Set against the backdrop of the Brisbane Powerhouse, where the World Press Photos were hosted, the Jan Powers Farmers Markets was surprisingly a lot busier and bigger than I expected. Farmers Markets they're called? More like Food Markets!
As I visited each stall, I was impressed with the quality products on offer, many available for sampling. I tried organic gluten-free cereals with yoghurt, fresh apples and acid-free pineapple. I watched the other market-goers grab organic coffee and pastries, kransky sausages with sauerkraut, Chinese dumplings and buns, freshly-squeezed fruit juices and home-made jams. A few larger stalls sold produce and there were plenty of people lining up to pay. And if you're game, there's a goat pie stand, strangely, ten metres away from real live freckled brown baby goat!
Unlike the Twilight markets and the Manly markets, don't look to feast your eyes - look to feed your appetite! The Jan Powers Farmers Markets are here every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 6am to 12 midday.
Love your food? Go to Taste-testing and Entertainment at Asian Cooking Classes!
The Winter Lights Festival was held on Saturday from 3 to 9pm, signifying the onset of Winter. On arrival, it was a bit off-putting that we had to pay five dollars each to attend an outdoor market. The way I see it, these events attract people to the area, giving surrounding businesses a boost and stall owners already pay their share of money to the council.
Parts of Racecourse Road was sectioned off and market stalls of jewellery, clothing, toys and food were on display. There were farm animals, showground rides and balloons for kids. A few music acts played and artists painted on randomly placed easels. We shared a Cheese Kransky roll and walked up and down the street. Many had ended up in the surrounding pubs, cafes and restaurants - maybe due to a lack of things to do or maybe due to a lack of seating.
Just as we were about to leave, a little parade came down the street with cartoon characters and people holding some amazing lanterns. They were large and shaped like musical instruments, animals and people! On a closer look, you can see that they were made by some sort of paper stretched over wire. This entertained us briefly but we left not long after to have a sit down meal. Maybe we'll make our own lanterns a bit later!
More Brisbane Events can be found at:
Making Cosplay Wings with Frances Foo at Brisbane Square Library; and
BrisStyle indie Twilight markets in King George Square, Brisbane City
I sauntered off to the Twilight Markets on a Friday night (26th April), not knowing how amazing and large it would be! Amongst the buzz, I discovered stalls on the deck and in the square in front of City Hall, loaded with handmade art and crafts from local artists! Staffed by the original creators of the items (who were mostly on Etsy), it was really inspirational to talk to them and see workshops and demonstrations take place. I did a few rounds, drinking in the exciting visuals and great jazz vocals being performed and before I knew it, the night had come to an end. The results of my night can be seen here with artwork from Christine Donaldson, card from In Pink Ink and a beautiful ring made with vintage music score paper from myclectic. The next one is on the 26th of July!
The stars twinkle and the wind seems to caress my cheek. The music touches my heart and I remember you. I wanted to send you a message and have you appear by my side. But you won't show - you're busy hiding. Our time is so precious and you're missing our moments...
More Brisbane Events can be found at:
Two Up and Sand Crab Fettucini for Anzac Day at the Redlands RSL;
Making Cosplay Wings with Frances Foo at Brisbane Square Library; and
"Girl Clock" at Brisbane Library.
Driving into Manly, I emotionally embraced the cool sea air and picturesque scenery. So many boats lined side by side, water - a fresh blue. We went to look at the Manly Markets, situated along the seaside, mostly of arts and crafts but not as individual as the ones on display at the Twilight Markets. I bought a lovely fun and floaty floral skirt from these older Italian women...there was an air of lively tourist activities.
Eventually, we left to have a long walk, a refreshing drink at the Royal Yatch Club and found a restaurant called Cafe La Mer. With tables surrounding a beautiful fig tree, encased in a clean, smooth, sandy-coloured paper bark, we were lucky to find a table that wasn't reserved and I enjoyed the views and my Moroccan Lamb Salad. The flavours of the lamb and yoghurt were very strong, unlike the fresh clean foods I like for brunch, and the subtle flavours in Asian food.
Want to see more Restaurant Reviews? Go to
On the way to the Fortitude Valley Markets, I walk through Chinatown and was bemused by the large amount of people giggling whilst they watched a lady cooking. I stood still for a few minutes, listening to her hold their attention by teaching them to count and name ingredients in Cantonese, loudly, humorously. As the audience was so captivated and I was just given a recipe, I sat down and enjoyed the rest of the experience. The lady in front introduced herself as a home cook and walked the audience through cooking a good Fried Rice and Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs in two ways.
The aromas whet our appetites and eventually, when the food was ready, we eagerly line up to grab a portion for our taste-testing. These classes take place every Saturday from midday to 1:30pm.
I wanted to know where I stand. What is going on? Which part is how you are choosing to act? and which part is a reflection of what you're going through? I hear the guy upstairs breathing as he sleeps at night - it offers me comfort and lulled my heart into a well-deserved peaceful sleep, if only for a night.
Other fun Brisbane Events can be found at:
Making Cosplay Wings with Frances Foo at Brisbane Square Library;
BrisStyle indie Twilight markets in King George Square, Brisbane City; and
"Girl Clock" at Brisbane Library
