Film: Marché featured in Leuie's I Had a Dream

It's always flattering to see our store and products showcased on blogs, websites, and social media, especially when people have put a lot of time and thought into highlighting us. Thank you, Sarah Klassen: While we've been following her work on her personal blog, Haute Design, for quite sometime now, it was a very nice surprise to see her include her love for Marché as part of a promotional video for her latest venture, Leuie, a conceptual shop for children. Her e-boutique launched last month with a highly curated and exclusive selection of modern, vintage and antique goods for the home and everyday family life. Inventory ranges from exceptionally crafted leisure wear (made in Paris) to charming and fun luggage (made in Spain). What's even more exciting is that their charming approach will also be enjoyed in the physical world this upcoming holiday season. Sarah Klassen's pop-up shop is a collaboration with Scott Landon Antiques on South Granville. The walls will grant Leuie its own virtually independent space, graciously allowing for Leuie's own storefront entrance and windows until December 31st.

The video above features Marché St. George, and while we admire it and couldn't be happier with the results, it's our little Lola who just can't seem to get enough of it!

Société-Orignal 001

Once in a great while comes an ensemble composed of innovative individuals with unwavering beliefs and high standards about their respective industry; enter Société-Orignal. Based out of Quebec, Société-Orignal is a forward-thinking collective, integrating farmers, activists, chefs and grocers alike to revolutionize the way we think about food. Their mindful approach sets them apart, and it is something that comes through in their impeccable product line. Le Marché St. George is happy to announce that we are now stocking their goods on our shelves. Today's post highlights their Balconville (apple cider vinegar), Café de Fleur (wild herbal tea), and Classe Ouvrière (seashore honey).

Balconville is made from late-harvest apples from Montérégie, a region in Quebec that trickles into the United States' well known for their awe-inspiring apple orchards. The apple cider vinegar is then fermented through a meticulous process free of ullage, which diminishes oxidation in the final product, allowing for the natural purity of the sugars, tannins, and acid of the apples to take centre stage.

Café de Fleur is a finely curated medley of plants (handpicked by herbalists with adherence to a botanical calendar), ensuring each plant is harvested in its prime. Matapédia, the heavily-forested region in Eastern Quebec provides a lush selection of coltsfoot, balsam fir, red clover and labrador tea that make up this exquisite product.

Classe Ouvrière is a product that Tyler Gray of Mikuni Wild Harvest raved about in his interview with me (read by clicking here) during the company's first and only pop-up shop to date. The marshmallow crème texture of the honey makes quite an impression on the palate. It is unpasteurized, and completely unlike any honey you've savoured before; sensationally sweet and its floral notes are provided by the summer pollen of wild flowers, located in Gaspé (on the south shore of the Saint Laurence River in Quebec).

Now available in-store.

Winter Pop-Up Shop Sneak Peek

Just in case our previous announcements regarding Le Marché's second anniversary and the preview of our pop-up shop's inventory haven't yet enticed you to come by this Saturday, we've taken a few behind-the-scenes photos to help remedy that. Janaki and co. have once again outdone themselves in creating a truly unique and endearing retail space.

Our winter pop-up's inventory will feature antique sap buckets that were brought home in Janaki's carry-on luggage (found during their last family trip to Montreal), brand new pottery that Janaki took out of the kiln yesterday, hand-loomed bed spreads, throws, handcrafted leather satchels, hand-embroidered cotton pillows, bedspreads, carpets, beautiful paintings from Patricia Larsen, as well as stunning photographs by Klee Larsen.

Don't forget, our entire inventory (including the aforementioned items) will be 20% off on Saturday, for one day only!

Hope to see you there!

Columbia Valley Christmas Trees

      Some of you may remember Columbia Valley Christmas Trees from last year. Those perfect specimens that make the even biggest Humbug melt. Well, our first pick- up truck full arrives at the end of this week, just in time for our birthday! If you'd like to pre-book your tree just give us a call. Prices are as follows;
4'        $39.99
5-6'     $59.99
7-8'     $79.99
Larger sizes can be special ordered at an additional $10.00 per foot and live potted trees are also available. Delivery can be arranged, although we love to see them being carted off down the street in a wagon or riding atop your Car to Go.

There are not many things that can get me through the dark days of winter. The arrival of Earnest Ice Cream may be the one thing that makes these long evenings worth it. With flavours like whiskey and hazelnut, pumpkin pie, mulled pear, salted caramel, cardamom and chai to name a few,  I feel confident  they are taking our comfort seriously. Made in small batches and inspired but what's in season, this ice cream is both incomparable and highly addictive. Thank you Earnest for showing up in our freezer!



www.earnesticecream.com
photo| Klee Larsen

Preview| Winter Pop-UP

 

   

This year our travels took us to the highlands of Mexico, an area rich in weaving tradition. It was a privledge to meet the beautiful Paloma (who you will see in a future post) whose amazing collection of back strap loomed wool is now housed in our shop. This style of weaving I've heard referred to as 'Bruta' as it is very course and rustic, each piece is an absolute original. Think sticks and leaves woven in. We have been using them as table runners, carpets or thrown at the foot of our wintery bed. In addition to these amazing pieces, we returned with pillows, carpets, super textured bedspreads, scarves, a cozy line of men's and children's sweaters (hand picked by Pascal) leather bags, and hilarious wool animals. This years Pop-up will also feature new ceramics by Janaki Larsen, photographs by Klee Larsen, leather shoes and goods from Hunter Mayer @ Apartment 5, jewellery by House of Hudson and a few other surprises. I have a feeling it will be a great one! Keep your eye on the blog as we will be posting new stock regularly until Christmas.

photography| Klee Larsen

thank you Thibault for being our good humoured model
shoes in photo 2|  Apartment 5

Le Marché turns 2

It's hard to believe that we are turning 2. In some ways it feels like yesterday we were greeting people for the first time and in others, it seems like we should be celebrating our 5th! In keeping with last year, Le Marché will be opening our winter Pop-Up shop which will feature some of the classics from last year (wool throws, linens) and some beautiful new items from our recent trip to highland Mexico. Please check the next post for a look at some of the new products. Also, note that this sale is one day only so please plan accordingly. We look forward to seeing everyone to extend our gratitude for 2 great years and kick off the holiday season.

Event Coverage: Halloween 2012

I remember briskly walking up to Le Marché on the very rainy evening of October 31st. Wetter than a dog, I pulled open the door, stepped inside, and was transported to Janaki and her family's Dia de los Muertos-inspired marvel. Warm and colourful, it was apparent that the family's recent trip to Mexico for winter buying had left an impression on them. I saw all of their faces as the characters they had transformed themselves into; Janaki as Frida Kahlo, Klee as a very stylish calavera, Melissa as a dead bride, Pascal as an ominous Mexican barkeep, and Lola as a very pretty Day of the Dead doll.

We enjoyed entertaining all the cute kids who visited the shop to trick-or-treat. Children left with candy, while adults were treated to croissants and other baked goods. Shortly, it was time to take Lola trick-or-treating through the neighbourhood. Despite the rain, the experience was lively, full of smiles and laughter from welcoming neighbours.

The highlight of the night for me was the back alley turned into a Wizard of Oz wonderland. Guests were welcomed by a sign reading to follow the Yellow Brick Road. I must applaud the neighbourhood for their amazing creativity. Their work was endearing, charming, magical and completely welcoming. Neither the rain nor the cold mattered. There was an undeniable feeling amongst us all, that one can only really come to appreciate in reflection.

On behalf of all of us, thank you for making our Halloween night what it was.

Had A Glass 2013

Every year our dapper and handsome friend and wine connoisseur James Nevison puts together a book celebrating the best one hundred wines available for under $20. Last year Had a Glass launched along with his new iPhone app, which I'll admit has saved me on more than one occasion. I'm in no capacity an expert on wine, so for me  James' book and app are a god send. Events with Mr. Nevison are always flowing with wine and little bites to eat making for a rather fine way to spend an evening if you ask us. This Friday we encourage you to stop by for a drink, meet the man of the hour, and pick up his latest edition of Had a Glass. Hope to see you there!

Fall-Inspired Apple Custard Tart

Our talented and beautiful cook, Melissa, has made one of the most delicious sweets our head barista and manager Klee Larsen has ever had at Marché. Last night, Klee, kindly packed one for me to go, and to be frank I forgot about the stunning little tart waiting for me in the fridge. So this morning, I woke and started going through my morning coffee ritual when the existence of the dessert dawned on me. After sampling it, I agree with Klee wholeheartedly. This is without a doubt a pastry that I'll find myself longing on rainy fall days. The apple custard is so perfect it could have been made by your grandmother, and the crunch that you get every time you sink your teeth into the crisp tart shell is endlessly satisfying. I don't know how long these little guys would be around, but if you love apples this is surely a must-have.