A little thank you for sharing your love

kittyk40

Delightfully Turkish

Ilse

Damian

Spark Agencies

suzusydney

totraveltoo

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!

Yummy Scrummy Cupcakes in Eden

What is the delicious history behind the phenomena known as Cupcakes in Eden

I fell in love with baking in Scotland 6 years ago when I cooked for a Scottish family in a 600 year old house.

It was a very magical time for me, not only was I living in a beautiful land, but I was also baking daily.

I'm not sure exactly when I became absolutely obsessed with cupcakes, but I started working towards opening a cupcake shop when I got back to Australia.

To me cupcakes are the ultimate temptation. They are the perfect size, adorable to look at, taste amazing and can invoke memories of your childhood.

The name Cupcakes in Eden came about because we loving using organic and natural flavours, and just like the apple in the Garden of Eden, you will be tempted!

Your cupcakes are totally cute, sinful and yummy.  Where do you draw your inspiration from

Everywhere!  I have a little notebook of flavours that I add to all the time.  My last idea came about the other day while walking through Hyde Park: a summery fresh flavour of watermelon and mint.

I love thinking about all the yummy flavours and combinations that would make an amazing new cupcake.  I also get inspiration from our Facebook fans who send in delicious suggestions.

You have now experienced the delights of the not so fabulous weather at market, and it was an absolutely sensational debut despite the weather.  How much times goes in to planning, baking and then selecting which little beauties are taken to market so as to go in to many delightfully receiving mouths

A fair amount of work goes in to prepping for market.  I select which flavours I will use well before the day.  We have a rotating flavour board and introduce new flavours each month.

We also do special event flavours, like the upcoming one for Father's Day!  Baking 6 flavours for the markets takes around 7 hours, add to that the preparation, transportation and set up...but it's worth it!

What makes market life tangible for you

I love market life!  Seeing all the local people out and out about meeting up with each other.  And it's great supporting other local producers who are also up for a good chat throughout the day.  

Local markets have a real sense of community.

How would you sum up the world of Cupcakes in Eden in 5 words

Delicious nature in a cupcake

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Beautiful person, beautiful cupcakes, many, many, MANY discoveries to be made and thankfully you can go on your own cupcake treasure hunt each Thursday!

MASSIVE thank you to Cupcakes in Eden for sharing time and some photos with us for our Double Bay Market blogspot!

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

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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

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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!

5 Questions with Gourmandise de Paris

Since your start at Double Bay Markets, you have gained an incredibly large and loyal fan base.  As relative "newbies" how has this reaction been for you

I am absolutely thrilled with it.  To start with it wasn't easy but as people got to know us and us working incredibly hard at providing good products, we are really proud of what we have achieved since starting.

How long does it take to set up stall each market

All up it takes about an hour

With samples, come smiles and with smiles which in turn results in purchases...as a chef how does that make you feel

Everyone who tastes our products really enjoy them. We've had people tell us that they love it and want to know more about how we make them and are above surprised when they learn that I am the chef!

You have created little corner of Paris that seems to draw people in.  Was this deliberately planned or did it come from observing customers seeking somewhere to sit and truly enjoy your French culinary creations

It just simply seemed to "fit" with what we were wanting to do.  Because some of our food is not take away, and needs plates and cutlery, it seemed a shame to not have a nice place to sit, chill, enjoy and eat.

For anyone who has NOT yet been to Double Bay Markets, how would you sum up the fabulousness of it to them

Double Bay Market has a lot to offer from things for the kids to do (jumping castles and baby animal farm), really nice fresh fruit and vegetable, cheeses and of course some FABULOUS French food.  For me it's interesting, it's friendly and it's relaxing.

To anyone who hasn't been yet, I would absolutely recommend that they come, have a look and enjoy it!

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Trust us when we say you too will fall head over heels in love with Gourmandise de Paris and like everyone before you, the queue will be calm for the die-hards know, their patience will be rewarded above and beyond.  Every Thursday rain, hail or shine these wonderful people are at our market so...the rest is up to you! 

Sharing the Double Bay Love with Murray

When did you first discover the delights of Double Bay Market

I had passed by a couple of times over the last year, but didn't have time to wander through. I was recently commissioned by the Double Bay Chamber of Commerce to take photos and we agreed that the markets was a great feature point of the area.

I was very pleased I got the chance to pop off a few photos and have a better look through the stalls at market

Do you have a favourite stallie? If so, who and why

Every stall in the market is great!  One that I like in particular is the pasta stand. According to them they sell "Life Changing Ravioli"

Is there a "must buy can't go home without" purchase that is to be bought at all costs

Without a doubt the vegetables 

and rustic bread

Very fresh, very healthy, very delicious!

The markets are a great place for kids to jump like crazy on the castle to shake out those cobwebs, see and play with baby animals and if daring enough take a pony ride.

What is it about these markets that (from your perspective) makes it not just interactive, but a great place to hang

I really like the relaxed vibe of the market.  All the stallholders are very friendly, happy to talk about their products and in some cases give out samples so you can try before you buy

For anyone who has not yet been, what 5 words would you use as encouragement

Do it, you'll love it!

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Massive shout out to Murray for sharing not just some of his time but his photos of our market.  And as he says "Do it. You'll love it!"

5 Questions with Olive Tree Providores

What initially drew you to give up our day job to become wholly engulfed in to the world that is now known as Olive Tree Providores

I haven't actually given up the day job but decided my passion for food and healthy lifestyle could also be a business that supported local farmers.

Olive oil also has amazing health benefits and Australia produces some of the world's best, so Olive Oil Providores was born out of a love of local food and a boredom with the conventional corporate business principles.

Why markets?

Because they are the best place to meet our customers and build a relationship with them.  I also detest the major supermarket manipulation of local farmers and growers, so I was keen to support an alternate place for growers to sell and market their produce.

You are a massive promoter of "buy Australian" and the little vid you did showcasing the amazing produce at Double Bay Markets is a testament to that fact.

Obviously market shoppers attend for varying reasons including promoting the Buy Australian mantra.  What other ways do you think this message can be given either overtly or by other means (eg: educate the kids cause the kids who educate the parents are the best educators around!)

We should encourage our friends and family to shop from sustainable and environmentally sound sources.  Big corporate supermarkets are none of those.  We simply have to encourage everyone we (personally) know to shop locally for fresh healthy food and by doing that we automatically help farmers build and maintain a sustainable business.

The more we enthuse the principle, the more it will happen and the more we protect our environment.

You have gone on to win some AMAZING medals for your products (and deservedly so).  Are there any new additions in the making or would you have to kill us before telling us

Yes, we are about to launch a whole new range which we are very excited about which should be ready by Christmas.  The new range takes the "shop local" to an  entirely new level.

nb: not a new product but one that is soooo nice and a fantastic addition to their already amazing range

Stay tuned.....and yes, telling you may endanger your life!

What 5 words would you use to encourage conversion to not only organic but more importantly to buy Australian

Future proofing a sustainable future for all  (a little more than 5 words) plus it's a fantastic place to meet really friendly people!

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And there you have it!  The good oil from someone who knows all!  Every Thursday (rain, hail or shine) you will find Belinda and her team at our Double Bay Market, so swing by, say hi, have a sniff, have a taste and then buy cause we PROMISE you, once tried forever enslaved.

5 Questions with Michelle Bellamy

How long have you been part of market life?

I have been part of market life for about 18 months now, regularly working Thursdays and Sundays.  It evolved organically (pardon the pun) as all things should, and with my home-made Wakame Gomashio enjoying great interest from my customers, I see it continuing to evolve further in the future.

In your other life as a Nutritionist, what are some of the key benefits you feel for us (as consumers) to not only buy organic but making it a fundamental part of lifestyles?

I am Passionate about Health and want to feel its benefits as well as encourage others to do the same in their own way.  

There are endless benefits to incorporating a healthful organic diet in to our very hectic lifestyles.  Recognition of these benefits is gaining momentum and it's becoming harder to ignore.

Balance in life is something everyone strives for on a day to day basis: work, family, friends, fun - and a switch to organic produce is a huge step in the right direction.

As a marketeer, what are some noticeable changes regarding consumerism and their awareness (or awakening awareness) of not only "buying local" but incorporating it so it becomes second nature as opposed to "I'd better buy organic cause they (various forms of the media) tell me I should"?

The shift to more organic produce and other sustainable changes is noticeably growing and definitely becoming a more common occurrence in frequency and location.  This allows people to incorporate it into their lives simply through availability and convenience.

Working behind the scenes, as we do in the industry, also allows you to see the growth and the changes day by day.  In many countries overseas, these changes have been underway for much longer than Australia, and the prevalence of organically grown crops and sustainably sourced materials is much broader.

What is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being part of the Organic Food Market community?

Community is most certainly the biggest aspects.  Having others who get up as early as you helps you to get through the day!  

But also being out-of-doors on a sunny day is blissful too.  Knowing that you are working alongside people who share your values helping to create a better outlook for future generations is very enriching.

In 5 words can you sum up what "buying organic" means to you

Vital freshness, healthy, taste and vibrant

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And with that we say thank you to Michelle and we think there is something for everyone in what she has said don't you?