Tag Archives: local


Know Moncton: OMG Market

Get ready to rethink one-stop shopping! For years, Moncton-North has been enjoying both McBun’s and the Old Fashion Meat Market. The two stores are stocked with fresh products and friendly staff. Nothing beats McBun’s delicious peanut butter oat cakes (SO good!!!)

Screen shot 2013-06-14 at 3.42.04 PM BUT it’s way more convenient to head to a one-stop shopping location where some fresh veggies are available alongside baked goods and protein!

In comes the OMG Market. Last summer Shane realized the need for a shop specializing in produce on the North end of Moncton and the location between the meat market and McBun’s seemed like a great opportunity! People in the neighbourhood (or people like me who have to drive across town!) can stop at the Valhalla Plaza and pick up their entire grocery list from local shops! 

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Shane choose the name “OMG market” after his stepmom Carolyn suggested it. Initially, the name didn’t click, but the more Shane thought about, the more sense it made. He used to work in the Moncton Industrial park and there were many days that he would have to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few items on the way home. He would drive by the Trinity Superstore and forget to stop. Once he realized, he would think, “Oh My Goodness,” I forgot to stop and get the bread, or whatever; and he’d have to turn around and fight the traffic to get back there.

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The OMG market does their best to bring in as many local products as possible. They focus on fruits and vegetables and have a variety of organic products.

In addition to produce they also carry honey from Allison, NB (near Salisbury); maple products from Elgin; apples, apple cider, jams, and jellies from Memramcook; cheese, tea, and spices from Sussex; Covered Bridge Chips from the Saint John River Valley; Coffee from Saint John; olive oils & balsamic vinegars from Europe via a St. Andrew’s distributor; hot sauce from Cardigan, PEI; and culinary wines from Shediac! They also prepare fresh salads every day at the market!

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 Over the next five years, Shane would like to see, as a minimum, two other locations open! He plans to start in either Riverview or Dieppe and possibly continue throughout the province! These shops, like the Mountain Road location, will offer a unique blend of local products in a small, cozy atmosphere, with a strong focus on customer service! OMG staff focuses on making sure every customer is welcomed and that all questions are answered before they leave! 

A few fun facts about Shane!

Q. Do you travel? Where have you been?

R. My wife and I have been travelling to the Dominican Republic every year for the last few years. We certainly enjoy our time down there. 

Q. If you could choose one vegetable or fruit that does not grow in NB to grow here, what would it be? 

R. Bananas for sure. They are a favourite of mine. 

Q.What is your favourite vacation spot in the Maritimes? 

R. My favourite vacation spot in the Maritimes has to be PEI. 

Check out the OMG market (and lots of other shops) at 1855 Mountain Rd! Let us know what you think!

Know Moncton: Clementine

If you can’t make it to Europe and happen to be in Moncton, add a stop at Clementine Café to your to-do list!

This chic café–named after owner Clement Dugas– is located at 62 Elmwood Drive in the Sunny Brae community. With many corporate coffee shops opening in the city (which we all love), Clementine offers a refreshing take on classic café items. The menu is loaded with fresh, local food and beverages ranging  from Chockpish Salad and Paninis to Cranberry-Pear Smoothies and Americanos. They do their best to shop as local and real as possible. While their speciality is espresso drinks, they (debatably) have the best coffee in town. They serve varying roasts of fresh ground, Just Us coffee (check Just Us out on our favourite things list!).

Clementine Café was originally located on St. George street, but due to issues with the building they were forced to leave. The café closed for six months and Clement was beginning to feel that he would not be able to reopen. He and his wife had moved to the Sunny Brae community and saw the potential for community development. When 62 Elmwood Dr. became available, they took a leap of faith and reopened. We’re definitely glad they did!


photo: Clement above, baristas Franca and Sebastian (left), and Chef Sam (right)

Fun Facts about Clement:

Q. If you could open a coffee shop in any city in the world, where would it be?

 A. One time my wife and I were on vacation in Orleans, France. It’s a small city, about 100,000 and I remember thinking it’d be a great place to open a coffee shop.

Q. Do you travel often?

A. I’ve traveled Europe a few times. My wife is from the countryside in France, near Switzerland. It’s a small community, not like Paris or anything. So we always have a home-base there. Once we transformed a work van into a camper and traveled through Europe. We always went to public pools to clean up. It was cool because we were able to see a lot of locals.

Q. What inspired your decor?

A. We wanted to keep the same look we had at St. George, like with the wood panelling, but a lot of the inspiration comes from my travels.


Our Favourite Things: East-Coast Christmas List

I swear my heart is shaped like the East-Coast! From relaxing on the beach, to surfing, repelling, skydiving, snowboarding, and sipping local brews or beans–Atlantic Canada offers something for everyone. This coast is vibrant, intelligent, and full of creativity. We’ve compiled a list (and checked it twice) of a few of the things we love here!

1. East Coast Candles

If I ever find myself near the Boyce Farmers Market in Fredericton, NB, East Coast Candles is a must stop. I guarantee these candles smell better than any other collection EVER! The best part is that the scents last for years!

2. Magnetic Hill Winery

I’ve heard many friends rave about the amazing selection of “estate-grown strawberry, raspberry and local New Brunswick blueberry, cranberry and rhubarb” wines that this Moncton winery distills on-site!

3. Honibe

Another classic, East-coast trait is trust in home remedies. Honey is said to act as an anti-allergan, an anti-inflammatory, and a sore-throat soother. This PEI-based company has created lozenges to either replace traditional throat drops or to use as a non-mess, natural hot-beverage sweetener. Kelly uses them all the time and we think you might like them too!

4. Just Us Coffee

Located in the Annapolis Valley, Just Us was created to demonstrate that business can be done by putting “people and the planet before profits.” Just Us now offers a great selection of beans from different regions of the world, along with sugar and chocolate and are available at both Sobey’s and the Superstore. I can’t wait to serve their Holiday Blend this Christmas!

5.Serge Pottery

Looking for a new collection of mugs? These are, by far, my all-time favourite pottery mugs. I bought my first one about two years ago and it–along with a few others from the collection–have served me well. They’ve survived a few tumbles and look so rustic.

6. J. Day Designs

Julie Day is a designer and mom from Nova Scotia. She not only creates beautiful cards and jewellery, but offers tips on both of her blogs! Be sure to follow her and pick up some of her handiwork at Market Street Stamps or by sending her an email.

7. Viet Bistro

Nothing quite says Canada like international cuisine 🙂 This licensed restaurant offers a large variety of traditional Vietnamese food for a very reasonable price (apps $2.50-$10; main dish $10-$20).

8. Anabanana

For all things eco-friendly, trendy, safe, and innovative for the little ones in your life, check out this brand new business on Mountain Rd!

9. Two Women & Their Soap

My sister LOVES this soap. The two artisans are based at King’s Landing Historical Settlement near Fredericton, NB and take pride in making quality soap, creams, and lip balm through time-tested, quality assuring methods. All of their products are handmade in their kitchen and sold at a boutique at the King’s Head Inn and at various craft shows in New Brunswick.

10. Gifts Galore

If I forgot something super cool from the East Coast, I’m sure this little shop can point you in the right direction. They stock all things local from scarves to art to food, Gifts Galore is a one stop shop for all things Maritime. If you’re lucky, they’ll even be serving free cider!