Marché Public 440

I used to be a regular here 7 – 8 years ago back in the day. I’d come to William J Walter the odd lunch hour for one of their gourmet tube steaks all-​dressed. then I’d peruse the SAQ and wander around to escape my mind of work for an hour and browse around. There’s the Fruiterie 440, the big seafood shop, an optometrist plus the cheese shop and butcher. Also a bunch of other stores (less memorable to me now) plus the main sit down restaurant which serves a decent smoked meat. The one caution I’d provide is that the pricing of the food stores here is ultra premium– über expensive (ie I don’t get much here as I believe it’s overpriced). In the late– spring –summer and early fall the market outside offers fresh fruit and produce on a smaller version to Jean Talon. This is the main draw and more reasonable. The inside shops they must be charging an arm and a leg rent wise as yeeeesh! You can find specialty items much cheaper at many other stores.

Marche Public 440 is a farmer’s market that is located right off Highway 440.
This farmer’s market provides its clients things such as fresh produce, meats, cheeses, fish, baked goods, organic foods, chocolates and other dairies from many small locally owned places that are specialized in their special trade. Other than the 2 butcher shops, most places are unique in what they sell. Heck, one can even get bison, moose and kangaroo meat! Talk about options!
When the weather permits, they also have many sellers come and setup shop outside and sell locally grown items that can be purchased and bartered conveniently. Obviously fruits and vegetables but also anything you may need for your garden such as top soil, grass, plants, flowers and so forth.
Supporting local businesses in the land of chain stores is a noble thing to do. Particularly when you mean well and have the extra funds to invest in such a good act to get in return usually exceptional quality of food.
However, the price tag is very steep and I cannot picture myself doing my entire grocery here instead of somewhere like Maxi/​Adonis/​Provigo. For example, when a steak costs you $ 15 each and you can get two fresh cuts from Adonis a few blocks away for about $ 20, one needs to be realistic that something is off. I won’t go into detail how some things can be very expensive as I don’t wish to dwell on that too much (you can realize that all on your own)… this farmer’s market fills a very specific need as major grocery stores don’t have everything I need for everyday cooking… so I find myself coming here more often than not. The produce is great and I’d rather have it fresh… as long as the price is «reasonable». Frankly, produce is best here… such as watermelons, strawberries and corn on a cob! MIAM!
Furthermore, the place is nice and friendly and I like it here. One can even enjoy their tiny food court of 3 – 4 restos as well.