5 Questions with Lee & Wami

From free range eggs to biodynamic fruit and veg: you are now a well entrenched and much loved stallie at Kings Cross Market.  What do you love most about market life

The markets are where you go to get something that is not available at your local store, an experience, something unusual or just a bargain.  We love being the one who brings this to people.

Your eggs literally "fly" out the door.  Can you explain what defines "organic" and "free range" and why they not only taste better, but more importantly, why we should choose to buy these types of eggs as opposed to those in the local supermarket

Well freshness is always a consideration and the usual story of supporting the little guys is a nice one too. What can I say: they are certified organic free range, no beak trimming with an open gate policy eggs: so if you ever want to pop in an ensure they are what they say they are then, you can!

What is your best seller at market

Ooohhh...that's a tough one.  It changes as do the seasons and depending on what I have to offer at the time.

But some of the tried and proven items consist of my certified Bio-Dynamic salad mix (amazingly fresh, lasting well past its use-by date staying crisp and delicious!), eggies and my selection of fresh produce is also now starting to get a following.

Amongst your produce, you have biodynamic blueberries, mangos and insane tasting dragon fruit.  For those who may not fully understand, can you give us a bit of insight as to what "biodynamic" means, how it aids our overall wellbeing, why it's an important part of our daily intake of goodness and how it differs from say, organically grown produce

The quick answer for bio-dyniamic is "super organic".  You have all the organic principles that you must follow and then have another set of principles above and beyond that which must be adhered to.  The benefits to the earth and land have been shown many times over in research that has been carried out.

And what about us?  Well, I solemnly believe we should eat what we are guided to by our own intuition as we have the ability to make the right choice for ourselves at each step of the way.

From your perspective, what is it about markets like Kings Cross that form an integral part of the community and why should we, as consumers, support it as much as we can

The basic premise for markets, in our opinion, is it gives people a chance to experience something which is outside the norm of what you would find in other places.

If it tickles your fancy or floats your boat then head on over and join the fun!

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Reckon there's something in that for all of us don't you?

Take it from us, there is standing room only for these guys and once you taste their produce you will too will become enslaved to their goodness and have a bit of a laugh while you're at it

2014 Shouout!

The Bagel Shop

Curium Magazine

Bonus Health

Jenni

Nicole

Venus Wholefoods

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Alison talks Paleo

The Paleo Food Movement is gaining incredible momentum with its sensible approach to eating good wholesome foods where the health benefits are immeasurable.  What was it about this lifestyle that first attracted you and what was the impetus to being your own personal food movement

Paleo Foodies

I've always been really interested in health and nutrition with many different diets.  I was first introduced to the Paleo diet about 5 years ago and I saw immediate results from cutting out things like grains.

I felt lighter, more energetic and more vibrant and the approach to food just made so much sense.  I think a lot of people are easily misled by messages put out by large, powerful food manufacturers - such as "eat low fat" etc.  I encourage anyone to do their own research and also try a range of different foods to see what works for them.  

I am really passionate about sharing what I have discovered through healthy whole food eating, and demonstrating how easy it is to maintain a lifestyle based on Paleo principles.

For those who may not be fully aware or totally comprehend "Paleo", can you give a brief outline as to its ethos and why we should (if possible) apply even a smidge of it in to our every day eating routine

At its most basic level, Paleo is maintaining a diet that resembles how our paleolithic ancestors ate with a modern application.  The principles of the diet are to eat whole foods as they exist in nature and source local and seasonal produce.

Meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits and some nuts and seeds form the basis of the diet, while things like grains, sugars, dairy products, legumes (including soy products) and any ingredient that has been refined and processed are eliminated.

There's no denying that the number of people diagnosed with auto-immune and non-communicable diseases is increasing.  These diseases were not around millions of years ago, and somewhere in the last few thousand years - a tiny smidgen of our human existence - we have introduced a plethora of health issues.

For someone wanting to try the Paleo diet, my advice would be to cut things out slowly. Start with grains, then when your body has adjusted, try cutting out dairy.  I would also recommend reading one of the many great books available to help guide you through your lifestyle change, including "The Paleo Solution" by Robb Wolf, "The Primal Blueprint" by Mark Sisson (a slightly modified version which includes some dairy), or you could follow the Whole30 Program which is based on Paleo principles.

For Paleo cooking I'd recommend "Everyday Paleo" by Sarah Ferguson or the blogsite "Nom Nom Paleo". 

And of course to find paleo-friendly places to dine, follow my blog "Paleo Foodies" which you can check out "here".

What role does organic produce play in the Paleo lifestyle

Choosing to eat organic is a personal choice but one that the Paleo lifestyle definitely supports.  Not only are you eating healthier foods produced free from chemicals, in most cases you're supporting local farmers and since they don't use any chemicals, the produce is always in season.

Some people argue that eating organic is more expensive, but I tend to disagree and it really depends on where you buy.

There are local organic markets in most areas across Sydney and because you're buying directly from the seller the prices are quite low.

When did you first come across Kings Cross Market and what drew you there initially

I first came across Kings Cross Markets a few months ago.  I went because of the convenient time they are on - Saturdays between 8:00am -2:00pm.  Now I love going each week and am getting to know the producers.  It's nice to be able to ask questions directly to the producer - such as where they grow their produce, the best way to prepare an item etc.

The produce is really fresh and it stays fresh for longer so I don't have to do multiple trips throughout the week.  I source my organic vegetables and free range eggs from the markets.  I also love to pick up a fresh bunch of native flowers for the home and I usually grab a green smoothie from the raw juice bar.

In your opinion, what is it about markets such as Kings Cross, that form an integral part of the local community and what can we do (as shoppers) to help it keep on keeping on

I think local markets are a really important and valuable part of our community.  I have travelled around the world and one of my favourite things to do in foreign countries is to check out the local market because food is what brings people together, and you can learn so much about a culture and their cuisine by visiting where they source their raw ingredients.

Markets are a way for the community to come together and it's how we have sourced fresh produce for thousands of years.  It's a rich tradition across many cultures and it's exciting to see so many Sydney-siders supporting and visiting their local markets each week.  It's also a great activity for a Saturday morning and the perfect way to start the weekend.

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Couldn't have put it better ourselves.  A massive thank you to Alison for her time and giving us some user-friendly info about the Paleo lifestyle.  

If you missed the links above, you can read more about Paleo Foodies both "here" and "here" and stay tuned cause there is going to be some exciting happenings not just with us but with Paleo Foodies as well!

Sharing the love with Jo

How long have you been a fan of Kings Cross Markets

I moved to the area (Potts Point) in February, so I've been walking up to the Saturday Markets at least once a fortnight since then!

To be honest I'd never been before I moved in.  I always used to drive to Bondi or Darlington.

Is this a solo expedition or has the fortnightly ritual become a group activity

Sometimes I love to wander through the markets on my own.  I love being able to listen to the happy bustle and take my time meeting and chatting to strangers.

Occasionally I'll be a meeting a friend for brunch, so we'll organise to meet at the Fountain and wander through the markets before heading off.  I love showing my friends through the stalls.  Everyone I've brought down to the markets is a huge fan!

Do you have a "must have" or is it more of a "let's meander and see what the day is in store and I'll buy whatever takes my fancy"

I always buy flowers.  I have a really cute little sunny area in my apartment that just lights up with a happy bunch of flowers in it.  So that's the staple.

So that's the staple.  I always buy veggies too, although the veggies change a little depending on the season.  And I usually buy a tub of coconut kefir as well...if you don't know what that is, try it at the markets one day!  It will change your life!  Think yoghurt on steroids!

Do you have a fave meal using produce from our markets 

I loooooooovvvvveee the French Cheese (La Planchette).  I love to stand at his stall and keep asking questions, so he'll have to keep talking in his French accent.

I often buy a small cheese wheel from him, so often my Saturday night night meal will include fresh veggies from the market and some of my French cheese.

If you could sum up the "vibe" of Kings Cross Markets in one paragraph what would it be

Fresh and friendly.  Who could want more!

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Our thoughts precisely!  So our recommendation is obviously to visit our markets, see what's on offer, try some of the Coconut Kefir from Amphore, drown in French cheese heaven with La Planchette, buy some organic produce, catch up with friends and perhaps make some new ones while you're there!

Huge thank you to Jo for sharing her time, her photos and her love for Kings Cross Market and look forward to seeing you there sooner rather than later!

5 Questions with Bao Wow

Can you give us a little bit of insight behind the origins of Bao Wow

Originally known as "Gua Bao", it's Taiwanese streetfood that has come into fashion in fine dining restaurants internationally over the past few years but hasn't really been available on the cheap eats scene in Sydney.

The true Taiwanese version has a slice of braised pork belly, coriander, peanuts, pickles, mustard greens and red sugar.  

I've known I've wanted to run my own stall for a while now and when I came across Gua Bao I knew it was the perfect product to sell.  

The original food is excellent but I decided to freshen it up to suit our climate and culture and my own personal taste.  I think the balance between the freshness of the herbs and cucumber combined with the juicy porked roll and fluffy steamed bun makes a perfect match for market brunch.

Even though still somewhat "new" to Kings Cross Markets, you have already established yourself as a firm favourite.  How encouraging has this been for you

To be honest it's a total surprise.  I took a risk and it's definitely paying off.  We've only been going for about 6 weeks and this is my first experience at running a market stall, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but we have already weekly regulars!

It's a fantastic feeling when someone buys a Bao, then comes back to tell me how much they enjoyed it.  Hearing feedback really makes it all worthwhile.

Where do you source your produce from and how long does it take to prep for market

We get our free range pork from AC Butchery in Leichhardt which has a really great range of meat products, and all our vege and herbs from the Vietnamese supermarkets in Marrickvile (around the corner from my house).  I do all the prep on the Friday before market (eg: making the dough and rolling out over 100 buns that are triple proofed, braising the pork so I can pull it in the morning).  

It's pretty labour intensive but it's worth it for the end product.

What is it about market life that keeps it "real" for you

Being able to work outdoors is part of the reason I was drawn to market life and it's as rewarding as I thought it would be (although we haven't had a rainy day yet!).

I also love the camaraderie between stallholders, swapping Bao for a bunch of organic bananas or the best baklava in the world from two stalls down.

In 5 words, how would you sump up life as a stallie at Kings Cross Market

Tiring, rewarding, exciting and delicious

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Delicious is as delicious does and if they sell out week in week out then obviously they are doing something right!

With thanks to Bao Wow for not only sharing some time and photos with us but being part of our Saturday Kings Cross Market Family and as the man who wears the hat says "do yourself a favour" and make sure you swing by to try one of these little beauties (ps: while you're at it, why not let them know you've read the blog too!)

Simon and his Byron Bay Chopping Boards

Can you give us a little bit of background as to the origins of Byron Bay Chopping Boards and how it came to be a fundamental part of your life

Byron Bay Chopping Boards was established in early 2000 by myself, chef Simon Hart. Travelling through the beautiful hinterland in Byron Bay, I saw camphor laurel wood was being used as chopping boards, due to its powerful anti-bacterial qualities.

Excited about this wood's unique properties, I then began making chopping boards for myself, fellow chefs and friends.  This "interest" quickly became a passion and these boards are now used in many of Australia's top restaurants, sold in retail outlets as well as markets such as Kings Cross Markets.

Chef Manu Feildel @ Sydney Taste 2012

The wood is sourced in a sustainable manner from the Byron Bay hinterland where once selected due to its grain quality, it is then handcrafted into a durable and professional quality chopping board and/or presentation platter.

We are also proud to be Australian owned and operated and practice eco friendly and sustainable business practices!

Where do you source your wood from and is it done in a sustainable and eco-friendly way

The camphor laurel tree is a large evergreen tree which can grow up to 20m in height, has leaves which are glossy and waxy and smell of camphor when you crush them.

This is a 100% eco friendly timber which we source from around the Byron Bay area.

We will always look at the timber and let the grain of the wood guide us in to how we make a special piece.

What has been your biggest seller to date

We have such a big range of boards from mini's (which are really popular), classics (which are the same sizes with either red cedar or silky oak handle) and have some boards which are as big as 700/800mm x 500mm

Sometimes we even put some crystals in the knots of the timber!  

You sell your boards at a few of our markets.  Have you noticed any predominant preferences depending upon the locale

I don't think I have found a pattern as yet, but we do get such a great mix of locals, overseas visitors and interstate visitors it's all good in our books!

Market life can be a little "difficult" at times (ie. raining cats and dogs or heat like no other), what is it that keeps you coming back

We love outdoor conditions, being amongst the trees, talking to everyday people, getting feedback from customers, talking about food and recipes etc.

The Organic Food Markets brings very food conscious types who love to cook, so when you great produce it's great to use a nice eco-friendly chopping board to go with your beautifully prepared food!

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Not only can you find Simon and his amazing range of boards, bowls and more at our markets, he will explain how to care for it and even wrap it up (in an eco friendly way naturally!) if you ask nicely!