Sharing some love with Kylie

How did you first come across Kings Cross Markets

I cam across Kings Cross Markets 6 years ago when I first moved to the area.  I've been living in Bondi for 4 years now, but only recently started my journey back every Saturday since becoming a vegan 7 months ago.

In your opinion, what is it about these markets that makes it appealing to people from all walks of life

Kings Cross Markets has a relaxing vibe, you see the same faces each week which gives a great sense of community.  Everybody is super friendly, willing to help you carry your groceries and have a chit chat about anything and everything.

There's no hustle and bustle or pushing in, and the great news is you never get run over by someone pushing a trolley which turns the weekly grocery shopping into quite a calming experience.

Do you have a "routine" when visiting/buying at market or are you a "get the staples then let's see what's on offer and try new things" type of chick

I'm a bit of both.  I have my routine shopping list but then I'm easily distracted by other products.  For example, last week I purchased the Clear Jojoba Oil which is amazing on the skin which demonstrates being taken off course isn't always a bad thing.

Do you have a favourite recipe using produce bought at market

Now that Spring is here, it's been salads, salads and more salads.  I like to keep it simple and alkalising: spinach, cucumber, capsicum, leek, string beans, broccoli, avocado, chickpeas and olive oil.

Kylie's enormous weekly hoard!

If you had to sum up your Kings Cross Market experience in 5 words, what would they be

My home away from home

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Best final answer to be seen!  Home away from home is exactly how we feel about our markets as well!  

Enormous thank you to Kylie for sharing a bit of her time with us and showing us once again why Kings Cross Market is the only place to get your weekly shopping done!

5 Questions with Bowen's the BEST Bacon & Egg Roll to be had on a Saturday

Bowen's Bacon & Egg rolls have developed quite a reputation around Kings Cross Market and beyond. What's the secret (or would you have to silence us permanently before telling!)

The special ingredient is probably attention to detail. Yes we use very high quality ingredients, but that alone doesn't guarantee success.  It's the way the egg & bacon are cooked, the amount of bacon we put on each roll, even the way the bread roll is cut.  

But most importantly, it's the people in the stall - that's the most critical part of almost any business; getting the right people.  If you don't have the right people you can't do any of these things well.

Why markets?

My wife started to have children and now we have 6. This meant she couldn't work anymore during the week which was the perfect opportunity to do what I had always wanted to do: set up a market stall.

Always there with a smile, always happy to chat with customers, the Bowen's mob are a part of what (we feel at least) "makes" Kings Cross Markets THE place to hang on a Saturday morning

What is it about market life that sets it apart from shopfront retail

Well about the "Bowen mob" first - you can't train someone to be friendly like that. Giving someone a great roll and having a tiny chat can literally make their morning.

On the question of retail: I suppose the difference is that market allows people to connect with the old world.  Markets have existed for literally thousands of years.  It's a much less formal environment.

Rain, hail or shine you are there weekend in weekend out.  How is that for you

When it's pouring with the rain the die-hards still come out.  On days like that you make just enough to buy a coffee, but we're there for them regardless - every week without fail.

The perfect day for us is a brisk but sunny day in winter.

For anyone who has yet to discover the delights of the Bowen's Bacon & Egg Roll Saturday Routine, what 5 words would you use to get them to get in there and give it a go

We have vegetarian customers - REALLY!

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Now want to see what all the fuss is about and why it is IMPERATIVE you join the throngs of die-hard fans who have been known to travel quite a distance simply to grab a bacon & egg roll?

And yes, they do have vegetarian customers!