Archive for September, 2010

When I first began hanging out in the Market this past July, one of the things that surprised and delighted me was spotting Kim’s Korean Food about halfway down the south aisle.

Saint John has become much more multicultural over the past twenty years, both in its community, and in its restaurants, and it always makes me smile to see Saint Johners embrace new tastes and traditions from all over the world.

Having said that, however, I’m just not very adventurous when it comes to cuisine.  I tend to stick with things I’ve eaten since I was a kid.  So although I was fascinated with the jabchae (sweet potato noodles) my friend had for lunch one day, it still took a few weeks for me to be coaxed out of my North American take-out rut.

Finally, with my friend at my side to make sure I didn’t order anything I wouldn’t want to try, I broke free!  I ordered Kim’s “Daily Special,” where, for just eight dollars — taxes in — I received the  sweet beef bulgogi, steamed rice, the fascinatingly translucent jabchae noodles, an egg roll, and a piece of fried crab.  (There was also soup included, but I’m not big on soup in general, so I opted not to take it.)

Oh my heavens — it was so good!  The noodles had a very mild flavour and I absolutely loved the sweet beef.  (I could have chosen the spiced pork bulgogi instead, but I guess it’s quite spicy.  I’ll work my way up to it.)  As I put my empty tray down, I sighed in satisfaction.  Korean food, where have you been all my life?

(Now if I can just learn how to maneuver the chopsticks …)

As anyone who has been there knows, the Saint John City Market is a feast for the senses, chock-full of interesting things to see and hear and smell.

As a thank-you for all of the support and attention that this blog has received in the last two months (including Uptown Saint John and the Telegraph-Journal, who have really helped to spread the word), I have decided to hold a contest!

The contest (the first of many to come, I hope) is a scavenger hunt of sorts.  To play, please download this worksheet which features twelve photos that were taken in the City Market.  Then the fun begins!  On your next visit to the Saint John City Market, find the object in each photo and take good notes on the specific location of where that item was found.  For example, this little lady bug is located at Planet Pusher in the centre aisle.  (And no — that’s not one of the questions! )

Once you have found the location of all twelve photos, please send me an email listing the locations of each photo, from 1 to 12.  All correct entries received by September 15 at 11:59 PM local time will be placed in a draw, with the winner being notified the next day with instructions on how to receive his or her prize!

What is the prize? A twenty-five dollar ($25) Saint John City Market gift certificate, kindly donated by the Market itself.

Please note: This contest is not available to people who work in the Saint John City Market.  You’re welcome to play along, but since you know the building better than the average Saint Johner, it wouldn’t be fair to allow you to compete for the prize.

Ready?  Set … GO!