New Sundown Market comes to Cardiff's Gwdihw

• A fantastic array of stalls selling crepes, artisan chocolates, woolly hats or fresh vegetables, against a backdrop of live music and a twilight Cardiff

Gwdihw‘s first Sundown Market on Sunday night wasn’t massively publicised, mostly relying on social media,  so the feeling was of stumbling upon an exclusive, almost subversive gathering. But the atmosphere couldn’t have been warmer.

The atmosphere couldn’t have been warmer

Crossing through the bar area to reach the backyard and the tented stalls, my pace may have slowed just a nano- second, the sofas and people curled up eating bowls of food evidently bursting with lentils and vegis looked so tempting. But outside, stall holders happily chatted as the event steadily got going, spotlights and heaters gave a cosy feel, and swathes of fabric provided that touch of indy alternativeness.

Smells and Sounds

The music from the live band drifted through the doors and across the yard, and the smell was a delicious, if a little unusual, blend of truly authentic French bread, bubbling vats of dahl or apple and sausage casserole, and crepes being made on the spot. The night came in and the fairy lights twinkled and I had a wonderful time.

The organiser, Jimmy Doogle, had time for a quick word: Jimmy Doogle

Fresh oyster from Marty's Oyster Bar, best with a hefty squeeze of lemon

Stallholders

Lots of the stall holders were regulars from various Cardiff markets, and there were plenty of free tastings. I tried my very first oyster courtesy of Marty’s Oyster Bar, who was extremely strict about the correct way to enjoy the delicacy – with nothing but lemon juice.

Real French bread with French flour

Mellissa’s Cakes ‘n’ More 07810868016

It was Mellissa‘s first time selling her beautifully  designed cakes and homemade jams and chutneys. She was managing just fine, probably because she’s normally used to churning out wedding cakes and Christmas hampers! Not bad for an Engineering student.

I had a lesson in the art of the chocolatier from Gareth of Hipo Hyfryd. Chili flavoured chocolate, rather than being a new fad, I learnt, is actually the oldest flavour combination. He develops and tests at home, and reckons that balsamic vinegar flavour is nothing more than a natural choice, its dense sweet flavour perfectly complementing its twin, chocolate. A “surreal” range is due out next year, but I’m afraid I’m sworn to secrecy.

Fran Munro, who runs Frantastic Crepes had a lovely story to tell:

Fran Munroe Frantastic Crepes 07791263415

Fran’s story

More Food

The next Sundown Market is planned for the 19th December.

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