Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Doing Lunch! in Melbourne


Following a hugely successful Sydney show, Lunch! lands in Melbourne on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. 

Lunch! is a trade show, attracting a record number of buyers from the retail, foodservice and hospitality industries including: restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, hotels, delis and supermarkets, caterers and government.  It is also a unique opportunity for smaller, boutique producers to have a taste of a mainstream trade show in the Lyndey Milan Producers’ Showcase precinct within the show. 

In Melbourne, my area will feature:

Apthorpe Farm: delicious array of relishes from a fruit and vegetable farm in Hampton, Queensland.
Bondi Chai: sold around the world, this mix-with-milk premium blend is creamy and smooth and is low fat, low caffeine, gluten-free and contains no trans-fats or other artificial nasties.
Dovedale Bread: gluten free, wheat-free and dairy-free range of rice, fruit, rye, corn and grain breads from Wodonga, Victoria.
Hank's Jam: premium jam, chutney and condiments from this 20 year industry veteran, ‘just like Grandma used to make’.
Wymah Organic Olives: range of certified organic olive products includes table olives, tapenades, extra virgin olive oil and infused oils.

Come along, visit my producers and check in on these other interesting attractions:
  • Working Lunch! Theatre – panels featuring industry hardhitters discussing food trends, food merchandising and the business of food franchising.
  • Lunch! Table – with competitions such as Smoothie and Juice and Australian Sandwichship titles and a number of different senimars on one of my favourite liquids, coffee.
  • Menu Inspiration Academy – practical sessions with pricing and projected profit.
I look forward to seeing you at Lunch! in Melbourne.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Is it time to do Lunch!?


Seeking an event that exposes you to hundreds of buyers from small boutique cafes to major supermarkets? An event that lets you meet buyers face to face and develop long lasting relationships? Then Lunch! is for you. After a hugely successful inaugural show in 2012, Lunch! is back and will be in Sydney on 24 & 25 June.

Lunch! is targeted to Australia’s growing $20 billion food-to-go market. The show provides an opportunity for exhibitors to meet buyers from the retail, foodservice and hospitality industries including: restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, hotels, delis and supermarkets, caterers and government.
The Lyndey Milan Producers’ Showcase precinct will feature a number of outstanding Australian boutique producers. If you are looking for a show to exhibit your products, then it’s not too late. Click here for more details. Specialist producers already booked include:

Hank’s Jam
ABOUT: Hank’s jam is one of the leading companies in the jam market. Having started 20 years ago in Hanks own kitchen it has blossomed into an expanding jam business that is sold both in Australia and internationally. Hank’s Jam has all the texture and flavour of jams like Grandma used to make. However, they focus on attention to detail; source the best available ingredients, offer outstanding service and create unique and interesting products.

PRODUCTS: (sizes range from 285g-600g)
Hank’s Jam offers a range of jams, chutneys and condiments. The company is constantly coming up with new products that will excite the market, such as their new chilli jam and onion marmalade.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website; Facebook
Pure Pie

ABOUT: Pure Pie were a big hit at the recent Noosa International Food and Wine Festival.  They handmake artisan pies packed with flavour and innovative ingredients. The company places an emphasis on using fresh local produce and the best quality cuts of 100% Australian meat. As a result the pies are wholesome, fresh and individual to each customer.
PRODUCTS: (sizes range from individual 300g pies to 1000g family pies)
Pure Pie offers innovative flavors in their pie selection. Ranging from free range chicken, white wine, mushroom and tarragon to free range butter chicken. Designed to suit any taste bud.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website Facebook

The Other Chef Fine Foods
ABOUT: Family owned and award winning company, The Other Chef Fine Foods, offers a range of jams, relishes, sauces, oils and vinegar that are full of flavour. In each product they use as much locally grown products as possible and steer clear from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. With their products you have your own chef in the kitchen!

PRODUCTS: They have an extensive selection of products ranging from jams to olive oil. With the majority of the Other Chef Fine Foods products having won a fine food medal, you can’t go wrong.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Website Facebook Twitter

Nicholson Fine Foods
ABOUT: Nicholson Fine Foods is a multi award-winning family company which tailors its products to suit the needs of both the home cook and professional chef. Each product is designed to simplify the cooking experience and enhance the flavor of every dish.

PRODUCTS: Nicholson Fine Foods has a unique product offering, in that they offer everything from sauces and vinegars to the ready-made bio burger and chocolate mousse. My personal favourite is their Euro Style Spiced Beetroot Finishing Vinegar
SOCIAL MEDIA: Website

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Doing Lunch!, food-to-go


Lyndey Milan with Eliana Dona from Atticus & Max at 2012 Lunch!
 
Lunch! is the must-go-to show for producers keen to connect with the food to go market and after a hugely successful inaugural show in 2012, Lunch! is back!  This time, in Sydney [24 & 25 June] as well as Melbourne [12 & 13 August].
 
Modelled on the United Kingdom’s Lunch!, the show attracts a significant number of buyers from the retail, foodservice and hospitality industries including: restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, hotels, delis and supermarkets, caterers and government.
 
At both shows the Lyndey Milan Producers’ Showcase precinct will feature a number of outstanding Australian boutique producers – a great opoprtunity for them to ‘bite into’ Australia’s growing $20 billion food-to-go market.  Pardon the pun.
 
At the show there will also be a number of other attractions:
 
  • Working Lunch! Theatre – panels featuring industry hardhitters discussing food trends, food merchandising and the business of food franchising.
  • Lunch! Table – with competitions such as Smoothie and Juice and australian Sandwichship titles and a number of different senimars on one of my favourite liquids, coffee.
  • Menu Inspiration Academy – practical sessions with pricing and projected profit.
My stand, Lyndey Milan Producers’ Showcase, will also be a great attraction!  If you produce a premium Australian product and want to put your product, face and brand in front of over 3,600 professionals, contact me or my colleague Ann Kidd. The cost to be involved and package offered are below.

What does it cost and what is included?
  • An exhibitor fee of only $1200 +gst per show covers both days and includes:
  • 4m² (2m x 2m) shell scheme stand (see attached pdf) that includes:
  • 2m x 380mm deep fascia name board;
  • 2 x 150watt spotlights on a continuous track – NEW IN 2013;
  • Charcoal carpet tiled flooring
  • 2 x wall shelves – either flat or slated – NEW IN 2013
  • Counter and stool
  • Pre-show public relations and marketing support
  • Listing in printed show map
  • Listing on exclusive Lyndey Milan Producers’ Showcase web page with your product details, description and contacts
  • Complimentary invitation tickets
I look forward to seeing you at Lunch!

Monday, May 27, 2013

Sydney Seafood School: a South American cooking adventure


Sydney Seafood School provides participants with the opportunity to learn new skills, taste different flavours and most of all have a bit of fun. I’ve been teaching at Sydney Seafood School for almost 20 years. Started to demystify seafood cooking for customers of Sydney Fishmarket, it is now a popular venue with all manner of guest chefs, food writers, celebrities and seafood demonstrators giving classes. I love face-to-face teaching. It keeps you real and the Seafood School is perfectly set up for this with a demonstration auditorium, spacious hands-on kitchen and dining room for clients to eat the fruits of their labour. I only teach three hour food and wine matching workshops, usually focussing on a different cuisine.

South American seafood
Each time I teach these classes I develop new recipes and work with different ingredients, especially different types of seafood, different cuts, whole fish and fillets and different techniques. Coming up on the 5th of June I have a completely new class South American seafood and wine matching workshop. South American food is so NOW,  brightly coloured, a blend of culinary techniques and until recently relatively neglected.  So I set about researching and worked on developing some different recipes with authentic flavours but with a little of my trademark simplicity.

Things to consider when developing recipes
A priority is always seasonality, both in terms of seafood and other fresh produce. This makes sense from a flavour and financial point of view.  Then  I always consider using different cooking techniques, to facilitate using a range of skills and showing the variety of methods used in a particular cuisine.  Finally I like to use a mix of different types of seafood, using the opportunity to show something whole before cleaning and preparing it for cooking. With these recipes I tried to incorporate authentic South American flavours, remembering that sharing food is a very social event: about celebrating, enjoying food with friends and family. So the recipes must be fun, achievable and taste great. These is what I finally chose:

Ceviche
Ceviche is typical of the area and was a must.  The fish is marinated in lime juice, which changes the protein to 'cook' it until it becomes opaque and softens. While keeping to the traditional method of making ceviche, I wanted to make it pretty to serve and so added some salad ingredients. The combination of the cucumber, radishes and red onion give it crunch in contrast to the soft fish. 

Churrasco prawns with aji sauce
This dish is often served with a Chimichurri sauce, but when I preferred to make the less well-known Peruvian Aji sauce. This is a sweet onion and jalapeno combination, a sweet and spicy combination which brings the prawns to life.

Moqueca with mussels and clams (pictured above)
Moqueca is a Brazilian coconut stew, usually made with white fish. However, I decided to use shellfish as well, all of it only taking 2-3 minutes.

Tuna empanadas
Empanadas tend to made of meat, but because I love them I wanted to do a seafood version. I chose tuna for flavour but I found my first attempt a bit dry, especially when coupled with puff pastry. I tweaked the recipe, increasing the roma tomatoes and adding some cream cheese (surprisingly quite authentic) giving it a richer finish. I also used shortcrust pastry.  Left-over Aje sauce went well too.If you are feeling inspired by these ideas, why not come down and join me at Sydney Seafood School on 5th June 2013. It will be a bit of fun.

Click here for more information.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Attention travel and holiday lovers!

Are you looking for something fun to do this Sunday?  Do you love holidays and travel?  And the flavours of European cuisines?

The free Holiday & Travel Show is on again this weekend at the Hordern Pavilion, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney from 10am to 4:30pm.

I’ll be there on Sunday on the Flavours of the World Cuisine Stage talking about my two critically acclaimed television series: Lyndey & Blair's Taste of Greece and Lyndey Milan's Taste of Ireland (currently screening on 7TWO on Sundays at 12noon).  As well as discussing my travel in these two beautiful countries, I’ll be cooking a couple of my favourite recipes.  Presentation times are:  

11:30am - 12:15pm
Tales and tastes from the historic heart of Greece served with a side of much-loved tzatziki and a nibble of grilled haloumi and flat bread

1:00pm -1:45pm
More than potatoes ... my stories of Ireland's abundant produce, charming characters and majestic scenes.  I'll be cooking Irish classic treat, drop scones with berry compote

After both sessions I’ll be signing copies of my latest cookbooks which will be for sale at special prices:

Lyndey & Blair’s Taste of Greece – book to accompany the series
RRP $50 Special price $40

Lyndey & Blair’s Taste of Greece 7-episode DVD
RRP $30 Special price $25

Just Add Spice
RRP $50 Special price $40

Lyndey Milan The Best Collection
RRP $50 Special price $40

Balance Matching Food and Wine. What Works and Why.
RRP $35 Special price $30

Entry to the show and my sessions are free!

Hope to see you there

Monday, August 13, 2012

Unconventional Evening Award

Last November I had great fun MC ing the “Unconventional Evening” held at the Sydney Convention Centre. This fantastic event highlighted the Centre’s innovation and creativity.

Great news last week to learn that this spectacular event has been recognised internationally  with the highly prestigious International Special Events Society (ISES)  Esprit Award. The award, announced in Dallas in the United States at the beginning of August, is an outstanding achievement.
The team took inspiration for the event from a painting from the Centre’s Australian art collection by renowned artist Tim Storrier titled, Point to Point (pictured). The centre’s team did a wonderful job in transforming the stunning Bayside Terrace, looking out over the glittering harbour, into an astounding interpretation of the artwork with a massive projection of Storrier’s artworks surrounded by hundreds of tiered candles.

The event succeeded in demonstrating the Centre’s passion for excellence and talents. A succession of amazing dishes, delivered by Executive Chef Uwe Habermehl, highlighted the finest of local produce and was, of course, accompanied by fine local wine from all over New South Wales. During the evening I interviewed various leaders in the food and wine industry including Bruce Tyrrell from Tyrrell’s wines and Sam Hayes of Mirrool Creek Lamb. Several renowned artists were in attendance including Colin Lanceley, Michael Johnson and of course, the inimitable Tim Storrier himself.

The award is well-deserved recognition of the Centre’s contribution to the industry through continuous world class delivery of events and service.

An excellent way to celebrate the Sydney Convention Centre’s 25th birthday in outstanding events for the year 2013!

See highlights of the evening here  and photos here.




Thursday, October 27, 2011

Regional food stars at 2011 Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show

For the fourth year I've been asked to host the Lyndey Milan Producers Market at the Brisbane /good Food & Wine Show.
I’ll also be chatting and interviewing these fabulous artisan and boutique producers at the Lyndey Milan Regional Producers’ Market:

From Willunga in South Australia, the Honey Lady’s honey is unheated, unfiltered, raw honey. The business is a triple bottom line business – financially, environmentally and socially viable. Her product range includes honey blended with spices and herbs.  She started her business from seven bee swarms that she caught one season. She harvested around 1500kg and with a 6 week old baby started to trade at the local farmers market and had only grown since then! The Honey Lady is at the Willunga Farmers Market every Saturday and at the Adelaide Showgrounds Market every Sunday.

Nutworks is 90 minutes north of Brisbane in Yandina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. They business started in the early 1990s in a small factory with six employees.  In 1997, due to rapid expansion, Nutworks built a new factory and tourist facility where they are today. At well as processing nuts, the tourist orientated site includes an information area, confectionary viewing area and gift shop for take home products at factory outlet prices.  The macadamias are sourced from most growing areas in Queensland. Nutworks export all over the world and locally, the range can be found at many major supermarkets and duty free outlets.

From Mullumbimby in New South Wales, Lentilicious produce a range of five dry lentil blends: coconut fusion, lime time, turmeric, red chilli and Mediterranean, all with herbs and spices added.  All are gluten-free.  They have a range of stockists Australia wide and they do markets at Byron, Bangalow and Yamba.

Byron Bay Chilli               
The chillis are grown and processed overlooking Byron Bay.  Byron Bay Chilli Company make a range of sauces, salsas and corn chips which are stocked in gourmet food stores as well as Coles and Woolworths supermarkets in Queensland and Northern New South Wales as well as many delis in the United States.  They sold a couple of barbecue style sauces branded with Jack Thompson’s name for Landcare Australia, one of Jack’s favourite causes.

Mix My Muesli                           
From Bundoora in Victoria, Mix My Muesli is Australia’s first custom mix muesli company.  They also sell a pre-mixed range that includes classic swiss, goji berry antioxidant, honey crunch, organic super grains, gluten-free and Craig Mottram’s Premium Fuel which is 43% fruit and nut.  Most ingredients are 100% natural, with no added sugar and are preservative-free.  The bases are wholegrains such as oats and barley, the nuts and seeds are all-natural as are the added ingredients.  These include dried fruits (apple, apricot, sultanas, raisins, prunes, figs, strawberries, coconut and cherries), nuts/seeds/grains (almonds, walnuts, linseed, chia and sesame seeds) and ‘naughty bits’ (chocolate and yoghurt coated nuts and seeds).

Silverwood Organics                                    
Silverwood Organics from Longreach in western Queensland sells and delivers organic meat packs.  Silverwood grows the dorper breed of sheep which naturally shed their wool and are also known for their excellent carcass and superior eating quality.  The free-range lamb is grown in natural Mitchell grass paddocks without chemicals or supplement feeding.  To avoid undue stress, the lamb is processed locally by an organically accredited processor.  Half or full packs with associated cuts are available online for home delivery.

Careme Pastry                                 
Located in the Barossa Valley, Careme Pastry is owned and operated by William and Claire Wood, who, coming from a restaurant background we were always disappointed with the quality of commercially available ready-made pastry. Careme only use natural ingredients, free of additives, preservatives and colours to produce their hand-crafted pastry products. Their product range includes ready to use pastry dough: all butter puff, sour cream shortcrust, vanilla bean sweet shortcrust and dark chocolate shortcrust as well as a range of tarts, pies, savoury galettes and sweet tarts and croissants and pastries. Stephanie Alexander commends it!

OlivFresh                                
Estate grown and produced, Olivfresh, on Lake Wivenhoe in South-East Queensland, sources its olives from their 700 tree certified organic olive estate. The olives are naturally fermented in rainwater and sea salt. The product range includes Ligurian style olives, Arbequina black olives, Olive and fig tapenade dip, Green olive and avocado tapenade dip, Sun dried black olives, Green olives and Party mix olives.

La Cour Patisserie                                
La Cour Patisserie is a Sydney based business that was established in 2010.  It sells a range of gourmet baking kits that taste ‘made from scratch’. The range includes cupcakes, brownies and biscuits.  All are preservative and artificial colouring free and made from the best ingredients. The kits are sold a range of gourmet food stores in New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT and South Australia.

Robins Foods                             
Located in Altona, Victoria Robins Foods and was formed by recognised pioneers of the native food industry, Ian and Juleigh Robins, in 1997. The range of products are branded Outback Spirit and the vision is to bring indigenous foods to the mainstream market locally and internationally while giving back to indigenous communities. The product range includes chutneys, preserves, dry marinades, seasoning salts, seasoning sprinklers, sauces, dressings, crushed garlic, herbs and rejuvenating water and are available from major and independent supermarkets nationally as well as Oxfam Fair Trade stores.

Gwydir Olives                             
Margi Kirkby and Jenni Birch started Gwydir Grove in 1996 with a second-hand olive press.  Soon after they started selling their oil in local shops in north west New South Wales.  Today they still grow, press, blend and market their products. Their Infused range includes bush berb, lemon myrtle, blood orange, lime, lemon, native mint & garlic and spicy chilli & fresh lime.  Their olive range includes kalamata olives, manzanillo olives and manzanillo olive pate. They also sell balsamic vinegar and olive oil soap (lavender, eucalyptus and fragrance-free).

Yumm Dressings                                          
Yumm Dressings from Sydney make dressings from natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colours or flavours. Each bottle is hand-made and many ingredients are sourced from local producers and markets. The product range includes Very Original (blend of olive and sesame oils, fresh garlic and honey), Poppy Splash (red wine and raspberry vinegars, Spanish onion and poppy seeds), Balsamic Drizzle, So Provincial (apple cider vinegar, honey and tarragon), Maple Zest (orange juice and maple syrup). They are available online and from various gourmet food stores and farmers’ markets. They really do taste home made.

The Peanut Van                                            
From Queensland’s peanut capital, Kingaroy, comes The Peanut Van, who recently celebrated their 40th birthday.  Their extensive range of products includes sugar coated, dry roasted, sweet & salty, hickory smoked, savoury tomato, salt & vinegar, garlic, chilli & lime and Mexican delight.  All peanuts are jumbo and freshness is guaranteed.  Theirs is always a popular stand at the show.

Details
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
10am-6pm  4&5 November
10am-5pm  6 November
Click here for more information

Friday, August 5, 2011

Come and see me at Sydney’s new cooking school, Quarter 21!

On Monday 29 August I’m cooking at Justin North’s new cooking school, Quarter Twenty One.
Justin recently relocated his 3 hat restaurant Becasse to Westfield in Pitt Street Mall and added a bakery, grocer, wine store and cooking school.

The school is kitted out with state of the art equipment, including ovens and cooktops by Fagor and the best appliances. Retaining a feeling of home, this relaxed environment is perfect for sharing knowledge and having fun.

I’ll be demonstrating six easy, yet impressive, recipes from Greek-style rabbit to my favourite spiced duck with pomegranate sauce and the extraordinary Chocolate almond fondant pudding. There will be wine too!

The three hour class starts at 6:30pm and is limited to 16. There a couple of spots left and I’d love to see you there. For more information or to book:

Visit http://www.quartertwentyone.com.au/
Email cookeryschool@quartertwentyone.com.au
Telephone 02 9283 3440

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Talking turkey

This week I MC’ed an event for Ingham’s Turkey. Four chefs, Miguel Maestre, Adrian Richardson, Damian Heads and Christine Manfield were selected to showcase different turkey cuts in unique and inspired ways.

I’ve always had a fondness for turkey; it is a regular on the table at my extended family Christmas lunch. But it is not just for Christmas, particularly considering the range of interesting cuts now available in the supermarket. Apparently it is also classed as a ‘superfood’ – ie high protein coupled with low fat. All I know is that it is packed with flavour and, if cooked properly, is lovely and tender. And never dry.

I’ve cooked a couple of turkey dishes recently. The other night I roasted a whole bird that I stuffed with quinoa, toasted nuts, onion, garlic, parsley and porcini. I covered the breast with muslin soaked in melted butter and cooked the bird on a rack over water, all encased in foil. The liquid then becomes the basis for a flavoursome sauce. On Kerri-Anne the other week I cooked Sticky turkey wings with wok tossed vegetables and hokkein noodles.

The chefs this week came up with quite a range of ideas for different cuts.

Miguel Maestre used the breast in his dish, Aussie Spiced Turkey Popcorn with Lemon Aioli: a tender and juicy morsel of Turkey Breast Steaks smothered in Australian herbs and spices including wattle seed, lemon myrtle and bush pepper, deep fried beside a dollop of lemon aioli

 Adrian Richardson used turkey Marylands in his Turkey & Sage sausage: a combination of breast and thigh, in three different grinds, sage, parsley and a dash of good scotch whiskey, paired with creamy potato skordalia and drizzled with sweet sherry glaze

Damian Heads used the centre of the turkey wing to create twice (but really thrice) cooked turkey wings, sweet soy and szechuan salt: the wings were marinated, steamed, deboned, pressed, steamed again, chilled and then deep fried, paired with a sweet soy sauce and a dash of Szechuan salt. Great technique and amazing flavour.

Christine Manfield created Turkey drumsticks slow braised in spiced coconut sauce: an authentic Asian curry including red curry paste, fresh ginger, lemongrass and palm sugar, this creamy spiced coconut curry brings warmth and comfort and very tender drumstick pieces

Christine has kindly shared her recipe:

Turkey drumsticks slow braised in spiced coconut sauce
Serves 4
2 brown onions, finely sliced
6 garlic clove, chopped
1 tbsp minced ginger
2 long red chillies, finely chopped
4 tbsp red curry paste
1 tbsp minced lemongrass
1 litre coconut cream
1200ml chicken stock
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp palm sugar
4 turkey drumsticks
1 kg way potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
fish sauce

Saute onion, garlic, ginger and chilli in oil till softened, about 5-6 mins.
Add curry paste, lemongrass and cook for 3 mins, then add coconut milk.
Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins.
Add stock, oyster sauce and palm sugar and bring back to boil.
Add turkey drumsticks and potato, reduce heat to gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour until meat and potatoes are tender.
Add fish sauce and taste – adjust if necessary.
Remove from heat and cool slightly. Remove drumsticks from sauce and remove meat from bones and cut into large chunks. Discard bones.
Return meat to sauce, add herbs and serve with steamed jasmine rice.

Christine serving her drumstick curry

Miguel, me, Damian and Adrian
Links
Miguel’s restaurant: Aperitif
Adrian’s restaurant: La Luna Bistro
Damian’s restaurants: Pony The Rocks, Pony Neutral Bay and Steel Bar & Grill
Christine’s restaurant: Universal

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

2011 President’s Medal – competition and night like no other

Last year’s President’s Medal was held at Four Seasons Sydney. This year the celebration of six champion producers from the Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy and Fine Food shows moves to Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park in the historic Badgery Pavilion. Executive Chef Tim Browne is amazingly talented and, with his team, more than up to the task. He has relished the opportunity to develop a special menu and show the wider community what he can do with award winning produce.

Since its inception in 2006, the President’s Medal has been recognised as the pinnacle of producer awards. Over 5000 products are submitted across three shows, Champions are named; the best of the best judged by industry experts, ‘palates’, producers themselves and educators. The Chairs and Committees of Sydney Royal Wine, Cheese & Dairy and Fine Food shows then nominate two Champions each to vie for the President’s Medal. An in-depth judging process ensues which includes site visits and a triple bottom line evaluation.

The judging process is aptly managed by Simon Marnie, ABC 702 presenter and Scott Davenport, Chief Economist, NSW Department of Primary Industries in collaboration with celebrated chef Mark Best of Marque Restaurant in Sydney’s Surry Hills and Tony De Thomasis, Senior Business Manager, Woolworths. Mark Best has also designed the dessert course.

Not only is there world class food, but outstanding wines in a night hosted by 702 ABC Presenter, James Valentine, with roving reporter “Fast Ed” Halmagyi from Better Homes and Gardens. See behind-the-scenes videos from the finalists and be there to learn the outcome!

The medal will be presented on Thursday 7 July at a celebration dinner. Click here for more information or to book tickets. The menu will feature produce from the six producers vying for this prestigious award.

Cobram Estate, for their Fresh & Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Country Valley, for their Organic Milk
Fonterra Australia – Spreyton, for their Duck River Premium Butter
Jelm Pastoral Company, for their Jelm MSA Lamb - Grass Fed 20 - 23kg
Phillip Shaw Wines, for their The Idiot by Philip Shaw 2009
The Yalumba Wine Company, for their Yalumba FSW8B Botrytis Viognier (2009)