IGA's Taste Great Southern is back for another year of showcasing the very best of South West Australian produce. Ranging from Albany, Denmark and Mt Barker to Porongorup, Katanning and Ongerip, an amazing spread of culinary events are spread out over eleven days and two weekends - giving any foodie the perfect opportunity to come down, explore the region and enjoy its beauties, all while devouring the freshest, top quality selection of food and wine.
The recent launch of Taste Great Southern 2019 at Must Wine Bar offered a glimpse into the festivities, as head chef and owner Russel Blaikie dished up fabulous rounds of finger-licking canapes that left everybody eager for more!
Must Wine Bar was an incredibly fitting venue for the launch. They did the fantastic Albany-sourced produce (purchased from the Saturday Albany farmers' market only a few days prior!) justice and Russel Blaikie also mentions the influence of cooking at Taste Great Southern back in the early 2000's on his approach to food.
"I was blown away by the produce and the amazing wines. I had the opportunity to enjoy the amazing region; the bays and beaches, the fishing... but let's be honest here, the biggest impact comes from the incredible producers and their drive," said Blaikie. "In Australia, you have to love your local."
The Plantagenet pork sausage topped with sweet fig and relish was the winner for me that night. The fragrant sausage with it's favourable meaty texture went fantastically with the sweet fig and relish. I could eat a plateful of these, and will definitely be making a stop at Plantagenet Meats on my way down to Albany!
Oysters are always a crowd favourite, and while we're all familiar with Coffin Bay and Sydney rock oysters, the shellfish hailing from our very own in Albany is definitely one to look out for. These plump little beauties were perfectly balanced in every way: creamy, fresh, and just the right amount of ocean-saltiness.
Smoky, luxuriously oily and silky Albany sardine balanced by an incredble, creamy romesco sauce, featured on crispy, warm Bredco toast. Enough said.
The full program for IGA's Taste Great Southern 2019 can be found at www.tastegreatsouthern.com.au/events. Accommodation ideas and tips on how to get there can also be found on the website, along with a heap of information on how to best explore the whole region!
Also check out foodie cravings' Taste Great Southern posts from previous years and other posts that might spice up your trip down south:
Taste Great Southern 2017 review
Taste Great Southern 2016 review
Where to find good coffee in Albany
Visit the Old Marron Farm
Three Anchors restaurant review
Head chef Amy Hamilton has since moved on to the unbelievably good Liberté which is another highly recommended stop on your way down.
Who is Sophie Zalokar?
Read all about the culinary queen behind the Foragers Field Kitchen and Cooking School in Albany where you have the opportunity to learn how to forage and cook the fruits of your labour.
Taste Great Southern 2019 begins on Wednesday 3rd April and ends on Sunday 14th April 2019.
