Sunday, September 13, 2009

To market, to market

We love a good market, and in NZ we're still discovering new ones, a year after moving here!
Most recently, it was the Oratia Farmers Market at Artisan Wines, Waitekere.
Like so many NZ markets, this one is small by comparison with Aussie markets. But hey, who said bigger was better? We were able to park onsite, for free, and although busy, it wasn't unpleasantly crowded.
The stall holders were extremely generous with tastings - which worked to their advantage, because I think we bought everything we tasted!
It was an expensive visit, but so worth it to try quality NZ products straight from the producers.
Even the kids enjoyed it.
And as a Mum, I loved that the stallholders offered the kids tastes. So often, the little ones are ignored, when let's face it, they hold the pester power in the parental purse-strings.
And if I know they will eat something, I'm much more likely to shell out for something, even if it is more expensive than the supermarket.
And so I did...

Quirky art




Hungarian bread, tomato, fetta and basil




Yes please!
(Sadly, no one obliged. Sigh)

Salami. Even Missy Moo loved this!
(Again - we wouldn't have bought it if the kids hadn't tried it and liked it. So kudos to the stall holder)








Wicked chocolates. By name and by taste!










Getting into the chocolate tasting








Mmm .. to die for is right!










You can get something for nothing in Auckland ...organic apples at a raffle stall





6 comments:

Unknown said...

Oooh! That Hungarian bread with all the toppings had me drooling! Why is it everytime I come to visit your blog, I go away hungry??!! :-)

I hadn't heard of this market so thanks for sharing this - must check it out next time we're in the Waitakeres!! (when I'm hopefully off my stupid low-salicylate diet and can eat like a normal person again!)

Hsin-Yi

Unknown said...

Looks like you guys are having far too much fun without us there boo hoo......
Loving the photo's but love that lil' dragon in the first photo, might have to have a look see over here for something like him very cute

milliemirepoix said...

The Hungarian bread does look "to die for"... I've never seen anything like it here in Wellington. Is it just me, or is the bread deep-fried?!

I'll have to check this out next time I'm up in Auckland - I love markets!

Rubyjaz said...

Mmmmm, yummo looks fantastic, boo hoo to you about the flowers. Maybe your hints where far to subtle.

J sais, I would like to live there so I would get spoiled more & eat lots of candy & chocolate.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I totally agree about being generous with samples, especially with kids! I never understand why some people at markets are stingy wiht samples-how are we to know if it tastes any good and that's part of the fun of markets (and often the items are more expensive and more boutiquey and supermarket brands so it's more of a risk). Ooh and you got a Langos it looks like it-I love those!

MrsDesperate said...

It was my first time for Llangos and yes, they were delicious. They are deep-friend but only lightly so they are crunchy on the outside and soft inside. And don't worry J. my kids might look spoiled, but they still have to eat their vegies, do their homework, and clean their rooms over here too! But you are right, adults seem to be much kinder to kids they don't know in NZ, they are very nice to H. and C.

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