6/15/2011 7:14:11 PM

June 13, 2011

St. Lawrence Market's strawberry festival will celebrate start of berry season

St. Lawrence Market is getting ready to celebrate the launch of the 2011 berry season with the annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market will be buzzing with activities in Market Lane and in the Miele Gallery at the Market Kitchen. In the south and north market, selected merchants and vendors will feature items chosen to help celebrate the day.

This free festival will start with a jam-making session presented by the Bumpercrop produce canning company. Visitors will learn how to prepare strawberry and mint jam. In addition, market merchants will offer complimentary food samples.

Visitors will also be treated to a visit from renowned chefs Michael Bonacini and Massimo Capra. Hosted by CityLine's Patrick Reynolds and inspired by everything strawberry, Bonacini and Capra will cook up a storm in the Miele Gallery at the Market Kitchen. Those who want to learn secrets of the chefs' cooking techniques can chat with Bonacini and Capra as they sign copies of their book, "3 Chefs: The Kitchen Men."

Organizers extend special thanks to event partner Citytv, special guest Bumpercrop, and St. Lawrence Market merchants Cruda Cafe, Greenery Patch, Paul Moyer, Maria Lopez, Salome Cordeiro and Scheffler's Deli.

The Miele Gallery at the Market Kitchen is located on the west mezzanine of the south market, at 93 Front St. E.

The full schedule of events is available at http://www.stlawrencemarket.com.

St. Lawrence Market is a renowned international food market. Over 120 merchants and vendors serve the freshest produce, meats and baked goods. Located in Old Town Toronto, at Front Street East and Jarvis Street, St. Lawrence Market is spread throughout the South and North Market buildings. A food destination for the City of Toronto, St. Lawrence Market provides audiences with cooking classes and demonstrations taught by professional chefs.