Private: Blog & Recipes Archive

Thank you for coming back; this is our fourteenth 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 Seife Bayessa of My Spice Thyme:

In 1997, Seife Bayessa embarked on a business venture just outside the Market that would soon transform the way people shopped. He took the concept of a bulk-style store and gave it a unique twist. Instead of the traditional scoop-and-touch approach, Seife introduced a convenient ziplock concept. His idea involved offering goods in pre-made bags, maintaining the bulk aspect while ensuring a more hygienic and user-friendly experience. This innovation was especially appreciated by those with busy, on-the-go lifestyles who craved ease of use and resealable options.

In pursuit of expansion, Seife relocated his business to the Market after its reconstruction in 1999, his store then being known as Snack & Bake. Over 20 years, Snack & Bake flourished until it was eventually sold. Seife diversified into the world of herbs and spices, marking a significant transformation in his business journey, now having his business sell over 300 different types of Herbs & Spices, the new name is “My Spice Thyme”. Throughout his 24-year association with the Market, Seife has cherished the sense of family that the place exudes. The Market is not only unique and steeped in history but also holds a special significance in his own life.

Seife’s connection with the Market goes back to 1987 when he first arrived in Canada and worked as a parking attendant at the Market, forging his initial bond with this remarkable place. His passion for the Market has remained unwavering since the very beginning. With My Spice Thyme, Seife aims to create an indispensable destination that enriches daily life, enhances culinary experiences, and welcomes everyone as part of its extended family.

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 about launching our Market Loyalty Card program! 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) and on weekends you can redeem your card at the Tea Haus on our upper level.

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.

This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Saturday, November 4th 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
• Joyce Farms; fresh produce
• Sungold Market Garden, fresh produce, honey
• 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
• The Dough Joe Bakery; gourmet cookies
• Proper Heathen Hot Sauce, quintessential hot sauces
• Pillitteri Estates Winery; VQA Ontario Wines
• The Brisket Man; hardwood smoked brisket & sausages
• Pastry Culture; fresh bread & pastries 

We are entering the sixth 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.

Did you know that it only takes 30 minutes in sub-zero climates to get frostbite? It will also only take 5-10 minutes in temperatures below -15 degrees for frostbite to happen. Homelessness and extreme poverty are a crisis within our city and we do not have enough beds in shelters to bring everyone in and out of the cold. This means that on our coldest nights, we will still have community members sleeping on sidewalks and in parks. Although donating a pair of socks will not open more beds to sleep in, it is a great effort to start the conversation about homelessness and the essential support needed to create a better response to it in our city.

Willem Cowan will be performing outside at the Farmers Market this Saturday from 8:30am to 1030am.

Drawing upon personal experiences, Willem James Cowan aims to lighten the burden of a generation rooted in anxiety, and self doubt. By weaving together retro and contemporary musical elements, Cowan achieves a sound that is both nostalgic and relatable. Lyrically, Cowan takes an approach based on mental health and the infinitesimal hardships of growing up in white suburban North America.

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

Greg Lirette is one of southwestern Ontario’s premier acoustic solo performers entertaining audiences for nearly three decades. Playing thousands of shows locally and internationally. Combining an energetic stage presence, comedy, experience and a vast repertoire makes for a great show.

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Polina Shadman. Polina will be demonstrating how to make Persian Jewel Rice with Chicken.

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, November 4 | Polina Shadman -Persian Jewel Rice with Chicken
• Saturday, November 11 | Kimi Abdullah – Holiday Appetizers; Pineapple & Prosciutto Tarts and Strawberry & Rose Danishes
• 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.

Join us on November 4th for Type Diabeat It’s first Health Fair! 🌟

We’ve teamed up with the London Intercommunity Health Center and London HIV Connect to kickstart Diabetes Awareness Month. This event is all about bridging the gap in service and resources for the BPoC community.

Here’s what you can expect:
✨ Massage Booth
🙆🏿‍♀️Stretch Session
💃 Zumba
🩺 Diabetes & Foot Care Screening
🌡️ HIV Testing
💉 Flu Shots

Participate in all the booths to earn Harvest Bucks and a chance to win prizes! 🎁

Special Guest Speaker from Diabetes Canada will be there too!

Learn to make one of Indonesia’s most infamous dishes: rendang. The rich beef curry made with coconut milk and a blend of spices that is unlike any other dish. Kimi Abdullah, co-founder of Petojo Food and regular cooking class instructor at Covent Garden Market, will guide you through her recipe and method for making rendang at home.

ON November 9th, share an intimate evening with only 12 guests that includes an interactive cooking demonstration, multi-course Indonesian meal including non-alcoholic beverages, chef-curated rendang spice kit, and printed recipes.

Menu includes Green Papaya Soup, Beef Rendang with Coconut Rice, and Coconut Ice Cream with Caramelized Bananas.

This event is a great date night or evening out with your friend. This is an alcohol-free event. The meal will be served family style. Dishes are gluten-friendly, meat is not halal.

To get your tickets, click here!