SIZZLING sensations were up for grabs at Saturday's Bendigo Community Farmers' market as Food Fossickers members worked the barbecues.
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The food network - which consists of Central Victorian restaurateurs, cafe owners and whole-food sellers - teamed up with the farmers' market to commemorate Good Food Month.
Chefs from Masons of Bendigo, The Woodhouse, Rocks on Rosalind and Goldmines Hotel could be seen cooking up a storm - selling lunchtime barbecued lunch boxes for the bargain price of $8.
It's allowed us to go one step further in supporting farmers.
- Sonia Anthony
Masons of Bendigo owner Sonia Anthony said the barbecue had been a great success.
"It's happened really perfectly - it's been flat-out all day," she said.
"It's allowed us to go one step further in supporting farmers by cooking the food."
Borchelli Ristorante owner Simon Lock, who performed a cooking demonstration at the market, said it was a great day.
He said he performed a demonstration when the market first opened four years ago and jumped at the chance to return to centre stage.
"It gets me out of the kitchen," he said.
"If you don't get out of the kitchen, you don't experience life to the fullest."
He cooked roasted pork fillets stuffed with pesto and tomatoes, a dish he serves as the restaurant, and talked onlookers through the steps required to make it.
He said he enjoyed meeting his customers outside of the restaurant and seeing people he hadn't seen for years.
He said the market played a vital role in connecting local producers with customers.
He said his favourite item was Salute Olive Oil, made in Boort, which he used lots of at the restaurant.
Volunteer Clarissa Power said the market added value to Bendigo's culture.
"All the local produce, all the restaurants doing their demonstrations - it's family-friendly and something cultural for Bendigo and it's great," she said.
"I'd welcome anyone to come on down."