After months of dreary wind and rain and cloudy skies, the weather forecasts said that the weekend would be full of glorious sunshine! ‘Egads!’, I cried, as I had been craving a picnic for a very long time, and thought this weekend would be perfect for such an occasion. I put out an urgent message to my closest group of girlfriends, and the happy response from many members meant that we were all-systems go!
We gathered out the front of the Queen Victoria Market at 11am to go shopping for consumables, and my god were we in for a treat!
Jane and Katie standing outside the dried fruits and nuts stall for some natural sugar!
As soon as we started shopping, we were overwhelmed and starting buying anything that looked delicious, till Jane made us calm down from our food-buying-frenzy and consider what we would actually want to have on our ‘table’ for the meal…
With this much beautiful, fresh produce, you mean you want me to CHOOSE?
We began being a lot more selective about the food we were purchasing, but there were some things we just could not walk past -
These capsicums (bell peppers) were just so plump and fresh and red that we couldn’t resist taking one for our sandwiches!
Though I’m not a huge fan of okra (ladyfingers), these were so adorable that I was sorely tempted to buy some. And the only reason I didn’t walk away with a bunch of that beautiful asparagus is that I didn’t know how fresh it’d be after sitting in the sun at the picnic for a few hours!
During our browsing, we happened upon a stall which had a warning sign bearing the words “DEATH SAUCE”. “Death sauce?” asked Jane, “what’s that?”. The vendor looked at her and asked if she was over 18. Then asked if she was pregnant. Satisfied that she wasn’t in any delicate condition, he dipped a toothpick into the sauce and handed it to her…
Brave Jane decides to take the plunge
“Ooooooh man, hot hot hot!!!”
“Guys, I’M NOT KIDDING! MY MOUTH IS ON FIRE!”
After Jane had cooled her mouth with a little chilli wine, we decided that we should get some deliciousness from the deli section - so that our picnic would have a bit more substance than just fruit and veg!
This vendor was an absolute gem - he entertained our questions about his salamis and cheeses for about 15 minutes even though his store was slammed with customers - and he also insisted that we try everything we pointed at!
A quick stop at the bakery to pick up a freshly-baked rye sourdough loaf and a cinnamon scroll, then we made our way to the Carlton Gardens for a picnic extravaganza!
A feast fit for a king - a cheese/fruit/nut platter, some home-made chutney and mangosteens, rye sourdough, avocado, grape tomatoes, capsicum, watermelon, strawberries, grapes, rockmelon, bananas, olive oil, dukkah, some spicy salami and pastrami 
And what a feast we had! There were five of us there, and yet we couldn’t finish all this food. Believe me when I say that we made quite the effort! So with the coming days of sun and blue skies - I recommend that you give this a try! Grab a couple of friends, hit the market for some food-buying fun, then a nice grassy park where you can eat, sunbathe and enjoy each other’s company
This is spring - drinking the leftover juice from an extremely sweet watermelon which has been gutted of most of it’s flesh…
And a nice picture of a mangosteen to end this picture-heavy post! 
Technorati Tags: mangosteen, picnic, queen victoria market, spring
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Comments
Picnics and barbecues, there’s something about eating outdoors with friends and loved ones that’s so wonderful. I want a sip from the watermelon too!
Kat - it was lovely indeed Hope you’re having a great weekend too!
Christine - I agree, communal outdoors dining is a wonderful way to celebrate friendships and family As for the watermelon, hehehe! I adore watermelon and the juice, but it never tastes as good as when drunk from the actual melon itself!
Bea - both the market and the park are beautiful, and it was a great way to spend a lovely sunny day
Oh its been such a long time since I’ve been to the Queen Vic market, even though its only about 30 mins away - you bought back memories..lol
Really enjoyed this post and the pics, you made me hungry.
Looks like quite a delicious spread for your picnic! I’m jealous that you’re just starting summer and mine is ending. But I suppose there’s some good winter stuff to look forward to too.
Maree - You should definetely make the journey back I find that the Saturday market is by far the best as during the week it’s a but unexciting, but if we get another glorious Saturday you should make an occasion of it with your friends and try this fresh picnicking thing! Who knows, I might see you there
Natalia - I have been absolutely dying for our warmer season to arrive with it’s bounty of fruit! But, there’s plenty of deliciousness that comes with the winter season that I’m sure you’ll make the best of
What a wonderful day spent with friends! I love this idea and will invite some of my closest girlie friends to join me next summer! I’m so happy the weather is breaking at your end of the world and I hope you have a most wonderful summer, sweetie! 
Lis - You definetely should give it a go, it’s a wonderful way to bond with your galpals and a wonderful way to enjoy some warm weather I think this spring/summer is going to be awesome, make sure you rug up for your colder months, y’hear?
Hi, came upon your website through a link from a livejournal community about food.
Great site by the way! You seem like a cool girl hehe Which uni do u study at?
I live in Melbourne also but I haven’t been to the Queen Vic Market for ages. Looks like you had a fun day =)
what a great way to spend a nice day! loved your post!
enjoy the weekend!