Fino Food and Wine

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Field Visit to Bangalow Ducks

Yesterday we were pleased to host our first field visit of the year to Bangalow Ducks. Bangalow Ducks is owned and operated by AJ Scott and has recently moved to a larger farm in Kyogle. This visit gave us an opportunity to inspect the new facilities and learn more about his pasture raised Pekin ducks.

At Fino we strongly believe in the benefits of learning more about our food production. Terms like 'organic' and 'sustainable' are so widely used but are no substitute for actually investigating yourself.

If you are a client of ours and are interested in coming along on one of our next field visits please don't hesitate to let us know info@finofoodandwine.com.au.

Ducklings.

The ducklings are grown in sheds until they are large enough to survive out doors.

The guys helping to transfer the ducks to the pasture.

Damon - Cha Cha Char, Rhett - Jelly Fish, Wallace - Pescatore.

Peter - Alchemy

The ducks are released onto beautiful fresh pasture.

As a rain shower came in from the mountains, the ducks all turned to face it. They love water.

Locheilan Triple Cream Brie, Pastilla Nash, Brew Bakers Bread and a few Coopers.

Duck breast grilled over the fire.

We just had time for a quick fish in the creek.

Peter with a decent sized Bass.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Our visit to Pangkarra

Last weekend we were lucky enough to visit the Maitland's family farm in the Upper Clare Valley, South Australia. The Maitland's produce the wonderful "Pangkarra" pasta from their own wheat. Their passion for the farm, the environment and clean, sustainable and delicious produce is inspiring.

Jim and Sam Maitland.

"Our family have been primary producers since 1866. We felt there was an opportunity to value add our farm produce. More and more, people are concerned about what they eat and where their food has come from, and they want to eat well". Jim Maitland, fifth generation farmer.

Pangkarra is 100% natural wholegrain pasta, which has a long list of associated health benefits, and a grainy, nutty, delicious taste.

On farm, chemical free storage.

I could not resist getting my photo taken in front of this awesome bit of kit.

State of the art, zero tillage machinery allows for precise sowing of the fields with huge environmental benefits.

Jim explains the equipment.

State of the art spraying equipment precisely calculates the absolute minimum amount spay to be applied and ensures it is used only where needed.

http://www.pangkarrafoods.com.au/where-to-buy

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The Straddie Oyster Festival

The Straddie Oyster festival was held on Saturday 10 December. We were delighted to sponsor the event in a small way and help facilitate the visit of Shin from Sake. It was a great day and a credit to these dedicated local food producers.

Greg Nankervis and family from Dialba Oysters.

Graham Dalton of Queensland's Ambar Hill Wines with Shin and friends.

Greg taking part in the oyster shucking competition. He won again this year.

Shin did a couple of excellent traditional Japanese preparations with the oysters.

Ambar Hill provided the perfect local drop to go with the local oysters.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Artisan du Chocolat - London

My favourite chocolate shop and home of the famous chocolate salted caramel balls. These little gems are possibly the most delicious chocolates in the whole world. They suit my savoury palate very well.

The good news is that if you are in Brisbane you can find them at Monty's Chocolates in Paddington

ph:(07) 3369 3135

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The River Cafe

http://www.rivercafe.co.uk/rc_page.php

We were somewhat disappointed with the River Cafe, but it may have been as a result of a slightly off day and very high expectations on our part. It is such an iconic and important restaurant and was worth the pilgrimage non the less.