I’m sure most of you spent your Spring Breaks someplace warm. Cancun, perhaps? Maybe somewhere in Florida, or in the Caribbean? You know where I spent mine? Canada. Specifically, Toronto. I know what you’re thinking: why would anyone go someplace colder than Michigan for Spring Break? Probably the biggest reason was that my friends and I are poor and couldn’t afford to go anywhere that required a plane ticket. BUT, another reason to travel to Toronto is its delicious food culture. One of Toronto’s greatest attractions is its diverse array of ethnic neighborhoods, from Chinatown to Little India to Portugal Village. Nestled among this tasty goodness, in the center of Old Town Toronto, is St. Lawrence Market, or as I like to call it, “Foodie’s Paradise. “

St. Lawrence Market can trace its roots back to 1803, when Governor Peter Hunter issued that a block of land be designated the “Market Block”. That area became a center for Toronto commerce and government. Today, St. Lawrence’s three buildings serve several purposes. The Market Gallery houses the City of Toronto archives; St. Lawrence Hall holds retail businesses and offices; the North Market hosts the Saturday Farmer’s Market and antique dealers; and the South Market, my personal favorite, hosts several dozen vendors that are known for their food’s freshness, abundance, and variety. And when people say St. Lawrence has a variety of choices, they mean it. With options available from local farmers to international suppliers, you’re practically guaranteed to find what you want.

When my friends and I visited St. Lawrence, the season wasn’t quite right for the Farmer’s Market, so some of the Market’s charm was probably absent, but that didn’t keep us from being amazed by what it had to offer. From the moment you enter the building, you’re struck by the unique options the vendors offer. One of the first places we stopped sold hundreds of interesting cookie cutters, including ones shaped like maple leaves, high-heeled shoes, and ducks. Soon after, we stopped at a fresh produce stand, where my friends bought blood oranges and I admired fresh brussel sprouts (I didn’t think people actually ate them). Then, we ventured over to a cheese stand…then another…and another. My friend purchased three types of cheese, none of which she had ever tried before, while another friend admired at least a dozen varieties of olives, stuffed peppers and sundried tomatoes. Those who know me well know I don’t like cheese, but even I was intrigued by the marbled varieties made with Guinness. The choices were endless: chocolates by the pound, rainbows of lentils, sweet and savory jellies. But, St. Lawrence has more than just intriguing groceries. They also house several prepared food stands that serve lunch and snacks to hungry customers. After wandering through stands with homemade pasta, fish of all kinds, and all vegan options, we settled on a vendor of Eastern European treats, chowing down on latkes, samosas, and perogies. Next door, my friend bought crepes. St. Lawrence even offers non-food items for purchase. Several artists sell their garments and crafts in the downstairs area. And, if you’re the touristy type, there are places to buy your Toronto t-shirts and bottles of maple syrup. Save flatscreen TVs and the kitchen sink, St. Lawrence probably has something to tickle your fancy.

If you’d call yourself a foodie, you definitely need to stop into St. Lawrence Market on your next trip to Toronto. My advice: go during the summer. That way, you can enjoy your purchases out on the Harbourfront.