There are many advantages to living in a large city, but there are also some sacrifices to be made. This is especially apparent to anyone who enjoys cooking for themselves. Since it is rare to be able to grow your own produce in the downtown core of any metropolis, those devoted to the gastronomical arts are typically at the mercy of their local grocery store in terms of the quality of the fruits, vegetables and other ingredients available to them.
Montreal is an island city with very little, if any landmass devoted to agriculture. However, the land surrounding Montreal is quite fertile with a long tradition of farming that dates back to the early days of colonization. Fortunately for Montrealers, the owners of these farms have two splendid outdoor markets from which to vend the fruits of their labor – one located on Atwater street, and the other on Jean-Talon.
The Atwater Market
Located at the end of Atwater street, just a few blocks south of the edge of downtown, during the summer months the Atwater Market is a sight to behold. The converted train station which houses the year-round occupants of the market is eclipsed by the vast array of greenhouses which take over the parking lot for the season. Thousands of plants, flowers, shrubs and trees of all descriptions create a colorful, fragrant canvas that hints at the delicious delicacies to be found within their borders. Just past the greenhouses, lining the outside of the building are row upon row of regional merchants hawking their wares. You can find fresh produce, wild honey and apples, homemade bread and pasta as well as seasonal items such as pumpkins, sunflower seeds and maple syrup. Venture inside and discover the butchers, bakers and herb merchants who hold down the fort when the frigid winter makes the outdoor booths uninhabitable. The market is especially lively on weekends, and the entire area is choked by pedestrians going home with their culinary treasures.
The Jean-Talon Market
Located in the heart of the city, just beside Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market has undergone a rejuvenation of sorts over the past few years. Accessible via the Jean-Talon metro station, the market is similar in many ways to the one on Atwater. Both were established in 1933 and both serve to bring a bit of the countryside into bustling city life. However due to its proximity to Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market naturally has a more Italian flavor, and this can most readily be seen by the proliferation of coffee shops and specialty Italian food stalls and stores. Vehicle traffic was banned during weekends in 2006, despite the construction of underground parking and the renovation of the main market building, so if you plan on buying in bulk you will have to get there on a weekday. There are literally hundreds of stalls to explore, and it’s possible to while away many hours browsing through the fresh foods and meats. The Jean-Talon Market is also open in the winter, although the open areas are walled off and the number of vendors dramatically shrinks.
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