The enticing photos at Becca’s blog inspired us to visit Eveleigh Markets – a new Saturday morning produce market set up in the old railyards in Darlington. Familiar stomping grounds indeed for Pete and I, who met at Sydney University nearly thirty years ago.
These markets – which opened at the end of February 09 – were exactly what you’d expect from the hip, inner-city venue. We encountered parents with a child named “Zsa Zsa”, overheard a passerby discussing her recent sojourn in an ashram, and zigzagged our way around scores of dogs on leads. Everyone had their own brightly coloured nanna trolley, which made my sage green one look a little anaemic by comparison. All the sales were cash only, and you needed lots of it, because everything was expensive and there wasn’t an ATM for miles. Most of the produce was interesting, high quality and organic, and priced accordingly.
The highlight of the day was running into Sara Adey, former owner of Darling Mills Restaurant in Glebe. Sadly, our favourite restaurant of all time closed over a decade ago, and we’ve mourned its loss ever since. Sara is now working with her family on the Darling Mills Farm in Berrilee, and we couldn’t resist buying their mixed olives (which were always served on arrival at the restaurant), a bunch of dill, and some gorgeous watercress (photo above). Most of the cress was eaten rabbit-style over the course of the afternoon, with the remainder tossed over a hot pizza that night for dinner.
Another great find was the Sweetness stand. Oh my. This stall was so visually appealing – and the products were so carefully crafted and presented – that I couldn’t resist spending money. Thankfully, everything tasted wonderful, which was just as well because my inability to choose led to a “buy them all” moment.
There were handmade marshmallows to die for…
…hazelnut and cranberry nougat…
and some wickedly delicious English toffee – buttery, crisp and just the tiniest bit salty.
Our final purchase of the day was some cumberland sausage from the Tallabung Pork stand. Made from the meat of black Berkshire pigs ( highly prized, particularly in Asian countries), these were tasty and rich, if somewhat oily. All up, it made for an interesting Saturday lunch!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
I can’t believe this is your first trip to these markets. You do remember we’re just up the road, don’t you? I’m down here most Saturdays, even if it’s just for a loaf of bread. I nearly went this week and decided not to at the last minute as we were going out and I ran out of time.
We’ll have to catch up next time you’re there. Send me a text. Same mobile number. Be nice to catch up over a coffee and something sweet!
Those olives look fantastic by the way and we too still mourn the loss of Darling Mills. I actually have one of their coasters sitting on my desk right now. (Well, it’s been there for years!) I’ll have to hunt down the stall although stalls change week to week.
Hey, chickie babe, nice to hear from you. Would love to get together, it’s been way too long! Have sent you an email.
I think Darling Mills are there every 4th Saturday. The DM olives included the baby cornichons that they always had at the restaurant – missing from the photo because I’d picked them out and eaten them before we got home!
What a strange coincidence. My dad was just telling me on the weekend that my grandmother used to make the most amazing marshmallows for street stalls. I even think I have her recipe somewhere so was planning to give it a try.
They’re really delicious, Chris, and brilliantly flavoured. At the risk of sounding like Willy Wonka – the lemon tasted like lemon, and the strawberry tasted like strawberry! No eggwhites in these – I had a look at the ingredients list. I think I’d like to try and make them as well, but these used corn syrup, so I was a little dissuaded…
you should also check out Gumnut chocolates they have the most fabulous hand crafted biscuits I have ever had.
Linda, thank you, I’ll watch out for them next time I’m there. I wonder if they’re from the old Gumnut Cafe that used to be down at the Rocks?