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!

Jugernauts

Your blog Jugernauts is a fantastic mixture of pictorial with the odd paragraph or two thrown in to the mix.  What drew you initially to want to include Marrickville Markets

I was doing all these restaurant write ups and then realised that the markets don't tend to get written about as much so I thought I'd do a section for it as there is a lot of good food to be had there.

I also sell tees and have sold at other locations (newtown/glebe/finders keepers) and I appreciate the hardwork these vendors go through (packing, setting up.  It's a labour of love so yes I wanted to reflect that in my blog with a section dedicated to the markets.

And I had to include Marrickville Markets because I discovered it so late and it was such a different one.  More food focussed, less knick-knacks.  I had just to the AROM to check out The Bowery but the markets just kind of impressed.  

The stalls are unlike just anything I've seen at other markets.

As a blogger do you find at times it can 'take over" all other normalities in life; ie: are you driven to distraction by the irritating need to have to work to pay the bills, yet all the while yearning to simply go taste, photograph and celebrate via blogging

My blog is an extension of my lifestyle which is very much still in subsists of heading out to experience what Sydney (well, a lot of it is in the Inner West as I live in Newtown and just run around the local area) has to offer.  It's part of my life very much at the moment.  The blog is never far from my mind and being able to blog on the ipad (on the go) helps!

Who is one of your fave stallies and why

There's some great food to be had there:the satay tofu burgers, the truffles, the snag stand, some excellent home baked goods and vegetarian butchers

And of course the organic fruit & veg sellers.  It's a nice mix of eats and the tree lined "arcade" means you can just sit in the shade and take it all in...with the band playing.

It is one of the better markets around as it's not just a barrage of standard food kiosks in a market (location).

What is it about these markets that makes it such a unique experience from your point of view

The really good thing about Marrickville Market is that it adjoins The Bowery and Reverse Garbage and that's a highlight.

The organic produce, the hand made cheeses and truffles (again...having the truffles at market is just great!).  Also some superb pastries to be had.  The dulche de Leche Brownie is amazing!

It's one of the few markets on a Sunday...it's easy!

If you had to sum up Marrickville Markets in 5 words what would they be

Gem, artisanal, innerwest, organic, lazysundays

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Huge shoutout to Jugernauts for sharing some time not only blogging about Marrickville Markets, but being part of this blog and allowing us to include their photos.

You can check out the write up on our markets here

vegeTARAian

Can you give us a little bit of insight and history in to the world known as vegeTARAian

vegeTARAian is the creative outlet and inspiration for my exploration in to the world of food and cooking.  I share recipes, veg friendly eating options in restaurants and conversational pieces on ethical eating.

I'm particularly interested in reconnecting with food, to become more aware of what we are eating, local and seasonal produce, reducing food waste and raising awareness about factory farming.

As the food revolution as grown and become more accepting of alternate eating styles (eg: vegans, vegetarians, gluten free'ers etc), what have been some notable changes you have observed both personally and objectively

It's really exciting to see people genuinely showing an interest and being more accommodating to those of us with different eating requirements.

I find eating out so much easier now than it was a few years ago.  Restaurants are increasingly offering veg friendly options and where there isn't and advertised option, most venues are happy to alter a menu item if you ask.  

There are also a lot more vegetarian/vegan brands stepping in to the mainstream, available in supermarkets which is fantastic!

How did you come to discover Marrickville Markets and what was it that compelled you to write the beautiful piece that you did

I really enjoying exploring the Inner West, it's just an area that fascinates me.  When my sister moved to Marrickville she told how me how great the markets were and I just had to pop down and check it out and I'm SO glad I did!

I love the community feel and that you can spend the whole day there - chatting with the stallholders to learn more about their products, having breakfast and/or lunch with all the fresh and delicious snacks for sale.

Your blog with its innovative, creative and user-friendliness makes it not only for a fantastic read, but it is also educational and celebratory.  

How do you strike that all important balance where you don't drown people in words and select the appropriate photos to accompany whichever topic you are focussing on.

It's important to stay true to myself in my writing - I think people see right through you if you aren't genuine and honest.  While I'm still new to the world of photography, the one thing that stays with me is to think about what I want the images to say before taking the photo.

A lot of text isn't needed when you've got images that do a good job of telling the story.

For those who have been to Marrickville Market but maybe not been at the point to simply dive in and give it a go with Raw and Vegan, what 5 words of encouragement would you give

Local and fresh is best!

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A MASSIVE thank you to Tara and sharing a little piece of her world with us.  You can check out her amazing blog "here" and be transported in to the delights of alternative eating fabulosity.