Oh my gosh has the year flown, I remember being pregnant with junior burger and tasting my way through the Great Southern in 2014 like it was yesterday.
When we were in Albany last year, I said to burger boy as we were checking out the The Old Marron Farm, that I’d like to take junior burger here on a family holiday when she’s out and about. So we did consider braving the drive and heading to Taste Great Southern this year but thought junior burger would appreciate the trip more when she’s a little older so it’s pencilled in for next year.
The Taste Great Southern festival runs until the 29 March so if you’re up for a short break down south, now’s the time to go!
Here’s my Top 5 Taste Great Southern 2015 Picks
#1 Three Anchors Mexican Fiesta
Last year burger boy and I literally rolled out of Three Anchors. Despite being a pub, it didn’t taste like pub grub at all – the food was out of this world. If Three Anchors was based in Perth, you’d find me there all the time.
On Saturday 28 March Three Anchors will be hosting a long table Mexican fusion feast using Great Southern produce for $90 per person. To book give the guys a call on 9841 1600 or email [email protected].
#2 From the seas of the Great Southern lunch with chef Peter Manifis
At Taste Great Southern Festival’s launch last month, In Contro’s Peter Manifis cooked up these scallops which my good friend and fellow food blogger Chomp Chomp would refer to as velvet, plump and juicy. It was honestly one of the best scallops I’ve ever eaten, so much so that I’m heading to In Contro tomorrow for more!
Peter Manifis will be putting on a seafood feast at the picturesque Lake House in Denmark from 12 – 4pm on Sunday 22 March. To book just call 9848 2444.
#3 Dessert Bar at Boston Brewery
On World Macaron Day this Saturday 21 March, Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Fieury will be putting on a tapas style dessert bar at Boston Brewery. All desserts will feature Great Southern gourmet produce including honey, fruits, chocolate and ice cream. Head brewer Tyson will also launch his coffee and chocolate stout at this event. It’s $35 per person and bookings are via 9848 1555.
burger boy and I headed to Boston Brewery for an early dinner last year, we loved the outdoor space and the pub grub was good too.
#4 Sustainable Seafood Fiesta at Due South
Taste Great Southern will wrap up with a fiesta at Due South from 11am – 5pm Sunday 29 March. Entry is free and in a market-like setting you’ll find oysters shucked to order, grilled King George Whiting straight off the hotplate and mussels cooked every way. There will also be cooking demonstrations and plenty of fine Great Southern wine on offer.
#5 Food Heritage Xavier Poupel & Sophie Zalokar at Gourmandise
I had coffee with Sophie Zalokar when I was in Albany last year and was inspired by her passion for the Great Southern (read my interview with her here). Sophie has since taken her passion to the next level through the launch of her latest cookbook Food of the Southern Forests which features stories of the local producers alongside each of her recipes.
If you happen to be in Albany this Wednesday 18 March 2:30 – 4pm, be sure to head to Gourmandise & Co for a taste of Sophie Zalokar’s new cookbook recipes. There will also be a selection of Xavier’s specialities that reference food heritage. Tickets are $30 each, to book call 0409 816 489.
To find out more about these Taste Great Southern events, check out their website.
Taste the great southern without travelling out of Perth…
There’s even an event for those of you who can’t make it down to the Great Southern this month! On Friday 27 March, you’ll be able to taste the best of the great southern at Taste Budds in Highgate. Chef Dan Sharp, Taste Budds’ Sophie Budd and 3Drops’ Joanne Bradbury are putting on an intimate dinner from 7 – 11pm for $120pp. Book online at www.tastebudds.com.au/events
Other Taste Great Southern posts on foodie cravings
If you are down south or heading there this week, be sure to check out my posts from last year for other things to do while you’re there…
• Taste Great Southern preview – oh what a beautiful state we live in
• Three Anchors Feast by Chef Amy Hamilton
• The Old Marron Farm – first taste great southern stop
• The story behind Oranj Tractor – a small organic winery
