend Smoothie Bar. On top of being a new owner, She still dedicated herself to managing the Piping Kettle until 2022. Not one to rest on her laurels, Barbara expanded her culinary offerings to include fresh-pressed juices, energy bites, and delightful overnight oats.

As her business flourished, so did her ambitions. Despite running out of space, Barbara’s unwavering determination to grow her enterprise remained unyielding. That’s when fate intervened, presenting the perfect opportunity right across the way, and she decided to open C’est Cheese.

Cheese has always held a special place in Barbara’s heart, and the fact that she could offer both versatile and vegan options on her menu was very important to her.

Now, merely a week into her new venture, Barbara can’t contain her joy; the journey has been nothing short of amazing, and her passion for her work shines through in every aspect. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s evident that she has found true happiness in pursuing her dreams.

This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Saturday, July 29th 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
• Carver’s Natural Farms, chicken products, 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
• Thames River Melons, fresh strawberries, produce, jams
• Joyce Farms; fresh strawberries, produce
• Berrylicious Fruit Farm; fresh blueberries & raspberries
• 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
• Helm Baked; gluten free baked goods
• Morsels, vegetarian savoury baked goods
• The Dough Joe Bakery; gourmet cookies
• Polina’s Nostalgic Treats; traditional Persian treats
• JBogal Foods; homemade frozen pierogies 
• Harvest Moon Trading Co.; preserves, granola, mustards, and more
• Proper Heathen Hot Sauce, quintessential hot sauces
• London Sandwich Co.; handcrafted gourmet breakfast sandwiches
• The Pie Boss; small-batch caramel apple pie filling, pies & more
• London Brewing Co-Operative; organic craft beer
• Adorn by Pree; handmade polymer clay jewelry and accessories
• Maya’s Dog Cookies; Gourmet dog cookies
• Pastry Culture; fresh bread & pastries 

Daubian Oliveira will be performing on the Rotary Square this Saturday from 8:30am to 10:30am.

Daubian Oliveira performs latin jazz, bossa nova, samba and carnival music from Brazil. He has recently recorded an original track “Em Olinda,” which appears on the album “Latin Roots of London” with the Simple Reflections for Artists Collective.

David Rayo will be performing on the Rotary Square this Saturday from 11am to 1pm.

Born in Nicaragua, David went to H.B. Beal where he joined the Jazz Band and other musical groups. At the same time, his participation in church musical groups gave him the practice hours needed to solidify his musical upbringing. After graduating from university, David worked as an English instructor in South Korea where he played in an original rock band named Taste of Dynomite and latin-infused music with Aqui Band. Upon his return to London, David formed Los Synco Latin Band in 2008. In the years since, David has continued to work on his song writing abilities while performing in various venues in and around London.

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Kimi Abdullah. Kimi will be demonstrating how to make Tacos!

Kimi will also taking donations for My Sister’s Place. My Sister’s Place is in need of the following items;

• Used jewellery
• Toiletry items (shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, razors, liquid body wash)
• Unused makeup and unused/gently used makeup tools (eye shadow, blush, lipstick, brushes, brush cleaner)
• Grab-and-go snacks (granola bars, applesauce cups, cereal bars )
• Coffee, tea bags, sugar, coffee whitener
• Pasta noodles, cooking oil, rice, olive oil, salad dressings

SATURDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

• Saturday, July 29 | Kimi Abdullah – Tacos
• Saturday, August 5 | Jaime Pena – Pesto-Mayo Chicken Panini
• Saturday, August 12 | Himadri Vyas – Indian Savory Crepes (Besan k chilla)
• Saturday, August 19 | Polina Shadman –
• Saturday, August 26 | Kimi Abdullah – Ayam Bakar; Indonesian Grilled Chicken with Pandan-Scented Rice

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

This Sunday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Polina Shadman. Polina will be demonstrating how to make a Herb Stew “Ghormeh Sabzi”.

SUNDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

• Sunday, July 30 | Polina Shadman – Herb Stew “Ghormeh Sabzi” – Vegan and GF options
• Sunday, August 6 | Nancy Salamanca –
• Sunday, August 13 | NO COOKING CLASS
• Sunday, August 20 | Polina Shadman – Potato Fritata (Vegan & GF options)
• Sunday, August 27 | Himadri Vyas – Indian Flavours Afternoon Tea with Finger Sandwiches

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

See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Tuesday, August 1st from 4PM to 7PM on the Rotary Square. Click on their names to find information on pre-orders and to learn more about their farms and businesses.

Noelle Frances, Laika Berdey & Tyrone Traher are teaming to bring some amamzing tunes to the Rotary Square on Tuesday from 4pm to 5:30pm!

Noelle Frances

Inspired by the storytelling that exists in the diverse genre of folk music Noelle writes in a way that is simple, honest and deeply emotional. Noelle is a witty and charismatic performer who draws in the audience with her joy. She meshes a lighthearted presence and stage banter with emotionally charged, uplifting and sometimes haunting songs.

Laika Berdey

An ex-chorister, ex-librarian, and ex-lifeguard, singer-songwriter laika berdey weaves words and water to tell her stories of simple joys and wrenching heartbreak, exploring the ecstasies and disappointments of laying your heart in another’s hands (or at their feet) in a disconnected age of disposable.

Tyrone Traher

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.

Mike Couture is performing on the Rotary Square this Tuesday from 5:30pm to 7pm.

Solo musician and vocalist bringing songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s for dancing and listening pleasure. The artists he covers include Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, The Eagles, The Beatles, CCR, and more. A surefire crowd pleaser.

Magpie’s Collected Creations is having a blowout sale happening August 1st through to August 9th 11am to 6:00pm in the Labatt Lounge in the upstairs Mezzanine.

Beautiful Bamboo fabric that contains antimicrobial properties that can resist the growth of bacteria, fungi, and odors, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies or skin sensitivities.

Handsomely Hemp fabric that are moisture-wicking, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, keeping you feeling fresher for longer.

Charming Organic Cotton fabric that are wonderful at keeping you cool during the heat of the summer.

Socks, tank tops, t-shirts,¾ length sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts and more!

Join us on August 5th at 2pm outside on the Rotary Square for an unforgettable opportunity to shine. Audition to be on the grand stage in November to compete for a GRAND PRIZE of $1000. Whether you’re a remarkable singer, a mesmerizing dancer, a sensational magician, or possess any other awe-inspiring talent, we want to see you in action!

This is your chance to make your dreams come true and leave a lasting impression on our esteemed panel of judges! Spots are filling up fast!

Register online ➡️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtJ9gFQx_B283c1cVf4sdrIBzxmm9qv5oEbWOqqNJx9QYUg/viewform