WA EVENTS: 

The newest event on the Swan Valley’s calendar is Winter Seafood and Shiraz. From July 11 to 13, guests to the Valley can enjoy premium shiraz, combined with WA’s finest local seafood at some of the regions best restaurants. 

After a highly successful inaugural event in 2007, the 2008 Mundaring Truffle Festival will take place on August 1-3. This event has been designed to celebrate one of the world’s most desirable edible commodities, as well as bring together some of Australia’s finest chefs. This year, the programme includes tastings, talks and food-related forums for those interested in learning more about the truffle. 

On October 11 and 12, the Swan Valley celebrates the people and produce of the region with its annual Spring in the Valley Festival. This extremely popular event is now one of Australia’s largest food and wine events, celebrating the wonderful wine, food, art and music for which the region in renowned

HELP NEEDED

Someone in Melbourne is looking for  a supplier of kabocha or buttercup – it's Japanese winter squash and not to be confused with Jap pumpkins and butternut. Does anyone have an answer? This is not a quiz question, we're just tapping into the vast knowledge of ARFG visitors. EMAIL US

RESTAURANT 08

The biggest gathering of leading Australian restaurateurs and chefs come together in Melbourne – 26-27th May. As well as having the opportunity to meet over 160 of the best restaurant suppliers, restaurant 08 Melbourne offers over 20 FREE-to-attend talks, panel discussions and demonstrations each day of the event, giving advice on business solutions, culinary techniques and product knowledge. Visitors at restaurant 08 Melbourne can also be inspired by the free demonstrations in the Culinary Skills Theatre giving them the chance to learn from the best in the business including Robin Wickens, Interlude, Michael Bacash, Bacash, Anthony Musarra, The Stokehouse and Ben Shewry, Attica and many more. Restaurant 08 Melbourne is FREE to attend Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th May at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. For a full list of exhibitors, programs and to register online visit. www.restaurantevents.com.au

A SUNNY STORY

On the Ridge Cooking School have a newsletter choc-full of information and plans for this year. This could be the ideal way to mix pleasure with – well, more pleasure. Staying on the lovely Sunshine Coast and  learning how to use the local produce is an ideal mix. 
www.ontheridge.com.au

FLAVOUR OF SUCCESS

There is still time for NSW food companies to apply to be on the Flavours of NSW stand at Fine Food Australia 2008 in Melbourne from 22-25 September. Taking exhibition space on the NSW stand is a cost effective way for growing food companies to seek out new markets and customers at Australia’s largest trade exhibition for the retail, food service and hospitality industries.  Staged annually and alternating between Melbourne and Sydney, Fine Food Australia attracts more than 25,000 buyers and distributors from around Australia and overseas who are looking for new food and beverage products. 

The opportunity to take exhibition space on the NSW stand is open to food companies in Sydney and regional NSW that are keen to pursue new market opportunities domestically and overseas, have participated in the event no more than once previously, and have the capacity to grow their business and supply new markets. DSRD provides selected companies with dedicated exhibition space on the NSW stand, support during the exhibition, and pre-exhibition training.
For further information, contact Rhonda Lawrie, DSRD (phone 02 9338 6694 or rhonda.lawrie@business.nsw.gov.au) 

ONE-STOP SHOW FOR FOOD PROCESSING

Companies in the food processing sector can see the latest developments in manufacturing technology at this year’s National Manufacturing Week, to be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27-30 May 2008. National Manufacturing Week 2008 is made up of 10 exhibitions, all under one roof, as well as a strong seminar program and related industry association forums and meetings. DSRD will be exhibiting at National Manufacturing Week to bring its range of business and industry development programs to the attention of business visitors come and meet us on Stand 2607.

COUNTRY COMES TO TOWN

The gourmet delights of Queensland Granite Belt region will be showcased at Brisbane's South Bank on Sunday May 25 for the first South Bank Growers’ Market. The South Bank Growers’ Market has been in development stages since late last year and will be an exciting addition to the South Bank markets calendar. These events have been planned as a fresh initiative of the South Bank Lifestyle Markets calendar aimed at showcasing the gastronomic delights Queensland has to offer. This month they will feature live entertainment alongside 40 stalls of produce, wine and gourmet goodies from the abundant Granite Belt region, south west of Brisbane.  From 10am to 4pm, May 25th, at Ernest St, South Bank, Brisbane.

WORTH WAITING FOR

Feast your senses at Tastes of Gold Coast – an annual festival of food and wine, showcasing the very best of what the Gold Coast has to offer to be held from 22 August to 9 September. 

In August each year, you can indulge with lavish banquets, progressive dinners, gourmet delicacies, outdoor celebrations and much more. Great food and wine, new taste sensations and idyllic settings - there is no better way to explore a city's cuisine!

It's all about celebrating the lifestyle, landscape and culture that makes the Gold Coast the best place in the world to live, work, play... and eat! Visit Tastes of Gold Coast as producers, chefs, winemakers and restaurateurs are brought together in a program of culinary events held throughout the region. For more information: www.tastesofgoldcoast.com.au

TIME FOR A (WINNING) COFFEE?

Zeta’s Coffee, grown and roasted in the Carool Hills behind Tweed/Coolangatta, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Vogue Entertaining and Travel Produce Awards for 2008 to be announced today, May 12th. Find out more about the awards – and winners, soon – at http://promotions.vogue.com.au

ORGANIC - MANIC OR PANIC?

Find out at The Organic Expo in Sydney on 25-27 July 2008, even bigger and better than ever, and now in it's fourth year. This is Oceania's only organic and green show and so if you're serious about building your business in these industries you should attend. There is a full trade day on the Friday 25th July and a FREE networking event for exhibitors that evening. 

Stands are still available and may be booked by emailing seamus@shevents.com.au or calling 02 9380 5563. 
Visit www.organicexpo.com.au for all the details.

SPONSORS NEEDED

ACF Queensland is looking for sponsors for the 2008 International Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge. If you have products which could be used by the competing teams, please email Bruno Gentile for more information. As a challenge sponsor, you would be contributing to the development of future chefs, furthering their skills and kitchen knowledge. Sponsored products would need to be available over the course of the three-day competition in August.

THE BEST OF THE WEST

Celebrate Western Australia’s amazing local produce at the 2008 Perth Food and Wine Festival on 30 May at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Enjoy an eight-course tasting menu, created by top chefs Kate Lamont of Lamont’s and Adrian Tobin of Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, precisely matched with various wines. Wineries and food producers will also be on show with tasting stalls at the event. For more information: www.eatingwa.com.au

CANOES AND CRAYS

Take a trip north of Perth for the Kalbarri Canoe and Cray Carnival at the Kalbarri Murchison River Foreshore, a couple of days later on 1 June. The Kalbarri Canoe and Cray Carnival promises to be a fun-filled carnival for the whole family. More information www.kalbarriwa.info

VISIT SOUTHERN ITALY (well almost!)

Southern Highland Wines and Cafe, Sutton Forest, is combining with Sutton Forest Estate, St. Maur Estate Vineyards, Diamond Creek Estate Vineyards to present the first Italian-themed event to be held during Cool Flavours Festival on the June long weekend this year. On Friday 6 June, there will be a five-course Italian banquet (Bookings: 02 4868 2300), then on Sunday 8 June, 'Taste of Italy', with all-day entertainment with Tony Santano and food stalls featuring local produce - olive oils, pasta, pizza, panini, sausages. The Cool Flavours brochure with all activities can be downloaded from the website:   www.southernhighlands.net.au

OZ AQUACULTURE HITS THE BIGTIME

Australia is the first country in the Southern Hemisphere to be endorsed by Eurotoques – an association of more than 4000 of Europe’s most prestigious chefs. Marcus Stehr, managing director of Clean Seas, which has aquaculture pens in the clean, green waters of South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, says the agreement provides the opportunity to showcase local products and increase export sales to the world’s biggest seafood market.

“The European Union represents the largest single import destination in the world and is worth more than $40 billion per year,” Marcus says. “It’s an amazing marketing opportunity for SA seafood producers to capitalise on the expanding EU market with its demand for clean and green, sustainable, authentic products.”

This means that now producers like Clean Seas, with this endorsement for their products, will have access to the finest restaurants in Europe.

ALBANY MARKETS WIN AWARD

The 2008 Vogue Entertainment +Travel Produce Awards, announcced this month have awarded the ALBANY  FARMERS MARKET  "BEST FARMERS  MARKET" in the country. Well done, Albany!  This new category in the Vogue  Produce Awards, recognises the growth and importance of  Farmers Markets throughout Australia. The win is  fantastic, as with close to 120 farmers  markets now operating in Australia, to be the inaugural winner of this award is a great  achievement and thrilling for everyone connected with  the Albany Farmers Market. For the past six years every Saturday  morning farmers of the Great Southern region have been leaving  home before dawn breaks, loaded up with just the very  best quality produce, harvested and prepared the day  before. The market has grown from 11 stalls to around  25/30 (depending on the season). The range, choice diversity  and quantity has grown many times over as have customers and visitors who flock in and patiently wait  for the 8am bell! 

Here is a message from the organisers of the markets: "To you our customers, THANK  YOU  for your loyal support, every week, whether  it be blowing a gale or a searing heat wave. You have given  the farmers the support to continue and  expand." They assure their customers that "everyone will be there with their  usual MOUNTAINS of the best locally  grown produce....the only difference may be that the  smiles might be bigger! "

WALKABOUT THE WINERIES

Rutherglen will again be the most exciting place to be on the June long weekend for Rutherglen Winery Walkabout the renowned wine festival in North East Victoria, June 7 & 8, 2008. For just $20, wine lovers are given their 2008 official Rutherglen Winery Walkabout tasting glass, holder and passport and are invited to spend the Queen’s Birthday Weekend among the 21 participating Rutherglen wineries.  Opportunities abound to taste the unique range of new release wines at each winery and indulging in some friendly, country fun with an action-packed program of events to choose from! It's a great way to taste, compare, contrast and buy some of best new wines from Rutherglen’s unique wineries. Fun events over the weekend include gourmet dinners, burgundy breakfasts, laid-back bands and dancing, a fabulous Farmers’ Market,  wine tastings galore, and a young-at-heart Drinks Party. For more information phone the Walkabout Event Hotline on 1300 787 929 or visit http://www.winemakers.com.au 

YOUNG CHEFS GO REGIONAL

The 2008 Lexus Young Chef and Young Waiter of the Year Awards- finalists were officially announced at an exclusive event in Melbourne last night. 

The 2008 State Finalists each win an enviable prize courtesy of Australian Pork Limited; Fisheries Research & Development Corporation; Horticulture Australia Limited; and, Meat & Livestock Australia. From 22nd to 29th June 2008 they will travel to South Australia, one of Australia’s leading food and wine regions where they will meet the passionate producers responsible for Australia’s world renowned produce. 

Some highlights include: 

• Barossa Valley: Meeting Maggie Beer; learning about Berkshire free range pork; experiencing a Wine Masterclass under the tuition of Stephen & Prue Henschke; 
• Limestone Coast: experiencing Mayura Station which has one of the largest full-blood Wagyu herds in the world; 
• Port Lincoln: learning about Port Lincoln’s booming aquaculture industry and products; 
• Riverland: visit to a citrus orchard in Waikerie; 
• North Adelaide Plains: visit to a vegetable farm who are pioneering the use of recycled water to sustain production levels and address the issues brought on by drought. 

At the conclusion of the trip, finalists will be flown to Sydney for the national judging that will determine the 2008 national winners. On Monday 30th June judging panels made up of Australia’s most renowned and respected food industry leaders will select the winner in each category based on a gruelling cook-off for the chefs, and a demanding skills test for the waiters. 

Finalists will be required to demonstrate their practical ability and capacity to perform under pressure in a real-life kitchen or restaurant situation.  

CORK ‘N FORK WINERY TOURS GOES NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

A Queensland company believes it's fine to drive people to drink. Actually, they say, we love it. Well so would we all when it means being chauffeured around some of Queensland's best wineries. Cork'n'Fork Winery Tours (see new Premier listing), the family-owned business whose co-founders, Judi and Peter Jaques, have lived at Tamborine for almost 20 years, are excited to announce that their business of eight years is now expanding by way of franchising. The happy couple are launching the new direction at a special event on June 1st to be hosted at John Penglis's Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery. This event will take place at 11.30am with invited guests to include master of wine making Peter Scudamore-Smith who will speak on their behalf. The Federal Minister for the area Brett Raguse, and the new Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent are also among the invited guests. More details: 07 5543 6584 or email Judi on admin@corknfork.com.au

OH, NO – YOU'VE MISSED THE LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH!

Yes, it was last  weekend. But here's a good excuse to visit the Hunter this weekend instead. The cooking school at Majors Lane Restaurant, Lovedale, still has a few vacancies on Saturday May 31st, from 11am-2pm. To book call 02 4930 7832 and enjoy a fun hands-on cooking class in the country.

WINTER WINE & CHEESE

Over 30 New South Wales wine producers will be exhibiting at the 2008 Ryde College NSW Wine Fair Wednesday June 11th, with almost 100 different wines available for tasting. Sommelier, Wine Studies and Event Management students from Ryde College will take part on the day, offering wine buffs the opportunity to sample the best of the state's eight wine growing regions. Wineries taking part in this year’s event include Camberwarra Estate, Cowra Estate, Helm Wines, Lowe Family Wines, Moothi Estate, Rothvale Vineyards and Vinifera Wines.

Running alongside the 2008 Ryde College NSW Wine Fair will be the popular WineMakers Dinner and a special McWilliams Wine & Cheese Workshop. This year the WineMakers Dinner will be hosted by Krinklewood Vineyard and will showcase the winery’s biodynamic collection. All seven courses of the exceptional degustation menu prepared by Ryde College Le Cordon Bleu cookery students, and will be accompanied by a specially selected glass of wine.  

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, Ryde College, Levels 4 & 5, H Block, 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Bookings essential for the WineMakers Dinner, Wine & Cheese Workshop and Master Classes, contact jillian.robbie@det.nsw.edu.au