Fast forward to 2016 and a night at the market is more like a ‘late afternoon at the market to beat the crowd and possibly to get home in good moods in time for bath and bedtime’. Half the fun literally is in the journey. Preschooler SSG opted to wear his favourite orange lei on the bus to Hyde Park to set the mood.
One of the good things about hitting the markets before dark is the chance to see the other things that are going on in the city this month. Our first stop was the beautifully constructed flower beds of St Mary’s Cathedral. Each pattern was inspired by details of the cathedral’s architecture.
At Hyde Park, we got a chance to say hello to the stars of the Taronga Zoo animal parade as they rested in the shade before their 8pm call time.
The parade was held in honour of it being 100 years since the zoo moved from Moore Park to its current location in Mosman.
The ten animals depicted in the light sculptures were chosen as they represent the ten species the zoo will commit further resources to in coming years.
The sculptures looked simply stunning in their shady daylight ‘dressing room’. I’m guessing the actual parade itself at night would’ve been something to spectacular to witness or be a part of.
Did you see the parade? How was it?
It’s safe to say that 4.30pm is family time at the markets. There were prams and the sounds of excited children all over market precinct. It was nice to see how much effort went into making the event inclusive for as many different kinds of patrons as possible. There were VIP areas for those that wished to have their noodles with a glass of wine and semi formal seating, there were clearly sign posted first aid and toilet areas, there were guides and security everywhere.
The Minions were special guests on the night we went. There was a meet and greet session which overwhelmed Preschooler SSG but he soon warmed up to seeing his beloved Minions in the flesh when the disco lights started flashing and the official Minions concert began. Under the watchful eyes of the bouncers, Preschooler SSG managed to get to the front of the mosh pit and danced away in the nose bleed section for the duration.
Then it was time for dinner. I basically bought our meal from the two closest stalls to the concert for convenience and also because Harajuku Gyoza was home to the fabled Octodog.
The Octodog ($9) is a trio of sausage segments battered and decorated to look like octopi. How could you resist the novelty factor and the fact that they come served on a skewer? Another hit was the loaded chicken karaage – topped with special cheese, bacon and spring onion.
For old times sake, I completed our order at Mamak.
Didn’t order any roti but it was fun to watch the theatre of making them as I waited for my order. The gentleman to the right in the photo above is a character. Every so often, he would yell motivational phrases both to his staff about things like the quality of the bananas used in the roti and also occasionally to us punters. Definite touch of authenticity to the night market experience.
Bringing our own picnic rug (and preschooler friendly chopsticks) turned out to be an excellent idea.
Sitting under the trees and fairy lights with a good Mee Goreng and Nasi Lemak on a perfect spring evening. love your work, City of Sydney!
In years gone by, there would have been a beverage or two and dessert but this year, it was coconut juice to cover both bases.
Do you have a yearly tradition coming up this month?