Well, I’ve leapt into spring and the festival season wholeheartedly in the last week and I’ve been loving every minute of it! After my fantastic evening at the Chefs of the Murray dinner I spent the next couple of days schmoozing around the Riverland, catching up on what is turning into a great foodie destination and I will be sharing a little more of my experiences in the next few weeks. A quick drive down the road saw me back in town with my ears pinned back ( where on earth did that saying come from?!) and ready to make the most of one of my favourite foods and something we do very well in South Australia – CheeseFest 2011.
I’m not sure if I saw you all there, but I certainly could have as a record crowd took advantage of the glorious spring weather, the abundance of great cheese, wine and South Australian food and the well- situated venue in the green and shady Rymill Park in the city. If you were there you will know that the talented local cheese makers gave us some of their very best produce over the two days of the event, with Alexandrina Cheese Company, Udder Delights, Barossa Valley Cheese Company and Woodside Cheesewrights among the local producers flying the local, artisanal cheese flag. And if cheese wasn’t enough (bite your tongue!), there were live cooking demonstrations in the Miele Kitchen featuring some notable locals like Simon Bryant and Paul Wood, live music on the main stage, kids entertainment and some fabulous food and drink.
Gorgeous day, gorgeous wine & gorgeous food – no wonder they’re smiling!
A personal favourite of mine – La Casa Del Formaggio‘s soft and delicate baby bocconcini in a pesto marinade and their delicious pecorino.
The Hills Cider Company makes apple and pear cider using 100% local Adelaide Hills produce. Their pear cider – perry – was so refreshing and the perfect partner to a nice creamy blue cheese.
I wasn’t quite quick enough with the camera to catch this delicious grilled haloumi on a stick before it was attacked. By me, actually.
Grace the Establishment‘s justifiably renowned Wagyu beef cheeseburger was consumed with a fine dark ale from local brewers, Vale Ale.
Paul Wood from 12 Tables – whose desserts were amazing – struts his culinary stuff in the Miele kitchen.
If you weren’t there, then I’m sorry you missed a great day out and the chance to try some of our local cheese. I guess you’ll have to make do with these photo’s until next year!
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That halloumi looks so meltingly amazing! 😮
How delicious does that hallumi look? I would risk my InTolerances for one of those! Another great event to showcase your lovely local producers 🙂
I think for my hips it’s better that I live vicariously in this instance !!
I wish spring would finally show her face in our part of the world – we have been having such cold days again. 🙁 No worries, seems today the sun is shining.
What another fantastic day out Amanda – I really should try and get more adventurous with my cheese consumption – just so long as I don’t have to have any blue cheese, I should be okay. 😉
Have a great day.
🙂 Mandy
Hi Amanda,
I really enjoy loooking at your FB links and comments and your blog is just brilliant. To be honest as much as I would like to sit around and check out foodie things all day…I have to go to work and earn a crust. I find your writings to be very sincere, full of passion and love of food and the sharing of food and wine.
For the last 20 years I have had the best job in the universe..getting paid as a food and wine photographer with NewsLtd (Adelaide Advertiser, and national mastheads) and since i left there 2 years ago it gets even better now I shoot a lot of stuff for the Adelaide Hills Magazine. I love food so I do appreciate people who surround us who share this passion and love of things we grow, cook and share with our love ones and friends. Thanks again for your nice words, pix and ramblings. Grant
Bec & Lorraine – the haloumi was excellent and is a favourite of mine.
Kate – I’m sure that you need to keep up your calcium levels & this is a great way to do it.
Mandy – I’m with you on the blue cheese. It’s never really won me over – but I’ll keep trying!
Grant – I do apologise if my ramblings through the food news each day is a little distracting, but I’m very pleased that you enjoy them. It is extremely kind of you to say such nice things about my writing, thanks so much.
A whole event devoted to cheese – perfect! I want to steal the haloumi on a stick -it looks fabulous.
i love cheese fests. All the mustard, beer and bread…..Sigh, not likely to attend a Nigerian cheese festival anytime soon. Lucky you!
I love cheese! I’d go crazy at this cheese fest and stuff myself with all things CHEESE! 🙂