Street market whets appetite

IN ADDITION to top-flight racing, Greyville Events is bringing its pedigree Eat Street market to the Drill Hall Stakes.

After the success of its night races, the market brings a new element to race days, parading some of the city’s best food trucks in the paddock area to create a fantastic vibe.

Greyville Events manager and founder of Eat Greek, Nick Papadopoulos, said the market aimed to provide something different, where the non-punter could also get into the starting blocks.

“We create a lovely buzz in a relaxed environment, where they can have something good to eat and the kids can play. The band North and South helps everyone get into the swing of things.

“We wanted to give people who are not normally excited by racing a home to come to,” he said. And the market is growing. Food trucks include that of Nadia Adam’s FudArt whose “beegorangebus” serves up gourmet burgers. There’s a craft beer stand and the Gin Tin offers an array of trendy cocktails that take in the likes of pink grapefruit, pine and even Lindt chocolate. Also associated with the Gin Tin is a milkshake bar, serving a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic shakes. “The ladies at the office say the Amarula milkshakes are divine,” said Papadopoulos.

Diemersfontein wines will have a stand and there will be pinotage on tap.

Gold Circle’s own Curry Bar will serve the traditional curry and rice and bunny chows, while the Eat Greek stand will have a definite presence. Potjiekos adds to the artisanal feel of the market.

Also there are The Pizza Truck, which offers gourmet pizzas in its own wood-fired oven, and a truck called Winging It which specialises in chicken wings cooked in a plethora of different flavours.

Ice-cream sees Yaseera Essack Karrim’s EishKream Sweetery serving up black coconut flavoured spaghetti soft serve among a variety of other flavours and colourful offerings.

Local crafters also show their wares, including local wire workers, bespoke gifting, children’s clothing and handmade jewellery.