Farmers Markets are a wonderful place to discover local farmers and food producers. You will find fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, flowers, meat, fish, preserves, baking, snacks and a variety of unique artisanal works. As the spring turns to summer, and summer to autumn, the offerings change up and you will enjoy the full bounty that our Fraser Valley has to offer.

All of these local markets offer something unique – mark them on your summer calendars and give them each a try! We are excited to visit the Fraser Valley’s newest market – The Eco Market in Sardis!

by Alex Pope

Abbotsford Farm & Country Market
www.abbotsfordfarmandcountrymarket.com
Montrose at George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford
Saturdays 9AM – 1PM
May 12 – October 15, 2012

Chilliwack Farmers Market
www.ChilliwackFarmersMarket.com
10015 Young Road, Chilliwack
Saturdays 9AM – 2PM
June 23 – September 15, 2012

Cultus Lake Market in the Park
www.cultuslake.bc.ca
East side Main Beach parking lot
Saturdays 9AM – 3PM
June 9 – September 1, 2012

Fort Langley Village Farmers Market
www.fortlangleyvillagefarmersmarket.org 
Orchard of the Fort Langley National Historic Fort
Sundays 10AM – 3PM
Begins April 21

Haney Farmers Market
www.haneyfarmersmarket.org
Memorial Peace Park on 224th, Maple Ridge
Saturdays 9AM – 2PM
Begins May 12

Langley Farmers Market
www.langleycommunityfarmersmarket.com
Kwantlen University Parking Lot
20901 Langley By Pass, Langley
Wednesdays 2PM – 6PM
May 23 – October 3, 2012

Mission Farmers Market
www.missioncityfarmersmarket.com
Lane Creek Park (2nd & Horne), Mission
Saturdays 9AM – 1PM
May 5 – September 29, 2012

Pitt Meadows Farmers Market
www.haneyfarmersmarket.org
Spirit Square (12007 Harris Road), Pitt Meadows
Sundays 10AM – 2PM
Begins July 8

Surrey Urban Farmers Market 
www.SurreyMarket.org
North Surrey Rec Centre Courtyard
10275 135 Street, Surrey
Wednesdays 1PM – 6PM
June 13 – October 4, 2012

The Eco Market
www.theECOmarket.ca
Sardis Park, Chilliwack
Wednesdays 4PM – 8PM
May 9 – October 10, 2012

White Rock Farmers Market
www.whiterockfarmersmarket.ca
15154 Russell Avenue, White Rock
Sundays 9AM – 1PM
Begins May 27

We visit Restaurant 62 regularly – you may recall our Pulse Spotlight feature of this awesome Abbotsford restaurant, as well as some of their past menu features. We were thrilled to be invited back to give their new Spring menu a test drive (taste). Executive Chef Jeff Massey created this new menu to celebrate the fresh flavours of spring from throughout the Fraser Valley. We love that they adjust their menus with the seasons! It gives diners the opportunity to appreciate the flavours that are currently in season and, most exciting, the opportunity to try new things. Who doesn’t love trying new things that our Fraser Valley has to offer?

Our meal started off with the East Coast Crab Cakes, which were served with fresh wasabi aioli and topped with a refreshing Asian pear slaw. The trio of cakes looked so delicious, that we just wanted to keep taking pictures! We did finally eat them and they were heavenly. When we visited, the soup of the day was a fresh asparagus soup, which sounded too good for this soup-lover to pass up. In true spring fashion the soup was light, fresh and exceptionally different from your typical, heavier asparagus soup.

The new spring entrée menu has grown to include mouth-watering dishes such as the Fraser Valley pork chop (brined for 24 hours!) with bourbon and pecan BBQ glaze and the West Coast potlatch of mussels, prawns, fresh fish and scallops. We decided to try the grilled salmon filet, which was served with wilted spinach, lemon infused spatzle and tarragon cream and the decadent roasted lamb sirloin with minted fingerling potatoes and (not so typical) green beans. Each dish was also presented with portions of fresh beets and portabella mushrooms, which brought extra lovely flavours and colours to the already beautiful dishes.

After finishing as much as we possibly could of our entrees, we decided to tackle the difficult task of deciding on which dessert to choose to end off our evening (we were too full to order two!). With the help of our friendly server (and part owner) Alicia Bodaly, we made our way through the choices of caramel apples, Sicilian style cheesecake or chai crème brulee, but finally decided on the Classic Lemon Tart. Of note: this sweet tart is nothing but classic! The tart was a great size for two people and was even topped with mini dollops of merengue rather than one bigger one…perfect for sharing! If you do decide to share this one though, make sure you get the side with the yummy raspberry sauce!

We think it’s fabulous that Restauant 62 makes adjustments to their menu to suit the seasons. You can be sure there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds, regardless of when you visit. We loved being invited back to Restaurant 62 and hope you get a chance to get out to experience dining the way it should be experienced in the Fraser Valley!

Restaurant 62
www.restaurant62.ca
2001 McCallum Road, Abbotsford
Ring: 604.855.3545

The Wired Monk
111-1975 McCallum Road, Abbotsford
Ring: 604-746-3683

If going for coffee with your friends is the thing for you, The Wired Monk has all sorts of gluten-free options for you to munch on while you visit. Provided by High Crow Bakery, the gluten-free treats cover just about every craving, including chocolate fudge cake, banana loaf, and chocolate chip cookies. Plus, you get the bonus of eating great food while drinking organic coffees. What could be better than organic coffee, gluten-free snacks and a great visit with friends?

Big Feast Bistro
11920 227 St, Maple Ridge
Ring: 604-477-4334

If you’re in the mood for a full-size meal, it can be hard to find gluten-free options. Big Feast in Maple Ridge makes it a whole lot easier. They serve gluten-free bread (made from a local bakery), so any breakfast or sandwich can be made gluten-free. They also have delicious gluten-free desserts, including cookies and muffins. If you’re looking for a gluten-free meal out with the gals, Big Feast is the place to visit.

The Apple Organic Bistro at Nature’s Fare Market
19880 Langley Bypass, Langley
Ring: 778-278-1300

Everything at The Apple Organic Bistro is made in their kitchen, and they offer a wide selection of specialty foods for dietary needs, including vegan, sugar-free and wheat-free products. Soups, sandwiches, wraps, and many more products at The Apple Organic Bistro are made fresh, tasty and gluten-free, for your enjoyment.

O’Delish Bakery
Various locations around the Fraser Valley

Okay, so the gluten-free treats from O’Delish are amazing. Never has the word “No” been such a good thing: No gluten, no wheat, no hydrogenated oils, no refined sugar, no preservatives and no additives. O’Delish is dedicated to making delicious bread, cookies and muffins without all the additives. With products like Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies, Jalapeno Cheese Bread and Cranberry Orange Bread, we think they’ve done a fantastic job. The best part? You can find O’Delish products at several locations throughout the valley.

Zena’s Gluten Free
22346 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge
Ring: 604-477-0774

Did you know that cupcakes and brownies can be gluten-free? They can, and they’re still scrumptious. Zena’s will have you tasting all sorts of yummy gluten-free treats, including brownies, lemon cupcakes, blondies and chocolate-quinoa fancy cake. Don’t feel like a cupcake? They also offer double dark chocolate chunk, ginger molasses and white chocolate cranberry cookies. Dessert has never been so healthy, or so heavenly. If you’re tired of the same old rice bread and grainy gluten-free cookies, you will LOVE what Zena’s has to offer!

We would love to know of more local eateries with gluten-free menu items. Please share your finds with us below in the comments!

I built (my husband built) and planted my first vegetable garden just a few summers ago. We’d had pots of herbs and different veggie plants over the years, but finally took the plunge to a 10×10 plot in our yard and now join the millions of hobby gardeners in the annual excitement of planting the garden! I’ve outgrown the 10×10 plot and now have random vegetables growing all over the yard – it’s so much fun!

by asha susan

It’s fun to get your family involved in the preparation by making a list of everyone’s favourite vegetables. This way you know someone will always be excited about what’s on the dinner table! Start small – try out a few of your favourites this year and see how it works out. It has taken me a few years of WAY too many zucchinis to learn how to plant them, but I think it’s all part of the fun!!

The best place to start is at your local garden centre. Invest in a good soil appropriate for growing food, choose your seeds and away you go! Many centres, such as Amsterdam Greenhouses in Pitt Meadows, offer free or inexpensive classes to help get your vegetable garden started and they are a valuable resource to turn to as you go along.

Happy gardening!

Do you have a vegetable garden in your yard, or at a community garden nearby? What are your best gardening tips? Thanks for sharing! 

by miss604

The Back Porch

6116 Golf Road, Agassiz
604-796-9871

Part of the Agassiz-Harrison Mills Circle Farm Tour, The Back Porch is a cutesy coffee shop that also doubles as a pottery studio. With plenty of home & garden décor and pottery items to browse, Dan & Lynda have created a cozy “feels like home” atmosphere in their Agassiz coffee shop. Plus, since they roast all of their coffee on site, you can even watch it as it happens on their vintage 1919 flame roaster! Before you leave, be sure to check out the antique and collectable-filled barn for a trip down memory lane. Fresh Russian red garlic, Canadian wild rice and Cedar Island Farm flour is also available here (when in stock).

Clayburn Gourmet Gallery

3303 Immel St, Abbotsford
604-504-0899

Certainly not your average coffee shop, Clayburn Gourmet Gallery is a unique blend of all things local, warm and delicious! A combination of an art & vintage boutique, coffee shop, wine bar, deli and bakery (with Abbotsford’s best carrot cake, we might add), this coffee shop also takes on the role of concert venue for its Saturday night concert series. Extra bonus points for their free wifi and primo fireside seating, especially for those trying to get a bit of work done while enjoying their coffee!

Sumas Mountain Coffee Company

1A – 32750 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford
604-746-2206

At Sumas Mountain Coffee Company, they mean business when it comes to delicious coffee. You won’t find many extra frills like soups or sandwiches here; they are too busy sourcing out award winning coffee beans to roast on site for their fellow coffee lovers. If you are looking for something different – this is the place to be! This month they are featuring Sumatra Pawani, the recent Burundi Kiryama Prestige Cup winner. Not quite a coffee connoisseur? Don’t worry, they’re all about education and are always happy to answer any questions you have about choosing a new kind of coffee. When you order a pot of coffee, they use these incredible contraptions called siphons to allow your selected coffee to brew at your table. Once the timer is up, you turn off the enclosed heat source and enjoy your coffee. What a conversation starter!

Small Ritual Coffee Society

1237 Johnston Rd, White Rock
778-294-1237

Committed to providing sustainably grown and ethically sourced coffee products, Small Ritual Coffee Society is a non-profit coffee house that generates funds for community-based projects throughout White Rock and beyond. Serving up JJ Bean’s Buf Café Rwanda fair trade coffee, this jazzy looking coffee shop is kid friendly too! Visit the back kitchen play area when meeting up for mommy coffee dates, to let the little ones have fun while you relax with a hot beverage. Live music plays here every Sunday, but we’re excited to visit on Nerd Fridays – it’s board game night!

The Water Shed Arts Cafe

20349 88^th Avenue, Langley
604-882-0651

When owner Jenn Cornish decided to open up a coffee shop in Walnut Grove, she knew she wanted to create a space where everyone felt welcome, regardless of their background. The best way to do that? Make it comfy and cozy to welcome people in! The Water Shed is filled with different seating arrangements, from oversized couches and fireside armchairs, to the more standard chair & table set up for us working folk. In addition to live music nights, the Water Shed also hosts an array of events throughout the year such as art classes, reading nights and community meals! Fantastic breakfasts, lunches and desserts! Look for your free wifi code at the bottom of your receipt.

Where’s your favourite place to grab a cup o’ java in the Fraser Valley? Please share your neighbourhood favourites in the comments below.

From 9am – 1pm, hobby gardeners are invited to exchange seeds and gardening information with other locals. Seeds from plants, flowers, trees or vegetables – all are ‘welcome’!

Registration is not required, simply show up on the day of with your seeds and swap away! The event is free to attend, with an optional donation to Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley.

We think this sounds like fun! Some of our team members have hobby gardens – it would be great to see what our neighbours are growing and to exchange tips/tricks with one another. What a great way to connect!

Restaurant 62 Seed Swap
www.restaurant62.ca
2001 McCallum Road, Abbotsford

Dining Out For Life is BC’s largest restaurant fundraiser. Over 200 restaurants participate in this annual event which benefits Friends for Life & A Loving Spoonful.

We were invited to attend the Glowbal Collection‘s Dining Out For Life event kick-off last week. Guests were spoiled with delicious signature canapés by Chef Eric Pless as we learned more about the organizations benefiting from this fundraiser and how doing something as simple as dining out can help provide nutritious meals to British Columbian’s living with HIV/AIDS.

There are a handful of Fraser Valley eateries participating in Dining Out For Life: Bravo Restaurant & Lounge, Mozart Bakery & Cafe, Bob’s Bar n’ Grill,Brown’s Socialhouse – Langley. White Rock has some awesome participating eateries as well, including Onyx Steakhouse & Lounge, Pearl Urban Bistro and Uli’s Restaurant. Click here to review the full list of venues taking part in DOFL 2012.

We wish there was more local participation and so we asked if it were still possible to get more on board for this year’s event. Fraser Valley restaurant owners – there is still time! If you are interested in participating in this awesome fundraiser, please be in touch with Darren Royea and dofl.van (at) gmail.com.

What a great excuse to eat out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or, heck, why not try all three! A couple spending $60 at a Dining Out For Life restaurant on this day will provide meals for 4 people through A Loving Spoonful & Friends For Life.

Dining Out For Life
www.diningoutforlife.com

You may remember that we featured Abbotsford’s Restaurant 62 in April 2010.  Most of their menu items feature products from local suppliers and are created by award winning Executive Chef Jeff Massey.  This is one restaurant that you need to have on your “must try” or “must try again” list. With the launch of their fall dinner menu, Restaurant 62 is serving up customer favorites with some new menu items mixed in.  We were recently invited to check out their new offerings. 

We started our autumn culinary experience with the Agassiz Farmhouse “Lady Jane” cheese with roasted baby beets, toasted hazelnuts and petite greens.  Not only is the presentation of your food a visual delight, but the pairing of the smooth cheese with the fresh beets was perfection.  If soup is more your thing, you might want to try the highly recommended Roasted Yarrow pumpkin and cream soup.

We moved on to our main course, but had a hard time choosing what to eat, since there were additional features along with the regular extensive list of menu items.  Whether your tastes run towards Duck, Duck, Duck or fresh fish and seafood selections, there is something for everyone.  We immensely enjoyed the Qualicum Beach scallops over aged cheddar risotto with grilled apples and carmelized onions and the popular Coffee crusted and grilled Canadian beef tenderloin filet.  It was melt in your mouth tenderness and full flavor.

Despite enjoying a delicious, filling meal, there is often “just enough” room for a tasting of dessert.  Shared or personally enjoyed, the current selection includes such delicious options as chai creme brulee,  cranberry orange cake or double chocolate mousse.

We quickly worked our way through the Caramel Apples, apples baked in caramel over shortbread with ice cream and caramel sauce.  It was fabulous!

Not only is Restaurant 62 known for their delicious food, but they have an extensive wine selection and were instrumental in the creation of the Wine Guru application, which gives you wine suggestions to pair with your food selections based on region, ingredients and budget.

Restaurant 62 offers a dining experience comparable to some of the top restaurants in Vancouver, and beyond.  We hope that you visit it soon or again in the near future.  It’s such an honor for us to boast about local businesses like this in the Fraser Valley!

Unless you are a sommelier or a hardcore wine enthusiast, opening the wine menu at a restaurant can be a little overwhelming. How do you know which wine will pair best with the meal you’ve chosen?

The Wine Guru app has been designed to essentially work as a pocket sommelier. Wine Guru offers food and wine pairing suggestions based on details including type of cuisine, ingredients, cooking method and budget. You simply enter this information following the Wine Guru’s prompts and you will then be presented with some great options! Alternatively, you can select a wine that you would like to try and work in reverse order – the Wine Guru app will help you select a meal that would compliment your chosen wine.

The team behind Wine Guru is a partnership of sommeliers from Restaurant 62 and technology whizzes from Gloo Studios and Internal Wealth Studios. At the launch event, Restaurant 62′s Eric Ferris said to expect future updates that include expanding current wine suggestions to retailers in the immediate geography, further expansion of the internal database of wine to 10,000 and options to search for local retailers and purchase wine online. Fabulous!

The Wine Guru app is free to download on the iTunes app store. Give it a go and let us know how your wine choices turn out!

www.the-wine-guru.com

In honour of 7-Eleven’s self-proclaimed birthday in Canada, the company is giving away more than 460,000 free 7.11 oz Slurpee drinks across Canada. This is one of the largest single-day product giveaways in our country!

by Majiscup – Gotta Take The Cup Tonight.

On Monday, July 11, 2011 each Fraser Valley 7-Eleven location will be giving away 1000 complimentary 7.11 ounce Slurpees throughout the day. Visit www.7-eleven.com to find the nearest store to you.

What’s your favourite Slurpee flavour?