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!

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!"

Brasserie Bread a blog with a difference

The institution known as Brasserie Bread with its infamous Jess at the helm.  This piece will contain photos, some important information from the Bakery and a pinch of our input...a little something that's just a little bit different but a whole lotta Double Bay.

Brasserie Bread has had an incredibly long association with Organic Food Markets.  Can you enlighten us as to how this "introduction" came to be

Brasserie Bread has been actively involved in farmer's markets in Sydney for the past 7 years.  It's a very important part of our wholesale business.

Farmer's Market shoppers also share their experience with lots of other people, both good and bad!  This certainly keeps us on our toes and gives us invaluable insight for future product development.

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Rain, hail or shine Jess is at market and set up in a flash for he knows his every loyal customers will be there as they race by on their way to work, or come to pick up an order placed the week previously.  With seriously yummies such as

and this

is it any wonder he is popular with young and old alike!

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Your bread is known for winning many medals at many Easter Shows which is a testament as to how good your products are. What would be your best seller at any given time


Definitely our organic sourdough which is made with organic unbleached flour, Murray River salt and our 18 year old sourdough starter.

Our Quinoa & Soya Sourdough also have a big following.  It's packed with nutritious soya beans and five seeds including quinoa.

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Do Brasserie Bread deliver to market sites or does the stallie collect from the bakery (which would then mean an extra early start for the stallies for sure!)

They pick up from our Banksmeadow Bakery

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Which then puts Jess in to the "legend" status given the need to not only get to the bakery for pick up but get back to market and have stall set up before start of trade! HUGE by anyone's standards.

And as such, he deserves a legendary photo so we now present to you the man behind the Double Bay Market Brasserie Bread.......

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How would you sum up the world of Brasserie Bread in 5 words

Honouring traditions of artisan baking

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Massive thank you to Brasserie Bread for giving us a little bit of artisan insight and whatever you do, make sure you swing by Double Bay Market to sample their award winning bread and maybe pick up a couple more items "just in case".