Granville Market Favorite Shops

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” 
― Roald Dahl

Granville Island is a unique little jewel right in the middle of downtown Vancouver. When we are on our way up to Whistler or just in Vancouver for the afternoon I always find a way to  visit some of my favourite purveyors. Growing up in Toronto I have similar fond memories of going to the St. Lawrence or Kensington Markets with my father on a Saturday morning. Granville Market has that same magic of colourful stalls, bustling action and glorious food from end to end. I walk in circles trying to find what I am looking for and then wondering if I am missing something even better around the next corner.

Look at the beautiful peppers

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Strawberries piled high

Fruit spilling out like piles of gold in a pirate story.

Pastries and desserts - how can you choose just one?

Crusty loaves of warm bread..is there anything sexier than that smell!

Which steak will he choose for dinner tonight?

Local Honey

Granville is right on the water and of course there are many fresh seafood stalls with wild salmon of every kind. When I  first came to British Columbia I discovered  candied salmon. It's like sweet maple syrup fish chunks. Salty, sweet and yummy. To be honest,  I would eat anything with maple syrup on it.

 I used to work with a guy named Cherif. I would catch him surfing the web at his desk and I would ask him what he was looking at. The guy was always looking  at fish markets from  all over the world! 

At that point I would have to ask him what was wrong with him and tell him to go surf some porn like all the rest of the guys.

  Cherif........these pictures are for you buddy!! He would freak out if he tasted the candied salmon. 

The Oyama Sausage Company  has the very best charcuterie! a million kinds of Saucisson, salami, every kind of ham or cured meat you can imagine. I spend  at  least $100 every time. I love the saucisson with cognac, lemon or wine. You simply must go home after this and make the killer anti-pasta plate. Gobs of cheese and crusty bread, crackers, olives and fruit. 

If Big Pete saw these pictures he would ask me to make a giant  anti-pasta plate for dinner right now.

Duso's Italia has beautiful fresh pastas, a shelf entirely filled with good olive oils, cases of olives and peppers and Italian cheeses. My mouth is watering just thinking about it

Is this a thing of beauty?! I feel the same way when I am in the shoe department in Nordstroms. 

Chocolatas is my favourite chocolate producer! Gorgeous chocolate that is created by a Belgian name Wim Tas. 

Their chocolate is so fresh and wonderful to eat that you will be ruined and never want anything else. It is truly unlike any other chocolate. I am so lucky because I live 10 minutes from their location in Abbotsford, BC where they make the chocolates. I  love to go there because you can buy wonderful quality baking chocolate as well as their filled chocolates. They are so helpful and will gladly share ideas on how to make your own homemade truffles.

   It really does not matter what you try, its all just so good.

Look what I got for Valentine's day!

My last favourite shop is  Benton Brothers Fine Cheese

They have a phenomenal selection of handcrafted, small production artisanal cheeses. You have to try something new every time you go and they are only too happy to help you select. I spend way to much time staring and choosing at this case.

Granville Market is set in such a pretty city and even on a cloudy day in February Springtime is starting to emerge.

 Outside the market someone is waiting for you to drop a piece of something delicious by accident!!