Showing posts with label Saturday Market. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saturday Market. Show all posts

Thursday, 24 April 2014

Sharing some Orange Grove love with Serena and Healthy Glow

When did you first discover what is arguably one of the Inner West's top Saturday markets

While living in Leichhardt a few years ago, my interest in healthy living was sparked by a series of health related issues in my life.  I began my quest for fresh organic produce after learning it could have a significant impact on my overall well being.  It only took one visit to Orange Grove and a few meals to get hooked on the flavours and prospect of a new reality. 


I traded in my miserable supermarket experience for the fresh tasty market adventure which held the opportunity to reconnect to my body and soul in every basket full of beautiful fresh food.  I chuckle to myself when I think back to the early days when I'd take one small bag to fill. How things have changed, in more ways than one.

Are you a seriously organised/lists/bags at the ready type shopper or do you like to go with the flow, take your time, sample as you go and surprise yourself with new discoveries type shopper

These days I head to Orange Grove heavily equipped with every shopping bag created, whether it be on wheels or superimposed, with determination in my stride and anticipation for what I might discover this time.  My shopping style is generally relaxed and open unless I'm on a time limit. I always have a good sense of what I want and need but I let the sights and sounds, so to speak, guide me.  



One of the best aspects of market shopping is how the season ultimately determines what you buy and I'm a strong believer that this connection to the Earth and nature is in our best interests.  I'm always keen to try new things and won't say no to a delicious sample.

What is the number one must buy for you and why (if you have more than one that's absolutely fine!  the more the merrier)

It's almost impossible to identify a number one purchase when it comes to my market shop. Of course for a foodie like myself food is my top priority and always organic.  Fresh fruit and vegetables are the stars in my shop but I also love the organic eggs and meat.  



From time to time I buy other goodies such as skin care, jewellery and even clothes.  And without a doubt if I had an outdoor living space, I'd stock up on plants and herbs.  Did I mention flowers? They are a must!


What is it about markets like ours that form a pivotal part of not just the local community 

I could rant and rave for too long about the value of a local community based market but I'll do my best to keep it short.  Any concept that brings people to the outdoors while engaging with each other in purposeful and social conversation with the outcome of connectedness and possible new relationships, is fundamental to any prosperous community.  Added with a focus on real food and general well being that builds the community's awareness about healthy living, and you have the beginnings of what I'd call a revolution in what's fast becoming a highly processed world.  No one can argue that in this day in age we need this more than ever.  Of course you can't over look the support this scenario provides for local farmers and businesses.  


My faith in our intelligence is restored when I notice the growing number of people walking through the gates of Orange Grove. We must remember that as consumers we have the power to create a brighter future for our community.  

How would you sum up the world of Orange Grove Markets in 5 words

Community
Connectedness
Opportunity
Creative
Fresh

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We love the philosophy, we love the fact that she loves our markets, and we love that you love to read about her love of our markets and if you aren't already...it's imperitave that you ensure Orange Grove Market becomes YOU'RE favourite place to shop on a Saturday morning!





Friday, 25 October 2013

5 questions with Amy

How long have you been an Orange Grove Market shopper and what was it that initially attracted you


I am fairly new to the Orange Grove Market scene but have been a regular for a few months now.  I like that it's weekly, as the markets close to my home are only on monthly, and I think the range of produce and the price point make it indisputably the best way to shop.

Are you a fly-in-fly-out shopper or more of a got my list, got my bags, let's go and enjoy the day type of gal

I have generally got my circuit down to 30 minutes but if I have time or bring a friend, I enjoy a bit of a wander and take time to sit on the grass and enjoy one of the Vegetarian South American corn flour pockets....they are outstanding!


What is one thing you simply can't not buy each market and why

I am completely addicted to the cherry tomatoes sold by Mithu and buy three buckets each week!  He tells me I haven't tasted anything until I've tasted his summer tomatoes but I cannot believe they could be improved upon!


Why do you think these markets are not just popular amongst locals, but the die-hards who are known to travel long distances simply to get their weekly organic fix

I chatted to a man at the markets recently who comes up every Saturday from Wollongong and I thought travelling from the north side was a good effort!

Having visited many of Sydney's produce markets but having settled on Orange Grove as my regular, I think it must be a combination of the range of the organic produce, the price point and the friendly vibe of vendors and customers that make Saturday mornings a highlight of the week for people far and wide.


When I compare the task of spending an hour doing groceries at the local shopping centres versus getting the same result with better produce at Orange Grove Markets....it's a no brainer!

If you had to sum up Orange Grove Markets in 5 words, what would they be

Best start to the weekend

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The proof as they says is in the pudding, and this is Amy's organic stash!


We love that she loves Orange Grove and we love even more that she comes from the north side our glorious Harbour to stock up her fridge with some of THE best produce to be had!

Friday, 18 October 2013

A Thank You to our FB Fans

As you know we love to say thank you and it's time to share some Orange Grove Market Facebook love. 

Whether it be to say thank you for being a "liker"


to a comment on a photo or just because you can. 








We are always humbled by how much your love and support helps us keep on keeping on and more importantly how it helps all of our traders!

So if you haven't already, find us on Facebook (click "here" for ease), like us and then tell us what you buy, why you love us and you never know...we may just ask YOU to become part of our blog!

Friday, 16 August 2013

Arlington's: the place where Sago meets Coconuts

Can you give us a little bit of history as to the beginnings of what is now a well entrenched fave Orange Grove Market institution known as Arlington's

Arlington's started out as a fruit & veg/gourmet food store in Seaforth 23 years ago. During this time the brains of the operation (Peter Arlington) created a range of yummy hommus dips to sell at the shop.


The demand grew to the point that we were supplying other shops around Sydney and the range or products grew to include tapioca & yoghurt.


With the huge workload something had to give and we eventually sold the shopfront 3 years ago.  And we haven't looked back since.....

So how long have Arlington's been part of the Orange Grove Market family

At least 3 years


From personal experience, we know that you can't simply stop at buying just "one". What has been the biggest turnover of a single item in a single market day

Thai Chilli Lime Hommus wins every time at both (yep, luckily Arlington's also do our Frenchs Forest Market on a Sunday)....especially at Christmas!

The coconuts are to be seen absolutely everywhere in Summer.  Where do you source these from and why do you think they are the "bomb", so to speak


The coconuts are sourced from Thailand and are the "bomb" because they are the best drink available to rehydrate, while being low in calories, and full of nutrients.  (They are especially helpful with the dreaded weekend hangover!)

What is it about Orange Grove Markets that makes it what it is

Being a family of music lovers, we always enjoy having a spot next to the musicians at Orange Grove!


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And there you have it.  A teeny insight in to the phenomena known as Arlington's and trust us when we say, there will be no way you can walk away without purchasing at least two of their yummies.

Friday, 9 August 2013

Sharing the love with Crystal Thomas

How long has Orange Grove Markets been in your life?

We have been going to the markets for as long as they've been there.  I remember when it was a few hay bales and some organic fruit...it just kept growing!


Are you one of those "got the list, fly in, fly out" type of shoppers or do you like to make a it slow and easy, embracing life, the universe and everything type of experiences

My parents are the ultimate planners.  They go armed with green bags and list.  First is the fruit and veg near the entrance, then the egg stall, then yoghurt from the stall behind the buskers.

My mum then gets a goat's milk smoothie and they head home (across the road), drop off all their goodies and head back to the markets.


My Mum loves to browse all the clothe stalls and my Dad flees (he hates shopping!) and joins the infamous queue for the ultimate bacon & egg roll.


Is there an absolute must-buy every week item and why

A chilli latte from Mayan Coffee, to consume while watching the pony rides and the awesome Inner West multi-tasking Dads - who hold 5 bags, 2 bacon & egg rolls and still manage to film their kids on the ponies while the Mums have a much deserved break with their coffees....at least that is what I have observed!


Do you have an all time number one favourite recipe made with produce from our markets and are you prepared to share it or would you have to kill us first!

Yes I do!!! It's a raw cabbage salad:
  • 1/2 a cabbage (white or savoy)
  • several birds eye chilli (depending on how you feel about spice)
  • several garlic cloves
  • several French eschalots
  • a lemon
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Finely slice the cabbage and put into a heat-proof bowl.  Chop the chilli, garlic and eschalot, then put them in a pan with a generous amount of olive oil. Cook on medium heat until transparent/golden and turn off the heat.  Squeeze desired amount of lemon juice, add to them to the pan immediately (before the olive oil cools down).  Tip the mixture on to the raw cabbage and mix through.

The heat from the mixture softens the cabbage without cooking it.  

Serve!!!!  It's crunchy an delicious and goes really well with a piece of meat or fish or boiled potatoes to soak up the juices.

this is NOT a photo of the recipe but it's so beautiful 
and made with produce from the markets we simply HAD to include it!

If you had to sum up the Orange Grove Market Inner Westie Saturday ritual in 5 words, what would they be?

Vibrant, community-spirited, delicious and heart-warming!

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And with that we thank Crystal for sharing not just her love and photos but an AMAZING recipe!  We think it needs to be tested and tasted sooner rather than later