Good Food, Wine & Blue Cheese

It’s nearly that time of the year where we say hello to another Good Food & Wine Show. Little over a month to go now. The cheese masterclass tickets are booked, and the Matt Moran celebrity session chosen. We have 31 days to mould our possum bellies into iron guts. Because – there will be a lot of food to devour, and wine to get smashed on. 2010 will be my third visit to the show.

In 2008, a wet dream was made a reality. I met my then favourite chef, Gordon Ramsay at the Sydney Convention Centre, before he went all feral on Tracey Grimshaw a year later. He demonstrated how to prepare a Butter Bean soup with Chorizo and Thyme – a simple, hearty dish that really satisfies, especially during the cold season. I’ve tweaked his recipe, adding cherry tomatoes and sliced bacon, and oh it’s so good to have with a massive slice of sourdough bread. The Sydney Good Food & Wine Show was brilliant. One highlight was the Lindt Chocolate Tasting. Not to be confused with the Lindt Chocolate Masterclass, the 10-15 minute session was held in a dimly lit tent. All participants were required to wear blindfolds, and sit down in allocated spots at a bar table. The host would give out different pieces of chocolate throughout the session, and it was up to us to describe the taste, and mouth feel of each. About 6 pieces of chocolate were tasted, beginning with an Excellence Madagascar 66% Cacao, and ending with the Excellence 99% Cacao.

In 2009, my posse and I saw Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris at the Perth Good Food & Wine Show. Funny blokes with a fab sense of humour. They were great as a comedy duo. However, we were a little disappointed with the “lightness” of the demonstration – little cooking, and lots of talk. The only recipe I could remember was their lovely lavender donut recipe. Kids in the audience went ballistic on their sugar coated balls. After the show, we lunched at the Show restaurant. Situated in one corner of the venue, the celebrity chef kitchens each prepared an entree, main, and dessert. We purchased two to three dishes at each kitchen with dining currency (obtained at the restaurant entrance). We then shared, tasted, and critiqued. It was the best way to experience a large selection of the foods.

The food and wine stalls offered free tastings all day. Last year, our breakfast comprised a glass of rum, a Nando’s chicken drumstick, beef jerky, and to finish off, a glass of Capel Vale wine. Better than cereal and a boiled egg!

Approaching the LG Celebrity Theatre

Sence Nectar stall

Luv-a-Duck food stall

Appleton Estate rum

The highlight of our day was a Cheese Matters Masterclass ($30.00), presented by Naomi Crisante. During the 45 minute class, we learned about a rather generous variety of cheeses, from cheddar through to parmesan, and all the way up to gorgeous blue. We analysed and discussed each and every type of cheese, with the aid of a cheese wheel guide. Wines were poured and pair matched to the cheeses. Oh it was bliss! At the conclusion of the class, each person was presented with a cheese book (worth about $25.00), and an opportunity for Naomi to sign them as well. The 45 minute cheese sesh equalled dinner. We wondered how they made any money from the class.

Our Cheese Matters masterclass table

Karina Carvalho from ABC1 News at our table. Oh, and the food.

Definitely looking forward to the Good Food & Wine Show in Perth. I’m hoping the Lindt chocolate appreciation, and Sunbeam cupcake, and coffee classes are held in the near future, as they certainly will add a bit more depth to the show. So here’s hoping.

Good Food & Wine Show
Dates: Friday 2 – Sunday 4 July
Address: Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
Web: www.goodfoodshow.com.au

Celebrity Chefs: Manu Feildel, Matt Moran, Tobie Puttock & Matt Skinner, Gary Mehigan & George Calombaris

Related posts:

1. Perth Good Food & Wine Show 2010