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People are always asking me where I shop to find the produce and products I use in my cooking so I’m posting the list of locations and resources here. Go forth and Gather!
Best One Stop Shop
Winner: Hartman’s on the corner of Bank and Somerset Street West, Ottawa, Ontario
This Centretown grocery has most everything you’d need to complete any of my dishes. They have an amazing produce section that’s always stocked with a wide variety of everything from baby bok choy to basil. The vegan staples of Earth Balance, tofu, Yves and Gardien products can always be found here and it’s open every night until 10PM. The only thing this store is missing is a bulk food section for things like nutritional yeast and other pantry staples like flour, dried fruits and nuts. If they manage to work one in, they’ll be unbeatable.
Runners Up: Market Organics, Ottawa, Ontario and the Freshmart, Chelsea, Quebec
Both of these groceries are brilliant for vegan staples, pantry items and organic products but are short on fresh produce. The Freshmart has a little bit more to offer produce-wise but is really inconsistent and stock gets pretty sparse on the weekend. Market Organics has a killer bulk section and always has Earth Balance Buttery Sticks and the lastest and greatest from Gardien in stock, but is really short on fresh produce. Due the proximity to the Byward Market the lack of variety isn’t a huge deal – it just means two trips. if you can commit to the minimum quantity they’ll also special order items for you. It might take a week or two to come in but if you don’t need the stuff right away you can save yourself on shipping.
Honerable Mentions: Herb & Spice and Rainbow Foods.
Both are amazing resources but two of the three stores are inconveniently located outside of my neighborhoods so I don’t frequent them as often. If you’re in the area you won’t be disappointed you dropped in.
Best Specialty Produce Shop
Byward Fruit Market
This tiny grocery has the best selection of season produce in the city. It’s full of an amazing variety of everything. Herbs are always plentiful and oils and vinegars are abound. If you’re looking for lobster mushrooms, jade jasmine rice or fresh figs, as long as they’re in season, you’ll find them here. When I want to make a meal truly spectacular, this is where I shop.
Best Farmer’s Market
Ottawa Farmer’s Market at Lansdowne Park
This is by far the biggest and best farmer’s market in the city. If it’s growing it’s available here. While you’re loading up on the latest and greatest from the ground, you can also pick up locally grown flowers, beauty products and the incomparable Pascale’s Ice Cream and Art-Is-In bread.
Open from May until November, it’s the best way to spend a Sunday morning during the growing season.
Best Online Store
Viva Granola Vegan Store
If it’s vegan, it’s sold here. Seriously, everything. Marshmallows, vegan bacon that actually looks like bacon, and the best tasting selection of vegan cheese I’ve found. Located in Quebec City, Quebec, they ship all over Canada and can ship to Ottawa overnight if you place your order before noon. If it can’t be found locally, this is my go to supplier.
