Northside Produce Market

I think I'm becoming addicted to markets like muso's get addicted to gigs. There's something intoxifyingly adrenalin-pumping about talking to the people behind the product, getting all the insider info, and sharing the experience with like-minded foodies.

We got up with the birds and made it all the way over the Bridge. (Note to non-Sydneysiders: The Harbour Bridge divides Sydney much like the Thames divides London--generally everyone sticks to their side and rarely makes the leap across if they can help it!)

But the promise of gourmet goodness at the Northside Produce Market made the trek a worthy detour. And with another three weeks to go until the next Pyrmont Growers Market (confound those five-week months), Northside is perfectly timed to tide you over in the interim.

The first thing you notice about Northside is the excess of greenery. There are trees, plenty of outdoor garden furniture, and the stalls are set up in a more relaxing meandering pathway.

All the usual Pyrmont suspects are here. I'd hazard an estimate at 75% of the regular stalls from Pyrmont being here. And it seemed a lot less crowded too, with a little more elbow room and access to samples =P



La Tartine with yes, the beloved fruit loaf taking centre stage


La Tartine fruit loaf $5.50
and black rye $4.50




Consummate (pastries, cake and all things good)


Eggs and bacon a-sizzling at Consummate


Frantically feeding the masses - inside the Consummate stall


Strumming busker


Formaggi Ocello


Breakfast!
Spinach and melted fetta on toasted sourdough $2.50 from Shepherd's Bakehouse
It was good!


Mandagery Creek venison
Samples of their venison sausages (4 for $10.00) and venison jerky were both rather good. And apparently the sausages are only 5 per cent fat too. Deer me!


Eumundi Smokehouse
His smoked meats are flavoursome, meaty and very very good.


Banana loaf $7.50 from Shepherd's Bakehouse
Wheat and gluten-free, this is made with soy flour and um, other non-wheat flours (confound my ailing memory).


Inside the banana loaf (apologies for the hacked slicing, but we had it for an impromptu picnic-style morning tea using AG's trusty pocket knife--no, I've never been a Scout, but I am generally as prepared as one).

Not quite as moist as wheat-versions, but still quite nice. It was also missing the spidery banana look you get from mashed banana loaf, instead boasting chunks of semi-dried banana. I think I'm going to try it toasted with butter.



Northside Produce Market
Miller Street, North Sydney(between Ridge and McLaren Streets)

3rd Saturday of every month
8.00am - 12.00pm

Free parking available in Ridge Street car park.

Related GrabYourFork posts:
Northside Produce Market: September 2006 ¦ March 2006 ¦ July 2005 ¦ April 2005