Monday, July 07, 2008

Good Living Pyrmont Grower's Market: July 2008

Markets at Pyrmont, with the right spelling, thanks Matt

Every morning it's a fight, for
someone who counts sleeping as one of her main fortes, it not easy getting up to go to the markets early on a lazy Saturday morning. Even when I am completely aware that the rewards of going to the markets far outweigh sleeping in till midday, somehow this rationale doesn't seem sensible enough when still tucked in the confines of a toasty bed.

But this weekend was different, seeing as this Saturday would be my last opportunity to visit to the Good Living Grower's Markets at Pyrmont Bay Park before I head overseas, I mustered up just enough coherence to pry myself from the snug confines of my bed. Slowly but surely, thoughts of what spoils could be gained from an early visit to the markets, began to ease me into waking life.

Most of the usual fare and wares were on show with the exception of a new beef stand peddling their gourmet sausages (which was quite good) and from my cloudy recollection a new patisserie stall. But other than that the markets consisted of familiar faces I have now come to know at the grower's markets, although notably absent was our favourite Gympie Farm jersey cow butter people. It was quite a downer, as we had run out of their butter for months and was looking forward to purchasing a new tub to spread on my La Tartine pumpkin loaf.

But aside from that minor disappointment, the markets were nothing short of a veritable feast and after an hour and three bags full of shopping later, we knew we had to call it a day lest we suffer scoliosis of the spine from carrying the not so orthopedic friendly biodegradable eco-bags. Good for the earth, not so good on your back.

One acquisition I am particularly excited about and would happily exchange the rest of my bounty for is a Testun di Pecora con foglie di castagne from Formaggi Ocello. At $120/kilo, it's not bargain, so we only bought a tiny sliver or this cheese could easily eat up at most of our market budget. This testun di pecora is a sheep's milk cheese covered in chestnut leaves and aged for 28 months. That's over 2 years of developing it's taste and it really shows in the cheese. Now I'm no cheese expert so I won't go into the nitty-gritty, but the cheese is surprisingly flavoursome, with hints of piquancy and sweetness, compared to other pecorinos which can be bland and subtle in taste.

Come back later for a look at the this pricey little piece of dairy but for now have a look at how our morning at the markets went down.

A day at the markets...

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've heard so many good things about the good living grower's market that I really should go the next time I'm in Sydney.

Love your blog, by the way!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
Just found your blog...so beautiful,
the "comic" is hilarious :)

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

I LOVE going to markets - that one looks particularly fun!!

ames said...

Ha! I *love* the comic-book sequential art style! That is genius!

Anonymous said...

I've missed a number of blogs because of my bed. Darn my love of sleep.

LOVED the comic. Too clever.

Anonymous said...

Haha! The comic book idea is fantastic, Jen.

Looks like you have loads of fun.

Gloria Baker said...

This look wonderful dear, Love it,
and I enjoy the comics!!! xxxGloria

Anonymous said...

I have lived in Sydney all my life and still never been to the Ultimo markets I must go next month. Good luck with the move.

Mona said...

Boy does the market look yummy I would take one of those oranges.

Katie said...

That sounds wonderful! Your "cartoon" about your morning is really cute.

I love your blog!

PhotoVentura said...

love your cute cartoon presentation of the markets - what a clever idea!

Mama Bee Simple said...

Loving your blog its so good :) ! take care! Hope to hear from you

xo

Heather said...

how pretty! If you get time, please check out my first blog event, which has a farmer's market spin on it! I'd love to see what you come up with :)

http://diaryofafanaticfoodie.blogspot
.com/2008/07/cocktail-
and-my-first-event.html

Camille said...

I love all the colors of the market! It is a good thing I like to sleep in and I miss the local markets because I'd be dirt poor. There is just too much good stuff to buy.

Melanie D. said...

Wow. I love how you illustrate your trip to Good Living Grower's Market, makes me want to go there. There's this market in tokyo i wanna visit as well, it's famous for its cheap but quality utensils for kitchens, here have a look at this post:
http://www.foodista.com/2008/06/14/kappabashi-market/

Can't wait to go to these two markets!

My First Kitchen said...

LOVE the comic. That's awesome. I know I don't comment on your blog like I should, but I really enjoy reading. You're one of my favorite voices on food, so thanks. I hope it's okay, but I actually nominated you for this blog award on my site. Kinda corny, but I want people I know to read your stuff! You make farmers' markets sound great, even for night owls!! :)

beSmart beGreen said...

nice to see people carrying reusable totes for their purchases. your blog design is beautiful!

Iron Chef Shellie said...

I've "tagged" you. To see what that means, there's an explanation on my site when you've got a spare minute.

Anonymous said...

We'd like to invite you to participate in our July berry recipe contest. All competitors will be placed on our blogroll, and the winner will receive a fun prize! Please email me, haleyglasco@gmail.com, if you're interested. Feel free to check out our blog for more details. (Click on my name in the message header link to visit our blog. :)

Unknown said...

Hi! This is one of the most interesting blogs I've read. You give a lively, humor-filled write-up and the pictures are good.