Caulfield Farmers Market

Farmers markets have become increasingly popular over the past few years.  Although they were once seen as a bit trendy and very expensive, times have changed.  With ever increasing supermarket prices, and the realisation that the "fresh food people" aren't really that fresh, farmers markets are a food lovers haven.  Not only is the produce in season and good for the body and soul, but you are helping out the local growers.  And there is nothing better than talking to the growers and getting their insight into the product you are buying.

The Caulfield farmers market is held on the second Saturday of the month, from 9am-1pm, on the corner of Neerim and Booran Rds, Caulfield East (opposite Glen Eira Secondary College).  Entry is via $2 donation to charity and it is a dog friendly event.  There is ample parking in the school grounds opposite but I do suggest getting there early as it does get quite busy.

The October market I attended was outstanding.  It was the largest in terms of the number of stalls but also the variety. I do have a few favourite stalls, but there is always something new to try too.

Red hill cheese produce the most beautiful goats cheese, with my latest purchase being their Arthurs Peak Goats cheese. Absolutely beautiful with some crusty bread and a crisp glass of white wine! redhillcheese.com.au

The Smokehouse is my favourite for bacon and trout. (1/15 Lathams Rd, Carrum Downs 9775 1527) and my dog, Mya, loves the hand made natural treats from the lady at PawPrints  www.pawprintz.com.au

You can find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to organic wine and beer, ready made meals to fresh licorice and home made cakes.  I also like to have brekkie there too, as some of the stall holders whip up snacks based on their produce and there is usually a mobile coffee van for the caffeine fix.

Other markets around town can be found on the website www.inseasonmarkets.com.au and the City of Kingston hosts the Cheltenham market on the first Saturday of the month.

The stash

Next market date Saturday 13th November

Spring time in Melbourne - Allnutt Park, Bentleigh

This last week, Melbourne has FINALLY come out of the depths of winter and produced some beautiful weather.  So after months and months of disruptions to my routine because of bad weather, it was back to the early morning walks with our dog, Mya.

The park of choice this week has been Allnutt Park on Wheatley Rd, Bentleigh (between Centre and McKinnon Rds).  With the wet winter producing lush greens and lots of spring flowers the park is looking great.  For the four legged visitor, there is a substantial off lead area for foraging but if you prefer to not let your dog run a-muck, the other half of the park is on lead only.  And if further walking is required, the park spills through to a nice path which runs between the houses, heading west and onto Thomas St.

I must say, the City of Glen Eira do cater for dogs in their parks.  Poo bags are in abundance and the water fountains usually have some kind of bowl attachment for dogs to quench their thirst too.

Every year as the good weather comes around I mean to organise a picnic at Allnutt Park.  The council takes bookings for the two BBQ areas and there is plenty of play equipment for the kids.  Off street parking can be found at the south entrance on Wheatley rd or on the many side streets leading into the park, and indeed on Wheatley rd itself.  There are plenty of park benches, but as you can see from the photos, the lush lawn is just asking for a sprawling picnic!

Bookings and enquiries for the BBQ areas (called Allnutt Park - Wright St) can be made through Glen Eira City Council  9524 3253