Eat & Drink
Food for thought - A ROUND-UP OF ALL THE FOODIE NEWS IN THE REGION. BY GABI MILLS.
BEST in SHOW Margaret River Farmers’ Markets scoops the top honours in delicious. Magazine's Produce national awards. By DIANNE BORTOLETTO.
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oing the region proud every week but never more so than at the 2018 delicious. Magazine's Produce Awards for winning most Outstanding Farmers’ Market in Australia is Katrina Lombardo. Kat, as many locals call her, is contracted by the not-for-profit Margaret River Regional Producers Association to organise the Farmers’ Markets that take place every Saturday morning at the Margaret River Education Campus on the Bussell Highway, just south of the township. As many visitors to the region have discovered, this weekly treasure trove of local produce and artisan suppliers is a highlight of any time spent in the area, so for the market to win on such a prestigious national stage is a big coup for the south west of WA. An elated Kat says it was an absolute thrill to be trophy winner at one of the country’s most respected food industry awards. “It’s a bit surreal to be honest. WA is so far away from east coast so it’s lovely to be
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GONE FISHIN' acknowledged,” Kat says. “It’s about celebrating farmers and all their hard work and celebrating their beautiful seasonable produce. The Farmers’ Markets gives them a place to sell their produce and connects them with the community,” Kat says. “It’s wonderful to be part of such a beautiful community that values fresh, seasonal, affordable food. “The Margaret River Farmers’ Market shines because of this – it’s a really authentic story that doesn’t waiver too much from what its all about. It’s a fresh food market and that’s something we’ve consciously kept true to,” she says. The Farmers’ Market has a set of strict rules for stallholders including the fact that they must make or grow themselves anything on sale. “It’s also a positive way to educate people about seasonality, low food miles and sustainable agriculture – I think we still have a way to go to understand what that’s really about, but we’re getting there.” The Margaret River producer of Arkady Lamb, Tom Hayward from the Farm House, was named as finalist in the ‘From the Paddock’ category. “It would be great to see more Margaret River producers apply and be represented in the delicious. Produce Awards because what we produce in this region really is wonderful,” Kat says. Visit the award-winning Margaret River Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am til noon.
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ver wanted to discover the best local fishing spots and learn a little more about the region's culture? Why not join a private tour and customised experience with Cape Cultural Tours? Book a native food experience and you'll be treated to an unforgettable gourmet BBQ lunch or sunset dinner, with native foods tastings. You'll find out what's in season and hear food stories in a private outdoor venue, overlooking Cape Naturaliste. Offering unique cultural insight into the region and its traditional people, the friendly team at Cape Cultural Tours can arrange a bespoke tour, just for you. From 'catch and cook' fishing tours and coastal foraging to bushfood-inspired food events, just get in touch to arrange one of the most memorable and authentic tours you'll experience in the Margaret River region. Alternatively,if you're staying in Dunsborough, the Koomal Dreaming tours allows visitors to experience Wadandi and Bibbulam country through the eyes of the traditional owners. To find out more about customised tours, visit capeculturaltours.com.au/private-tours