Farmers markets are incredibly popular in Vancouver — there’s even a winter edition that runs through the cold, wet months. But attaching a market to the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver elevates the local fruit and vegetable stand to a new level.
Located on the concourse between the hotel and upscale grocery store Urban Fare, the market (open every second Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) has locally grown greens, organic berries and tree fruit and even British Columbia-caught salmon and cod. There aren’t many markets that also have bread and baked goods from the hippest bakery in town (Nelson the Seagull), banana bread that has its own cult following (Erin Ireland’s To Die For), wine sampling from the Okanagan region as well as artisanal olive oils, cheese and even hot pepper jelly (from The Jam Ladies).
Considering its location in the thick of downtown Vancouver, the market, which debuted in June 2012, attracts both locals (plenty of condo dwellers call downtown home) as well as curious tourists who are drawn in by the crowd. Sample, pick up some fresh scones for an impromptu picnic or stay for brunch.
Work up an appetite with cooking demonstrations by Market by Jean-Georges executive chef Wayne Harris at noon and satisfy your craving with a three-course brunch at the hotel restaurant. Frittatas with goat cheese, hanger steak with locally grown mushrooms and desserts supplied by some of the city’s most sought-after bakeries (such as a salted caramel blondie or summer berry tart from Beaucoup) make for one delicious Sunday.
Photos Courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
