the butcher, the baker, the...

Or rather the organic stall owner, the fishmonger, the guy who grinds my coffee.

There’s my favourite manager at the pub up the road, who always ducks out and shares a hug if she’s free when I pass by and restaurateurs in the neighbourhood strip.

These are the providores who populate my world.

And they’re the people I’ve been saying goodbye to this week - my favourite stalls at Vic Market, the local shops and restaurants.

It will take a while in my new city to find my food tribe, as much as I look forward to discovering them there’s something so special about Melbourne’s food community (and bloggers!) – from the multigenerational families who sell me feijoas or fillet the fish, to newer kids on the block who’ve garnered respect.

So in Sydney’s Inner West where I can get great vegan dips, or (not so vegan) fresh fish? Where are the freshest nuts and vibrant herbs? Come on Sydney – woo me and welcome me into your fold.