FoodieChat

You’ve got to be an early riser or a very dedicated foodie to make the monthly Good Living Grower’s Market.  It’s only open from 7 to 11am on the first Saturday of every month. Our efforts were well worth it as it was a sunny and unseasonally warm August morning, and the glimmer of the sun on the ocean front spot in front of the casino provided the perfect setting to spend the morning.  There are around 85 stalls with fresh produce straight from the growers; artisan bakeries selling their wares;

Even herbs and plants available – I bought a 50cm chilli plant for only $7 – brimming with baby chillis ready to be nurtured.

A honey stand provided some sweet tastings for the morning – but the main reason why I was here was to eat breakky.  Popular stands include fresh (huge) pancakes cooked to order; wagyu beef steaks; indian samosas, and for me today – “confused eggs with bacon” – that is, BBQ cooked scrambled egg omelette served with crispy bacon, caramelised onions on a roll with rocket and the secret creole BBQ sauce ($5).

OMG it was so good – I didn’t even pick off the fat as I would normally – the sticky sweet BBQ sauce providing a pleasing tangy sweet finish.  No wonder why the queue is always so long!! Some freshly squeezed organic blood orange juice ($4) to wash it all down.

Or, if you’re in a rush, buy some fizzy organic juice to go.  And of course, organic vege stalls (such as the one selling freshly picked parsnips) about.  Also popular is Toby’s Estate coffee – but I’m not a coffee drinker.  See you there next month?

The Sydney Morning Herald wrote this handy article about best places to eat brunch in Sydney. I better get cracking as I’ve only been to two of those – and one of those I wouldn’t set foot in again!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/good-living/breakfast-is-the-toast-of-the-town/2007/08/06/1186252595398.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2 

A beautiful day, a beautiful view and beautiful people – Ripples Cafe has undoubtedly one of the best views in the world, nestled beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with unbroken views of the harbour and Sydney Opera House framed beneath the bridge.  A gorgeous day for Sunday brunch,  I was looking forward to kicking back and enjoying watching the ferries and the world go by.  We were slightly puzzled as staff saw us, but didn’t hurry to bring us in.  A smile seemed to help and we were seated and offered drinks.  The meals are priced upwards of $10, but reasonable at below $20.  After a some time deciding, we settled on the corn and zucchini fritters; omelette with chorizo, and apple and rhubarb pancakes.

The fritters weren’t what I expected – not fluffy or thick as Bills’ corn fritters are.  Three per serve came with crispy delicious bacon, and drizzled generously with basil pesto, and topped with zesty dressed rocket leaves, with a dollop of avocado salsa ($14) – quite yummy.  The hash brown ($5.50) on the side (or in this case, on a plate on the food ) was homemade and not as satisfying as the deep fried version – and also comes in a full size at $12.90 with black pudding (yuck).  The open spanish omelette with chorizo, smoked mozarella and pesto (more pesto!) at $14 was generous and chocka block full of yummy chorizo. The cheese was a bit overpowering for me and I couldn’t taste much egg, but otherwise, a very satisfying meal.

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This place is hard for me to get to as my usual brunch day is Sunday, and Bar Biscotti is closed on Sundays – thereby handing all the Sunday gym/shopper business to its rival, Cafe Zenja.  However on a rainy Saturday my usual plans were put aside and we gave it a go.

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