I went to this market (early luckily) and reckon it was a big success in terms of the variety and quality of the food on offer, though I suspect the people coming later might have been disappointed that after the very long cue they probably found a lot of the purveyors running out of product. Not sure if this is true but I guessed the Independent might underestimate its marketing abilities/ the enthusiasm for alternative foods.
Highlights for me (I didn't try everything), were the Biltong and the Goat's cheese. I am just finishing the slab of Biltong I bought, perfect, moist, great balanced seasoning that didn't overwhelm the meaty taste.
Also I have several cheeses in the fridge. Sadly the cheese people had already run out of the favourite I tasted, but they were all good, actually goaty, noticeably different in style and proof that a collective (its run by a foundation called Fundapaz) of rural families from Santiago del Estero can produce world quality cheese, and quite economically priced!
I have no hesitation in recommending either;
The Biltong can be acquired from
[email protected]
The cheese sells in a number of places in BA under the brand Las Cabrillas. I liked the EXCELLENT Rowen, the classic Chevrotin and a very tasty Feta but they do a number of others. You can contact them at
[email protected]
Judging by the success of the event, I suspect the Independent could turn this into a monthly (at the least) occasion. Always difficult for the participants to judge how much to make for the first event so I hope there weren't too many frustrated punters.
The venue is pretty interesting as well.