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Archived Snippets, July 2007
BRISBANE HEATS UP
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BEST BY A COUNTRY MILEAustralia'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: |
POST IT NOTE
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BONDI GOES ORANGETaste 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 |
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SAY CHEESE!
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Country comes to Town
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TIME TO COMPETEEntries for the Spring phase of the 2007 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show are now open. Products judged as part of the Spring Show include Branded Beef; Deli Meat; Bread, Cake & Pie; Olive Oil; Aquaculture; and Regional Food. If you are a fine food producer and interested in entering, please note that entries close on Friday 3 August 2007 (only entry forms must be submitted by this date, NOT products). You can access the Application for Entry for Specific Competitions on www.sydneyroyalshows.com.au. If you are a previous Exhibitor, a hard copy of the relevant information will have been sent to you in the mail last week, please advise if you have not received it. |
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Build it and they will come - the lure of the touristMuseum and Galleries NSW and the Museum of Sydney is presenting a seminar about museum and gallery practices on Friday, 20 July from 2 to 5 pm. Themes include: development of cultural tourism; the impact of cultural tourism on local communities; the impact of cultural tourism on buildings and environments. To register call 02 9358 1760 or go to www.mgnsw.org.au |
VOGUE ENTERTAINING +TRAVEL PRODUCE AWARDSThe Vogue Entertaining + Travel Produce Awards are back in 2008 to celebrate Australia's best produce with an opportunity to get involved and support Australia's artisan producers. The awards also aim to celebrate the people who help promote small producers and this year there is a new award for best farmers' market. You may nominate your own products or ones that you admire by filling out the form online. Full details: http://promotions.vogue.com.au/2008/produce-awards/index.php |
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C'est Si Bon
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BLACK GOLD AT BORRODELLPeople have been talking about truffles in the Orange region, NSW, for years, and now there are finally some to try! On Saturday 14th July – that's NEXT weekend (and Bastille Day) – Borrodell on the Mount (www.borrodell.com.au) is presenting a six-course degustation style dinner featuring local truffles, accompanied by matched wines at its Sisters Rock restaurant. Bookings: 02 6365 3128 |
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Brisbane Organic RoadshowThe Organic Roadshow, hosted by leading organic member organisation Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) and supported by Ausmin Australia, will arrive in Brisbane on Friday 20th July 2007 at the Bardon Conference Centre, 390 Simpsons Rd, Bardon, Brisbane. With a full day of unequalled knowledge and advice from experts in the industry, including successful farmers and business owners, participants are able to gain a full overview of the organic sector from biological agriculture and soil health to processing, markets, consumer demand and more. RSVP by 16th July for catering purposes – organic of course! Ph 07 3350 5716 ext 221, Fax 07 3350 5996, Email info@bfa.com.au |
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CONGRATULATIONS!!! ON A HERBY DECADE
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Aussie cheese ‘creams’ it in South KoreaA change of menu for 420 Dunkin’ Donut stores in South Korea has resulted in a tenfold increase in cream cheese exports from Australia in the last three months. Dunkin’ Donuts – the world’s largest coffee and baked goods chain with more than 7,000 stores world-wide has a significant presence in South Korea. As part of its strategic shift to non trans fatty foods, Dunkin’ Donuts, with its core product being fried, recently developed a bagel and cream cheese menu for Korean customers. The cream cheese incorporates Apricot & Almond and Rum & Raisin flavours. The Australian cream cheese deal came about when Dunkin’ Donuts purchased the cream cheese from WhiteCheese Co., a Korean company specialising in importing sweet flavoured cheeses who in turn bought the cheese from Australia’s leading dairy manufacturer, National Foods Limited. |
GO WESTThe WA Wine & Food Festival is about to begin at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. Catch up with all things fine and fabulous in the West (well the things you can eat and drink, anyway) from July 6th to 8th. www.wineandfood.com.au |
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SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS FOOD AND WINE ON DISPLAY IN SYDNEY
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A la carte on the beach, 26 AugustRestaurant & 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. |
Fraser Lions Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, 19 Aug 2007Have 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. |
Festival Cairns, 15 Aug to 25 SepHave 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. |
Christmas in Winter, 16 JulyEnjoy a fire-warmed Christmas night in the eclectic Thunderbolt Farm restaurant, Stanthorpe. Outside mercury can drop to zero or less, but inside the fire is toasty warm. Christmas carols fill the air and the Christmas tree and decorations complete the experience. |
What’s on in Queensland?Cardwell Seafest, 30 June - 5 July |
CALLING ALL RESTAURATEURS AND SUPPLIERS
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TOO LATE! FOR FOOD OF THE NORTH SOLD OUT!!A spectacular menu starring the best of North Queensland produce, featuring 10 of the best chefs from Australia and New Zealand has been announced for the Chefs in the North Dinner, to be held next Thursday, July 5, in Townsville, as part of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) the largest chamber music festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Prawns, red claw, quail, North Queensland eye fillet, kangaroo, Queensland scallops and ocean trout will all starin the dinner. Chefs in North is a spectacular culinary event where fine food, wine and music merge seamlessly under a stunning marqueeon the grassy lawns of Jupiters Townsville. This VIP prelude to the opening of the world class Australian Festival of Chamber Music will be hosted by Lyndey Milan, Food Director of The Australian Women’s Weekly and co-host of the Channel 9 National program “Fresh”. A 10-day program from July 6 to 15 follows this epic meal. www.afcm.com.au Tickets: Ph 07 4727 9797 or 1800 449977 (freecall outside Townsville). |
Congratulations to South Coast Tourism Awards winners!
(Left: Michelle Robinson and Rob Pollock) |
New Hawkesbury Regional Map keeps tourists on trackA new Hawkesbury NSW Regional Map has been designed to improve the tourist experience and help stimulate the region’s tourism industry. The fold out map was launched this week and will be available free through 114 Visitor Information Centres throughout NSW and through participating councils - who plan to make an online version available on their websites. The Hawkesbury Valley and Hawkesbury River contain a fascinating mix of country life, a great choice of dining and accommodation, natural attractions and lots of opportunities for exploring the river and its tributaries. To see the map www.receive.com.au |
GREAT NEWS FOR SMALL PRODUCERSGreat news, the Organic Growers of Australia Certified Ltd (OGA), a respected certifier of organic products nationally, has joined the Biological Farmers of Australia Group (BFA) www.bfa.com.auto launch the “BFA/ OGA Small Producers Scheme.” The new scheme, which has had overwhelming support nationally, is the reason behind members of the OGA certification company almost unanimously voting to move into the BFA Group in October last year. The scheme will use the BFA’s Australian Organic Standard, the same standard by which clients of BFA’s subsidiary company Australian Certified Organic (ACO) are certified. The difference for smaller growers will be the removal of all export requirements by Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) which until now been imposed on all certified businesses regardless of whether produce was being exported or not. A “small producer” under the new scheme is defined as a grower of annual organic sales of less than $50,000 whose produce is not exported, however may be sold direct to retailers, at growers markets or from the farm gate. For further information contact: Howard Rubin, Chairman of OGA, ph 02 6628 6363. |
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 
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
Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay
TASTING AUSTRALIA
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. 
MORE ORGANIC!
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: 
HALLIDAY DOES IT AGAIN
Respected wine critic and vigneron James Halliday’s latest encyclopedic Australian Wine Companion 2008 (RRP $32.95 paperback) has been released by Hardie Grant Books. The new-look 2008 edition has been completely updated and revised with profiles of 1740 wineries, 218 new wineries, and tasting notes for 5836 wines, making it the ideal companion for any regional visit. More details: 
ATTENTION B&Bs!
They call it the Fine Breakfast Scheme. The Soil Association has also called on the UK to ‘Wake up to an Organic Breakfast’. It is part of an Organic Fortnight, which runs from 1–16 September, involving retailers, brands and restaurants across the UK. Sounds like the sort of idea which could catch on here. 
Anvers were Chockers
The Mont de Lancey Farmers' Market, (Wellington Road, Wandin, Victoria second Saturday, 9am- 2pm) is held in the grounds of an historic 1860s French homestead from the 1860s. In keeping with the location, petanque matches and coaching are planned and on Bastille Day French troops will 'storm' the market. Visitors can enjoy coffee and cake or a glass of wine after the market in the charming recently opened French-style restaurant (Les Chesselles) on the property. Contact: Fred Swainton 0419 598 732, OR Ann Creber 03 9728 4475. Admission to the property is a gold coin per person (children free).
GET COOKING
Gourmet Goodies in Goondiwindi
SCAPE SYDNEY ON THE APEC WEEKEND
OLIVE, OLIVE-OH
2007 Inland NSW Tourism Awards
Follow the cheese and wine trail through Yarra Valley
When Liz and Ian ('Herbie') Hemphill opened their niche-market shop in Rozelle ten years ago, there must have been some (the Hemphills included) who wondered if it was a wise idea. A decade on and the tiny shop crammed with every herb and spice known worldwide - including a number of indigenous products – was bursting with media friends and fans on the evening of July 5th. 'Herbie' spoke about their latest creation - Super Ras a version of Ras el Hanout, which they resisted the temptation of naming Rozelle Hanout - and some of the experiences in owning what has now become an iconic store. Well done, Herbies, and here's to the next however-many years!
BE QUICK FOR THIS ONE!
The Hunter based organisation continues to work on improving key areas of significance including uniting restaurants and cafes within the Hunter, further education for chefs, apprentices and front line staff and raising the culinary profile of the region. This month’s luncheon is the next in a series of scheduled functions that showcase Hunter Valley restaurants, chefs and local produce. Special guest speakers at the luncheon include Steve Goodchild of Pukara Olives, Jeffrey Moth of Nulkaba Hatchery and Coral and Jim Hogget of Capparis Goat Cheeses. A wine talk will also be presented by Mike De Iuliis of De Iuliis Wines. Bookings: Andy Wright (02) 4998 7584
TRUFFLE TREATS
Minister for Regional Development Tony Kelly opened a State Government regional food and wine showcase at NSW Parliament on June 18th, paying tribute to the Southern Highlands’ growing reputation as a food lovers’ paradise. T
he Southern Highlands Food and Wine Showcase, with 31 food and wine producers and suppliers from the Southern Highlands either exhibiting or providing products for this showcase, was the third in a series of regional food and wine showcases organised by the State Government.The Southern Highlands has over 60 vineyards, 19 wine labels, 16 cellar door operations, and an established wine trail, and produces about 690 tonnes of grapes a year and produces some of Australia’s best cool climate wines.
2007 Inland NSW Tourism Awards
Restaurant 07, the dedicated event for the restaurant industry, will take place on Monday 13th - Tuesday 14th August at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park, Sydney, NSW.As well as having the opportunity to meet over 200 of the best restaurant suppliers, restaurant 07 offers over 20 FREE-to-attend talks and demonstrations each day of the event, giving advice on business solutions, culinary techniques and product knowledge. Full details and free registration: 
Last month 20 tourism businesses on the South Coast, NSW, were recognised for industry excellence at the 2007 South Coast Tourism Awards, attended by more than 240 people in Batemans Bay. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to tourism on the South Coast, received by Michelle Robinson. This was the first time the award had been presented and Michelle, the outgoing Sapphire Coast Tourism Manager was a deserving recipient. Regional food winners were: Coolangatta Estate and Elizans Restaurant Ulladulla. For full list: