Culinary extravaganza
Over at Margaret River in Western Australia, tantalising gastronomical experiences await visitors.
WINE connoisseurs will probably hail Margaret River as the wine region of Australia. That wouldn’t be a lofty notion. After all, the town is the only premium wine region Down Under that presents world- class food and wine in pristine beaches, tall- timber forests, surf breaks and ancient caves.
Located about three hours’ drive south of Perth, Margaret River is home to some of the most unique boutique breweries. And if you know your wines, you’ll know that the Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Semillons, and Cabernet Sauvignons produced here are heavenly.
But those aren’t the only things you’ll find at the Margaret River region. There’s also an abundant supply of fresh local produce. Whether it’s apples, venison, marron or chocolate that you’re craving for, there’s no shortage of these or other delectable food.
And the Margaret River Gourmet Escape is your one- stop food galore. In its fourth year now, the event is Western Australia’s premium food and wine spectacle.
Taking place from Nov 20 to 22, the three- day culinary extravaganza is set to feature more than 40 of the world’s leading food and wine personalities. Of course, this means we can drop the names of some top- notched chefs. If you brim with excitement at the mention of David Thompson, Enrique Olvera, Gaggan Anand and Tetsuya Wakuda – then, my friend, mark your calendar.
Not convinced yet? This should do the trick: British celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. The “godfather of modern cooking” – as touted by Australian
Masterchef – is the international head
line chef.
Gourmet Escape also gives visitors the chance to be educated by renowned wine talent and wine makers, including Nick Stock, Lisa Perrotti- Brown, Ch’ng Poh Tiong and Jeannie Cho Lee.
But perhaps nothing will quite evoke Margaret River’s warm culinary hospitality than the must- see Gourmet Village. It’s a buzzing gastronomical venue that will house the largest ever selection of WA restaurants, artisan producers and wineries, along with private master classes, meet- and- greets and VIP experiences. This year, new additions Adriano Zumbo High Tea and the new Wine Lounge are bound to excite.
Other wonderful experiences in the line- up include a dinner on Busselton Jetty with Rick Stein, Stokehouse Restaurant setting sail on the Kimberley
Quest II luxury cruiser and a didgeridoo cave experience with bush barbeque dinner hosted by local Wadandi man, Josh Whiteland. Returning popular favourites include the iconic Audi Gourmet Beach BBQs, Sundown Soirée at Fraser Gallop and Feast in the Forest at the Leeuwin Estate Safari Club.
But the most buzzworthy event goes to The Godfather Dinner at Vasse Felix. White will host a dinner with his alumni Jock Zonfrillo ( Orana, and Street ADL, Adelaide), Richard Turner ( Hawksmoor, London), Spencer Patrick ( Harrison’s, Port Douglas) with canapés by Aaron Carr ( Vasse Felix). These great chefs will recreate signature dishes that the then young chefs had to produce under Michelin- starred pressure from the kitchens of White’s eponymous restaurants.
What are you waiting for? Make your travel arrangements to Margaret River now.
This article is brought to you by Tourism Western Australia. For gourmet offers, go to www.gourmetescape.com.au/malaysia.