Gourmet Wog

How long ago did you delve in to the depths of the loving arms of Frenchs Forest Markets

It will be 3 years in August.  We moved to Frenchs Forest from Ryde in 2010 to be close to the beaches and still be close enough to the city.

I visited Frenchs Forest Markets the first weekend after we settled and have been coming back every week: rain, hail or shine!

There really is such a wonderful vibe, the community comes out in their masses and the stallholders are all so friendly, up for a chat and their passion for their products really shines through.

Now we LOVE the name of your blog: when was it born and more importantly how on earth did you come up with such a fantastically Aussie title which once heard will always be remembered

Why thank you!  Gourmet Wog came about really because I just wanted to document my culinary adventures somewhere where I can reflect back one day.

I love cooking...I really do!  I have a very demanding full time job, a crazy little toddler who keeps me on my toes and when I get home from work, it's very likely you'll find me in my kitchen experimenting on some new dish, whipping up dinner for the family and sometimes secretly stroking the bench tops!  It's highly therapeutic: chopping, banging and stirring away after a long day in the office.

The blog is only 4 months old and in that short space of time, I've gained exposure from a lovely community of followers from all over the world.  It really shocks me sometimes when I look at my stats and see where my visitors are from!  I really do get a kick out of seeing the variety of countries and cultures who tune in to my every post.

The name of the blog?  Well to be honest it's a bit of a laugh.  I really am a bit of a larrikin sometimes.  Now I'm not full sick or fully tabouli, but I do make a mean kebab with all the trimmings.

I do get the occasional negative comment from someone claiming I'm being derogatory, but come on! I am a wog! A proud one! And if I can't laugh at myself, then who can?!

Why the urge to blog about Frenchs Forest Markets

Every resident in the area really should take the time to visit, support the local community and get amongst it.  It's such a wonderful day out and should be experienced by all!

Is there a gotta-have-can't-do-without item that you can't not buy

The smell of the honey cured bacon and free range egg roll gets me every time as soon as I walk in to the markets.  

It's become a bit of a tradition to grab one, then go across and buy a "Green Monster" Smoothie from the lovely smoothie stand and then start my tour!

My kitchen is always stocked with Baby Green olive oil and when in season, organic tomatoes, lemons and garlic.

Also free range eggs are magnificent from the markets. The yolk is always so big, bright and orange.  You just know these chickens are being treated well.

What other delights can we expect from the Gourmet Wog

I love the journey this blog has taken me on so far and I'm looking forward to the next chapters: stories about my crazy family's antics, delicious recipes from Italy, Greece and the Middle East and my humble garden updates

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Well from the Organic to the Wog we love your blog  (which by the way you can check out "here"), the fact that you come to our market rain, hail or shine,and for sharing a bit of time on your crazy world with us!

The Adventures of Miss Piggy

What is the history behind Miss Piggy and her insatiable need to blog all things food!

I first came across food blogs when a friend of mine started the blog "Street Food". Before that I had no idea what a blog was, let alone a food blog.  From reading "Street Food" I discovered more food blogs and I just loved the sense of adventure and community that surrounded them.

Food bloggers all seemed so social - always catching up with each other.  It seemed like a great way to meet new friends who also shared a love of food.  

I'd just moved back to Sydney from Outback NSW, I needed more friends and I wanted to explore Sydney's food scene once again.  Hence Miss Piggy was born.

Food blogging is a great way for me to share my experiences of cafes & restaurants - many of whom are in Western Sydney where I live.  

I also love being able to share information about ethical eating and hopefully educate some readers about how to make better/kinder choices when shopping for food: especially meat & eggs.

Part of this education process is raising awareness of alternatives to shopping at supermarkets....like farmers markets!

Who initially guided you to our markets?

I've always known about Orange Grove Markets as a friend of mine used to live just up the road and did (most of) her shopping there.  That was about 10 years ago before farmers markets really hit their stride in Sydney.

The Adventures of Miss Piggy Orange Grove Markets

My niece also used to live near Marrickville Markets and I visited them after hearing about them so much.

The Adventures of Miss Piggy Marrickville Markets

I do love the organic feel of Marrickville Markets: it feels like you're a million miles from Sydney when you're shopping there.

I found out about the other markets (eg: Rouse Hill) thanks to Twitter 

The Adventures of Miss Piggy Rouse Hill Markets

What is it about markets that appeals to Miss Piggy so much

Animal welfare in farming (and in general) is a passion of mine and I try to follow a path of ethical eating as much as I can!  I try to only eat free-range meat and eggs where possible - especially at home.

I loving shopping at local farmers markets for free-range meat and other produce as it gives me an opportunity to talk directly to the sellers (and often the farmers themselves) about their produce and how their animals were raised.  That's just not something that can be done when shopping in a supermarket.

Given your appeal and fame status within the world of all things food, what has been one of the best reactions from a stallie you have written about in your blog

I'm not sure that any of the stallholders actually read my blog, but they are always happy to have a chat when I mention that I want to write about their staff for my blog.

The stallholders are always happy to pose for a photo and I think the most eager to pose has been the young chappy who sold fudge with his Mum at Rouse Hill Markets. HE knows the value of social media that one!

What 5 words would you use to encourage those who have yet to discover the delights of Organic Food Markets to get out there and give it a go?

Farmers Markets will change your life!  GO!!!

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Miss Piggy we thank you and we MUST let you in on a secret: marketeers and stallies DO read your blogs as do we and we thank you for sharing a little bit of your blog time and allowing us to include some of your photos.

For those who have yet to read The Adventures of Miss Piggy do not delay!  

The Adventures of Miss Piggy