Father’s day is just around the corner!
With more and more modern men choosing to take over the kitchen rather than tinker in the garage, kids have to be a little more thoughtful when getting a gift to demonstrate their devotion for Dad.
Never fear! This weekend Byron Bay Chopping Boards will be at the Bondi Farmers Market. But be warned! They will not return until AFTER Father’s Day…so this Saturday is your last opportunity to pick up a present that not only has plenty of pizazz when the paper is ripped off, but will continue to impress as a vital part of the kitchen or as a sensational serving platter when entertaining.
Great for Chopping, Kitchen prep and Food Platters, these handmade chopping boards are made from Camphor Laurel, beautifully Hand Crafted in the Hinterland in Byron Bay. Not only are they gorgeous, but they are also 100% sustainable…
‘Wooden’ THAT make a perfect gift for any budding masterchef in your family or circle of friends..!?!
This week we go ‘back to the drawing board’ and remember that when Simon from Byron Bay Chopping Boards applied to the Bondi Farmers Market, we figured he just wanted to ensure he always spent his days in beautiful beachfront locations! Proving his dedication, he continues to be a monthly stallholder and sometimes we are lucky to see him a little more often. We are smitten with his products, admitting we are completely ‘Board-minded’, convinced that he will continue to be a friendly face at the market for many more moons! We catch up with him to see if he can support this Saturdays chopping spree and review his range that will suit all tastes ‘across the board’…!!!!
Why do you like trading at the Bondi Farmers Market?
I love trading at Bondi Farmers because the customers have a real interest in food and the produce is great quality
Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? How did the business begin?
I’m a chef by trade and saw that lots of people where using plastic boards in the kitchen which have no anti-bacterial qualities when preparing food, the way Camphor Laurel timber offers.
How long have you worked as a farmer/producer?
I have been making the boards for two years for family and friends and they said I should do the markets….and here I am!
How would you define your regions food flavours and/or wood types?
We use Camphor Laurel from Northern NSW, its ECO friendly, handmade and Australian Made and Owned.
What food trends do you see for the near future?
I see lots of slow food coming and hearty home style cooking, where you can do a one pot meal or roast, platter; serve it at the table and friends and family. You can just share it and relax-no fuss! It’s great in these busy times to take the stress out of meals…and just take time out!
How long does it usually take to grow and make your products?
The timber is naturally dried for about a year in slabs, and then we look for the best colours and grains in the timber to make the boards. It’s a long process, but well worth the wait as you can see in the final product.
Describe the general process you go through…
Sourcing the best timber
Drying as above
Cutting
Joining (some have recycled timber handles}
Sanding
Oiling
What are some of your accomplishments?
Many restaurants are using the boards for tapas, antipasto, Sunday roast and the chefs are always coming up with new designs to plate their food and serve.
Lots of chefs and home cooks are using their boards in the kitchen preparing food for every day….and the boards a part of everyday life for years to come.
What is your favourite food?
Home style cooking- good and honest!
Do you have a favourite Chef?
Brent Mills at The Corner House in Bondi, does the best Sunday roast lamb shoulder, serves it on the board and best of all you don’t have to wash up!!!
What matters to you most as a farmer/producer?
Quality
What’s your favourite part about the process?
Working with the timber as well as talking to the customers and getting their feedback
How do you prepare for a morning at the Bondi Farmers market?
It’s pretty relaxing. I set up my stall, get a tea from The Rabbit Hole, then get a pastry from Organic Republic, see Paddy the Baker and have a piece of spotted dick soda bread as well as a sausage from Spring Hill Beef……and get ready to do some work (but it doesn’t seem that much like work!!!) We are always having a laugh at the markets it’s a great place to be!
Come down to the Bondi Farmers Market THIS SATURDAY for your opportunity to pick up a stunning father’s day surprise…an artwork with a practical purpose! To make sure that everything is ‘above board’…Simon is happy to help any accompanying mothers or family friends bringing the kiddies down to choose the perfect pressie for Papa!
