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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!

What makes these markets so special!

With the day of the jolly man with the white beard wearing the red suit rapidly approaching, we figured it was high time to do our own little focus on Kings Cross Market and what makes it special - not just to us, but to everyone who makes it so.

From the hustle and bustle of Monday to Friday 9 to 5 safely out of the way, it's important to chill, kick back, get your weekly produce shopping

eat some seriously good grub

buy those amazing flowers that seem to last forever

enjoy some special shopping time with the kids

sample some meltingly sinful yet thoroughly intense and ever so popular French Cheese

discover what's hot and what's not in the four legged fashion stakes

take home some home baked cakes that never seem to go out of style

snatch a photo op go with a guy carrying flowers for his wife

have a Nat Geo Adventure all of your own

but most of all enjoy having an icon as a backdrop

as you catch up with yourself, friends or family on Kings Cross' very own village green!

We love seeing you, the stallies definitely love chatting with you and you love being here!  No brainer!

Sharing some Kings Cross Market love with Maxine

How did you first discover the little pocket of organic paradise known as Kings Cross Markets

I am from Melbourne, but I have family that live in Elizabeth Bay, so have been visiting the markets sporadically over the past few years.

I only however became "attached" during my last visit to Sydney as I was staying in Potts Point for works for 3 weeks.  Every Saturday (without fail) started with an early morning trip to the market, buying flowers and sampling delicious fresh juices and food treats the market has to offer.

What is it about these markets (in your opinion) that makes them a great place to not only shop, but to meet friends and hang

These markets are the perfect place to catch up with friends.  Whether it's a game of Connect 4 in the sunshine

or a gossip and coffee on the grass, the market is a great reason to get out of bed in the morning and socialise!

With the mixture of organic, eclectic and some surprise finds, what is your all time number one have to buy each visit and why

Fresh flowers.  For the simple reasons that they look and smell beautiful, and put a smile on my face.

Has your love of these markets spilled in to the lives of those around you, or do you like to keep it as your own little ritualistic nirvana

I tend to keep visiting the markets as my own little Saturday morning ritual.  In Melbourne my local market is Gleadell Street Markets in Richmond, and despite the craziness I actually find it quite relaxing and therapeutic, not to mention the great exercise walking there and back!

For anyone who has not yet "dipped their toe in the water" at our markets, what 5 words would you use to encourage them to get in and give it a go

• Food
• Sunshine
• Buzz
• Aromas
• Friendly

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Couldn't ask for a better recommendation than that!   So if a Melbourne chick enjoys our markets when she can, just think of what you Sydneysiders can do every weekend!

Huge thank you to Maxine for sharing some of her time with us and hopefully we will see her return sooner rather than later.

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!

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!

The Joy of Oi

How did you originally discover and then become a much loved stallie at Kings Cross Markets?

We wanted to get our brand out to most parts of Sydney.  We started at Kings Cross Markets but after roaming around the market circuit we have come to love Kings Cross and plan to stay for looong time.

The people here are great and we've started to build a little following with familiar faces coming to see us every week, which is great!

Your food is probably the ultimate "fusion" cuisine.  Are you able to give us a teeny insight in to its history from "conception" through to "delivery", and where did you come up with the brand name?!  (which by the way we LOOOOVE)

There are two things we love above all else: food and travelling.  After a recent trip to the US and chasing down food trucks on the streets of LA & NYC we came home to discover an increasing popularity for good casual food.

After some experimenting in our kitchen, Joy Oi was born.  Joi Oi means OMG in Vietnamese and it is the culmination of our past travels through the USA mixed with our backpacking adventures through Asia during our younger years.

In a relatively short amount of time, the love of Joy Oi has reached phenomenal heights within the Kings Cross Market community.  Obviously this is not only encouraging but kind of reinforces that the right decisions were made at the right times.

All we do is try to share the food we love to eat with people & we are over the moon that people are constantly doubling back and letting us know how much they enjoy it!

How difficult was it when you first started to venture in to "market" life?

Market life isn't always rainbows and lollipops.  It can be testing at times. The early starts on a Saturday means sacrificing your Friday nights and there are days when the heavens open and you wished you packed your ark!

That being said it's the people that make it all worth while.  Not only the happy customers but the other stallholders that like us, share the products they love.

I'll trade some of our tacos for some freshly baked chocolate fondant any day!

What has been one of the more unusual requests you have received by a punter?

We've had people having trouble deciding which taco to choose (which is quite normal) but we had one person who asked us to mix all the ingredients together!

Sounds like something I would do after a big night out if you ask me!  He's still a customer which means he kind of enjoyed it (the mixture I mean!)

If you could sum up why people should not just visit, but should sit a spell, share a taco and enjoy the world of Kings Cross Markets in 5 words, what would they be?

Gourmet, Honest, Friendly, Addictive, Sydney's best kept secret.....oops I went over!

a MASSIVE shout out to mags_k for allowing us to include her photo where she shares the love of Joy Oi

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Well we have NO issue with the more than 5 words and we absolutely, positively, unequivocally recommend you get yourselves up to Kings Cross Markets to see what all the Joy Oi fuss is really all about (ps: personal taste-ometer rating: none high enough we're afraid!)

Birgitta Bites....literally (in the best way of course!)

When did you have your debut at Kings Cross Markets, and how did that come about?

I think I have been at Kings Cross Markets for about 6 years.  I actually started market life at Frenchs Forest Markets but wanted a Saturday market and as Kings Cross was closer for me I decided to give it a go.

I love Kings Cross because of its uniqueness and the customers are absolutely wonderful.  

Why the markets? I had returned from the USA after life as a professional chef and decided to try something totally different & it's just grown from there....and the journey continues!

You have an extraordinarily large (and ever increasing we must add!) fan base.  What is it about market life that keeps you baking?

Market life is an interesting business and not easy by any means.  It goes without saying, it's my customers who drive me.  They feel like an extended family and they also provide me with major input to my product range with suggestions and requests, which then provides me with the opportunity to go away, explore and create.

For me the big picture is this: there is nothing better than sharing food with others.

From a tiny little kitchen comes some of the world's amazing creations.  You have your core stock of goodies and have now ventured in to the world of gluten free (which we can personally attest to their deliciousness).  

From start to finish, how long does it take you to make these babies until they are ready for market?

I am continually searching for new ideas or variations of current ones.  Trends tend to dictate a little in what I make and that is as a result of requests from my customers.

Gluten free is a major example of this.  As allergies increase so then does the need to a) gain knowledge and b) find alternatives so as to accommodate and have it translated in my food. This cycle is never ending.

I can make variations of an idea and then make adjustments to what tastes good to me personally, which is a bit a "trial and error" process.

My customers are the final deciders because I will always let them know if it's a new product and then ask for their feedback, including any suggestions they feel might improve the product.

This process can take weeks sometimes or if I have struck the jackpot it will be an instant hit!

The best satisfaction for any stallie is when that golden 'sold out' sign goes up.  What has been your biggest sale of any product in one day?

Hmmmm. Well I guess the answer is a bit seasonal because at Christmas if I ever see another mince tart by Christmas Eve, there are times I would have to scream from the rooftops!

insert screaming!

But in winter it is always the Dulce de Leche Brownie

What does the future hold for the Queen of Baking?

At the moment I am starting my little big cake range, which is basically taking a cake like Raspberry Coconut (which is my best seller) and miniaturising it which you could take to afternoon tea's or as a gift.

They look sooooooo cute!

Beyond that?  Well it's about time I hit the web and joined the rest of the universe and expand access to those who can get themselves to the markets to find me!

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Fortunately for us, we CAN get to her at the Markets and so can you!  Every Saturday, Fitzroy Gardens (near that famous El Alamein Fountain) so if you haven't you must, cause once tried you will be forever enslaved.

And cause we can, we would like to thank Ciao Mag for allowing us to include this great little article they did on our Queen of Baking recently.

Ciao Magazine