Private: Blog & Recipes Archive

Ever so happy to see you back; this is our sixth 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 meet Chris:

Chris started his journey at a variety store with a somewhat unconventional neighbour: a butcher shop. When the variety store chapter abruptly closed, he definitely felt sad. Seeking comfort, he sauntered to the next-door butcher’s shop and shared a commiserating beer with the owner. Witnessing this camaraderie, the butcher proposed that he Join their Saturday cleanup crew since some time has cleared up for Chris. With a sigh of relief, he accepted the opportunity, especially since it was during the school year.

As summer reeled in, Chris temporarily traded his apron for a lifeguard’s whistle – a very recommended summer gig, Chris says. He said summer was fun, but he was ready to return to the butcher shop. Returning only to find a second butcher had been, let’s say, tenderized out of the equation, with that Bob, the owner, asked him if he would like to take on this role. At this juncture, the allure of school was fading for Chris, and with eager anticipation, he embraced this opportunity. After officially tossing his high school graduation cap, he dove headfirst into full-time butchery in 1980, a commitment he has wholeheartedly embraced ever since.

Fast-forwarding through 13 years of dedicated work with Bob, he was ready for a new slice of life. He dabbled in managing a butcher shop in the scenic Port Stanley. This chapter lasted 5-6 years, ultimately paving the way for the most audacious move yet: launching his family’s own butcher shop. Chris and his wife Anne started Chris’ Country Cuts at the Bellamere Market and transitioned into the Covent Garden Market after two years. Chris and Anne juggled both ventures for a bit of time, then will the closing of Bellamere Market, they dived more into the shop here, capitalizing on the rebuilding Market’s desire for something novel. Chris cherishes the foot traffic and, above all, the chance to banter with his devoted and ever-growing customer base.

Chris, a man of many aprons, not only mastered the art of butchery but also wore the hats of an educator and a radio personality. While teaching at Fanshawe, he stumbled upon Nichole, who is now his apprentice. Besides turning into a butcher extraordinaire, Chris had an appetite for words and decided to spice up his career with radio features. You might just recognize his voice as the auditory backbone of the Mustang Football Team at Western – a butcher by day and a radio enthusiast by night – what an intriguing combination!

Chris’ Country Cuts is way more than a great place to get ethically sourced fresh meat, it’s a place that feels like home. With the help of Chris and Anne’s 3 kids plus their 2 nieces, the business has thrived within this family setting – it is a true family affair!

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.

TACO FEST! From Friday through Sunday, indulge in an explosion of flavours as you enjoy delectable tacos, sip on tasty drinks, and revel in top-tier entertainment. Join us – it’s an event that genuinely needs no introduction!

This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Outdoor Farmers’ Market this Saturday, August 26th 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! 

• Dave’s Beef & Lamb; beef and lamb products
• 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 Brisket Man; hardwood smoked brisket & pulled pork
• 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 from 11am to 1pm.

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.

This Saturday, join us in the market kitchen for our cooking class hosted by Kimi Abdullah. Kimi will be demonstrating how to make Ayam Bakar; Indonesian Grilled Chicken with Pandan-Scented Rice!

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, August 26 | Kimi Abdullah – Ayam Bakar; Indonesian Grilled Chicken with Pandan-Scented Rice
• Saturday, September 2 | Jaime Pena – Pesto Mayo Chicken Panini
• Saturday, September 9 | Doreen Kool – lentil kabobs on celeriac & chicken celeriac tacos on lentil shells
• Saturday, September 16 | Kimi Abdullah – Fall Salads
• Saturday, September 23 | NO COOKING CLASS
• Saturday, September 30 | Jaime Pena – Burgers

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 Himadri Vyas. Himadri will be demonstrating how to make Indian Flavours Afternoon Tea with Finger Sandwiches.

SUNDAY DEMO SCHEDULE

• 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. Please note; this will be our last Sunday cooking demo for the season!