Goodness I’ve felt such guilt and a bit of a void by neglecting my blog lately. I’m anxious to get back to my regular routine of cooking and blogging. The past month has taken my stress levels to heights I wasn’t aware of however I’m pleased to say the worst of it is over. I left Adelaide a week ago and after a truly exhausting search I’ve found my dream house to rent which Mr Market Basket and I will be moving into in 2 weeks. I’m very fortunate to have my generous family here to look after us until that happens. In an unexpected twist of fate I’ve also been given the opportunity to remain in my work role, remote to my team in Adelaide which removes the big task of looking for another job. I now just can’t wait to establish my new life here in Brisbane.

But first, an overdue goodbye to the city I’ve called home since 2004. I moved to Adelaide on a whim nearly 9 years ago. I’d never been but had heard good things so thought I would take a gamble. I was 24 and didn’t know a soul when I arrived. Throughout my time there I’ve moved in different social circles, experienced a lot of the rich food and wine culture, became a faithful devotee to the Adelaide Fringe along with other festivals, and of course a weekly regular at the Central Market. I so enjoyed my time there and would heartily recommend anyone visit as I intend to myself in the future. I believe Adelaide to be grossly underestimated by many Australians which I think is a shame. Whilst I am excited by the prospect of change that this move is bringing me, I must admit life is easy and good in Adelaide and I will miss that.

As I dangled precariously on the cliff edge of stress leading to my departure, I wanted to put together a great treat of the week that would do the Central Market justice. I decided I wanted to put the Market on a plate if you will. I spent my last shop there sourcing some of my favourite foods for Mr Market Basket and I to feast on. I crafted this platter together and after a busy but productive day, we picnicked in a bare living room with a bottle of wine and soul music in the background. It was perfect.

I’d chosen my favourite mettwurst, pickled calamari and Barossa gypsy ham in the protein department. Almond stuffed olives along with their kalamata cousins and marscapone filled peppers provided briny accompaniments. A Turkish pide was ripped apart and dunked into some colourful dips including sweet potato and coriander, spicy hummus with cashew, and olive and goat curd. Smoked almonds were a crunchy contrast, as were the neatly wrapped packages of dolmades. Bright cherry tomatoes and baby spinach added a fresh element, the whole platter complemented lastly with a Margaret River brie and a vintage cheddar. It was delicious and it felt like home.

Thank you Adelaide for all the great memories, for all the lessons I’ve learned, for all the different people I’ve met along the way, for being a unique city. I’ll miss coming home to you. I’ll miss calling you home.

I’d like to dedicate this post to my beloved trolley. Together we traversed hundreds of kilometres up to the Market and through the winding aisles there. I would pile your baskets high with my bounty of goods each week, your sides would be groaning and your wheels sometimes squeaking, but you never let me down. You really were my old faithful. Shopping just won’t be the same without you.