The Very First Market at The Shangri-La

Last week, we attended the very first mini Farmers' Market hosted by Chef Wayne Harris of Market Restaurant at The Shangri-La Hotel. The event was put together in collaboration with our friends at the Vancouver Farmers Market and we were so happy to have been included. Being the first event, and a small one, we did not know what to expect, but we had a wonderful time. Here are a few photos of our day.

The day started out perfectly, with valet parking for our old beat up van, an elevator up to the patio to carry our many boxes and bins and best of all, cappucinos handed to us upon arrival. That is a pretty civilized market. Setting up our table was that much easier and we were left with a little time to socialize with other vendors.

It is always so nice to be surrounded by amazing local produce and goods made by hand by friends and fellow vendors.

I am posting photos of these tasty baked goods by Beaucoup Bakery even though I am brutally disappointed that I did not get to take any home.  I had planned a dinner for that night, which included a variety of Beaucoup Bakery desserts. I probably should have let Jackie know right away, that is before she sold out of absolutely everything she made that day! Oh well, I won't make that mistake again, trust me... 

 

And speaking of tasty baked goods, check out these Caneles de Bordeaux from French Made Baking, possibly one of the best things I have ever eaten. To be fair, this photo doesn't do these little guys justice but no photo can, they are that good. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness, richness and vanilla. Oh my.

Then "our guests" arrived. They started pouring in right at 11am and just kept coming for the entire three hours we were there. There wasn't a boring moment and we loved it. The event included live music, wine tastings, canapes and mocktails, all of this on the beautiful third floor patio of the Shangri-La Hotel.  How very civilized!

 The fabulous Jay Jones, master of all things drinkable, created a  virgin cocktail based on our Rhubarb Jam with Ginger and let's just say he nailed it;  every component of the jam could be tasted in his drink and everyone was full of compliments--- about the drink AND the jam! 

Markets are always a lot of fun for us. We must thank Chef Wayne and his talented crew for creating fantastic little bites for all to try and we are grateful to Roberta from Vancouver Farmers Market for her hard work preparing this event. We feel privileged to have been a part of this market and hope that we are invited again. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, sampled our jam, chatted with us and gave us feedback. We hope to see you again!