On a recent trip to Toronto, I discovered Kensington Market, with the help of a travel guide, Jay and Linda and my Mum's perseverance in finding it ( I almost gave up!) Although, I have not been to Kensington Market in London, England, I have a gut feeling that it is distinctly different to it's namesake in Ontario's capital city.
My preferred market is filled with almost any kind of food you could wish for. I was very tempted to buy maize mix and latino cheese, but I was too scared about customs seizing the maize blend that Noelle introduced me to in our favourite Menorquin locutorio (communication centre). I did buy 'Doubles' though. For years, a Trinidadian family friend,Charles, has been telling me how amazing they are. Now I know. Doubles consist of 2 slightly spiced flat breads (bara) generously filled with chickpeas in a rich curry sauce (channa). It's cheap and tasty, and I have been assured you can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, something which I have no objection to whatsoever.
Apart from a range of international eateries and bakeries, such as Hungary Thai and The Patty King, there is also a range of boutiques, second hand shops, green grocers and even a dentist in the market. If you aren't lured in by fresh empanadas and just get the feeling that you want to eat everything in sight, you can just nip across to Chinatown to its Chinese bakeries or whatever else you fancy.
Unfortunately, I heard only last week, that Toronto City Council intends to close the historic market area down, which is spread over a few street. This is due to health and safety hazards in the area, as well as the promise of a large new supermarket. If this goes ahead, it would not only be a tragedy for all the businesses and their staff, but it would be culturally damaging to Toronto. Where else is anyone going to blast 70's inspired Ghanaian soul music, in Ga and Twi, over a green grocers shop opposite a roti wrap cafe? My answer: absolutely nowhere. I will be keeping tabs on the situation of Kensington Market and its alternative car garden.
This alien agrees with me that the market should stay open.
