Leisa and her Brilliant Food

Brilliant Food, brilliant product, brilliant name!  What was it in particular about seafood that not only initially drew you to specialising in it but then to on share this passion with the public at large

Ocean trout was part of a signature dish at a restaurant I worked in.  I loved working with the product and learned my smoking craft from some Indian chefs in my apprenticeship in the mid '90's.

I just found that the superior qualities of ocean trout, combined with my smoking technique delivered a brilliant result!

Anytime I made this fish, the enjoyment of my friends had eating it was incredible, until one day one of my mates suggested off the cuff that I should sell it!

To get that first award (and then continue to garner more over time) must have been an amazing feeling and the ultimate positive reinforcement as to your chosen profession.  How hard is it to source your produce and what are the do's and don't's when purchasing good quality fish

The First award was a Bronze at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show.  We've obviously improved over the years and now we achieve Champion, Gold and Silver Awards.

There are intangibles outside my control that can impact the results we get.  For example, the seasonality of the fish, the moods and taste buds of the judges and the competition we face. 

The true judges of all of this are the customers who come back regularly and who have been doing so for years.

My motivation is producing a consistently superior product for our customers: we are judged every time we put our product in the market place - a grower's market, in our stockists' outlets and through direct sales.  

I will always source the best quality ingredients available: it just makes the whole process that much more successful. Working with poor quality produce is not going to deliver the product that I want everyone to enjoy.  We only use Australian seafood, and the majority of our fresh ingredients are all Australian, and we don't use preservatives in our products.  

Much of our produce is farmed fish, so as long as farming conditions are good, supply is good.  We do have purchasing specifications with our suppliers which relate to the age of the fish from harvest, temperature of the fish received and how the fish is stored. We also request that our fish is filleted in dry conditions (a dry fillet in preparation).  The texture of the flesh is really important and we know when something is not right that might be caused by age, temperature or water contact.

Tips for customers when buying fish from retail fishmongers: seafood should have a fresh clean smell; surface should be dry; if buying a whole fish, the gills should be red and the eyes should be clear.  If I was a customer, I'd be looking for overall damage......

You also have some ridiculously delicious accompaniments which are seriously popular with market shoppers.  How long does it take for you to go from concept to final product and then have it not only produced but more importantly maintained to its original standard

Product development comes as a result of market awareness.  Two or three months would be a ballpark figure.  It takes time to perfect a recipe and undertake quality and shelf life testing before a product is released.

Shelf life testing alone takes a minimum of a month.  If the planets are lined up, then preparation is quick.  If not? Then it can be a time consuming and frustrating process. Luckily I have great staff in the factory who know their job and understand the importance of having things just right.

What is it about market life that plays an important role in the world of Brilliant Food and why (in your opinion) do they (eg: markets such as Orange Grove) play such an important role within the local community

Markets are essential: Brilliant Food started in grower's markets.  We are face-to-face with our customer every weekend, hearing all types of feedback.  It keeps us real. Very often we could have an ongoing over four weeks with a customer!

At the grower's markets, because we are so close to our customers, we can feel their needs and wants which is our platform in deciding which products we make.  It's also our platform to release a new product an d get feedback.

Our latest product (Smoked Barramundi & Sweet Chilli Dip) is doing that right now! Released about four weeks ago, we've actually adjusted the method in response to our observations and customer feedback.

Grower's Markets like Orange Grove, provide a meeting place for growers' and producers to stay in touch with consumers.  they're a great outdoor event (weather permitting!) and in the modern world, we need to protect these outdoor gathering events to keep us in touch with reality and away from our digital mod cons.....human contact is the key to our personal survival.

These markets are a sanctuary in many ways: they deliver a range of benefits.

How would you sum up the world of Brilliant Food in 5 words

Brilliant Food for brilliant people....brilliant is a good word!

**********

Lucky us!  We have Leisa's amazing produce at market each week, which tastes as good as it looks, so for all you foodies out there in blog land our advice to you is get to Orange Grove Market each Saturday, sample what's on offer, check out the accompaniments also on show and then buy up big!  Remember: support local, buy local...it's really the only way to go!

ps: gotta luv when a chef gives buying tips too!

Snapshot goings on

Bronni

Ash

chieffamilyofficer

naturopathlife

em_powered_

thebigometer

anthony

myfoodsafari

taitaifoodadventure

vicky

The Farmer's Wife

It's only been in recent times that you have been the "face" of The Farmer's Wife (which we adore!).  How long as The Farmer's Wife been part of the Orange Grove Market community and when did you take over the reins

I've been "The Farmer's Wife" for just over 4 years.  The Farmer's Wife has been part of Organic Food Markets for many years with the original Farmer's Wife being from Mudgee.

Wendy with one of the many loyal The Farmer's Wife fans

What is it about market life that makes it all worthwhile

I love coming to markets and seeing all my lovely customers (young and old) enjoying our produce, especially my jams and chutneys which are all home made by moi!

I love working with other stallholders. Ensuring that the customer is happy with my produce is a fantastic experience and when the sun shines there is no better way to spend a morning!

What has been one of the biggest or bizarre orders of any product you have had to date

I make in total approximately 45 different products and am amazed at the requests for something I don't have/make

Always with a smile and love to share despite/inspite early starts.  From start to finish, how long does it take to stock up/load up and get ready for market day

I try to cook 4 to 5 jams and/or chutneys every day otherwise I can't keep up.  Once a week I collect eggs from the markets and once a month I drive to Mudgee to pick up the best honey you will ever eat! 

It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to Orange Grove Market and 1 hour to set up, but only 30 mins to pack down and then when at home it's time for the ceremonial feet up/cup of tea!

If you could sum up Orange Grove Market in 5 words, what would they be

Great food, atmosphere, customers and happiness!!

**********

We love the, we know YOU love them so huge thanks to Wendy for spending some time and giving us a little bit of insight in to exactly how that Farmer got the Wife!

we couldn't resist putting this sexy new display for The Farmer's Wife...cause it kind of sums her up to a tee: stylish, old fashioned and a permanent fixture in all our lives!

Snapshot celebrations

Vicky

naturopathlife

Larissa

Brona

Edge Wellness

Kimba

Fermentitgood

g_l_0_w

Robyn

msjennakate

shouting out time!

Sheridan

www.sheridanrogers.com.au

6cleaningredients

piratically_incorrect

simonfoodfavourites

make sure you check out Simon's blog on Bowen's "here"

iheartflamingo

Nicki

Alice

fermentitgood

g_l_0_w

From Silvia - Gluten Free Cuisine

Gluten Free Cuisine has been a part of (and more importantly) a firm favourite of our markets for many years.  What first inspired you to start experimenting with recipes that were gluten free but still yummy at the same time

My daughter was diagnosed with an intolerance to preservatives, all those years ago now, and we began a journey of creating "loved" foods with NO added preservatives (or "no numbers" as we like to put it), thickeners or additives.  With a background in research, it was not long before we recognised there was a need for great tasting QUALITY foods that could be made readily available to the many with special dietary requirements, intolerances, or simply wanted to eat well with and enjoying great tasting foods!

You have a few "signature" pieces (eg: lemon meringue pie being top of the pops).  As you do 3 of our markets (Hornsby on Thursdays, Orange Grove on Saturdays and Frenchs Forest on Sundays), is there a particular favourite per location or are they as equally popular no matter which postcode you are at

Good question!  We seem to sell across the range pretty much throughout the year at every market we do.  Over the years we have built a fantastic relationship with our customers and we are a weekly "one stop shop" for many - across our Freshly Baked Artisan Organic Breads (all soy free, dairy free, canola free, animal fat free)

Savoury offerings such as Handmade Fresh Pasta, Classic Pesto and of course our Sweet Treats.

Actually our range has evolved based on our customer waitlist, including more dairy free options, larger celebration cakes and the latest offerings are our NUT FREE Organic Banana Bread & Cookies: All Gluten Free!

There is no denying market life can be trying at times, particularly when the weather doesn't play nicely; yet you are always there with a smile, rain, hail or shine, which not only do we appreciate but we KNOW your customers do as well.  What has been one of the more memorable experiences of market life for you

We have so many memorable moments & experiences: all so special in their own ways. We received a text from a customer just before Easter last year saying his wife was going in to labour and had requested our GF (gluten free) DF (dairy free) Hot Cross Buns and please save him one, he was on the way!

Over the years, it has been our privilege to be part of families as they prepare to welcome precious new borns with weekly Lamingtons to help them on the way, then of course we get to create Special Celebration Cakes.  

We have created Signature Wedding Cakes and  that Special Birthday Cake for the 90 years young whose special request is the Lemon Meringue (of course!), and for it to be large enough for her 90 guests!!!

We get called upon for that Bespoke Catering that meets special dietary requirements and more frequently provide GF (gluten free) WF (wheat free) NF (nut free) treats for the school lunch boxes!

From your personal stance, what is it about markets like ours that play a pivotal role in the local community

We love that our customers are able to purchase products from us that are literally hours from leaving the oven.  It is so special to get to know our customers who eat our food, to hear their stories, their sincere appreciation for what we make and to know we can really make a difference.  Our customers in turn love to hear our stories too.

The pivotal role in the local community (as you put it) is that markets provide for that quintessential experience of what nurtures people socially, and communities economically and all this whilst providing produce straight from the producers.

How would you sum up the world of Gluten Free Cuisine in 5 words

Dedicated Gluten Free for Everyone!

**********

Fantastic story behind a firmly entrenched, much loved and ever evolving producer of all things Gluten Free.  Swing by and say a massive "Hi" to Sylvia and her team every Saturday and trust us, from what we have seen..the sweet treats are getting more delicious by the week!

Rebecca talks Sattwa Skincare

Can you give us a little bit of an overview as to how Sattwa came in to being 

Sattwa originally began as an aromatherapy massage business. From my earliest client dealings, I was aware of a growing interest in locally made skin care which harnessed the potent goodness of essential oils. Sattwa evolved from there. My friends and family love this story – in my previous life I worked in banking – but my passion was always to create and enrich people’s lives. Going from banking to blending helps me do that! 

The very word ‘Sattwa’ defines what I do; it’s a word taken from Sanskrit, the Ancient Indian language, which I learned while attending philosophy classes in 2004. The ancient Indians believed in three energy forces or “Guna” ever present but in varying concentrations. Loosely translated, ‘Sattwa’ means stillness, love, peace, generosity, freedom from disease and good health. Sattwa could be watching the sunrise over a calm ocean for example. The other two forces are ‘Rajas’ (chaos, creativity, you need it for things to happen) and ‘Tamas’ (darkness, lethargy, sickness, you need it to fall asleep at night). 

Naturally I connected with Sattwa and ever since, I’ve been striving to blend the positive properties of the word into magic jars of nature’s goodness, all made here in Lilyfield!

In 2006 when our first child, Jackson was a newborn, I became acutely aware of the ingredients used in baby bath/massage products and sadly found the “natural” nappy rash remedies available just didn’t do the trick. This inspired me to do better and so I applied my knowledge and began blending essential oils into my own shower gels and soothing creams for my family.

Since 2006, the range has expanded and now includes luxurious and potent face creams, eye serum, lip balm, cleansers, shower gels, scrubs, lotions and mists – all this in addition to the kids’ products I was making in the beginning. I’m lucky my husband is creative and clever. He designed the logo which connects my key messages; using 100% pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and plant ingredients for a locally made skincare range which seeks only benefit, not harm.

Your products are based on essential oils and their therapeutic nature. Was it a difficult process to identify which properties would benefit which type of skin care (eg: is there an essential oil that is better suited to say, your face rather than your hands)

Yes! A lot of knowledge is required and the processes can be quite involved. During my aromatherapy massage and regenerative skincare studies, I learned much about the composition of essential oils; which oils blend well together and how different essential oils can benefit different things. The therapeutic qualities of a particular essential oil can have many applications. Importantly, some are considered unsuitable for use on the face or sensitive areas of the body, also on children, the elderly or conditions such as blood pressure, epilepsy or during pregnancy*. 

When creating a product I have a clear vision of its purpose and who might be using it. I apply my knowledge of the essential oil, including its success and use throughout history and combine this with modern research. I select what I believe is the best essential oil for the need working within the recommended guidelines. I love that it also allows for a little creativity – the final product has to smell good too!

*The use of essential oils during pregnancy is a personal choice. If you are concerned, please seek the approval of your medical provider. After the first trimester, many women have found the use of essential oils to be very beneficial.

Australian made and Australian owned! Five incredibly important words that must be shouted from the rooftops at all times. 

How difficult was it for you when you first began at Orange Grove or was it more a case of it’s here, it’s natural AND it’s Aussie so we must buy immediately!

It was a tricky thing! Absolutely, I want people to know that the Sattwa range is lovingly blended with integrity and knowledge and made locally - right here in Lilyfield! 

The customers at Orange Grove Market seem to appreciate this; they are smart, loyal, hard core, healthy, foodies who know what’s good for them. But to answer the question, marketing can be LOUD and no one likes to be shouted at. Essentially, I believe in my products - and so do many others.

As proof, I’m delighted to pour, spray and indulge my products on any willing participant. The best marketing has always been in letting the products speak for themselves – so come and try!

How long is the process from concept to development of each product

Each product is different although development largely depends on the complexity of the recipe including ratios, absorbency, stability, texture and type of packaging. For the first products (Children’s Soothing Cream and Tub Time bubble bath - both inspired by the needs of my family), the process was quick. These products have been tried and tested since 2006 and the recipes have remained unchanged. Newer products are subject to more thorough testing. Today, Sattwa is expanding – but I’m very serious about maintaining integrity and I won’t let a larger output compromise that. I will not apply a Sattwa label to any product until the recipe has reached my expectations. To do that, it needs to be thoroughly tested. Sattwa products are tested on humans, not animals, and I have a dedicated group of product testers whose feedback is invaluable.

I am not a scientist; I’m a Mum who is passionate about nature’s potent goodness. I use my intuition, knowledge and the latest scientific research from carefully selected individuals and industry respected authors. I care deeply about our planet and the footprints we leave and I make environmentally friendly choices in all aspects of the Sattwa production line – including packaging and production.

Can you sum up the world of Sattwa Skincare in 5 words

Yes, I can do it in four... Every BODY Loves Sattwa! 

**********

Indeed they do!  All you have to do is find the heavenly essential oil aroma, the lovely smiling face, and you landed (in our humble opinion) on beautiful natural therapy heaven!

Oh!  And in news just in........Sattwa Skincare was requested and used by the make up team of the Back Track film (with a cast of Adrien Brody and Sam Neil) shot in Callan park and around Sydney over this last summer. The team and cast loved it and have promised Sattwa Skincare a credit in the film, due out Dec 2014/Jan 2015....Woohoo!