Sharpening My Senses at Jean Talon Marche, Montreal
Surely those weren’t peaches, I gasped.
The juicy, succulent fruit I love so much had assumed gargantuan proportions in this most hallowed of markets: Montreal’s Jean-Talon Marché, arguably the most famous Farmer’s Market in the world.
mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>Jean-Talon was a sight I was looking forward to throughout my entire trip to Montreal. Being a life-long vegetarian, Farmers’ Markets were kind of my thing. I can gaze for hours at the array of fruits and vegetables, wondering whether they’ll go well with curries or fig reduction dressing or what have you. You may say that’s incredibly boring but I find that it spices up my creative juices. Try being creative with a zucchini and you’ll see what I mean. mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>Walking into Jean-Talon Marché is to lose yourself. There are so many vegetable and fruit stands and vendors from all parts of Montreal’s countryside that almost all of its 300 plus stands are bursting with ripe (mostly organic) produce. During the summer, the open-air arcades are dancing with activity and people vying for every last husk of the fresh sweet corn or delicious baked goods. mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>I was content to ogle everyone shopping. To my left, a chef was cooking a veritable meal. Apparently the market taps into the talents of chefs every now and then so visitors can see the endless possibilities when they purchase produce. Smart! Every Farmers’ Market needs to have its own resident chef, I thought. Imagine how wonderful it would be if you’re puzzled about how to cook yellow peppers and you can just wander up to the chef and construe a conversation along these lines: mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>I’m not sure what to do with yellow peppers… mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>Have you ever tried a Curried Yellow Pepper Soup? It’s so easy to make and all you need are flavorful spices and a can of coconut milk. mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>All it took was two sentences and my imagination to send me straight to the aisle that carries coconut milk and you have a happy customer. That’s one of the many ways that Jean Talon Marche is brilliant…and in some sense ahead of its time for an establishment that opened in 1933. mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>Another aspect of the market that piqued my interest was this open-air model. The market is open all year round, even in the harshest of winters (except that during the winter, walls envelope the market area….and a good thing too because I don’t like to shop when my fingers are frozen). But the open air model really works because there’s something beautiful about unbridled sunlight that pours on top of every vegetable and fruit. You can really see the quality of the produce you’re buying. mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>But the best part? Every sense is heightened when you walk into the market: your eyes are taken in with the blood-red peaches…you hold a bulbous white eggplant in your hand…you can weigh the pretty chanterelles mushrooms and taste delicious, fresh corn on a cob and listen to the chef go on and on about how you can make canapés for breakfast. mso-fareast-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’; mso-bidi-font-family: ‘Times New Roman’;”>A true moveable feast for the senses.
Those succulent peaches look larger than life
I just wanted to hold one of those adorable white eggplants in my hands
Tasty treats from the chef
Leslie Koch of DowntownTraveler.com enjoys a juicy treat
The colors are jewel-like
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I felt like I could taste the produce through your words and pictures. I'm not even a vegetarian but the sight of a good pepper, peach or basket of raspberries gets my mouth watering more than anything else. You have moved Montreal up farther on my list for sure. I have to get to this market. Happily I am headed to Europe for 5 weeks this fall. There will be plenty of market shopping there to tide me over.
Keryn, this was one of my eye opening visits…didn’t expect that much from a Farmer’s Market. It’s a highly tactile and sensory experience. How wonderful you’re going to Europe…enjoy!! Plenty of stories to bring back with you, I’m sure, especially post Olympic London?
I would also enjoy an Eat, Pray, Love experience……I love the way you describe this experience…..I can definitely imagine myself there…..
What an amazing market! I had a blast exploring the colorful fruit and vegetable stands with you
Love that Montreal has this huge, bustling market with affordable (local) produce.
Man what a fantastic looking market!