The official opening of the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson is just six days away, but who’s counting?
A whole lot of fans of local fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, herbs and more, that’s who.
The excitement was palpable during a noon-hour visit to the weekly Wednesday outdoor markets held since May in the Hudson’s sun-dappled carriageway in advance of next weekend’s grand opening.
Haley Kuppers, 25, was one of dozens who checked out what 19 vendors were offering — everything from a $5 beef brisket sandwich (from Smoken’ Bones) to mouthwatering doughnuts hand-crafted in Esquimalt (Doughboys Donuts).
“It’s so convenient and I like to check out what’s local and fresh,” said Kuppers, looking fit and healthy. “I’m active and have a healthy lifestyle for sure. That’s part of my job,” the occupational health inspector said.
The B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines employee had just been shown an aromatic selection of teas such as Sereni-Tea and Sensuali-Tea made from locally grown herbs by Libby Seabrook, owner of Infuse Herbals.
Demand for herbal teas rises in winter, Seabrook said. “Having a market open off-season is crucial for my business.”
Nolan Rosatto, 3, gleefully devoured his Sparkler, a brioche with chocolate ganache and candy sprinkles his parents Marco and Krista purchased from Noah Warder, owner-operator of Doughboys Donuts.
“It’s a perfect opportunity for a lunch date — a beautiful space on a beautiful day,” Krista said during the outdoor food-focused event, its urban flavour accented by construction of the next phase of the development.
At the Lockwood Farms stall, customers snapped up free-range eggs and fresh veggies.
“We like to focus on a little bit of everything,” said James Lockwood, whose Cobble Hill farm produces 140 varieties of vegetables. “I like to stay outdoors as much as I can. I’m a farmer.”
The French Oven was another hotspot where Lyon-bred Nick Castro’s authentic French baked goods such as croissants, brioches and pain au chocolat prompted oohs and aahs.
“People on the search for a good croissant say they’ve finally found one,” laughed Sandra Van Vliet, Castro’s wife and business partner.
Duncan Reimer of Sidney’s Boughneath Farm answered questions about their ethically raised beef.
“It just means we don’t keep them in little pens and fill them full of drugs to make them bigger,” he said. “We just leave them alone. We make sure we feed them during winter to have enough body fat to keep them warm.”
Market manager Corry Matechuck was thrilled by the growing response. “We’re in the middle of construction in the middle of the week and we have a great clientele,” she said. “We get a lot of office workers coming with their own bags, supporting our local producers.”
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson’s official launch begins Saturday at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies and VIP speeches before the 11 a.m. ribbon-cutting.
A farmers market and local music will take place in the carriageway until 3 p.m., with cooking demonstrations and musicians performing inside the market until 6 p.m. There will also be kids entertainment and food- and garden-focused activities.
Festivities continue Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a focus on local food-centred non-profits. The market is at 1701 Douglas St., between Fisgard and Herald streets.
Online: victoriapublicmarket.com
