Gardener’s Road Fresh Food Market

I love fresh food markets! But I don’t go to nearly enough of them. Because let’s be honest… the thing that I apparently love more than markets is a weekend sleep in. Which is why I was so pleased to hear about a new fresh food market starting up in my neighbourhood, no more than 10 minutes away!

Gardeners Road Fresh Food Market is held in the spacious playground of Gardeners Road public school in Rosebery, every Saturday from 8am-2pm. The markets only just started running a few weeks ago, so it’s very much a newcomer to the scene. I’ve been back a few times now and even in that short period of time the I’ve noticed an increase in crowds. Definitely a good indicator for positive word of mouth!

The markets have a friendly and laid-back atmosphere – there’s even a guy on an acoustic guitar entertaining the kiddies and serenading us as we shop. The stallholders have all been nice and happy to have a chat about what they’re selling. I’m looking forward to checking out more of them as the weeks go by.

Stalls at Gardeners Road Fresh Food Markets

There were MINIATURE PONIES from Pony Express! (for children to ride. Apparently I am too old. I know because I asked. AGEISM! :P)

Beautiful looking baguettes from the French Patisserie

Paul the Plant man

Fresh veggie stall

Lovely fresh kale. I bought 2 big bunches for $3. My local Coles supermarket definitely doesn’t stock this!

On our second visit I spied a seafood stand selling fresh shucked oysters, and a butcher. The nice lady at the butcher stall was really friendly and helped me pick out a lamb mini roast for dinner that night. She even gave me cooking suggestions… extremely useful for a roast newbie like me. Unfortunately I’ve misplaced the pamphlet she gave me about the products stocked in the van because I am a terrible blogger. But I do remember her mentioning that the meat sold is free range. And that they even sell sliced haggis! (vac-packed for your convenience)

I was also really pleased to see that JackieM had a stall. I’ve had her char kway teow at the Night Noodle Markets before – Malaysian stir fried rice noodles with the perfect balance of savoury and sweet, and with great ‘wok hei‘. JackieM’s stall at Gardeners Road Market is operated by Nick, while Jackie takes care of Orange Grove markets.

Chicken Char Kway Teow from JackieM Malaysian

Unfortunately first market day teething problems meant the stall had no chilli (!) – but the CKT was still very tasty.

Look at this awesome dude tucking in to some of Jackie’s Char Kway Teow!

Despite being the first day of operation, there were quite a lot of food options! There were some Gozleme ladies of course. It never feels like a proper market without seeing them hard at work creating those pastries.

Turkish Gozleme stall

Other options include a Quesedilla stall, a Crepe stall – and I also spied a Greek Souvlaki stall and a portable woodfire pizza oven! (sadly not pictured)

 

I’d be lying though, if I didn’t mention the stall I was most looking forward to seeing: Flour and Stone!

Flour and Stone’s Panna Cotta Lamingtons and, Lemon Curd/Raspberry and Vanilla custard filled donuts

Nadine Ingram’s Woolloomooloo bakery cafe, Flour and Stone, has fast become my top pick for sweet treats in Sydney. And judging from the queues that spill out onto the pavement outside her Riley St establishment – I’m not the only one who thinks so!

Nadine’s Panna Cotta Lamington would alone put Flour and Stone under legendary status in my books (seriously… there’s panna cotta in the lamington), if it weren’t for the fact that everything else there is so good too. From classics like Lemon Drizzle Cake and Old Fashioned Vanilla Cake to treats with an unexpected twist like Strawberry, Rosemary and Honey creme brûlée tarts – Flour and Stone serves up nostalgia for a time that honoured honest baking without fads or pretension.

Nadine Ingram from Flour and Stone

Like the Woolloomoolo cafe, everything at Flour and Stone’s market stall is beautifully presented, effortlessly showing off a tempting array of baked goods.

And I haven’t even mentioned their pies! Their Chicken, Leek and Tarragon pie is a must try:

Chicken, Leek and Tarragon pie

But really, you can’t go wrong:

Chocolate Brownies

The chocolate and salted caramel tart – had to pick up a slice of this to take home, couldn’t resist!

Gardeners Road Fresh Food Market is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood – and it’s exciting to see its popularity and stallholders grow. I’m already looking forward to the weekend so that I can go back!

Gardeners Road Fresh Food Market
cnr Gardeners & Botany Roads
Rosebery

Every Saturday from 8am – 2pm
Free Parking on site

Twitter: @GardenersRdMkt

Check out their Facebook page for updates and some great photos of each week’s market