Ingredients: start with a mass of idyllic natural settings, add several cellars of award-winning wine, a tonne of prime local produce, two buckets of high-profile chefs, a cup of unique events and a pinch of relaxation. Stir gently until it reaches perfect harmony. The result … 2012’s inaugural Margaret River Gourmet Escape. The only thing missing was the hangover cure.
Located three hours south-west of Perth, Margaret River is already well known for its beautiful beaches, spectacular tall-tree forests, cave systems, surfing, excellent wines and fresh produce. Last year it added a world-class culinary extravaganza, which cemented the region as a must-see destination for foodies.
The Gourmet Escape gained enormous international recognition as, one by one, the high-profile chefs who had been invited to the event gushed about the local produce, unique experiences and relaxed atmosphere.
One highlight was the pop-up Gourmet Beach Barbecue feast held under enormous teepees. So too the Icon Dinner, which was held at Voyager Estate. Among the other events were: a Long Lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate; The Chefs’ Table, where guests got the chance to ask questions of key chefs; the Chefs’ Theatre; Wine Theatre; Kids’ Cooking Class; Test Kitchen; and wine tours.
The Gourmet Village, set in the beautiful grounds of Leeuwin Estate, was the heart of the action, with demonstrations, interactive cooking classes, panel discussions, celebrity chefs, pop-up restaurants, and 100 premium exhibitors.
That was year one. This year’s event, in November, promises to be even bigger.
“We were delighted with the inaugural launch last year and can’t wait to develop an even bigger and more exciting program,” says event organiser Naomi Wilson. “We want to build on this and become the leading food and wine event in the Asia Pacific.”
With such a successful beginning and more than 25 international, Australian and local food and wine celebrities already on board for this year, I’ve no doubt this will be achieved. Already confirmed are Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein, Alex Atala, Sat Bains, Neil Perry and Adriano Zumbo.
Blumenthal is already excited. “The Gourmet Escape is going to be quite unlike any other; you will be able to mix with winemakers, cheesemakers, chefs, producers; all kinds of people who are passionate about food and cooking,” Blumenthal says.
Last year the tickets sold out quickly and, due to the overwhelming demand, the organisers have added some new events. I’ve blocked off November 22-24 and have my eye on the degustations, long lunches and exclusive dinners.
My Tips
1 Grab a ticket from Ticketek. They start from $38 for a general-entry day pass, with separate tickets required for the other events.
2 Think about using the event pick-up buses operating from Bunbury, Busselton, Yallingup, Dunsborough and Margaret River.
3 Extend your stay so you don’t have to jump on a plane straight away. This has two benefits: you can explore the region a bit more, and you won’t have to fly while still suffering the effects of the Escape’s bounty.
Tickets to foodies paradise are selling fast (Margaret River Gourmet Escape) www.gourmetescape.com.au. Skywest operates flights from Perth to Busselton (about 45 minutes’ drive from Margaret River). International flights operate to Perth Airport.
EAT HERE
Morries Anytime
2/149 Bussell Highway, Margaret River
(08) 9758 8280
www.morries.com.au
Owner, and Cleo 2013 Bachelor of the Year entrant Alex Brooks moved to Margaret River to surf, but he now operates a café by day and a sultry restaurant/bar at night. To support this dual personality, the menu offers tapas (e.g. rabbit croquettes), full meals and an extensive list of award-winning local wines.
Settlers Tavern
114 Bussell Highway, Margaret River
(08) 9757 2398
www.settlerstavern.com
If you need a break from gourmet, revisit the basics at Settlers Tavern, a local institution since 1977. It’s easy to see why it scored a WA Good Food Guide mention in 2012-13 for Top Five Pub Food. The menu is massive and the wine list is equally huge; just as well the chauffeur bus is on call.
STAY HERE
Margarets Forest
Holiday Apartments
96 Bussell Highway (08) 9758 7188
www.margaretsforest.com.au
These four-star self-catered apartments are the first stop on the way into town and convenient to cafés and shops. The complex has 30 rooms, each with kitchen, twin spa, barbecue and car park. Perfect if you plan to spend most of your time at the Escape.
Darby Park Serviced Residences
Corner of Bussell Highway and
Tunbridge Street (08) 9757 2033
www.darbypark.com.au
My one-bedroom apartment included a four-seater lounge area, dining table, desk, fully equipped kitchen, laundry, spa, another large TV in the bedroom, reverse-cycle air-conditioning and a balcony. A very relaxing home-away-from-home.
WIN
Travel publisher Lonely Planet has five copies of its landmark new coffee-table book Beautiful World to give away. Released this month in celebration of Lonely Planet’s 40th anniversary, Beautiful World is a lush and thought-provoking pictorial portrait of the most magnificent places on Earth. For your chance to win, go to www.theweeklyreview.com.au/competitions and enter your details before midnight on October 6.
