Friday Arvo at the Warehouse

Five freshly pressed varieties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil ready for tasting.

One of the great pleasures of this job is the many opportunities it gives us to taste, learn about and discuss great food and wine. This afternoon was a cracker and yet another reason to be pleased I never did end up as a lawyer!


For lunch today we tasted through a new range of Cuca products selected for us by MoVida. Cuca is a Spanish company that preserves seafood. In Australia we often think of tinned seafood as being of inferior quality, however in Spain preserved seafood is highly prized. The Cuca range are perfect for a quick and traditional tapas.

I am happy to say that both the Pulpo (octopus, Galician style with praprika, EVO and sea salt) and the Ventresca (premium belly tuna) passed our taste test with flying colours. We accompanied them with some Whitestone Farm House cheese, local organic olives and piquillo peppers.

After lunch Luke Fitzpatrick, CEO of Clovely Estate, visited to assist us with the blending of our 2011 Extra Virgin Olive Oils. This years crop from the South Burnett has been very, very good! We have been blessed with both large quantities and exceptional quality.

Luke Fitzpatrick talking us through the new oils.

Luke brought along the remnants of yesterdays Chardonnay Day to wash the oil down (and because I insisted he bring booze). They finished off the evening in fine style.

The everything but chardonnay set are missing out. Idiots!!

Noosa Food and Wine Festival 2011

This year we were very proud to feature Pristine Oysters, the reigning Vogue Producer of the Year at the 2011 Noosa Food and Wine festival.

If you have not tried these oysters yet they are probably as good as oysters can ever get.  Here is a list of restaurants in South East Queensland where you can try these exquisite gems.

Another producer of ours at Noosa was Susan and Peter from Olivfresh.  Olivfresh produces certified organic olives on a property backing onto Wivenhoe Dam.

Glen from Ricky's put together a very tasty bruschetta of Vannella stracciatella, Noosa tomatoes, white anchovies and our locally produced freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil.  This was the very oil that Glen helped us press only a few weeks ago.

Medusa Opening Party

Medusa recently opened to rave reviews.  It was a privilege to attend and see the boys start their journey.  Many thanks to Minh and his team.  Thanks also to Damon who shucked our perfect Pristine Oysters for the crowd and his lovely girlfriend Andi who took the photos.


Medusa Dining PH: 07 3161 1858

Damon shucking Pristine Oysters.

Tapas at Riverbend

Consulting chef Helen Torrington who along with head chef Hadley did a fantastic job.

I was recently asked to join the team at Riverbend for a Tapas and Spanish literature evening.
It was a most enjoyable night with some fantastic food and wine. If you have not tried Riverbend's new menu I can highly recommend it.


www.riverbendbooks.com.au

Cuca Mussels served traditionally in the tin.

Gildas of Ajoblanco (pickled garlic), Concervas Emilia Anchovy,  Cornichons.

A selection of Spanish specialties available on the night.

Vios Ristorante @ Ice Works

I have just had a sneak peak at Vio's Ristorante.  The restaurant occupies a space in the Ice Works building, facing Given Terrace.  Vio has very successfully opened the space to the street and given it a very welcoming feel.

The menu is produce driven Italian with an emphasis on traditional preparations.  It reads very well. Vio has a passion for quality and has spent a lot of time selecting his ingredients.  Expect to see Quattro Stelle Smallgoods, Pasta Fina, Vannella burrata and buffalo mozzarella and plenty of good local extra virgin olive oil.


By all reports the kitchen will be up and running within the next week or two.  I for one am looking forward to trying it.


Vio's Ristorante
PH: 3367 1886
157 Given Terrace
Paddington, Queensland.

Spanish Tapas on the Deck @ Riverbend Books

This Thursday I am teaming up with the Suzy Wilson of Riverbend Books and Emmanuel Sakellarakis from Addley Clark Fine Wines for a night of Spanish Tapas on the deck.

Experience the finest flavours of Spain including Jamon Iberico de Bellota, salt cod, grilled sardines, preserved tuna, chorizo & many more tasty tapas.

Tickets are $75 per person. Ticket price includes a copy of Movida Rustica (RRP $59) and selection of tapas.

Drinks, including Spanish beer and wine, can be purchased from the bar.

Riverbend Books  is a wonderful independent book store just up the road from our warehouse on Oxford St and Addley Clark is a local wine merchant with an excellent selection of Spanish and Italian wine.  It will be fun to team up with these local businesses for an evening of food wine and discussion of the what, where and how of beautiful food and wine. 


In the true Spanish tradition this Tapas evening will be a more informal, standing event.


Tickets can be booked online from Riverbend Books.