An essential book for Christmas stockings – Farmgate SA

Chances are, if you are a regular reader of my varied ramblings, then you are fairly keen on eating local products, supporting local producers and finding out more about where your food comes from.  So, if that is a given and you live in South Australia or plan on visiting soon, obviously you really need Farmgate SA, the book I am about to introduce to you.  In fact, once read, this book should be slipped into your car glove box or door space so that you will never, ever forget it when embarking on a pleasant weekend drive through any of South Australia’s ideally accessible regional food producing areas.

A comprehensive  directory to regional producers who sell at the farm gate and to all of the local farmers markets, Farmgate SA will become the South Australian locavore’s foodie bible.  This little gem (it will fit in your handbag) contains all the information you will need to come home from a Sunday drive or a weekend away with the esky bursting at the seams with fresh produce, dairy, seafoods or whatever else your destination might specialise in.  Each region has its own section and is prefaced by a very handy map showing the locations of foodie spots of interest.  There are listings  for information centres, pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, kid diversions, peak seasons for visiting and accommodation options as well as detailed particulars for each farm gate producer.  The authors have done all of your homework for you, including phone numbers, opening hours and even GPS coordinates.

The result of a year-long collaboration between friends and foodbirds Dianne Mattsson, food writer at Adelaide’s Advertiser newspaper and Chris Stephan, well-known local food stylist, Farmgate SA is a tribute to the unsung heroes of South Australian food – the producers.   It is dotted with brief introductions to some of the local characters that Chris and Di met, recipes that they shared, favourite local specialities that caught their eyes and which ended up in their baskets and the local highlights and festivals of each region.  If any of my posts on producers like  Savannah Lamb, Pangkarra Pasta, Kolophon Capers, Harris Seafoods, Udder Delights (to name just a few) have tantalised you, then grab a copy of Farmgate SA and go and visit them!   Available in local news agents and here and at only $14.95 there’s no excuse not to have copy of this wonderful resource in every foodie car in South Australia.

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