CALGARY: Farmers’ market finds

Everyone has their own favourite foods and stands at the Calgary Farmers’ Market. Mine includes coffee at Phil & Sebastian, and smoked salmon on a Montreal bagel from The Daily Bagel.

But I had never really noticed the glass cabinet at the candy store near the front of the market filled with fresh Turkish Delight on lace doilies.

Ever since reading C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I’ve wondered why the Turkish Delight offered by the White Witch was so irresistible to a child.

Jason and his parents had never had it either so we each picked a fruit-flavoured cube from the display case. The soft, jelly squares were perfumy from the rosewater and dusted with icing sugar.

I got a strawberry Turkish Delight. It was OK, but I wouldn’t betray my siblings for it.

Our other big find was this young busker who intrigued us as he set up several harmonicas under his chair, and pulled out a guitar that seemed to big for him. Then he launched into “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young and everyone’s jaws dropped.

According to his busker ID, I think his name was Robbie Bankes. He played guitar and harmonica better than a lot of older musicians and had a very sweet voice. We really wished he had a sound system so everyone could hear him better.

As it was, his baseball cap was filled with coins and a $5 bill before the end of the first song.

I don’t know how often Robbie plays at the market, but if you see him, prepare to have your socks knocked off.

Calgary Farmers’ Market, located on the old Currie Barracks, exit off Crowchild Trail onto Flanders Avenue S.W. and follow signs. Click here for hours and more info.