After a hearty breakfast at Au Cirque, I hurried down to check out Jan Power’s Farmers Market which is just 15 – 20 minutes walking distance away from Bowen Terrace Accommodations in New Farm, Brisbane.
Taking place on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 6am to 12pm at the forecourt of Brisbane Powerhouse, this market ranks 22nd in Australia and 1st in Queensland for Gourmet Traveller’s Top 100 Gourmet Experiences Poll 2010! Shucks, I wished I had room for some grilled bratwurst.
Food aside, the true joy from visiting Jan Power’s Powerhouse Farmers Markets comes from the chance to interact directly with producers and feeling connected to your food’s place of origin.
There’s no hurry to get everything from one place, the bustling markets hold around 120 stalls showcasing all the best available produce in Queensland.
You can see many of the locals taking their time to check out the vegetable freshness and comparing prices. ‘Aunties’ mentality can be found in Aussieland too!
Once satisfied with their selection, buyers can simply head off to a makeshift counter to make payment.
The fruits stalls were a real pleasant sight with their bright colourful produce. I could not resist getting a box of fresh strawberries as light snacks for later.
Some of these price tags are really humorous.
You need to be pretty serious buyers to approach the meat stalls. Their items need to be kept refrigerated for freshness and will only be taken out upon request.
The fishmonger however was proudly peddling his prized stocks out on the main walkway. The conversations he sparked off with passers-by were really entertaining.
The stall selling locally produced jams and confits was a fun place to be. You can sample the different flavours before make the purchase decision.
And of course the pastry stall was strategically positioned near it.
It was hard to resist these lovely muffins and biscuits but I doubt I will be able to finish them alone.
Flower lovers can frolic in the fresh offerings of the local florist.
Doing these heavy duty grocery shopping under the hot sun can make one thirsty and hungry after a while.
Bagels and sandwiches were easily available.
Else one can also opt for some traditional Chinese dumplings.
If you just want something light, fat free Greek style yoghurt sounds pretty good.
The kids can be kept entertained with sweet macaroons in every colour of the rainbow
or good old Popcorn! You can sample first before buying too.
Since I was in the vicinity, I decided to swing by Brisbane Powerhouse. But I will leave the details of my Powerhouse visit in another post. A nice perk me up was just what I need before setting off.
After a lovely morning of ‘marketing’, I went back satisfied with a few bottles of honey and a lovely box of strawberries to munch on later.
Shopping at the farmers market was a rare and wonderful experience for urbanites like myself. You get to see the pride in the eyes of the producers as they display their goods for sales. There are room for bargaining but you wouldn’t bear to go too hard. Here’s the full details of this bustling open air market that sells quality, fresh farm produce, flowers, gourmet cheeses, breads, artisan products, fine meats, local fish, poultry, oils, jams and biscuits, pasta, local wines, wild honey, living herbs and plants:
Jan Power’s PowerHouse Farmers Market
Address: The Brisbane Powerhouse 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, Brisbane Australia
Operation Dates: 2nd & 4th Saturday every Month.
Operation Time: 6am – 12pm (Noon)
Website: www.janpowersfarmersmarkets.com.au
Facebook: Jan Power’s Farmers Market
Twitter: @JPFarmersMarket
View more posts from Brisbane below:
BRSY
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