EatDrinkBrisbane

This little Ally went to market, and this little Ally stayed home. This little Ally ate cupcakes, and this little Ally had waffles and cannoli and yoghurt and sausage and brownie and…

For all you people out there wondering, should I go to the markets this weekend? Should I crawl out from my cosy bed, shake off my hangover / child / lover and trek to New Farm, Mitchelton, or Manly, joining the crowds in the search for fresh produce and other delicacies?

I hauled my tired, cranky self down to New Farm at an ungodly hour and so should you. One word: samples.

I love samples. Who doesn’t? You get to try a bunch of food, for free. And you can clean your teeth after with the toothpick. In all seriousness though, the markets are about more than samples. You can shop and eat – grab a latte on your way in, some fresh or frozen groceries, and a slice of pizza or baklava to refuel. Local and well-known food stores, bakeries, and farmers gather in the ideal spot beside New Farm Park, so there is a plethora of choice.

I always found it hard to get information on what exactly is at these markets, so here it is people-prepare to drool. You can usually expect:

• cute cupcakes from The Cupcake Parlour
• decadent chocolates and brownies from Dello Mano
• raw and frozen meat and seafood
• fresh fruit and vegies
• nuts, honey, and snacks
• pancakes, crepes, and mini waffles
• coffee (Merlo, diBella, etc.), fresh juices, and smoothies
• olives, cheese, dukka, oils, and other antipasti
• pizza and gourmet hot dogs
• Greek yoghurt
• fresh bread, Greek pastries, and German bakeries

Don’t jump off your computer chair just yet, as they’re only open on alternate days. In the meantime, here’s a little something to whet your appetite:

Belgian Pearl Waffles

Caramelised balsamic vinegar, herb & garlic olive oil, and dukka from River Flats Estate

Coconut, orange, and apple cinnamon cupcakes from The Cupcake Parlour

P.S I also managed to get my hands on some honey puffs, delicious little balls of fluffy, syrupy goodness. They will feature prominently at the upcoming Paniyiri Festival, especially during the famed Honey Puff Eating Competition. I’m already prepping my belly elasticity. Are you?

Jan Power’s Farmers Markets
New Farm (also located at Mitchelton, Manly, and the Queen St Mall)

119 Lamington St (Powerhouse)
New Farm map

http://www.janpowersfarmersmarkets.com.au/

Second and fourth Saturday of each month
6am-noon

Visited Saturday, 9 May 2009

UPDATE 20 May 09: Paniyiri has been rescheduled to 4 & 5 July 2009 due to poor weather.

I had totally forgotten about Paniyiri until late last week when I picked up a street press and saw it mentioned. For those not in the know, Paniyiri is a HUGE Greek Festival held every year in Musgrave Park in South Brisbane.

It’s 2 days of food, entertainment, fun, dancing and all things Greek and is definitely one of my favourite Brisbane Festivals – especially for food!

So get along on either Saturday May 23 July 4 or Sunday May 24 July 5 and enjoy some ouzo, honey puffs, olives, souvlaki, dolmades, octopus and calamari as there will be 30+ different food stalls covering all varieties.

If the great food isn’t enough to convince you there will also be fireworks, Zorba dancing, a sideshow alley, cooking demonstrations and last but not least… EFFIE! *cringe* who will be hosting “So You Think You Can Dance Greek” on Saturday night.

The best part is that it costs a pittance, just $7. See you there!

Prior year press:
Greek Dancing with the Stars
Paniyiri 2008 round-up on Food Bling!
Mary Coustas brings Effie back for Paniyiri

Paniyiri Greek Festival

www.paniyiri.com/

Saturday May 23 July 4 from 2pm & Sunday May 24 July 5 from 10am, 2009

Musgrave Park & The Greek Club
Edmondstone St
South Brisbane map

Cost: $7 Adults (13+), $2 Aged Pensioners, Children free

Map magazine has just announced its best places to Eat and Drink in Brisbane for 2008 / 2009 as voted for by its readers.

Some of my favourite places made the list with Verve Cafe on Edward St winning both “Best Cafe” and “Best Place for Lunch” and The Gunshop cafe in West End winning “Best Place for Breakfast”.

Other establishments that have done well are Urban Grind in New Farm which picked up the awards for “Best New Cafe” and “Best Place for Coffee”, Limes Hotel Rooftop Bar in Fortitude Valley for “Best New Bar” and “Best Bar” and Montrachet restaurant in Paddington grabbing “Best Place for Dinner” and “Best Romeo and Juliet Restaurant”.

Anyway the full list can be found here so if you’re after somewhere new to take a date there is certainly some inspiration in the list and a lot of places I’ve not tried.

Map magazine is a free monthly lifestyle magazine that you find around train stations and in the doorways of music stores, pubs and clubs and some clothes stores. Its target readership is 25-34 year old inner city dwellers and creative professionals.