MARKET LEADER

As Adelaide Central Market celebrates its 150th birthday this year, we chat to Poh Ling Yeow – one of its popular stall holders who runs eclectic and homely on-site cafe Jamface – about life at this foodie institution.

JAMFACE HAS BEEN OPEN AT THE ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET FOR THREE YEARS – YET ANYONE WOULD THINK IT’S BEEN THERE FOREVER. HOW From the DID YOU CREATE THIS FEEL? moment we first had the idea of setting up in the market we spoke of it in terms of design. We saw it as a great opportunity to build a unique space that at the same time reflected the historic surroundings.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO FOOD AT JAMFACE?

We make pretty much everything from scratch because we are passionate about cooking. We have no interest in buying what somebody else has made and then selling this for a margin. What’s the point? There’s four of us in Jamface and we’re all creatives. If an activity is not a creative one we all struggle to stay motivated.

DO YOU USE PRODUCE/INGREDIENTS FROM YOUR NEIGHBOURS AT THE MARKET ITSELF? Absolutely we use produce from neighbours. The staff are often shooting across to the grocers for ingredients. CRUNCH CLUB SOUNDS FUN – WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THESE FRIDAY

We put on a multi-course NIGHT EVENTS? dinner for an exclusive group of just 36 guests – that’s all the seating we have! The cost is $60 per person. The feedback we get is just great. People often talk about how original they find the experience.

WHAT’S THE BEST BIT ABOUT BEING PART OF THE ADELAIDE CENTRAL

The best bit would be the MARKET? atmosphere which was the original motivation for setting up in the markets, to create a beautiful little island from which to observe the hustle and bustle of the surrounding trade as you munch on a delicious handmade tart. To celebrate its birthday, the market has published a book that shares its stories. Adelaide Central Market: Stories, people and recipes;$79.95,

is out now and available to buy at the market or online at adelaidecentralmarket.com.au.