The Thousands

Sarah Curwen-Walker has just opened her own green grocer on High Street. It’s named ‘St Dots’ after Saint Dorothy of Caesarea, patron saint of gardeners and florists (also: newlyweds and brewers). The shop is a smallish room containing the largest table you’ve ever seen, which is piled with fruit, vegetables and Sarah’s cookbook collection. The idea of the shop is to sell fresh produce in an accessible way – both through opening hours (until 7pm on weekdays!) and price (not everyone can afford organic, so not everything is organic).

There’s an emphasis on local produce, which means you can get all Peter and Nance if you like, and Sarah still won’t mind telling you stories about the growers. For instance, the eggs come from one Allan ‘Swampy’ Marsh of Warrnambool, commander of the happiest chickens on the shipwreck coast. Everything’s seasonal too, which is why the books are on hand, so you guys can channel Julia Child and adjust recipe plans on the spot.

On weekends there’s organic sourdough from Loafer Bread, and flowers are coming soon. Sarah’s still getting her head around the 3.30am Footscray Market mission. Although she says once you’re there “it’s really mellow.” “Except for the huge forklifts.”