Rita popped back to the Hobart Farmers Market this morning – just to check things out. This week has proved extremely interesting regarding people’s opinions about the Farmers Market. It seems they are in either of two camps: you hold quite definite opinions about the fact that the market is a brilliant idea, or you are of the opposite opinion that you think people who desire the goods to be found at the Farmers Market should go to Salamanca Market and support that particular market, and basically that there just isn’t enough population to support the two markets.
Today there were more stalls. The Hmongs were there with the usual huge array of vegies which they always carry at Salamanca. The bread person from last week wasn’t. There was a truck laden with Dutch Creams, and a separate truck filled with South Arm Pink Eyes.
People were way more savvy and there earlier this week (probably as a result of all the publicity), so that at the 8.00 am starting bell time, the queues were already formed and waiting patiently.
Rita got to meet Madi Peattie too. She is a delightful person with the kind of ideas we need for this concept to be the huge success we know with certainty it will be. She told me she has heaps of stalls all lined up for the coming months, as well as the option of more powered sites in the car park. Five cherry growers have requested sites as outlets for their yet-to-blossom cherries, so the sites will probably be rostered, as it is patently unprofitable for 5 separate farmers to be present at the Farmers Market on one market day.
Nick Haddow will have his full range of BIC products by next week too so there’s another place to obtain your local cheese if you have the need.
And capitalizing on the potential custom of the Farmers Market is the wonderfully innovative little gift shop/café named Chado – the way of tea. This is a place I’ve had on my to-go-to list for a while, but not yet got around to checking out. It is in Elizabeth Street, directly opposite an entrance to the Farmers Market. As I parked my car (at 7.30 am) this morning, I noticed them putting out the sign for Chado but assumed they were just doing some Sunday cleaning of the premises.
On my return to the car at 8.15, it was obvious they were actually open for business, so I popped in to look at what the deal was there. Mega-friendly and personable owner Varuni is a Sri Lankan woman who is obviously passionate about her business. Well before I had introduced myself, she had introduced me to her shop, her gift items, her teas, her menu and her food! Most impressive! After such disarming friendliness from the business owner, I felt it only fair I should reveal my true identity and explain the reason behind my many questions. I will definitely return and lunch there soon as the food sounds exactly like the kind of food I adore.
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19 comments:
I've been to Chado a thousand times. Just kidding, but I sure go there twice every week. Do try out the daimyo matcha iri genmai cha uji. It's a Japanese tea brewed with brown rice. It's really something different and refreshing. You'll love it.
Last night I was determined not to miss out on the market again. Alas, the same thing happened as last week - I went out on the saturday night, drank a little, went to bed around 3am, and at 7.30am, I subsequently lost all desire to get out of bed to visit the markets. I understand why they have it on a Sunday morning, but I still wish it was at a more sociable time.
Next week....
Alas you left too early..the bread van arrived a around 20 past, followed closely by a long line!
Thanks for the tip Jerine. I'd hate to try and pronounce it, but it sounds like a tea I need to sample, being a tea drinker from way back!
Lucy - far be it from me to urge you to prioritise, but come on! 3am bedtime, or 7.00 am awakening? Hmm....go the market option! You'll benefit later as you eat the results of your early morning marketing, I guarantee!
Marc - I'm delighted the bread person rolled up. We seemed to have most bases covered this morning as regards variety of goods available. I can't wait till the fruit season is in its prime!
I think the farmer's market is a fantastic idea.I live about an hours drive out of town and you have given me the extra nudge I need to get there next week. The fact that the hmong are there now is also an added incentive.
I think there is room in Hobart for both Salamanca and this market as well.
I agree with Kim. I don't enjoy Salamanca, but when I go I end up laden with vegies, bruny island stuff, and thats about it.
Love the fresh produce, hate the crowds and tacky stuff.
What Christina said.....especially in summer, I know we need tourists but ARGH!
Just putting this out there. great to see the Hmongs but do they actually grow ALL of the products they sell? This year has been very bad because of the rains & they seem to have displayed a lot of produce that hasn't been available locally? Seriously not being a stirrer but have heard they import from mainland as well? Is this true?
hey sorry to go off topic, but im desperate for a great place to go to breakfast tomorrow morning ideas anyone?
Pumpkin Pie - Smith St Store do a great brekky; Rain Check - you're either a fan, or hate them. I don't mind them; Bahai Centre have a few brekky menu items which are great, plus cheap as well; I generally try to keep away from Salamanca because of the parking issue, but I have it on good authority that Drifters do the best Eggs Benedict and coffee in town(I haven't eaten there so don't know); Machine also good, as is Plum. Let us know where you go and what it was like please.
Pumpkin Pie - try Pigeon Hole, small menu but good!
Oops! I KNEW I'd forget somewhere REALLY obvious! Thanks TG!
Anon 8.39 - interesting your comment about the Hmongs vegies. I haven't heard that, but interested if anyone knows anything. Not that I think there's anything wrong with them importing it if needs must but they seem such hard workers it seems logical that they produce so much produce.
The Hmongs do bring in vegies they do not grow for the Salamanca Market - ask them and they will tell you which they grow and which they do not. But for the Farmers Market they are only selling their own produce.
Thanks Nick.
Today I had a late breakfast at Lansdowne Cafe. 7/10...I am very picky about my breaky though. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Most I have been to as i am MAD for some one else cooking me breaky.
Back to Lansdowne. service was great - not to intrusive but was at the table when we needed them to be there. I had eggs florentine with a side of bacon. Hollandaise was awesome and my eggs werent swimming in it. Eggs cooked perfect. Great toast. Poor, way over cooked bacon jerky! and a little disappointed my spinach wasnt wilted and seasoned. Overall though i walked out full and content.
Would i go back? not regularly but definately would consider it simply for the fact it was good coffee and easy to park.
I think the Hobart Farmer's Market is excellent - it has loads of potential and I will definitely be supporting it. However, one thing I was disappointed about was that some of produce was packaged in plastic bags (ie bread, salad greens) and some stallholders were offering plastic bags (I had my own bags of course!) in which to put their produce after purchase.
In the spirit of the farmers market concept I think plastic bags should not be allowed...my two cents worth!
Olivia, I agree about the farmers market and the plastic bags. I am one of the bread sellers and I would love to not use plastic bags but unfortunately it is a Hobart City Council requirement. We tried to sell our bread unwrapped but got told we had to bag it.
I went to a great Farmers Market in Adelaide a couple of months ago and they had plastic bag free policy. In fact, The Adelaide Central Market, is also plastic bag free. I hope the Hobart Farmers Market will also follow this trend but it will need the support of the HCC to achieve it.
Anon 4.09. I just deleted your hostile comment for many reasons. There is a logical explanation in answer to your question. If you want to follow this up, please email me directly via the Contact Me facility on this blog, and I'm more than happy to explain that statement in way more detail.
If I want abuse from someone, I can call one of my children who are always happy to oblige!
Sorry I missed that one Rita.
I always get my abuse at home too!
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