The taste of Europe

May 8 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

HAMILTON is set to host its first continental market next week.

The town square will be transformed between Thursday, May 15, to Sunday, May 18, into a bustling market place.

Professional continental market traders from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland and Poland will wear traditional costumes to sell high quality products.

Some of the treats on offer include Britanny biscuits, olives, Swedish cider, Italian nougat, pungent cheeses, saucissons, Tartiflette from the Alps, charcuterie, fresh breads, croissants and much, much more.

Freshly cooked crepes will also be cooked over the four days.

All of which can be washed down with Muscadet wines from a family vineyard in Frontignan.

As well as the fine edible goods, visitors will also be able to choose from a wide range of products including hand bags and leather items, Marseille soaps, lavender, children toys and pachmina.

A spokesperson for the market said: “Most of the products on sale will come from “the terroir” (the land) of the stall holder, where they are produced by small organisations such as family businesses, farms or small factories using traditional methods, maintaining a high standard of quality.

“All of the traders will also wear their traditional local costume from 100 years ago, as well as decorating their stall to represent the area of the country they have come from.

“The market really will provide people with a true flavour of the continent.”