Welcome to my Ozzie Kitchen

In September 2005 I moved to Australia - and into an Ozzie Kitchen! Melbourne, in Victoria, is a paradise for the dedicated foodie. Here we have several markets scattered throughout the city. I live about a kilometre from the South Melbourne Market and that's one of my favourite shopping places.

As well there are various regional markets, some operating weekly, others perhaps once a month.

Much of the produce available in New Zealand and Australia is the same. The seasons may be a little earlier here and there are a few tropical varieties available in Australia that we don't often see in New Zealand. Fish varieties are a bit different though some are familiar. Some are even imported from New Zealand.

And, of course, with a larger population in Australia, there are plenty of specialist stores supplying the various ethnic communities that have burgeoned here - Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Lebanese and so on. And there are stores specialising in goods like nuts and dried fruits, cheeses, poultry. It all makes for a vibrant food scene that's an inspiration to any cook.

Join me as I cook the local produce and explore my new neighbourhood.