Aspiring Cooks!

Orange Regional Cooking School has just released its timetable for September and October. The cooking school is hosting three special classes as part of the celebration of Wine Week in October. Check Lesley Russell's listing for full details

IN SEASON

Get out your big green marker and circle September 1 on your calendar as the Australian Asparagus season officially begins! In just a few short weeks, produce departments across the country will be alive with the freshest home-grown asparagus that Australia has to offer. The Australian commences in September and runs until the end of March with and fresh purple asparagus in relatively limited supplies, throughout October to December. For everything you need to know about asparagus: http://asparagus.com.au

BEER O'CLOCK

In the tradition of fine English ales, the Tasmanian brewery J. Boag & Son has released Boag’s Wizard Smith’s Ale after 12 months of development and named after Wizard Smith who, as a Boag’s drayman during the 1929 Great Flood of Launceston, risked his life swimming through the floodwaters to rescue the brewery’s draught horses. For his heroism, James Boag III rewarded Wizard with a job for life. J. Boag & Son is today using the launch of Wizard Smith to help save another animal, the Tasmanian devil being affected by an incurable facial tumour disease currently having a devastating impact on these iconic animals. J. Boag & Son has announced it will make a dollar donation for each carton of Boag’s Wizard Smith’s sold for the first 8000 cartons. All proceeds will go to fund a devil enclosure at the Devils’ Heaven Wild Life Park, a sanctuary devoted to a protection program to breed uninfected devils in Northern Tasmania.
Wizard Smith’s is now available in Tasmania in 375mL bottles and on tap in many pubs and clubs, with a limited number of cases being released into the national market on 20 August 2007. More information: www.boags.com.au

FURTHER AFIELD

Of course we knew this – gastronomic tourism is becoming of special interest in tourism globally. Tourism authorities around the world are recognizing the potential of gastronomic tourism as a powerful tool to identify and promote places, regions or entire countries. Recognising this The World Cuisines Show 2008 (WCS 08), to be staged in Singapore from July 25-27, 2008, is a global marketplace where countries around the world gather under one roof to showcase their national cuisines and cultural activities. National Tourism Authorities from more than 130 countries will be invited to promote and showcase their ethnic food, arts and culture to the domestic and international visitors who are expected to attend this inaugural event which will be held at the Singapore Expo. Let's make sure Australia is well-represented!

PENINSULA PASSION

In October 2007 approximately 200,000 visitors will flock to the Fleurieu Peninsula to celebrate Australia’s most vibrant food and wine event – Fiesta! From McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor producers of food and wine will be opening their doors for a series of degustation dinners, long lunches, food workshops, feasts, tastings, picnics and family friendly township festivals celebrating the food and wine culture of the region. Thirty events in 29 different locations across the Fleurieu will showcase the region’s fine produce from lamb, seafood and cheeses to olives, fresh seasonal vegetables and award winning wines in a celebration of all things vinous and culinary. For more information and a list of all events visit www.fleurieufiesta.com.au  

PARTY TIME!

The NSW Mid North Coast Tourism Awards Gala Presentation and Dinner will take place on Thursday, 30 August at 6.30 pm at Forster Club. The evening includes three course dinner, drinks and entertainment plus the Tourism Awards presentations. Ali Drower, Southern Cross Ten Director of News and Current Affairs is guest MC for the evening. For tickets call 1800 802 692 or email tourism@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au or visit www.greatlakes.org.au

IT'S AN ILL WIND

While Sydney-siders are bracing for traffic disruption and delays over the APEC weekend, Tourism NSW reports that regional accommodation providers have been flooded with bookings for the weekend on September 7 to 9. Some accommodation is fully booked but there are rooms available throughout NSW. The APEC bonus long weekend is expected to inject an additional $3 million into the regional and rural economy and increase visitor nights by 30 per cent.

TASTE OF HEAVEN

It was a dark and stormy night but Taste Orange @ Bondi launched on August 20 to rave reviews from invited media and guests. Sensational wines, absolutely stunning food, and an excellent venue – but this was just the amuse-bouche. The real event – wines from local winemakers, great food from regional cooks and producers and beach busking – runs from September 10 to 16 at Bondi Beach, of course. But you can never have too much of the good life, and Taste Orange will follow right along in late-October in Orange itself. Schedule these Orange events in your diaries.

RESTAURANT 07

A wide range of regional products was displayed at last week's Restaurant 07 held at Moore Park. Powerful groupings such as the Victorian and South Australian stands were valuable to the local groups represented on them. Overall the event was an incredible success with 4,512 restaurateurs, chefs, restaurant managers and sommeliers visiting the event over the two days, marking a 35 percent increase on visitor numbers compared to the launch event in 2006. The
visitors had the chance to meet over 200 of the best restaurant suppliers providing the very best in regional produce, innovative new products and services for their business and pick up expert advice from industry leaders in the free talks and demonstrations.
Margaret Kirkby from Gwydir Olives stated, “Having been in the olive industry for eleven years and attending trade shows, this is the best I have exhibited at. It’s intimate, focused, well organised and a pleasure to deal with the organisers and visitors alike.”
"The whole show has been ecstatic. We’ve met so many people and made lots of new contacts. It’s great to receive appreciated, valued feedback from the hospitality industry who really appreciate food! We couldn’t have asked for more, it’s been so worthwhile – we definitely want to be at restaurant Melbourne 08!” Renzo Panozzo, Bendigo Chef Produce. Organisers already have their planners out for Restaurant Sydney 08, 11 - 12 August, and Restaurant Melbourne 08, 26 - 27 May at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

RESTAURANT REWARDS

Greg Doyle’s Sydney restaurant Pier, was named Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious Australian Gourmet Traveller 2008 Restaurant Guide Awards. The Awards were held last night at the newly opened Nobu Restaurant at Crown in Melbourne and attended by a ‘who’s who’ of the restaurant industry including international celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Named Regional Restaurant of the Year was Nu Nu, Palm Cove, Queensland. Also announced and appearing in the 2008 Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide was the Top 10 by region. These are the restaurants Australian Gourmet Traveller reviewers rated best in each state and region at a glance, from those awarded stars to those next most highly ranked.
For more: http://.gourmet.ninemsn.com.au/gourmettraveller

ALL THAT JAZZ

Celebrate spring at the Shoal Bay Jazz Wine & Food Festival over the weekend of August 31-September 2 at the Shoal Bay Resort & Spa in conjunction with the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association. Festival patrons can wander from stall to stall tasting up to 18 of the region’s finest wines and sample local produce; take part in master classes to become an instant expert on wine and cheese and indulge in an extravagant degustation dinner. Musicians including the Todd Hardy Quintet and Anita Spring, and the Civic Quartet featuring Matt Enks will play throughout the festival. Two Saturday Master Classes will allow visitors to brush up on their knowledge of both wine and cheese. To book festival tickets or resort packages call 1800 18 1810 or log on to www.shoalbayresort.com.au

BROWN IS THE NEW RED

Rumoured to be an aphrodisiac discovered on the Galapagos Islands Kumatoes , the tomato with dark brown skin, are now in-season and in-store. From bright green skin, the Kumato transitions to its ideal dark brown colour and on to a deep red as it draws to the end of its shelf life. Unlike other fresh produce, the Kumato can be eaten and enjoyed at all stages of its life. When the Kumato has deep brown skin, it is perfect for salads and sandwiches. With dark red skin, it is ideal for cooking. Australian Kumatoes are grown by the Kakouros family in Torquay, Victoria, in a 12,000 square meter greenhouse. Kumatoes contain high levels of Vitamin C and are rich in lycopene.
Lycopene is an antioxidant compound that helps in the prevention of cardiovascular illness. In Kumatoes case, the darker skin equates to higher levels of antioxidants. Kumatoes were developed through the natural crossing of wild and domestic tomatoes, which were sourced from a variety of geographical locations. Traditional breeding techniques resulted in these brown skinned tomatoes without the use
of any genetic modification. Australian Kumatoes are currently available in selected Woolworths and Safeway stores, but will be available nationally from September 2007.

PART-TIME CAIRNS

Beginning on 25 August 2007, the annual Festival Cairns is again set to bring three action-packed weeks of activities to the city, and as an official festival partner, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns is to host The Food and Wine Extravaganza. The extravaganza events include the Progressive Luncheon and, the Winemakers Dinner on Friday, 14 September, and the Food and Wine Exhibition on the festival’s final day, Saturday, 15 September. The Food and Wine Exhibition commences at 2 p.m. on Saturday, 15 September, and is the perfect lead-in to the Festival Cairns Finale Parade, starting at 6 p.m. More information: www.shangri-la.com

While it may not be strictly regional, there is a distinct 'country cooking' feel to owning and using an AGA. AGA Cookers have been imported into Australia since the late 1920s. First a shop in Melbourne, now a second shop in Australia - to be known as Cheminee The AGA Shop Australia is about to open in Sydney. AGA cookery demonstrations with leading chefs with be held throught the year at the new Shop.
Enquiries: info@agashopaustralia.com www.agashopaustralia.com Phone: 03 9521 4965.

WAIT FOR IT

While young city-employed chefs and waiters almost scooped the pool in the finals of the 2007 Lexus Young Chef and Young Waiter finals, announced this week, one young regional person starred. Runner up for 2007 LEXUS YOUNG WAITER was Sarah Bartlett (28) from Stillwater Restaurant, Launceston, Tasmania. The launch of a third category in 2009, Lexus Young Restaurateur, will acknowledge the next stage in the journey to becoming an Australian restaurant leader and further develops the opportunity for talented young professionals to be nurtured and assist them in achieving their ultimate career goals. Congratulations to all who competed, and especially those who won. You represent Australia's dining future.

GINGER BLISS

It’s official: the Ginger Factory’s own Bliss Ice Creamery is the ultimate destination for award-winning dairy delights, leaving ice cream lovers with no excuse not to indulge. A nationwide search for the best dairy produce in Australia has seen Buderim Ginger,
competing against hundreds of entrants from around Australia, take out three silver awards in the Royal Queensland Show 2007 National Agricultural Dairy Product Awards last week for their Ginger Cinnamon, Gingerbread and deluxe Vanilla ice cream flavours. Bliss Ice Creamery was also ‘highly commended’ in the recent 2007 FOOD Challenge Awards, a prestigious award program recognising excellence in Australasia’s food and drink processing industry. To try the multi-award winning ice cream for yourself, visit 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The Ginger Factory (www.buderimginger.com) is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm.

OLIVE NEWS

The annual award-winning Festival of the Olive at Elizabeth Farm, Parramatta, is based on the humble olive and this year is planned for the weekend of October 20 and 21. It is inspired by the fact that the oldest European olive tree (olea europaea) in Australia is found in the gardens of Elizabeth Farm where it has been bearing fruit since 1805. Visitors on the day will learn a hundred and one uses of the humble olive and enjoy a day learning from celebrity chefs, as well as olive oil tastings, a market for specialist merchants and suppliers,  music, kid's activities and Mediterranean food . Information: 02 8239 2211.

Hunter Gathering

A new $600,000 disaster relief campaign to promote tourism in the Hunter commenced on August 19. The June storms had a negative effect on consumer perceptions of the Hunter and the Hunter Region Disaster Relief Initiative will inform people that the region is very much open for business. The State Government is providing $300,000 in emergency relief for a tourism campaign, matched by the same amount from the Federal Government. The Hunter Region Disaster Relief campaign will be based on the Tourism NSW “Short Breaks from Sydney” campaign and will promote five Hunter destinations – the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Barrington Tops, Lake Macquarie and the Upper Hunter. The campaign will feature the line “You don’t have to travel far to feel a million miles away”.

Central Coast Tourism moves 

Central Coast Tourism is moving to its new Regional Tourism Gateway Centre at Mt Penang Gardens, Kariong on August 27. The centre is strategically located 1.3 km off the F3 Freeway, one of Australia’s busiest roads. Central Coast Tourism expects around 200,000 visitors in the first year. The Gateway Centre also features a call centre, internet café and booking facilities. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Congratulations on further well-deserved recognition to Peter Howard. On Thursday 9th August, at the President’s Dinner of the Food Media Club Australia Inc. Australian food identity Peter Howard was inducted into the Food Media Club’s Hall of Fame by the club's president, Ian Hemphill. Brought up in country Queensland, Peter Howard has an extensive background in hospitality, having run a catering business and four restaurants in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. He was a lecturer at the prestigious Ryde Catering College for nearly 10 years and has written textbooks and cookbooks that sell in Australia and overseas and has presented weekly on TV for 14 years, convened the first Culinary Tourism Advisory Committee, has worked in the USA, Canada, Japan, Germany and the UK promoting Australian produce and is an Australia Day Ambassador and has been recognised as a Living Legend of Australian Tourism, one of only 100 who have been named in Australia. His commitment to Australian produce and producers is phenomenal and he very kindly wrote the foreword to the first edition of the Australian Regional Food Guide in 1999. 

BREW NEWS

Two new 'extreme beers' were released at Restaurant 07 in Sydney this week. Murray’s Icon Imperial Indian Pale Ale (Icon 2IPA) and Murray’s Grand Cru are termed extreme beers because they are packed full of flavour and aroma while retaining a focus on balance and drinkability. Owner and brewery namesake Murray Howe’s message for the restaurant industry is ‘Don’t be afraid of flavour’. As an interesting side-message, brewer Shawn Sherlock and specialist cheese consultant Claudia McIntosh also demonstrating how well Murray’s big, adventurous style of beers match artisan cheeses in Restaurant 07’s Hot Seat Theatre at 4pm on Monday and 2pm on Tuesday. In 18 months of operations, north-coast NSW brewery, Murray’s, has gained a reputation for brewing world class interesting and adventurous beers achieving multiple international beer awards along the way. For further information visit www.murraysbrewingco.com.au

SYDNEY SELL OUT

Fine Food & Hotel Australia is now full. Well, what they mean is that bookings for stands is chock-a-block. Industry people can still get in of course when the stand-out show with over a thousand exhibitors opens from 24-27 September at Sydney's Darling Harbour. It will be a huge event providing food and beverage buyers, especially restaurateurs and chefs with their best chance all year to see new ideas and source new suppliers. In addition to local visitors there will be over 2000 international buyers. Austrade will be hosting a lounge for these very special guests. This year, for the first time, there will be a free internet café on the show floor sponsored by new industry website www.ehospitality.com.au Free visitor registration is available at www.finefood.com.au

Tantalise your tastebuds at the Murrumbateman Moving Feast

Escape to the Murrumbateman wine region (part of the Canberra District wine region) and tantalise your taste buds this October long weekend, 29 and 30 September. Just a 30 minute drive from Canberra, you can move between wineries and cafes and discover exceptional wines matched with local gastronomical delights on this gourmet weekend.  Eleven local wineries will participate, each offering a main meal and/or dessert matched with one of their wine. Visit the website for the full program of events, www.murrumbateman.org.au

CULINARY TOURISM IS IN

According to the International Culinary Tourism Association (ICTA), Culinary Tourism is important for many reasons. Recent research conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America indicates that 27 million travellers (17% of U.S. leisure travelers) sought culinary and wine related activities while traveling. The study indicates that culinary travelers are generally younger, affluent, and well educated. They seek unique experiences and cuisines while traveling. In addition, tourists who are interested in wine/cuisine also show a strong affinity for museums, theatre, shopping, music, film and ethnic festivals and outdoor recreation.  

ESCAPE  APEC

With all the talk of road closures in Sydney during the APEC weekend in September, maybe a trip to the country seems a good idea. Qantaslink has provided special airfares for The Bonus Long Weekend Getaway on September 7 to 9. The fares have been loaded onto Tourism NSW’s APEC campaign page at www.visitnsw.com. The deals are on sale from 10 to 20 August for travel to Albury, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Moree, Narrabri, Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga between 3 September and 13 October.  

TRUFFLE-MANIA

Everyone is talking truffles, and from the same newsletter comes the report that Philippe Mouchel and fellow French chef Alain Fabrègues are joining forces for a special dinner showcasing Manjimup black truffles in Melbourne on August 22. Fabrègues, from The Loose Box restaurant in Perth, will present a five-course menu at the Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel, www.thebrasserieatcrown.com.au

LONG TERM DIARY NOTE

An email newsletter from Open House magazine (www.openhousemagazine.net) reports that  after more than 40 years, ICTF is being replaced by FoodService Australia, the first event next May to be known as FSA Expo 2008. Run by the Food Service Suppliers Association of Australia & New Zealand, the event is dedicated to the foodservice industry and covers food, beverage, bakery, coffee, hospitality and equipment. "FoodService Australia is a more powerful and succinct name that clearly positions the expo to its target audience, foodservice industry professionals," says FSAA+NZ president Terry Randall. The event has relocated to the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and runs from May 12 to 14. Registrations are already being accepted online.

RESTAURANT 07

Restaurant 07 is on again in Sydney and bigger and better than ever, well-attended by industry people and with plenty of displays by regional Australian businesses, maximised especially well by the Victorian and South Australian stands where a number of suppliers are grouped together. Plenty of wineries from around the country have set up stands and there are business, wine, culinary and hospitality workshops as well. We found Gwydir Grove, pioneers in the NSW olive oil industry proudly displaying stunning new packaging on their latest range of olive oils. Restaurant 07 is still open today, August 14, until 6pm, with free entry at the Royal Hall of Industries, Driver Ave, Moore Park, www.restaurant07.com.au. Try to get there or else plan on visiting or booking a stand at Restaurant 08.  

‘GUSTO’ 2007 

It doesn't hurt to look at the regional food of other countries occasionally too, and one of the most satisfying and inspiring ways will be at the upcoming Gusto, to be held at the Sydney Seafood school on August 26th. Subtitled 'a gastronomic exploration  through Italy’s tastiest regions'. visitors will participate in Master Class cooking demonstrations, wine and olive oil workshops, and  ‘Casalinga’ (Home Made) sessions – teaching the art of classic Italian cooking in the home, tastings, cookery for kids and more, A celebratory dinner on Monday, 27th August, prepared by leading Italian chefs from around Sydney, concludes this event. Festival and/or dinner bookings can be made through Sydney Seafood School on 02 9004 1111 or by email to sss@sydneyfishmarket.com.au. The full program can be viewed at www.cira.com.au 

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

FInd out the latest on food standards in Australia and New Zealand. Food Standards News edition 61 Winter 2007 is now available on the FSANZ website and is packed with information which may be used in your newsletters or journals as long as you mention that it is reproduced with permission of Food Standards Australia New Zealand. You may also like to subscribe to this service). 

SA STARS

South Australia's Restaurant and Catering Awards have been announced and Congratulations are in order for Penny's Hill Restaurant for Best Restaurant in a Winery, and Magill Estate Restaurant for achieving the well-deserved status of Restaurant of the Year as well as Best Fine Dining Restaurant.

TRUFFLE UP

Fresh from world acclaim by celebrated chefs and media following the truffle’s debut at recent food trade fairs in Hong Kong, Singapore and New York, the Manjimup Wine & Truffle Co. recently launched its first suite of eight products, and their new Gourmet Café and Cellar Door. Buy treats such as truffle oil, hazelnut truffle honey and truffle butter, or at the cafe, savour baked field mushroom tart with truffle aioli, beef, cabernet and truffle pie, and the ultimate gourmet sandwich - Italian bread, generously buttered and filled with five grams of freshly sliced truffles and brie. Seven Day Road, Manjimup, 08 9777 2474, www.wineandtruffle.com.au

YOUNG COOKS EXCEL

Judging for the next Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award is partly completed with the State winners announced recently. Be very glad and proud to see how many are from regional areas. Congratulations to:

WA
Ast (Assistant) – Vicki Ferrelli (20), The Spice Kitchen, Albany
TL (Team Leader) – Daniel Sharp (19), Wild Duck Restaurant, Albany

ACT
Ast – Leon Schmidt (21), Cream Café Bar, Canberra
TL – Rhonda Barrett (22), Cream Café Bar, Canberra

SA
Ast – Sam Cromwell (21), Sebel Playford, Adelaide
TL – Robert Chung (23), Sebel Playford, Adelaide

NT
Ast – Brad Tellam (21), Royal Australian Air Force, Tyndall Base, Katherine
TL – Peter Janes (22), Royal Australian Air Force, Tyndall Base, Katherine

QLD North
Ast – Sophie Gray (21), Sofitel Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns
TL – Brianna O’Reilly (22), Sheraton Mirage, Cairns

QLD South
Ast – Murray Reason (22), Wilsons Boathouse, Hamilton
TL – Angela Brown (22), Songbirds Restaurant, North Tamborine

VIC
Ast – Phillip Taylor (21), Epicure
TL – Dylan Sanding (22), Epicure

Hunter wines at the Gold Coast - 18,19 August 2007

Southport Revealed with Hunter Uncorked - discover a new side to Southport with a fun-fuelled weekend for food and wine lovers with wines from over 12 Hunter wineries, HV cheeses, olive oils and wine masterclasses. Enjoy fantastic live enertainment with Jon English & Peter Cupples, barrel races & family fun. uncorked.hvva.com.au

QUEENSLAND DOINGS

Fraser Lions Hervey Bay Seafood Festival – 19 Aug 2007.
Have a whale of a time at this Hervey Bay festival, which links the local commercial fishing and seafood production industries back to the community through food stalls, historical displays, education and music. (More information: Elaine Lewthwaite +61 7 4125 1077)

A la carte on the beach – 26 August
Restaurant & Catering Queensland, Gold Coast Branch presents this wine and food festival by the beautiful beach at Coolangatta to showcase the multi-cultural cuisine and local produce that is available on the Gold Coast. The multi-cultural cuisine on offer ranges from Australian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, to Seafood, Steak and Pancake Restaurants. Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta.
(More information: 07 5526 7833)

Tastes of Gold Coast – 17 August to 2 September
Wonderful chefs, producers, winemakers and restaurateurs in a program of 20 culinary events held across different venues on the Gold Coast. Indulge with lavish banquets, progressive dinners, gourmet feasts or soak up the entertainment at free outdoor celebrations. Enjoy the sublime at an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Cuisine Experience and learn how to enjoy superb organic cuisine at home with cooking demonstrations. 
(More information: www.tastesofgoldcoast.com.au, 1300 309 440).

Kingaroy Peanut Festival – 8 to 9 September
You’d be nuts to miss the Kingaroy Peanut Festival. This annual event, which began in 1959, celebrates the prosperity of peanuts and their importance to Kingaroy – widely regarded as Australia’s peanut capital. This two-day festival explores all the glory and the guts, behind making the nuts which put Kingaroy on the map. 
(More information: 07 4162 8466 www.peanutfest.southburnett.com.au)

Gourmet in Gundy – 9 September
The Gourmet in Gundy, Food, Wine and Art Festival is a feast of fine food, wine, art and entertainment. Returning for its ninth year running, the event combines a spectacular location on the banks of the Macintyre River with a colourful array of regionally produced food and award-winning wines.
(More information: 07 4671 3264 gourmet@goondiwindi.org) 

Mooloolaba Seafood Festival – 30 September
Angling for sensational seafood and a bit of fun in the sun? Head to the Sunshine Coast for the Mooloolaba Seafood Festival. Highlights include the Prawn To Be Wild band competition. 
(More information: www.seafoodfestival.com.au 07 5476 7946)

Redcliffe Seafood Festival – 13 to 14 October
There’s something fabulously fishy going on at Redcliffe. Trawl through educational displays, entertainment and side show of activities and taste seafood fresh from the bay, and wines, straight from local vines. 
(More information: 07 3262 6855)

Greek Fest Townsville – 13 to 14 October
It’s all Greek. Celebrate Greek culture through music, dance, entertainment and games. And don’t forget the food – from souvlakia and spanakopites to stewed octopus, be transported back to Greece at this flavoursome festival. (More information: www.greekfest.com.au)

PINE TIME

Queensland-grown Bethonga Gold gourmet pines contain up to four times more Vitamin C than standard pineapples and significantly higher levels of carotene. Discovered in the Hawaiian jungle and brought to Australia in 1987, the Bethonga Gold is a unique hybrid created from two pineapple varieties and available all year round.  

Bunya Black is best in Queensland

Kingaroy Cheese Company grabbed the honours at the recent Brisbane Cheese Awards by winning two trophies and three gold medals. Cheese maker Chris Ganzer accepted awards for Kingaroy's Bunya Black, a luscious brie with streaks of grape vine ash which scored a gold medal and went on to win the State Development Cup for Best Queensland Cheese and the Black Pearl Epicure Cup for Best White Mould. The dairy also picked up gold medals for its Gourmet Fetta and Kingaroy Red Washed Rind. And if you want to do it yourself – Learn how to make cheese good enough to delight any foodie with award winning cheesemaker Christopher Ganzer at Kingaroy Cheese’s cheesemaking workshop on 8 September. It’s hands on and you get to take your creations home to share with friends. Weekend accommodation is available close by. Find Kingaroy Cheese at the Old Butter Factory, 67 William St, Kingaroy. More information: Kingaroy Cheese, 07 4162 599

AND THE WINNER IS........

That's Life Magazine is proud to announce that the "2007 Great Aussie Pie" contest winner is  Village Hot Bake , 113A Darling St, Dubbo, NSW. The magazine asked pie lovers from all over Australia to nominate and vote for their favourite local pie shop. Seventeen hundred pie shops throughout the country were nominated and thousands of pie lovers voted for their favourite bakery. The top ten pies were flown to Sydney and judged on 1st August by a panel of celebrity 'pie eaters'. Congratulations to brothers Bill and John Stevenson from Village Hot Bake.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Bimbadgen Estate and Esca Bimbadgen once again received top honours on Thursday night at the Hunter Regional Tourism Awards Gala Dinner held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, NSW, winning the highly sought after 'Tourism Wineries’ and ‘Tourism Restaurant’ category. This is the fifth regional award for Bimbadgen Estate since commencement of entering in 2002. Bimbadgen Estate is celebrating a highly successful year in 2007, receiving a number of major industry awards prior to the Regional Tourism Awards. Other accolades for the Estate include winning the National Tourism Award in February for the 2006 period, Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant was awarded “Best Tourism Restaurant” and “Best Restaurant in a Winery”, at the 2007 Restaurant and Catering Regional Awards in June 2006, and a Five Star winery rating in the 2008 James Halliday Wine Companion. Further signifying its unique appeal, Bimbadgen Estate was announced as winner of the prestigious Australian Business Arts Foundation NSW awards for their highly successful sponsorship of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Bimbadgen will now compete in the NSW Tourism Awards, scheduled for October.

GO FOR GOLD

The Gold Coast’s 2007/08 Food, Wine and Dining Guide has 52 pages filled with the latest information on Gold Coast’s best restaurants, cafes and bars. This edition also includes an organic shopping guide, where to find great local wines and popular food and wine trails –the bible to wining and dining on the Gold Coast. More information: Natalie Scholfield 07 5584 6224, natalies@gctourism.com

BRISBANE HEATS UP

Things are set to sizzle when some of Australia’s best chefs will come together to heat up the kitchen with live demonstrations at the Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show this November. Celebrity chefs include Curtis Stone Tobie Puttock, Matt Moran, Ben O’Donohue, Alistair McLeod and Anthony Telford at the third Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show, to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from November 9 – 11. The Queensland Government will also be showcasing the finest gourmet food products from the local area. Tickets are available from August 6 through Ticketek on 13 28 49 or www.goodfoodshow.com.au 

BEST BY A COUNTRY MILE

Australia's national food is supposed t be a meat pie. That's Life magazine recently asked its readers for nominations for the nations best meat pie. The ten finalists  came predominantly from country areas. According to this survery the top 10 bakeries turning out the most delicious, mouth-watering meat pies in Australia are:
1. Sugar & Spice Patisserie - 189 Lakeside Drive, Joondalup, WA
2. Buninyong Bakehouse - 318 Learmonth Street, Buninyong, VIC
3. The Aussie Pieman - Myalup Roadhouse, Old Coast Road, Myalup, WA
4. Bremen Patisserie - 302 West Street, Umina Beach, NSW
5. Elaine's Gourmet Pies- Wollongong Street, Fyshwick, ACT
6. Beefy's Aussie World - Frizzo Rd, Palmview, QLD
7. East Lynne Store - Princes Highway, East Lynne, NSW
8. Pot Belly Pies - 37 Main Street, Hahndorf, SA
9. Village Hot Bake - 113a Darling Street, Dubbo, NSW
10. Australia Fare Pie Shop - 611 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VIC
The winning bakery will be announced on Wednesday 1 August 2007.

POST IT NOTE

On July 24 Australia Post released an issue of 50c stamps featuring five Australian produce markets to celebrate market culture and advocate heathy eating. Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market, Rusty's Market in Cairns, the Sydney Fish Market, Adelaide Central Market, and the Hume Murray Farmers' Market held in Albury Wodonga are all featured.

HELP NEEDED

Richard Hooper (ex-Pettavel) is now the chef at an exciting new environmentally conscious restaurant called the 100 Mile Cafe on the site of the former SOS Restaurant in the centre of Melbourne. The concept is simple. The team are sourcing organic and biodynamic produce and products from within a 100 mile (160km) radius and currently are urgently looking for locally produced soya sauce or fresh soya beans. Can you help? Please contact Richard on 0412 048 716 or richard@100milecafe.com.au  To learn more: www.100milecafe.com.au

Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay

Attend the Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Association of NSW and ACT annual conference on the 4th and 5th September 2007 in the capital of country hospitality, Tamworth. The theme of this year's Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay conference will be "Light your way to Business Success". High profile guest speakers, site inspections of local B&B's a chance to discuss various aspects of the industry in Open Forums. Enquiries:  phone Tourism Tamworth on 02 67675300 or www.visittamworth.com

BONDI GOES ORANGE

Taste Orange @ Bondi is a week-long regional showcase running from September 10-16 and culminating with taste Orange Sunday with 40 wine and food stalls and entertainment in the Bondi Pavilion and Amphitheatre. Throughout the week Orange wine and food will be featured on menus, wine lists and specials boards for some of Bondi's biggest restaurants and groovy small cafes. Orchardists will hand out apples, there will be beach busking, and a nine-course Taste Orange Table with matched wines on September 15 in the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club. More details: www.tasteorange.com.au

TASTING AUSTRALIA

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to cook with the world’s best chefs... to share the kitchen with Italian Antonio Carluccio from England, Indian-born Madhur Jaffrey from the US, Ireland’s Rachel Allen, or Australia’s very own Gabriel Gaté and Darren Simpson? There’s an opportunity to do just that at Tasting Australia in Adelaide this October when nineteen of the world’s top chefs, food producers and educators share a Miele kitchen with food lovers at Miele Rich Traditions in association with Australian Gourmet Traveller. Tasting Australia begins on 13 October 2007 with the LifeStyle FOOD Channel Feast for the Senses, a major public celebration along the Adelaide Riverbank Precinct, Elder Park. This event is held across two days, offering the best in Australian gourmet food, fine wine, premium beer, coffee, and beverages. For all the latest event news and programme highlights visit the event website

SAY CHEESE! 

The Melbourne Cheese Show 2007 will be held on Sunday 12th August, 2007 from 11am - 4pm at Crown Towers Hotel, in Southbank, Melbourne. Australia's finest specialist cheeses will be on show for everyone to taste, sniff and enjoy! Sample over 300 award winning Australian specialist cheeses including varieties produced from cow, sheep, buffalo & goat milk accompanied by Mt Langi Ghiran Wines and boutique beers from Gippsland's Grand Ridge Brewery. Click for Details:

MORE ORGANIC!

Due to popular demand, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland has released another of its 2 night Organic Cooking School weekends from 21-23 September 2007. Gwinganna offers a range of programs and the superb cuisine has been one of the most popular aspects of this innovative retreat. The Cooking School gives guests the opportunity to join the chefs and focus on the preparation of nutritious meals using a variety of organic produce. For details of packages visit www.gwinganna.com   

Gwinganna will also be at Tastes of the Gold Coast festival with a complimentary organic cooking demonstration by resident chef Hermann Schafellner on 29 August, at Elanora Public Library from 6.30pm to 8.15pm, this is the first time Gwinganna’s cuisine has been presented outside of the retreat. Learn the secrets of delicious, organic cuisine and book early as numbers are limited. Phone 07 55895000 or email info@gwinganna.com  to book your place.

Country comes to Town

The Barn Cafe & Grocery at Rozelle, in inner-city Sydney suburb is bringing the country to town on Saturday 18 August at 6pm, with an eight course culinary adventure – a menu featuring Australian ingredients matched with wines from around the world. Head chef Jed Sneddon, will walk diners through the menu as they savour the many flavours, including native herbs and spices. Full details and bookings: www.thebarncafe.com.au

Gourmet Goodies in Goondiwindi

The Gourmet in Gundy, Food, Wine and Art Festival on September 9 is set to be another feast of fine food, wine, art and entertainment in far-west Queensland. Returning for its ninth year running, the event combines a spectacular location on the banks of the Macintyre River with a colourful array of regionally produced food and award-winning wines. Fishing is this year’s theme and visitors can see the very latest in fishing techniques demonstrated in one of the world’s largest mobile aquariums, the 12 metre long Reef Science Fish Tank. Tickets are $5 adults and $2 children/pensioners. Call 07 4671 3264.

ESCAPE SYDNEY ON THE APEC WEEKEND

The residents of Palmers Lane Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW, are putting together an event called  "Spring into Palmers Lane" to be held on the 8th and 9th Sept, 2007. Each winery has something to offer the whole family. Calais Winery, for instance will have fresh oyster shucking and three other spring dishes on offer at the amazing new Verandah Restaurant. For more info visit: www.calaiswines.com.au or www.winecountry.com.au/events.aspx

OLIVE, OLIVE-OH

Olive growers and aficionados alike will be interested to know that the Australian Olive Expo 2007 will be held at Exhibition Park in Canberra from October 30–31. An official event of the Australian Olive Association there will be displays, a dedicated olive grove to demonstrate production & harvesting, sampling, seminars and presentations as well as the 11th National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards. Entry is free to ALL olive industry participants. More details: www.australianoliveexpo.com

A la carte on the beach, 26 August

Restaurant & Catering Queensland, Gold Coast Branch presents this wine and food festival by the beautiful beach at Coolangatta to showcase the multi-cultural cuisine and local produce that is available on the Gold Coast. The multi-cultural cuisine on offer ranges from Australian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, to Seafood, Steak and Pancake Restaurants. Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta.
More information: A la carte on the beach +61 7 5526 7833

Fraser Lions Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, 19 Aug 2007

Have a whale of a time at this Hervey Bay festival, which links the local commercial fishing and seafood production industries back to the community through food stalls, historical displays, education and music.
More information: Elaine Lewthwaite +61 7 4125 1077

Festival Cairns, 15 Aug to 25 Sep

Have fun in the heart of Tropical North Queensland during this three-week program offering over 30 creative, cultural and sporting events. From signature food and wine events and performances by guest national and international artists, to multi-cultural and community celebrations that showcase the region’s talent, Festival Cairns is a celebration of Tropical Australia’s diverse cultural life.
More information: Events Cairns +61 7 4051 0222 www.festivalcairns.com.au

will run from 10-12 August 2007 at Rosehill Racecourse.  DSRD is a major sponsor of this event, which aims to promote employment, business and investment opportunities in regional NSW. Seminars include Lean Manufacturing, and advice on how to start, manage and grow a successful Home Based Business in Regional NSW.More details from Alexandra Luscombe, Department of State and Regional Development, 02  9338 6974 
Alexandra.Luscombe@business.nsw.gov.au Entry to the Expo and the Seminars is free.   For more information visit www.countryweek.com.au/nsw.html

AZTEC CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Once again this year’s Latrobe Chocolate winterfest activities will based around chocolate, with the Aztec Chocolate Festival being the highlight. The Chocolate Winterfest will be held over the weekend of the 8th and 9th July 2006.  However the “House of Anvers” Aztec Chocolate Festival will be held on Sunday only from 10am to 4pm at House of Anvers, 9025 Bass Hwy Latrobe Tasmania. Tasmanian renowned chef Nigel Squibb from Tasfresh cooking up an Aztec storm, lucky door prizes, bands, chocolate sculptures, a chocolate wheel, wine, cheese and specialty Belgian beer tastings by leading beer expert Willie Simpson will combine to make this a fun day.  For more information on the Winterfest weekend see www.chocolatewinterfest.com.au,  www.anvers-chocolate.com.au  or phone: 03 64262958

SINGING THE BLUES

The Australian Blueberry industry is gearing up for another successful year. Over the past few years the Australian Blueberry industry has become the world’s leading producer of quality blueberries. Last year the Australian Blueberry industry produced roughly 2300 tones of blueberries, with 30 percent going to international markets. Currently there are two significant blueberry breeding programs in Victoria and NSW. These projects continue to lead the way for the future of blueberries, making Australian fruit sought after world wide.The Australian Blueberry industry is situated in the South Eastern States of Australia, including farms in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and South-East Queensland. Production timing varies from state-to-state with the bulk of blueberries available during October to February. 
For more information:www.abga.com.au/welcome.htm

FINE FOOD FINER THAN EVER

This year for the first time Fine Food will fill all six halls of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre plus three additional halls of Wharf 8. In all there will be over 1,000 exhibitors, including over 220 international exhibitors from 20 countries showcasing the latest food, drink and equipment to an estimated 30,000 trade buyers. This important exhibition has grown significantly every year since it was first staged in 1987. 
Some of the features at Fine Food this year include the Sydney Culinary Challenge where we will see the best chefs in Australia competing against each other, Bakeskills Australia where teams of apprentice bakers from each State compete in a live bakery on the show floor, the Official Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition, The Best Of The Best Pizza competition, plus much more
Entry is restricted to persons working in the food industry. Visitors can obtain further details and pre-register at www.finefood.com.au 
Fine Food will run at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from Monday 24th to Thursday 27th September 2007. Opening hours are Monday 10am – 6pm, Tuesday 12noon - 9pm (late night), Wednesday and Thursday 10am – 5 pm.

ORGANIC FEASTS

The Queensland Gold Coast hinterland's Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat has created a specialty retreat program entitled, ‘A Feast of Nutrition’. The four-day fully inclusive program commences on Sunday 12 August and Sunday 11 November and features seminars led by Dr Libby Ellis  and organic cooking demonstrations conducted by the Gwinganna chefs. Phone 1800 219 272 or visit www.gwinganna.com for more details.   

MORE FROM ORANGE

A new generation of chefs from what is rapidly becoming the gourmet capital of New South Wales, will be featured at the sixth annual ‘Taste Orange for MS’ food and wine event at the Country Embassy, Level 47, 19 Martin Place Sydney, on Monday 23 July from 7-10.30pm. With Michael Manners now closing his famous Selkirk’s restaurant in Orange, he will take on the role of event ambassador and introduce the next generation of young chefs from the region:

• Tony Worland of Tonic in Millthorpe
• Scott Want of Union Bank, in Orange
• Shaun Arantz of the The Old Schoolhouse at Mayfield Vineyard
• Anna Wong of Neila’s in Cowra

Each of the chefs will present a course of one of his or her signature dishes and the food will be matched with the region's finest wine by Peter Bourne - "The Wineman".
The ‘Taste Orange for MS’ gourmet event is made possible by the support of Orange City Council. The purpose of the dinner is to showcase the culinary delights of the area, to encourage Sydneysiders to visit Orange and to raise funds to support people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Tickets are $145 for the ‘Taste Orange for MS’ dinner and are available from Maggi on (02) 9411 4522 or mmorgan@mssociety.com.au

BONDI MEETS THE BUSH

The Orange Region is coming to Bondi from, September 10 -16, 2007. The full program of activities including dinners, tastings and workshops will be updated on the Taste Orange website over the following weeks. Taste Orange will be held Sunday on September 16 at the Bondi Pavilion and will features a wide range of wine and food stalls, the Taste Orange Long Lunch Table, music, and a full program of wine and food demonstrations and tastings. For further information contact: Kim Currie – Executive Officer, Brand Orange,  02 6360 1990 or  0407 720 472, or  info@winesoforange.com.au

New Winter Night Markets

New to Canberra’s winter calendar this year are the special Winter Night Markets. Commonwealth Place on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin will come alive on three mid-winter evenings in late August with entertainment to warm the body and soul. Browse for gifts at the funky night markets which will feature crafts, jewellery and home wares, and warm up with delicious gourmet food and wines, local produce, mulled wine, coffee, curry and roasted chestnuts. Reminiscent of a European winter market, the night markets will be held at Commonwealth Place over three evenings in August and will also include live entertainment. The markets will be held on Thursday 23, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 August, open 5.30–9.30pm.

CHEERS FOR CHEESE 

From 21 May to 18 November 2007, Bega Cheese www.begacheese.com.au will donate ten cents from every block of Bega Cheese sold to provide much needed financial support to drought stricken communities around Australia. Bega Cheese, located in the Bega Valley, NSW, is owned and operated by 100 local dairy farmers. It has been a part of the Australian landscape since 1899 and is a company that is passionate about Australian farming. Like Australian farmers across the country, Bega Cheese and its dairy farmers have experienced the devastating hardship that comes with drought. But with hardship comes the amazing ability for rural communities to unite and lend a hand. The funds will be distributed nationally by the Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWAA) – to families and communities affected by drought. Bega Cheese expects to raise in excess of Au$600,000 and will make an advance donation of Au$100,000 to expedite the assistance to the community.If you know of other companies making a difference to drought-affected communities, please let us know.

OTHER UPCOMING FOOD & WINE SHOWS

Retail Expo
Melbourne Exhibition Centre
14-16 August 2007
www.retailexpo.com.au

Fine Food & Hotel Australia
Sydney Convention
& Exhibition Centre
24-27 September 2007
www.finefood.com.au

Wine & Spirits Australia
Wharf 8, Darling Harbour
24-26 September 2007
www.wineandspirits.com.au

The Good Food & Wine Show
Brisbane Convention Centre
9-11 November 2007
www.goodfoodshow.com.au

Keep this Date alive!

Live Green presented by Smeaton Hackett Events in conjunction with the City of Sydney will be held from 10am to 4pm, 25 August 2007, Victoria Park, Camperdown, NSW, and will feature organic & local produce stalls, an organic bar and demonstration kitchen featuring renowned chef and author Kylie Kwong, a City of Sydney Precinct – presenting the city’s services and plans for a greener future, practical workshops and seminars and entertainment. For more information

To book stalls: seamus@shevents.com.au