Final Hurrah for 2013

Denisse

Venus Wholefoods

pitchandash

jess_glee

baowow-baobuns

Jo

kyubpottspoint

serena

Emily

Tania-Lee

5 Questions with La Planchette

Vive la France!  Can you give a little bit of history about La Planchette

Absolutely correct! I only started in May this year as I took over from the previous owner.  From this date the main focus has been to stabilise everything that already existed and have a smooth transition with the the new team: products, suppliers and customers of course.

And it's been fantastic to see customers supporting and welcoming us to our three markets: Double Bay on Thursdays, Kings Cross on Saturdays and Marrickville on Sundays.

You are now the "face" of La Planchette and a most welcoming one at that.  Was it a difficult transition with the shoppers continually asking who you were, or is it a once a La Planchette devotee always a La Planchette devotee

It was a really nice smooth transition.  I would say once a quality taste devotee always a quality taste devotee

Your range of cheeses is not only mouth-watering but absolutely astounding.  Do shoppers at Kings Cross Market have a preference and how adventurous are they when you offer them a new sample to try

Shoppers usually have their preferences.  They are always keen to discover new cheese and guess what?  They are always going to be the best cheeses in the end.  This is very reassuring because this is one of our main commitments, the best products from the best French "terroirs".

Where do you source your cheese from and how many nights at home do you indulge in "now I just need to try this to make sure the customers will like it", which of course should be accompanied with some divine French wine

All cheeses are coming from France.  Most of them are classic historical cheeses.  It is hard work to taste them regularly to check maturation and best matching wine of course!

How would you sum up the world of La Planchette in 5 words

That's a very difficult question!  

I would say:

• Authenticity
• French
• Terroirs
• Excellence
• Fun

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So if you want to be transported to France and haven't the airfare, all you have to do is visit La Planchette each Saturday and your dreams will indeed come true!

An enormous merci beaucoup to Christian and we know his following is impressive already, and are looking forward to seeing it grow even more!

5 Questions with Gourmandise de Paris

In what seems almost a "minute" you have gained an incredibly large and loyal fan base.  How satisfying has this been for you

We are incredibly happy about it.  Obviously it wasn't easy when we first started because it took time for customers to "find" us but through hard work and being there every week it's now incredibly satisfying.

You do quite a bit of cooking on-site.  How long does it take to set up stall each market

Usually about an hour to have it all set up and ready to go

What has been an "outstanding" moment or reaction to your gourmet yummies

Everyone who tastes our products really enjoy them. We've had people tell us that they love it and want to know more about how we make them and even more surprised when they learn that I am the chef!

So far no complaints!

Creating a Parisian-style cafe seems to draw people in and encourage them just to sit back and relax.  Did this concept come from your observations while being at market or did it seem like the natural thing to do

It just seemed like the right thing to do.  We offer high quality products with plates and cutlery so having chairs and tables allows them time to really relax and enjoy our products without feeling the need to eat and run (so to speak)

What has been your biggest seller to date at market

Most definitely our French crepes.  They are really scrummy and everyone loves to watch us cooking them!

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Want to try some?  EASY!  Get yourselves to market every Saturday and we promise you that once tried, you will be returning week after week after week after......

Sharing the love with Solange

How long ago did you not only discover but fall in love with Kings Cross Markets

I discovered the market when I moved to Sydney in early 2011 but started visiting more regularly in the middle of 2012, initially for the flowers and then (as I started adopting a healthier lifestyle) for the produce.

What is it about these markets that keeps you coming back

It's a nice walk from where I live.  It's intimate but has everything I need and there are lots of fantastic places nearby

Do you have a favourite stallie and if so, who and why

I don't often indulge in their treats but I love the gozleme stall...soooo yummy

My fave has to be Slowly Does It Food.  Such a huge range of organic delicious produce.

Are the markets now part of your weekly kick-back and chillax Saturday routine

Yep, my routine is a boxing class in the park before strolling to the Markets, having a coffee, browsing and picking up a bag of green produce for the week.

If you could summarise why Kings Cross Markets should be on everyone's "must do" list in one sentence, what would it be

Kings Cross is better known for things other than its Saturday markets, but the vibe there on a Saturday morning is really energising.  And with Kings Cross Station being literally around the corner, it's super easy to get to and have a wander around.

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Huge thank you to the lovely Solange who took some time out of her busy day to share some what she loves about our Kings Cross Market