A little thank you for sharing your love

kittyk40

Delightfully Turkish

Ilse

Damian

Spark Agencies

suzusydney

totraveltoo

The River Kitchen talks baking

Baking: we love it, you love it, and your fan base at market loves it!  What was the impetus to bite the bullet, follow your passion and turn that dream in to a reality

I was made redundant after working in IT for a big bank for 10 years and I chose to be a stay at home Dad to spend time with my young boys.  That gave me a lot of time to think about what I would really like to do and also cook for my family.

I have always loved to cook and with the encouragement of my family and friends, I decided to take the leap....and I am very happy that I have. 

The take home soda bread mix is not only a sensational concept but hopefully ignites the creative cook within, after all there is nothing more intoxicating nor inviting than the smell of freshly baked bread.  How long did it take you to perfect the dry recipe to that point of "yep, Granny would be proud"

I did try a few variations and combinations before settling on the current recipe. There was a lot of trial and error and quite a lot of bread baked!

It is amazing to see the difference a slight change in weight or ingredients makes to the finished loaf.  I feel now that I have a product that delivers every time. 

With winter upon us, now is the perfect time to bake your own loaf at home; it not only warms the home but the soul too...plus people are always impressed if you bake your own bread (even with a little help).

What inspires you to create 

I really love to cook and naturally want to try new things.  My Mum is probably my biggest inspiration.  She is constantly sending recipes over for me to try.  I really like to look to the past for ideas and love to make the old new again.

Just recently my home town Dingle (in Ireland) was voted the Top Foodie Town of Ireland 2014...I am very proud and hope to fly the flag for them down here in Sydney.

In a relatively short period of time you have proven to be a hit with both the big and little kids at market.  What is it about market life that appeals and helps you in your quest to provide perfection

The market is a great place for fresh produce and handmade food.  Everyone is passionate about great food and what they are able to create with the amazing produce available in Australia.

The customer gets to meet the producer/maker of the goods and is able to ask questions, which I am more than happy to answer.  I love to meet people and share my passion.

There is also good camaraderie with the other stall holders and I source as much ingredients from them as possible.

How would you sum up the world of The River Kitchen in 5 words

Simple but delicious baked goodness

**********

And we can personally attest to the deliciousness of EVERYTHING via our Double Bay Market taste-ometer rating which in all honesty has far to many +'s to put in one blog. So our advice is to get down, have a sample of his fantastic range which includes gluten free's, sauces and biscuits, along with the bake it yourself soda bread and we believe that you too will be thoroughly converted and will wonder why you hadn't tried it before!

we simply couldn't NOT include a photo of these babies!

A Celebration of everything that is Slowly Does It Food

Can you give us a brief history as to how "Slowly Does It Food" came in to your life and the process behind the name

"Slowly Does It Food" started out as a packaged food market stall about 4 years ago. The name related to the type of food I cooked and packaged (ie: slow cooked stews, lamb shanks and french daubes) and also to the more general food philosophy promoted by the "slow food movement".

Slow food is about preserving food traditions and promoting agricultural sustainability, bio-diversity, small producers and endangered foods.

Just over 2 years ago I transformed the business to an online food market selling organic fruit & veg, grass fed meats, fresh fish and an ever increasing amount of pantry produce and deli items.

I felt the name "Slowly Does It Food" represented the food ethos of the online shop so I kept it!  

Slow food rules!

While you have only recently joined us at Double Bay, you are incredibly well entrenched at our Kings Cross Market (and an insanely popular stallie at that!).  What has been the biggest trend for your stall that you have noticed so far?

I would say definitely the biggest growth is with my more senior clientele.  The amount of times people tell me that that "this apple" or "that tomato" reminds them of the fruit and vegetables from their childhood has made me realise that we are starting to come full circle with food production.

I genuinely believe more and more people simply want food that has been grown naturally and more importantly, tastes better.

Do you think that there has been a noticeable change in the way consumers shop where opting to shop for organic produce at a market rather than smash-and-grab in a supermarket?

People are definitely more aware that supermarkets put the squeeze on producers & growers making it very hard for them to have a decent income and produce good flavoursome produce.

Generally I hear customers commenting that organic produce offered at supermarkets is of poor quality and range.

My own theory, for what it's worth, is that it is not in the interest of the supermarkets to promote good quality organic produce over conventional sprayed produce.

Spray produce has a longer shelf life, is easier to produce and transport and has a more consistent appearance, so why would supermarkets want people to buy organic produce?  Just a theory....

What has been the largest amount of any item you have sold in one day?

Kale!  We take 60 bunches of the freshest kale to Market every week, and 3 varieties at that.  Along with English Spinach and Silverbeet.  We sell over 100 bunches of fresh greens every week and can only see that increasing with Double Bay Market now being part of our Slowly Does It Food world.

Having said that, we noticed a pretty good flow of "have you got any garlic" from our Double Bay'ites so the race is officially on!

In 5 words, why should people buy organic, more especially, buy their organic fare from Slowly Does It Food?

Vegetables taste better from Bob

**********

And yes they do!  Huge thanks to Bob for sharing a bit of what makes Slowly Does It Food an absolute must-buy-from favourite amongst the Double Bay Market community

Double Bay's Double Feature!

We always love markets and more especially NEW markets at that!  And we are above and beyond excited that the first Double Bay Twilight Markets kicks off with a bang on Thursday 28th November 2013!!!! 

What's so fabulous about these particular twilights we hear you ask? Tis simple!

It's like having your own personal double feature on a Thursday!

Let's explain this to you in easy peasy lemon squeezy terms. 

Firstly, you get your regular Thursday market organic fix

chat with your favourite stallies about what's in season and how best to prepare those all important purchases

stock up on the depleted pantry additions

and get those pre siesta wiggly jigglies out 

Once rested, you return at 4:00pm for some cool family happenings like sharing some incredible food

kick back and listen while the muso plays some crowd pleasers

before going on the hunt for the all important Christmas gifts

whichever way you look at it, it's a win-win so make sure you put the dates in your diary and we will see you there!

Paddo Kids

Can you give us a little bit of background behind Paddo Kids and when it was born

Paddo Kids was created 5 years ago.  I felt there was room in the market for high quality French inspired kids fashion at a fantastic price point.  Why should good clothing be limited to people with a big income!

So I decided to launch Paddo Kids and I've never looked back!

Why kids clothing

As a mother of 2 girls and life long fashion aficionado, I wanted my kids to be well dressed, but was horrified at the cost of kids clothing.  Let's face it, they grow so quickly and as seasons change they often wear items for 6 months max.  Judging from the amount of repeat customers and lovely compliments about the quality, price and style of the clothes, Paddo Kids has definitely found a niche in the kids clothing market.

As fashion is not just seasonal but also always has trends, can you give a brief outline on when (for example) you start to think about upcoming Summer Collections and how you know what is going to be "hot" or not from the mini-me perspective

I like to keep abreast of new fashion trends but I don't want kids to be mini-me's. There's enough time for that when they grow up!  I know kids love to run, jump, and have as much fun as they possibly can.  Paddo Kids clothes are designed for comfort & movement with maximum style.  All Paddo Kids collections start with quality fabric (predominantly 100% cotton).

This Summer, our colour palette features Teal Green, Aqua Blue, Violet and our signature colours of French Grey and Blush Pink.  Not forgetting that girls love to dress up, we also have some wonderful tulle party dresses for the festive season.

You are now a firm favourite where you have a seriously cool and (what could be deemed) almost "interactive" display, where the noticeable absence of the DON'T TOUCH catch cry is a pleasant change.  What makes market life "real" and varied as opposed to the shop front

We've got a great range of Paddo Kids accessories and toys.  I'm happy for kids to come and touch things.  It reminds of of the joy of being young.

I love meeting people and market life allows for that easy, relaxed interaction which you don't get in traditional retail shops.  It's great when kids and adults feel welcome and happy to browse our full collection.

What is it about Double Bay Market (in your opinion) that sets it aside from other markets, most specially from a kid friendly aspect

I love being a stallholder at Double Bay Market.  It's got a fantastic laid back vibe; it's a smaller more intimate market with top quality hand picked stallholders well suited to the area.

The jumping castle, pony rides, animal farm and great quality food make it a perfect outing for young families.

**********

And with that we thank Paddo Kids for not only being a much loved stallholder at Double Bay Market and giving us a little bit of fashionista insight, but most importantly for sharing some of her love for all things kid-friendly with enthusiasm, chic and interactive heavenly clothing!

Thank to all quarters

As not everyone on the planet shares their love via stgram land, we felt it was 100% overdue to do a thank you to those who share their Double Bay Market love via other social media outlets!

It makes us proud to see these comments flowing in, and trust us, hand on heart, without a word of a lie, the stallies MORE than love to see them too!

So to all our shoppers, our fans and everyone else out in Double Bay Market land we say THANK YOUUU.

Sharing the love with Jasmine

How long have you been a fan/shopper of Double Bay Market

I have been a fan for over 2 years.  I live right next door to the markets and every Thursday I wake up with a smile on my face because I am near the adorable farm animals, friendly people and beautiful market stalls filled with freshly made food! :)

What is it about these markets, in your opinion, that makes it not only a great place to shop, but also to hang and chillout on a Thursday

Well, in my opinion not only is Double Bay Market a great place for everyone, it also has a sense of serenity to it that is almost homely.  The vibe is relaxing and I recommend that anyone who wants a nice day out with the kids, friends or even by themselves should visit these markets.

Do you have a favourite stallie

Oh goodness no!  I can't choose with so many beautiful stalls!

Is there an absolute must-buy or fave recipe you make using produce from our markets

There is a brownie filled with walnuts I tried, which was freshly made and after one bite I literally almost died of happiness (we are sure Pastry Ninja will LOVE hearing how this made Jasmine's day!)

What 5 words would you use to encourage anyone who might need to take time, breath and enjoy life on a Thursday: aka Double Bay Market

Peaceful

Welcoming

Homely

Appetising

Idyllic

**********

Wish we could say we didn't agree but obviously we can't!  Massive round of applause to Jasmine for not only loving our markets but sharing it with us and her wonderful photo of her much beloved Pastry Ninja brownie!

5 questions with Janine the Flower Queen of Carla Florist

From its beginnings in a little locale to now a permanent fave within the local business community and beyond.  When did Carla Florist first make her debut in Double Bay and what is it that makes her such a long term and much loved icon

We began Carla Florist in 1980.  It had already been trading for 10 years in Bellevue Hill and we started in Double Bay Village in 1980, moved shop a few times, but we are now back on Bay Village...33 years trading! 

I love Double Bay - it is becoming exciting again with all its new developments.

With the incredible amount of huge social events you cater for (eg: Race Day, Weddings etc), you always seem to maintain the balance where you will be at market, have a somewhat "organised chaos" behind the scenes, yet for the customer nothing is every too much trouble.  How difficult is it to maintain that balance

It's not really difficult to maintain the balance as we all enjoy working with flowers: every day is different.

For every season there is always THE perfect bloom.  What would be your best seller or most popular

The most popular flowers throughout the year are tulips, roses (all varieties including garden roses to glasshouse roses to David Austin roses - each variety has a speciality whether it be scent or the formation of bloom), peonies and gardenias.

Does Carla Florist have an all time number one fave can't wait for it come in to season bloom or is that a trade secret!

No all time favourite flowers - we get excited and look forward to the next variety coming into season

How would you sum up the world of Carla Florist in 5 words

Creative

Abundant

Romantic

Luscious

Artistic

CARLA

**********

We love being part of the Double Bay community especially when we have such an iconic "institution" such as Carla Florist as a stallholder at our market every week.  Help us with our  mantra which is "buy local" cause not only do you give back to the community, you are supporting local businesses every time you shop at our market!

And now a thank you...thank you for sharing your photos and thank you for letting us include them in the SHOUT OUT

sophie

Edwina

aperture

cristophles

Patrizia

nate

James

Jasmine

DCC