For the next three Sundays, the office district of Quarry Bay will turn into an enjoyable heaven of organic produce stalls and nick-knacks from local businesses. Eager to be a part of the action, I went down bright and early to Island East Markets on their first Sunday.
Over forty stalls dotted the area with colourful produce and crafts. Who would have thought organic vegetables can be this pretty? The farmers must have lugged their goods all the way from New Territories very early the morning; the cucumbers, spinach, lettuces, even bananas were looking good! The din was amicable as local farmers chatted with curious onlookers over the finer points of organic farming, while new visitors continue to stream in from Quarry Bay station.
Ah, the local designers, foodies and craftfolks. Bringing the best of their shops and adding colour to the market, I saw many familiar sounding names.
Coffee from the good folks of Chaiwanese. You can smell their coffee from a mile away!
Had a delicious custom cupcake from Tai Tai Pie Pies.
Cheese from the folks who know it best, Classified.
Say hi to my butterly chums from My Fashion Birdcage; Francisca, Rita and Jason. Check out their lovely vintage clothing! (Jason, where are the men’s?)
A splash of Nippon paint chart from Homegrown Foods.
Wine on offer from House of Fine Wines and Gourmet Food.
There was also an entertainment area complete with a grass carpet for your young ones to mess around, while talented singers continue to strum their (vocal) chords while the crowd sway gently to the music. Just don’t let the kids get too near to the Miele-sponsored PureSteam Bar.
I left after an hour or so, but that’s because we have dimsum to eat and a ferry to catch. Can’t see why this brainchild of Vince Poon and Janice Leung wouldn’t continue beyond their planned four weeks.
You have three more Sundays to be a part of Island East Markets, so mark your calendar! Come and experience a slice of Hong Kong like never before.
Island East Markets
Tong Chong Street
TaiKoo Place, Island East
Open 10am-5pm, Sundays, Sep 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 2012
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Thank you for coming Raz! If we do well enough in this trial period, hopefully we’ll be around every Sunday forever more! So thanks for spreading the word!
My pleasure, Janice. I still have contingents of Singapore visitors to bring them over to the market. Keep up the good work!