Located in the beautiful Derwent Valley, Tasmania



Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Friday, June 1, 2012

new gourmet food and produce store in Hobart! welcome the aproneers...

Image from here

As an Eastern shore resident I am over the moon, or should I say under the rainbow with the arrival of The Aproneers, a new gourmet and produce food store on the East Derwent Highway, Lindisfarne.  I literally could not contain my excitement after my first visit to the store, I came home raving for the next few hours as I prepared a meal with ingredients sourced entirely from The Aproneers.  I discovered the store on its very first low key opening day, a week before it's grand opening on May 26th May, above.  Despite nearing the end of its first day, the staff were far from tired but were instead on a natural high from the positive feedback from locals throughout the day. 


From the outset I was impressed by the range, which I noted was mostly from local producers.  I gravitated towards the dairy section with a great selection of goats milk and cheese products.  Whilst I was shopping I had several staff members assist me and fill me in on their main food mantra - "sustainability".   In a nutshell, they have a food rating system which grades each food product in terms of sustainability e.g. local produce has a higher sustainability rating compared with imported food. Simple concept, but I like it!

Image from here

Kylie Kwong helped to officially open The Aproneers at the jam packed community grand opening.  And customers were given bags of local Tasmanian apples throughout the day.  


Image from here

On The Aproneers' website your can find recipes made from ingredients to be found in store, such as this sticky fig and ginger cake.  I am already addicted to this exciting and refreshing concept store, lucky it is in walking distance!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

flowers and produce at the farmer's market in the Derwent Valley!

It is a perfect, I mean absolutely perfect day in the Derwent Valley today, if a little warm (38 degrees Celsius). So I thought I would stop at the farmer's market on my way to opening the store this morning. And I have a feeling the "magic" ice tea stall will sell out!

Although this farmer's market is very small, it is packed with goodies such as field tomatoes and freshly picked zucchinis with flowers attached.

One can also find treats such as these homemade flat breads made by Devilish Delish. As well as jams, relishes and wild herb pesto. The pesto I bought on my last visit to the market has definitely made my chicken sandwiches a lot more exciting.

The Devilish Delish stall also sells fresh produce such as roman zucchini, squash and herbs.

And prepackaged herbs for your favourite Indian curries. This is a great way to have the fresh herbs and spices you need without waste. Very clever!

The busker's dog was taking a break in the shade, whilst guarding the hard earned money in the hat.

Flowers and nectarines on another great stall from which I bought some free range eggs and apples...

And a large bunch of hydrangeas.

I placed the hydrangeas in our French iron urn at the entrance to our shop. I love these flowers as the blooms last for a long time. Hydrangeas like water right up their stems.

Look at the colour variations, the pinks and purples are gorgeous. In the cool of the shop I am standing at the counter admiring the display. In fact, is it possible for a bunch of flowers to make one's day?

This market is held every Saturday at 9am at the Oast House, New Norfolk.

Friday, February 10, 2012

great little cafe in our Derwent Valley town! cheeky little place...


Cheeky Little Place is a (little!) cafe that has been open for around a year in New Norfolk. Owner's Deb and Matthew have a passion for great local produce and are translating that into the quality and fresh food they prepare. It has become a local and visitor's favourite, that is for sure. And my personal favourite, too!

The interior is quirky and the blackboards list the beverages that are available, including good old fashion milk and thick shakes...not just for the little ones. There are stools at the bench in the front window, and some tables outside at the front and to the side of the cafe for alfresco dining.

A delicious vegetarian and ricotta tart is just one of the many savoury options that one can sample, along with gourmet pies, salads, sandwiches and a selection of other savoury pastries.

I can never resist the gorgeous sweets, from berry frangipane tartlets to gluten free choc hazlenut expresso torte. Yummy! And perfect with the great coffee they serve.

A selection of fruit and frangipane danishes...

I can't help but admire the careful presentation of these strawberry and cherry tarts. Definitely made with love and passion, wouldn't you agree?

Cheeky Little Place is a must stop little place whilst visiting the antique shops of my town, or stock up and go down to the Derwent river for a little picnic. The perfect day out!

Opening hours 8-4.30 Mon-Friday 9-4 Sunday. Closed Saturday. Burnett Street, New Norfolk.