I also set out to taste what was on offer food-wise. I was not disappointed as this market had such an abundance of free samples, I almost didn't know where to start. Naturally, I went straight for the…sausage. Then, after trying at least 6 different types of sausage and realising that there was no way I was going to get any of them home to Melbourne without generating the accompanying Botulinium toxin, I came across a muesli stall so cheery (and orange) that my spirits were instantly lifted. The vendor here was an honest-faced guy who was so keen about muesli that when I mentioned my modest reviewing endeavours he immediately offered me a jar of his RAD Muesli. I was heartened by his generosity, and it cemented for me how enamoured I feel about Canberra – free muesli will do that to a girl.
This muesli looks a bit different than my other home made efforts, because I have discovered that I like eating frozen blueberries and will unapologetically do so at any chance. This was a great, wholesome muesli. What immediately struck me was the nuttiness of it, with macadamias (what a treat!), whole walnuts (no shells, a plus) and a satisfying density of seeds. The puffs of barley in amongst the oats gave a richer, grainy taste. There was a hint of sweetness added by the coconut and dried fruit, but this was in no way overbearing and would allow for the breakfaster to tailor the sugar content to their liking. I like it low (but that depends on how much sugar is in frozen blueberries), and so this felt like a very raw, healthy way to start the day!
Final Word: RAD muesli is pretty special, and not just because I got it for free (thanks, Protia-man!). If you live in Canberra and are feeling like a Sunday market trip, visit the orange stall at the Old Bus Depot (you can't miss it) and treat yourself to a jar of this muesli. If you live elsewhere and earn enough money to not care about shipping costs – give it a try.
This particular morning I ventured out to Richmond which is much further away from Brunswick than I thought – but probably still not far enough to complain about. I think my confusion stems from not having much of a concept of the East of Melbourne, or of Victoria for that matter. Some might call this a sheltered existence but when almost 100% of your destinations for the last 5 years can be summarised in two words – Parkville Precinct – you tend to have a more narrow focus. Or become lazy.
I was lucky enough to be spending to morning out with The Milkmaid who had suggested that we try Top Paddock in Church Street. I would have cycled there except I was not-so-stoically enduring the second cold that I had earned in my time at the Royal Children's Hospital – kids are great – so we drove. I mention this only because the benevolent Pope Eggs-Benedict, who was a welcome and coined-up surprise addition to the party, ended up having to pay for parking to enable us to get anywhere near the place – not a good start to the morning. I'm rambling a bit about the prelude to the breakfast to cover up the fact that I did not get a good look inside Top Paddock because at 9:30am it was full. As I am the type of cavalier (impatient) breakfaster that will endure freezing temperatures to eat muesli, my company and I sat outside. My impression of the place is, therefore, that it was cold.
Everything about this visual feast is endearing to me. I very much enjoy the whole poached pear plonked proudly atop a mound of moist muesli. The micro-herbs (an entity that I had never before encountered – how uncouth I must be!) trail delicately around the dish giving it a whimsical, Springtime look. Additionally, for a change berries take a backseat as they create a darkly rich frame for the aforementioned pear protrusion. Seeing as I did not simply stare at my muesli I should mention how it tasted. The overarching theme here is lightness. There was a lovely balance of sweet shredded apple and tart, citrusy herbs. The green tea infusion left me with a very pleasing, dusky aftertaste that was one of the best things about this unique muesli. Finally, a note must be made of the moist density of this Top Paddock dish which is a texture that makers of Bircher muesli should strive for.
Man oh man. Oats oh oats. Flowers and rhubarb and micro-herbs and pistachios! Those are all of the things I can see but sadly did not taste. Apparently it was "full-bodied, thick and creamy…with the sugar caramelising into toffee" (Milkmaid, 2013). It kills me that these are not my descriptors, I'll have to go back for this!
Overall: If you wake up early with hungry eyes-and-stomach, go to Top Paddock and feast on the cereal. Try not to pay for parking.