The month of food

Ok, so it's Good Food Month and there is lots of great stuff happening. We won't pretend we've got exclusive scoop and list them here, I'm sure you all know what's up.

We will say however how disappointed we were in the night noodle markets this year.

The change of venue to Hyde Park isn't a big issue, it's obviously not as nice as having a view of the bridge and opera house but if you didn't know the old location you could still enjoy your time amongst the enormous Moreton Bay figs.

If only the variety and quality of food wasn't so sad and uninspiring. And if only it wasn't so expensive to sample (isn't the point to sample a few things, share and then move on to something new - $12 for noodles!?). We walked away not having enjoyed our meal much, having eaten from restaurants that, without being seduced by moonlit dining, we wouldn't actually have eaten at.

Not so great for an experience which 3 years ago we counted amongst one of the most best and most exciting things to do in this city. Next year, if we can talk ourselves into going, we'll just stop in to spiceiam for take away en route.

Comments

[Leon Buker]

I couldn't agree more.

This was my first Noodle Market and we arrived quite late having lingered at the Art Gallery of NSW Vanity event (www.contempo.org.au). We quickly zoomed around the remaining stores getting what we could, most for half price. I'd still say it cost a lot, for not a lot of food, and most of which was of marginal quality.

It may have been telling that the longest queue at the Noodle Market was for Dutch pancakes...

We'll probably go back again, because we enjoyed the people and park; arriving earlier next time. But, I doubt we'll end up buying anything.

[Stephen Mok]

Sorry to hear you didn't have a good time. Was there anything decent there at all? A saving grace?

[The Pigeon Poo]

Way too expensive. I paid $9 for a papaya noodle or something by Sailors Thai. Will we get in trouble if we say what the food tasted like?

[Melody]

well I thought the papaya salad was good value given that in it's entirety (with the pork and coconut rice) it's $21.50 at sailor's thai. And the papaya salad was the bit that was the best part.

photos, a short blurb of my account of the markets in the link I've included.

[Sean]

Stephen, the saving grace for us is that Sydney really is such a great setting for dining under the stars.

Anyhow, think the Spring Picnic was a bit better (if way too windy). Anyone else go?

[AugustusGloop]

I agree. The highlight was eating al fresco by moonlight.

Spring Picnic was great. I think the crowds far surpassed organisers' expectations. I'm glad we got there early--a lot of stalls ran out of food.

[Jodi]

Well we got to the spring fair reeally late..3pm...there was hardly any food left and any stalls with food had queues for miles...but the other event that was a complete dissaster was the 'Syndey Basin" market at COok & Phillip park on thursday. There a dismall ammount of stalls scattered about...really not worth going to and unfortunately you only find out once parked and penniless from feeding the meter!

[Minxi]

Thanks for the noddle review. I think you've saved me some time and money.

[Sam]

I agree the noodle markets were disappointing...but what I find really outrageous is the restaurants participating in the 'lets have lunch' events this year. 35 bucks for pub grub (the Royal, Paddington) or tandoori chicken on willoughby rd? You've got to be kidding! Is this the beginning of the end?