Pettavel wins Again

Pettavel Winery & Restaurant were awarded ‘Best Modern Australian - Regional Restaurant’, for the second year running, at Restaurant & Catering Victoria ‘Awards for Excellence’ held at Crown’s Studio 3 in Melbourne, on Monday night. 
Pettavel Executive Chef Matt Dempsey accepted the award on behalf of Pettavel, thanking General Manager Robyn Fitzpatrick, owners Mike and Sandi Fitzpatrick and Pettavel staff. The ‘back to back’ win for Pettavel, is a testament to the hard working team who pride themselves on providing a consistently high quality dining experience for their guests.

BONVILLE TRIFECTA

Congratulations to Bonville International Golf Resort  for claiming three awards at the Restaurant & Catering Association Awards for Excellence held on September 24 at Star City Casino in Sydney. The Awards bring together the successful Winners of each category from all the 6 regional areas of NSW (Hunter, ACT/Southern, Blue Mountains/Central West, Central Coast & Northern) to determine the Best of the Best. Bonville’s 3 awards were:

• Caterer at an Event
• Wedding Caterer in a Function Centre
• Caterer of the Year (Major Award

FINE FOOD REPORT

Click here to read Sally's report of Fine Food Australia, 24 September, 2007

"I have to report it is the finest ever, stretching throughout SIX halls of the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour, Sydney."

Sausages Snag 10 gold medals  

Champion gourmet sausage, Moroccan Lamb and Raisins, from Tender Value Meats, Hornsby, NSW won over the judges at the Spring 2007 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show on Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 September. Champion Ham and Bacon Exhibit was won by Kaczanowski & Co, South Strathfield, NSW for their Imperial Ham and Champion Smallgoods and Cooked Products Exhibit was awarded to R & S Danube Smallgoods, Marrickville, NSW for their New York Rare Roast Beef. The Competition has grown with 43 classes featuring ham & bacon, specialty products, general smallgoods, cooked products and other gourmet products. Diverse flavours and additives are featured in the Deli Meat Competition this year, particularly in the range of gourmet sausages, showing the creativity of deli meat producers in their response to consumer demands for ‘something different’. For a full medal list visit the website

STOP CRYING

Onions that are mild in favour and suitable for eating raw are to be labelled as mild under a new system for classifying onions. Australia’s onion industry has decided to support the development of a mild onion certification system following research demonstrating that pungency can be reliably assessed. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) postharvest researcher, Dr John Golding, says the lack of a reliable, cost-effective test has been the major barrier to developing an Australian mild onion industry. Using a specially constructed onion press, NSW DPI researchers measured levels of the chemical, pyruvate, that causes pungency in onions. Bbecause pungency increases with storage, it is recommended that mild onions be consumed no more than 30 days after harvest. 

Win a dinner for you and five friends!

Sound tempting?  de Groots Media, the company behind www.bestrestaurants.com.au is offering a $1,000 Dinner for Six competition to its members but now that the  September spring competition has been launched, even non-members can enter 

Prizes up for grabs include: 
NSW – $1,000 Dinner for six at Mezzaluna, Sydney
Getaway for two to Shoal Bay Resort & Spa
Double tickets to Sydney Symphony
VIC – $1,000 Dinner for six at FOG Restaurant, Melbourne
QLD – $500 Dinner for four at Baguette Restaurant, Ascot, Brisbane
ACT – $500 Dinner for four at Lobby Restaurant, Canberra
TAS – $500 Lunch for four at Coal Valley Vineyard, Cambridge, Tasmania
Other Prizes
• 12 month subscription to Winestate Magazine
• Movie Passes from Paramount to see “A Mighty Heart”
• Perfect Gift Certificates for restaurants and lifestyle experiences

Details and entry forms  at: www.bestrestaurants.com.au

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS PUDS

Newcastle company, Pudding Lane, recently exhibited successfully at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair London, where the buzz words were Food Miles and more importantly Carbon Foot-prints ! In Australia we talk about “paddock to plate”, but the meaning is the same, no matter where in the world you are. By using a “boiled-in-resusable-cloth” method for their luscious puds and sending them off in highest grade recycled cartons, they are excited to realise what they have been doing all along because it was good and sensible is actually environmentally sound. Pudding Lane uses no automated processes, no production lines, no electric steam ovens, and do not use plastic basins, plastic bowls or moulds to shape the puddings, meaning that each and every pudding is different. www.puddinglane.com.au

Diary Date

It's a long way off, and we will remind you closer to the date, but as it's billed as the 'sixth annual expo for the cafe industry' it's worth flagging April 13 and 14, 2008, at Randwick, NSW. We'll tell you more later but if you need advance info contact Sean Edwards on 0419 287 608 or sean@cafebiz.net 

WATCH FOR THE WINNER

Regional chefs and apprentices are preparing for the LifeStyle Food Channel Australian Regional Culinary Competition at Adelaide TAFE SA's Regency Campus from October 15 to 18, hoping to win the top prize of a culinary and cultural tour through Cambodia.  Tasting Australia is the only competition to recognise, develop and promote professional cookery in regional areas. The Best Apprentice Award offers the chance to work with Shannon Bennett at Vue de Monde in Melbourne.  (Matt Dempsey & Caleb Fleet pictured)

IRRESISTIBLE GLUTEN FREE WHEAT FREE* FOOD SHOW

The Irresistible Gluten Free Wheat Free* Food Show will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st October 2007 10am - 5pm at the  Melbourne Exhibition Centre (opposite Crown Complex). It promises to be an exciting Food Expo featuring the great range of foods and goods available to people interested in gluten free, wheat free diets, general good health, for those with coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and other food intolerances. It is an Expo for the general public and food industry and health professionals and will feature over 130 exhibitors including specialty gluten free food manufacturers, restaurants and cafes, gluten free cookbooks, even gluten free beer!To recognise and support the special needs of the patrons attending, only gluten free food permitted at the Show.

Super economies gobble up Aussie food

Fine Food Australia has attracted buyers from around the world, and Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency has observed major demographic changes of food consumption worldwide. Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt said the rise of ‘super’ emerging economies in the world today is providing a real boost for the exports of Australian fine food and wine. 
“In terms of food, our markets have traditionally been in high income countries like Japan, US, UK, New Zealand and Hong Kong.  But now developing economies with large middle class consumer populations are also creating demand – especially for fine food,” Mr Harcourt said. "Both China and Indonesia have joined the ranks of the top ten markets for Australian food consumption." 
This year Austrade will manage a ‘What’s New from Australia” stand on the show floor.  This will give the opportunity for new to export companies to display their product samples.  Austrade’s Manager Export Advisers, Caleb Jarvis said the ‘virtual’ stand is an ideal way for company’s new to export to participate in an international trade show without having to travel overseas and commit huge funds as there is no need for these suppliers to be present.  
Businesses from all over Australia will showcase a wide range of food at Fine Food Australia at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (24-27 September in Sydney).  This year a Wine and Spirits Australia showcase (24-26 September, Wharf 8, Darling Harbour) has also been included and a shuttle bus service will operate between the two venues.

Mix indulge taste smell tempt

A feast of some of New South Wales' finest food and beverages will be on show in the Regional Flavours of New South Wales showcase at Fine Food Australia 2007. Sixteen producers will feature a wide variety of products - follow this link to preview. Venue: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour (Stand D2 in Hall 3). September 24-27, 10am-5pm. For more information: email Sue Wadley, tel: 02 9338 6694

Spring Fever in the Granite Belt

The annual Granite Belt Spring Wine Festival season kicks off on Friday in style when the industry’s ‘good and the great’ give their DJs an outing to the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. Visit, taste, celebrate and educate your palate:  The 2007 Granite Belt Spring Wine Season includes sixty events held over six weeks beginning Friday 28 September. For accommodation bookings or full event information see www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au  or phone 1800 SO COOL.    
           

ORANGE COMES TO THE BEACH

Even the weather was smiling at last Sunday September 16th’s Taste Orange event, the final in a week of ‘country comes to town’ festivities at Bondi Beach.

Fittingly the final day featured local Orange District producers giving away tastes of their food and wine, selling products, answering questions and generally being fine ambassadors for one of NSW’s loveliest and most productive areas. Here’s a little glimpse of what went on

But if you missed Bondi’s extravaganza, don’t be too disheartened. This is not the end of it all. In late-October (from October 19-28) it’s the city’s turn to travel west and experience an even bigger and better series of events – dinners, winery tour, cookery classes demonstrations, markets and a general knees-up in the town itself during Orange Wine Week.
Want more information? www.winesoforange.com.au and www.orangefoodweek.com.au

FEAST OF THE OLIVE

There's still time to plan a rush trip to the Hunter valley, NSW, this weekend (September 22 and 23) when the annual Feast of  the Olive again showcases the Hunter's 'other' crop. This year 12 venues are featured with sales and tastings, cooking demonstrations and plenty of good Hunter wines and food as well. Details available from Hunter Olive Association (0419 244 785) as well as Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism (02 4990 0900) www.winecountry.com.au/events

GOLD BARRA

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Aquaculture Competition at the Spring 2007 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show yesterday, awarded a gold medal for the first time since the Competition was introduced in 2001, to Central Queensland Barra for the excellent appearance, quality, condition, taste and freshness of their Barramundi entry. Pacific and Angasi Oysters (an Australian flat native oyster) were also judged as part of the Aquaculture Competition, with a good regional representation from NSW, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. Coming out on top of the oyster judging was AQA Oysters Ltd – Coffin Bay, South Australia, winning a silver and a bronze medal for their high quality Pacific Oyster entries. For more details on the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, please visit: www.sydneyroyalshows.com.au 

TASTE THE HASTINGS

From 19 to 28 October 2007 Greater Port Macquarie, NSW, will celebrate its burgeoning food and wine scene with ‘Tastings of the Hastings’, a festival of degustation dinners, cooking demonstrations, a produce market on the mountain, coffee roasting tours, and the region’s biggest farmers' market on Sunday 28 October. Highlights include:

• ‘Market on the mountain’ at Comboyne with local producers including Comboyne Culture Cheese 
• Cooking demonstrations and tours at ‘The Company Farm’, which provides fresh produce to Rockpool and Sailors Thai restaurants (amongst notable others), on a magnificent property overlooking the river
• A dinner under the moonlight at ‘Cassegrain Winery’, a special dinner at ‘Rawdon Island School House’ and a degustation dinner at ‘Compass Restaurant’
• Organic hand-made chocolate making demonstrations at ‘Blue Poles Cafe and Art Gallery’ in Byabarra
• Local roaster ‘Peak Coffee’ will conduct tours and demonstrations 
• Bush-tucker tours with an Aboriginal elder at Sea Acres Rainforest, followed by a lunch at the recently re-furbished café featuring bush produce

For more information on Tastings of the Hastings call 02 6581 8633. For a Free Holiday Planner and CD to Greater Port Macquarie contact the Visitors Information Centre on 1300 303 155 or book on-line at www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au 

BRANDED BEEF RESULTS ARE IN!

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) has awarded two gold medals at the Branded Beef Competition held at the Spring 2007 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show last week. Gold medalists in the Open Class were Stockyard Gold Grain Fed Beef from Queensland and Certified Australian Angus Beef from Victoria, who also won silver impressing judges with the quality and integrity of their product. Medal winners were represented from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.
For more details on the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, please visit: www.sydneyroyalshows.com.au 

MURRUMBATEMAN ON THE MOVE

There’s a gentle buzzing noise coming from the wineries at Murrumbateman a 30-minute drive from the centre of Canberra or a three hour trip from Sydney, as the winemakers prepare for the annual Murrumbateman Moving Feast on the October long weekend. Building on the success of last year’s feast, this year there is an expanded menu and an increased number of producers at the Local Produce Fair held at Country Guesthouse Schonegg. Each winery will offer a dish matched with its premium wines and visitors can also participate in a public tasting from the Murrumbateman Cool Climate Wine Show, and attend the Wine Show trophy presentation dinner. For more information, including the menu, please visit www.murrumbateman.org.au or call 02 6227 0208.

SAY CHEESE

Renowned cheese expert Will Studd's knowledge of cheese is encyclopaedic and so is his new book Cheese Slices, a follow-up to his award-winning 1999 book Chalk and Cheese, which charted an extraordinary odyssey through the world’s cheese-producing regions. This new richly illustrated reference book is the essential guide to the world’s great cheeses, explaining where and how they are made and providing valuable information on buying, storing and eating cheese. Published by Hardie Grant Books in September 2007, Cheese Slices also looks at the revolution in Australian cheese-making over the past 20 years. Variously described as a hero of the food industry, a cheese legend, a tireless enthusiast for good cheese and even a “cheese terrorist”, Will Studd has helped raise the bar for specialist cheese in Australia in the past two decades. The book’s publication coincides with the ABC’s release of Cheese Slices Volume 3 DVD – his third television series devoted to artisan and farmhouse cheese. 

2007 NSW Tourism Awards

The 2007 NSW Tourism Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held on Thursday, 15 November 2007 in the Grand Harbour Ballroom, Star City Hotel and Casino in partnership between Tourism NSW and the Tourism Industry Council NSW. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased through Showbiz. Tel: (02) 8289 8636. Submissions for the Awards closed on 4 September 2007, and finalists will be announced on 5 October 2007

Congratulations to Mid North Coast Tourism Award winners

Last month the Mid North Coast Tourism Industry recognised the winners and finalists of the 2007 Tourism Awards for business excellence. Winners included Bent on Food, Restaurant Splash, and Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park, Samurai Beach Resort and Forster Information Centre. To see all of the winners 

SYDNEY ROYAL FINE FOOD SHOW REGIONAL RESULTS

A best ever Regional Food Competition with a record number of medals awarded has been reported for the Spring 2007 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show held last week. A total of 383 exhibitors represented regions nationwide and the team of high-profile industry experts awarded a total of 135 medals. Champion Regional Food Exhibit sponsored by the NSW Food Authority was awarded to South Australian nougat producer Dolciaria Rinaldi for its Torrone Rinaldi Honey Nougat Slow Cooked Nougat with Roasted Almonds. The strict judging standards ensured that all entries were completely unidentified and judges took time to make their final decision amongst the gold medal winners, savouring taste, and analysing the flavour profile, texture and visual appearance of each product before awarding points to the Champion. 

Other gold medal winners at the Competition were: 
• Avril’s Tastebud Teasers, Morningside, Qld Pear & Pecan Loaf 
• Blackforest Farm, Williamstown, Vic Eggplant Relish 
• Mitchell & Hopkins, Sydney, NSW Florentine 
• Pilpel Fine Foods, Bondi Beach, NSW Red Curry Soup 
• Playing with Fire, Byron Bay, NSW Finger Lime Marmalade 
• Yandilla Mustard Oil Enterprise Pty Ltd, Wallandbeen, NSW Yandilla Pungent Mustard Seed Oil 
• Yulla Pty Ltd, Maroubra, NSW Tahini, Green Tahini 

For a full medal list please and more details on the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, please visit: www.sydneyroyalshows.com.au    

LOOKING GOOD

I’m Angus Steak House at Cockle Bay, owned by restaurateur Nick Manettas, is looking better than ever after a recent Michael McCann refurb. A blackboard on the back wall lists recipes and facts about meat, there's an open kitchen, a stone feature wall – and of course that view of the water. More importantly chef Aaron Hamson assures diners that ‘all meat is MSA approved, from Gympie, which is inland from Noosa. The cuts come from Murray Grey-Hereford cross cattle, and the only exception is the rump steaks. They are Black Angus from the Riverina District around Wagga Wagga.’
I’m Angus Steakhouse Restaurant, The Promenade, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney, Reservations: 02 9264 5822, www.nicks-seafood.com.au

The Slow Food West Gippsland convivium will be hosting the first annual Slow Food Spring Festival from 1 -14 October this year. There's something for everyone from hands-on bread baking and wood fired oven building workshops to art exhibitions and wine dinners, even a touch of Vietnam when Cannibal Creek Vineyard hosts a Vietnamese lunch prepared by two graduates from Mr Jimmy Pham's KOTO, the Hanoi training restaurant for Vietnamese street and disadvantaged youth. Peppermint Ridge Farm has an organic vegetable gardening workshop, there's a Hunting & Gathering degustation dinner at The Outpost Retreat in Noojee, sourdough breadmaking at Hope Farm Bakery, and Jack’s at Jindivick will play host to a ‘Food Inspired by Art’ dinner where each course has been inspired by modern artists. For more details: 03 5945 0400 or visit www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

FEELING FISHY?

The Sydney Fish Market's newsletter, Fishline News, is full of great information, apart from the outline of upcoming  classes. The latest one demystifies the differences between the various freshwater crayfish – marron, yabbies and red claw and the like – and explains what to do with them. Visit www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au to subscribe.

TASTE TEST FIESTA

South Australians are invited to whet their appetites at the launch of Fiesta! 2007 at the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market on Sunday 23 September. Fiesta! ambassadors and local food icons Cheong Liew (The Grange Restaurant) and Peter Hogg (Chapel Hill Gourmet Retreat) will join the Chair of Fiesta!, Pip Forrester, to announce the program highlights and show market-goers how to cook up a storm using local produce from the Peninsula. For more information and a list of all Fiesta! events please visit  www.fleurieufiesta.com.au

BITTER AND TWISTED?

CAIRNS SHANGRI-LA CELEBRATES LOCAL FOOD

From 2pm-6pm on Saturday 15th September, 2007, TIDES' deck on the Pier Boardwalk at the Marina will come alive with eight leading wine suppliers and the Tropical North's freshest seafood & small goods in a celebration of savoury snacks, wine and seafood! This event is the perfect lead in to the Festival Cairns Finale Parade, which commences at 6pm. Tickets are available at the door on the day.   For reservations or enquiries please phone 07 4052 7756

CONGRATULATIONS PETTAVEL!!

On Monday evening 27th August at The Age Good Food Guide 2008 awards ceremony held in Melbourne it was formally announced that Pettavel Winery & Restaurant were one of only fourteen ‘One Hat’ winners in Country Victoria for 2008.  Pettavel are proud to be the recipients of six consecutive ‘One Hat’ ratings and to be the only restaurant in Geelong to receive this prestigious award. Well done!

GRANITE BELT SITE UNVEILED

The weather in Queensland's Granite Belt is a little chilly right now, but things are warming up with a new website timed to capture interest in the region’s Spring Wine Festival Season which begins on 28 September.  The annual celebration includes sixty events held over six weeks.  These include a series of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and concerts, plus an outdoor wine fiesta and Wine Master class.  Details of these events are listed in the EVENTS section on-line. www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au

New generation website for Southern Highlands

Tourism Southern Highlands has launched its new look website 
www.southern-highlands.com.au  Among the site’s features are interactive trails and experiences to engage visitors and new images and content that sets the Southern Highlands apart from other destinations.

NINE TASTES OF ORANGE @ BONDI

Nine Tastes of Orange, on the evening of Saturday September 15 will feature a menu prepared by Lesley Russell (Orange Regional Cooking School) Edwena Mitchell (Edwena Mitchell Catering) and Josie Chapman (The Old Convent). We're told 'the wine matches were selected by a large group of enthusiastic participants in an entirely undemocratic process of argument and bullying'. Whether or not they  got it right will be up for discussion on the night. The menu will be served from a central table and buffet laden with goodies.  A wide range of regional producers will be on hand to serve, pour, chat and wash up. For more information and bookings: www.tasteorange.com.au or through the Taste Orange office on 02 6360 1990.

Fruit and Veg-OUT

Researchers from around the world will be in Terrigal, NSW, from 10-13 September for the Australasian Postharvest Conference, where the latest consumer-driven innovations in handling fresh fruit and vegetables will be discussed. Topics such as sustainability, carbon footprints and the ‘buy local’ movements will be on the menu, as will new technologies being used to deliver consumers with the products they want. Ripening processes, fruit and vegetable quality, disease, fruit and vegetable shelf life – all these and more will be discussed during the three day conference at the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal. Further details are available from conference organiser, NSW Department of Primary Industries research horticulturalist, Dr Jenny Ekman, on 02 4348 1942, 0429 939 758 or jenny.ekman@dpi.nsw.gov.au or from the conference website www.aphc2007.com.au.

COUNTRY CONGRATULATIONS

The Gumnut Patisserie from the Southern Highlands came out on top at the start of the Spring 2007 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show yesterday winning 10 Sydney Royal Medals - including four gold medals for their pastries and pies. Not to be outdone, Adam Radocaj from Mick’s Bakehouse from Wagga Wagga won silver for his Surf n Turf entry in the Best Apprentice Pie Exhibit.

Sheer 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. In a nationwide search for the best dairy produce in Australia, Buderim Ginger has taken out three silver awards in the Royal Queensland Show 2007 National Agricultural Dairy Product Awards for their Ginger Cinnamon, Gingerbread and deluxe Vanilla ice cream flavours. To try the multi-award winning ice cream visit 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The Ginger Factory is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

GO Gourmet in Gundy

With 25 exhibitors selling an outstanding selection of regionally produced food, fabulous wines and international beers on the banks of the Macintyre River in outback Goondiwindi, be quick to get off to the ninth annual Gourmet in Gundy on 9 September. Food will include local lamb, pork and seafood dishes, kebabs, olives, juices, cakes and ice creams. Fishing is this year’s theme and the Reef Science Fish Tank, one of the world's largest mobile aquariums measuring 12 metres long, will demonstrate the very latest fishing techniques. More information: Goondiwindi District Promotions
07 4671 3264 gourmet@goondiwindi.org

Anyone for emu?

Tukka, the restaurant that put crocodile, emu and possum on the menu, has celebrated its fifth birthday.  A Brisbane institution with local, interstate and international customers dining daily, Tukka’s winter menu develped by French-trained Chef/owner Stephane Bremont features a signature platter of native game meats, berries, nuts, fruits, spices, home-made damper and native dips. Highlights include quandong (native peach) from South Australia and sandpaper fig sourced from the rainforests of Southeast Queensland. The controversial but popular confit of Tasmanian possum is accompanied by a jus reduction of grapefruit juice and quandongs and finished with red wine jus.  Tukka Restaurant, 145 Boundary St, West End, 07 3846 6333 www.tukkarestaurant.com.au

QUEENSLAND NEWS – TOP RESTAURANT

Nu Nu, Nestled amongst the palm trees at Palm Cove in North Queensland, has taken the title of Regional Restaurant of the Year at the annual Australian Gourmet Traveller Awards. Nu Nu’s chef/owner Nick Holloway offers an eclectic mix of Australian food inspired by world travels and the multicultural Australian community. Nick is committed to using local, and where possible, organic produce. Find Nu Nu Restaurant at 123 Williams Esp, Palm Cove. More information: 07 4059 1880 www.nunu.com.au

BRAIN HELP

It's not something we like to think about, but our brains are aging along with the rest of us.  Alzheimer's disease targets the aging brain, compromising memory, learning and movement. Can diet lower the risk? According to studies conducted by world leading researcher Dr James Joseph, mechanisms involved in brain aging and oxidative stress maybe manipulated through nutritional intake of antioxidants, such as those found in blueberries. Dr Joseph will be attending a Blueberry Information Night, 6pm to 8:30pm on Monday September 10, 2007 at University of Sydney, Camperdown, Civil Engineering Lecture Room 3. The night will include nutritional talks from Dr Joseph, Industry Information and Product Samples. For bookings please call Natalie Bell at the Australian Blueberry growers Association on 0413 611 336.

The Coffee Guide … Sydney 2008,

now in its third edition, is your quintessential handbook to finding the perfect grind wherever you may be in this great city. An independent team of Sydney coffee lovers of all ages and walks of life have scoured the city in search of the best brews. 
Each of the listed 150 cafés is rated and awarded a unique ‘Bean Rating.’ The highest rating – five beans – is awarded to only a select few. The Coffee Guide … Sydney 2008 ($16.95 RRP) www.thecoffeeguide.com.au

DYNASTY – RUTHERGLEN-STYLE

Head to Rutherglen in Victoria’s North East in October for the annual Young Bloods and Bloody Legends Weekend which rejoices in the 150-year history and tradition of the Rutherglen wine region. Stimulating wine events held over 27 and 28 October will include a Young Bloods Rhone Varietals Masterclass, a lavish Rutherglen regional picnic and the legendary Rutherglen Legends Dinner. The event also includes the Sunday producer's picnic and market that celebrates the regions fabulous food and wine offerings and includes the annual Rutherglen's waiters race. This lively event is hosted by The Young Bloods of Rutherglen, a group of young and enthusiastic winemakers and marketers who are passionately working in their family wineries, many the fifth and sixth generations to do so. www.rutherglenvic.com

LOVEDALE CALLING

The inaugural “A Taste of Lovedale” is being billed as a festival, a celebration of the spirit that is Lovedale!! Enough reason, surely , to head for the Hunter Valley, NSW, yet again. This superb country yields an amazing array of top quality wines, tantalizing restaurant cuisine, fine art and music, olives and other products and “A Taste of Lovedale” promises to bring them all together in the beautiful Wandin Valley country estate on November 24, 2007. Ten individual wineries will be serving wine by the glass, and visitors can chat to the wine makers and property owners before selecting their wine and food from the four participating restaurants. Multiple produce stalls will offer a range of local products from olives to chocolates and soaps, all available for purchase on the day and there'll be fine art from four of the area’s leading artists, and live music with the Hunter Valley 25 piece orchestra throughout the day. Want more? Wine and food master classes will also be held throughout the day, as well as small scale wine making demonstrations, and a petting zoo for the kids and a community canvas for budding young artists. For more information 02 4930 7387 or 02 4930 7317 or www.lovedalehuntervalley.com.au/events

Buy Organic – for healthier people and a healthier planet!

That's the word from  the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) who give twenty good reasons to buy organic. For instance, did you know that organic farms have a greater resilience in times of drought? A 21-year trial showed that organic crops saw a margin of 38–196 per cent greater yield than comparable conventional crops. The BFA has a vision for the organic industry in Australia – to grow organic food sales to 10 per cent of the food market in Australia by 2020. Assist the organic industry to achieve its goal. Find out all about organic food on www.bfa.com.au

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  

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 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

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.

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. 

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

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.  

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.

‘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 

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

Festival Cairns  – Until 25 September
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 )  

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)

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 

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

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

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.   

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

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.

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