I very excitedly posted up the details of the launch of this new market and the Rivertown precinct on Friday. So come Sunday morning, I was out of bed by 6am, dragging the tired mumbling bag of yawns that is my spouse out from beneath the covers, and had us both shoved into the car, ready and raring to go by 7am. Market officially opened 8am.

On approaching the building, we were greeted by the awesome painted facade and sides, a big green neon 8 jutting out and a matching green neon strip on the road indicating the way in.

Upon entering the building, we walked through the Durbanism exhibit.  The project is part of the UIA “Durban Street Project Rivertown” curated by Nina Nedelykov and Christiano Lepratti. It showcases a variety of artwork executions by way of photography, typography, installation and constructivist-style furniture that highlights the Durban renewal and urban sustainability themes. It’s not often that you walk through an art gallery to get to a market, picking up some culture with your organic veg.

And speaking of that veg, there were stall holders such as the team from Caversham Croft, bringing their home-grown wares all the way from their farm in the Midlands and selling them under their store’s banner, Kuhlekudla. When I first met Philipa Farley, the lady behind this bounty of fresh, earthy veg, I was inspired by her passion for locally-grown produce, for sustainable farming practices and, quite frankly, how lovingly she and her family treat the animals on their farm. I think producers like her need to be lauded and supported, making for happy hearts and happy tummies when you know you are getting good food that has been treated with such care. I also recommend their pickled quails eggs because they are the bomb.

  Other KZN food heroes were present. Zak & Tonic were running a very busy crêperie, serving crêpes groaning with strawberries and lashings of nutella, amongst other toppings. The Delish sisters were there, as well as Saar from Falaffel Fundi, who serves the best falaffels outside of the Middle East. Glenwood Bakery and their famous potato & rosemary bread represented. Legendairy were serving ice cream sandwiches (which I missed, NOOOOO!!) and Tarté and her awesome jams were on site, selling a popular cinnamon pear compote, as well as other seasonal-flavoured products. Coltempo, had their Italian-style cured meats on display. There was also artisan cheeses, beers, and many other delicious things. I should have brought a trolley instead of a bag.
It was overall a great experience and worthy launch for such a great initiative. I look forward to seeing more traders there and enjoying getting my local produce there. If you missed out on seeing it today, it will be a regular market, every Sunday morning, from now on.