If you took a stroll down Petersham’s Audley and Fisher Street on Sunday March 14 2010, you could be thinking that you had stumbled upon a vibrant outdoor festival in a quaint southern European village. Bairro Português, Petersham Food and Wine Fair was in full swing, a bustling street festival showcasing food, wine and culture all with a Portuguese theme.
From stalls serving Portuguese-influenced food to those offering Portuguese beer, wine and sangria, the event attracted a massive crowd with barely enough room to move at times.
When it came to food, you had to follow your eyes and your nose.
The smoke and aroma emanating from this stall attracted a long queue which surprisingly moved quickly.
Sardinhas grelhadas, or BBQ sardines were the tastiest I have eaten in a long time simply cooked with olive oil. Great value, 3 sardines for $8 with bread roll.
Chourico assado, grilled chorizo was spicy and hot. One ribbed sausage cost $8.
Rissois de camarao, prawn dumplings and bolinhos de balcalhau, codfish cakes were selling for $3 each. The codfish was the tastier of the two, though it was served a little cold.
The vivid colours of a good Paella always attract a crowd.
The cuisine of Goa featured in the festival. Viva Goa, with their tagline, “It’s so bloody different!” put on Portuguese influenced Indian food.
Vegetable samosas packed a good crunch and the porco vin d’alho, spiced pork cooked in wine and garlic stew served with rice was a little too hot and spicy for my taste. Mr G, who likes hot food enjoyed it.
We went searching for desserts which were a little scarce. I expected to see the ubiquitous custard tart everywhere but very few Portuguese sweets featured in the festival.
From Fernandez Patisserie of Dulwich Hill came these three unnamed sweets. The middle one was bought complete but Mr G had already sunk his teeth into it before a photo was taken.
The Portuguese beer, Sagres and sangria were popular as well as the Guarana Antartica drink. The wine tastings were popular with the crowd. The white wines of Grão Vasco and Gazela Vinho Verde featured as well as Ferreira Porto Ruby and Madeira from Sandeman.
Souvenir stalls reminded me of open air markets in Europe, selling a variety of nic-nacs and Portuguese emblems.
Entertainment ranged from traditional bands with accordionists, to modern singers and capoeira performers, adding a lively touch to the festivities.
Bairro Português: Petersham Food and Wine Fair was presented by Marrickville Council and Petersham Urban Centre.
[…] like last year’s festival, colourful stalls served Portuguese-influenced food and drink to the mqasses. The food was much the […]