Gourmandise de Paris

Since your start, you have gained an incredibly large and loyal fan base.  As relative "newbies" how has this reaction been for you

I am absolutely thrilled with it.  To start with it wasn't easy but as people got to know us and us working incredibly hard at providing good products, we are really proud of what we have achieved since starting.

How long does it take to set up stall each market

All up it takes about an hour

With samples, come smiles and with smiles which in turn results in purchases...as a chef how does that make you feel

Everyone who tastes our products really enjoy them. We've had people tell us that they love it and want to know more about how we make them and are above surprised when they learn that I am the chef!

You have created little corner of Paris that seems to draw people in.  Was this deliberately planned or did it come from observing customers seeking somewhere to sit and truly enjoy your French culinary creations

It just simply seemed to "fit" with what we were wanting to do.  Because some of our food is not take away, and needs plates and cutlery, it seemed a shame to not have a nice place to sit, chill, enjoy and eat.

For anyone who has NOT yet been to Hornsby Markets, how would you sum up the fabulousness of it to them

Hornsby Market has a lot to offer with the spectacular fountain which looks different from every angle, to really nice fresh fruit and vegetable, cheeses and of course some FABULOUS French food.  For me it's interesting, it's friendly and it's relaxing.

To anyone who hasn't been yet, I would absolutely recommend that they come, have a look and enjoy it!

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From sinful cheese to those with the sweet palette.  Gourmandise de Paris has a French yummy to suit every age, every desire and every wallet!  And even better, they are at Hornsby Market every Thursday!

Sharing some Hornsby Market love with Lisa

How and when did you first discover Hornsby Markets

Wow, it feels like I have always gone to them.  Four years or so?  I found them by change just trawling around Hornsby with small kidlettes in tow.

What was it that impressed you most about them

What impressed me most was finding beautiful artisan bread.   Having moved from the inner city, it was great to see yummy sourdough and farm fresh produce available at Hornsby and not have to go elsewhere.

Are you a browse, chat and see where the day takes you type of chick or are you a "got my list, know what I need and where to get it" shopper

I am a mix between both.  I do have a certain few stalls I frequent regularly to pick up my favourite products, but I will also have a look and a chat (time permitting).

Do you have a favourite recipe you like to cook using produce bought at market

Fresh fruit and veggies make me a very happy gal!!! I love making a Lebanese bean dish using green beans I often buy and the other week I made a gorgeous gluten free plum cake using some beautiful Sierra plums I procured.

check out Lisa's blog for this amazing recipe "here" and while you're at there are loads more inspiring little pearls so have a scroll through and get inspired!

For those who are yet to discover the delights of Hornsby Market, what 5 words would you use to encourage them to get in and give it a go

Vibrant

Brilliant Bread

Fresh

Exciting

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What more can we say!  Another devotee with some inspiring recipes using produce bought at market!  We LOVE that!  So if you haven't yet, reckon it might just be about time to get yourselves to Hornsby Mall on a Thursday and have a wander, a sample, take a friend, have some great hot food while you decide what you will be buying from market to take home and trust us when we say you will taste the difference!

From Silvia - Gluten Free Cuisine

Gluten Free Cuisine has been a part of (and more importantly) a firm favourite of our markets for many years.  What first inspired you to start experimenting with recipes that were gluten free but still yummy at the same time

My daughter was diagnosed with an intolerance to preservatives, all those years ago now, and we began a journey of creating "loved" foods with NO added preservatives (or "no numbers" as we like to put it), thickeners or additives.  With a background in research, it was not long before we recognised there was a need for great tasting QUALITY foods that could be made readily available to the many with special dietary requirements, intolerances, or simply wanted to eat well with and enjoying great tasting foods!

You have a few "signature" pieces (eg: lemon meringue pie being top of the pops).  As you do 3 of our markets (Hornsby on Thursdays, Orange Grove on Saturdays and Frenchs Forest on Sundays), is there a particular favourite per location or are they as equally popular no matter which postcode you are at

Good question!  We seem to sell across the range pretty much throughout the year at every market we do.  Over the years we have built a fantastic relationship with our customers and we are a weekly "one stop shop" for many - across our Freshly Baked Artisan Organic Breads (all soy free, dairy free, canola free, animal fat free)

Savoury offerings such as Handmade Fresh Pasta, Classic Pesto and of course our Sweet Treats.

Actually our range has evolved based on our customer waitlist, including more dairy free options, larger celebration cakes and the latest offerings are our NUT FREE Organic Banana Bread & Cookies: All Gluten Free!

There is no denying market life can be trying at times, particularly when the weather doesn't play nicely; yet you are always there with a smile, rain, hail or shine, which not only do we appreciate but we KNOW your customers do as well.  What has been one of the more memorable experiences of market life for you

We have so many memorable moments & experiences: all so special in their own ways. We received a text from a customer just before Easter last year saying his wife was going in to labour and had requested our GF (gluten free) DF (dairy free) Hot Cross Buns and please save him one, he was on the way!

Over the years, it has been our privilege to be part of families as they prepare to welcome precious new borns with weekly Lamingtons to help them on the way, then of course we get to create Special Celebration Cakes.  

We have created Signature Wedding Cakes and  that Special Birthday Cake for the 90 years young whose special request is the Lemon Meringue (of course!), and for it to be large enough for her 90 guests!!!

We get called upon for that Bespoke Catering that meets special dietary requirements and more frequently provide GF (gluten free) WF (wheat free) NF (nut free) treats for the school lunch boxes!

From your personal stance, what is it about markets like ours that play a pivotal role in the local community

We love that our customers are able to purchase products from us that are literally hours from leaving the oven.  It is so special to get to know our customers who eat our food, to hear their stories, their sincere appreciation for what we make and to know we can really make a difference.  Our customers in turn love to hear our stories too.

The pivotal role in the local community (as you put it) is that markets provide for that quintessential experience of what nurtures people socially, and communities economically and all this whilst providing produce straight from the producers.

How would you sum up the world of Gluten Free Cuisine in 5 words

Dedicated Gluten Free for Everyone!

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Fantastic story behind a firmly entrenched, much loved and ever evolving producer of all things Gluten Free.  Swing by and say a massive "Hi" to Sylvia and her team every Thursday and trust us, from what we have seen..the sweet treats are getting more delicious by the week!