I've been lucky enough to break five of my friends St Lawrence Market virginity.
Why take pride on such a bizarre moment? I don't think there's any better way to get to know a place by taking people through it. You tend to buy more and discover nooks you've never stumbled upon. I can confidently say I've seen every curve this regal market has to share. In stead of going through every stand I'll list the must not miss highlights.
WARNING - If you like the bustle and electricity of crowds the best day to go is Saturday. If you get irritated by it avoid at all costs. There's no room to walk. You'd be better to check it out during the weekday.
MUST NOT MISS HIGHLIGHTS
** If you're going to St Lawrence Market on a Saturday check out the North Market across the street. All the farmers from Ontario come and sell their fresh produce, cheese, breads and meats by hand. If you go an hour before they close you'll be able to get a better bargain***
1.Top Restaurant: Busters Sea Cove.( upstairs) Fresh seafood, grilled right in front of you and accompanied by a fresh mixed greens and coleslaw- can't get much better. (more info check out my review on Busters)
2. For cheese: (upstairs) Chris's Cheesemongers by a landside. The staff are very knowledgeable and I've yet to be disappointed by what they've helped me pick.
3. For seafood: Domenic's Fish Market. (upstairs) I buy everything pertaining to seafood and fish here. Everything is over priced at St Lawrence but the quality is deserving at this place. Make sure to to tell them exactly what you want. I've had a few people try to up sell me without my permission.
4. For meat: I don't eat red meat but my friend Liz swears by the Back Bacon sandwich's at Mano's Deli Meat. (upstairs)
5. For fresh produce: (downstairs) Although I buy a lot at Family Foods upstairs. Phil's Place, downstairs has obscure and by season selections.
6. For bread: (upstairs) St Urbain Bagels -Montreal Bagels!!! They make them fresh out of a stone oven. The two other bread are for the most part miss. Just skip it.
7. For carbs: (upstairs) St Lawrence Pizza & Ice-cream - Look for the stand that's sampling pasta and sauces at the back of the building. Take a free sample and then buy a plate full. Get the mixed pesto, tomato and Alfredo sauce..mmmm!
8. Something sweet: (downstairs) Eve's Temptations. Great selection of brownies.
9. Sandwich: It's a toss up between Carousal Bakery's famous peamel or egg sandwich upstairs or Mustachio veal or chicken parmegiano with fried eggplant. Carousel's sandwiches have made a name for themselves across the globe and they always have lineups. I love their egg, tomato sandwich on a warm, chewy kaiser. Mustachio's has an equally long line up at lunch. My only complaint is sometimes they are not made fresh to order. You must try both.
10. Wild Card (A): Schefler's Deli & Cheese (upstairs) - on the top floor. They have a great selection of olives and incredible sauces and spreads. I love their pesto.
11. Wild Card (B): Rubi's Rice (downstairs) - A sweet old man has been operating this stand for years. He has every possible rice you could dream of.
I love this market but over time I've found other markets (Wychwood or Brickworks) they are a little less chaotic and fit my weekend mood. Although I may pick them over St Lawrence in the summer I'll never turn my back on this historic joint. IT's a great place for lunch, to stock up on food or even just to chill with a book or friend.