I’d been meaning to get out to Bondi Farmers’ Markets for quite some time now, but laziness, weather and public transport were inhibiting factors. The eastern suburbs are rarely on my radar so it took a little extra effort on my behalf.
Held in the public school grounds, Bondi Market is much like any other except your pooch has to be parked at the gate and a good chunk of the people that shop there have that typical sun-kissed Bondi look about them. I subconsciously sucked my little gut in and hoped to hell that nobody was blinded by my pasty white skin.
A bloke that caught our attention was Stephane Pois of Steph’s Gourmet Foods. This chirpy guy does the rounds at many markets around Sydney and the Central Coast; getting people to try his fine French food. Pork rillette, confit duck, foie gras, cassoulet, it goes on.
A few fresh produce stands are scattered throughout the market and as good as they all probably are, it’s Field to Feast that caught more attention from my camera. Hapi and Cath grow their produce on a small plot in Catherine Field near Campbelltown. It’s all about chemical-free seasonal produce as well as many heirloom varieties. Beautiful, colourful and freshly picked.
Farmers’ markets are always a good place to pause and not only taste small samples of food people are selling, but also grab a plate and fill up on something more substantial. Fuego de la Tierra is all about the Mexican, with Helena Garcia Garza that started it all. Mexican-born, Californian-raised and now a Sydney local that also dabbles in catering, private classes and secret dinners.
We couldn’t help ourselves and dove right into some freshly-made tacos de bistec ($10); three tacos with seasoned juicy beef, salsa and pickled chillies. Great stuff.
Heading back to the bus stop, we dropped into Lilliputien for a late-morning jolt of caffeine. This place is beyond cute and has some fine sounding edibles on offer as well. The coffee is worth heading to Bondi for, so I know I’ll be back.