Latest gourmet food news, views and reviews for Brisbane and beyond.
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Ossie was a bad, bad boy
Horrendous weather conditions caused by Cyclone Oswald will have an immediate impact on Queensland farmers with knock on effects probable for consumers says Fresh Food Economist and CEO of the SOCexchange.com.au, Franco Lagudi.
"Eroded farmland and stranded trucks are just the beginning of the issues that farmers and retailers are facing," Franco says.
“Damage in the Bundaberg area is not to be underestimated. Stock that is sourced out of Queensland, especially from mid-April to late May is expected to be in short supply. We can expect capsicums; beans and early tomatoes from the Bundaberg region to be in very limited supply which in-turn will force the price up. Retailers will definitely feel the struggle to fill shelves with good quality produce from the region during the mid to late autumn period.”
While the extent of the damage cannot be assessed for another few days, Queensland farmers are likely to have lost all planted crops, nutritious land and valuable fertilizer, forcing them to start their processes from scratch. The cost to primary producers will have a serious effect as the time and labour involved in the redevelopment will take its toll.
Franco continued, “Retailers will now be relying on South Australia for capsicums and Victoria for beans. Supply from these regions should sustain demand in the immediate future. However, it is further down the track that is unpredictable.”
Burritos at Portside
Opening its doors at Portside Wharf this month, The Burrito Bar will bring a taste of Mexico along with a tequilla bar, all inspired by the street stalls of San Francisco. Find it opposite the Dendy Cinemas.
Get your gumbo going
Like southern cooking, jazz music, brightly painted houses and wonderful aromas? Get yourself along to Alison Taafe's Creole & Cajun cooking class at Kitchenware Plus Loganholme on Saturday 23 February.Alison will have all your senses ringing with recipes for Gumbo, Jambalaya, Blackened Fish and more.
Price: $89.95. More...
Looking for young culinary guns
The 2013 Electrolux Appetite for Excellence applications open today to search Australia for emerging talent within the hospitality industry,
Theses national awards for young hospitality professionals have earned support from Australia’s culinary heavyweights with the panel of judges, supporters and mentors including Andrew McConnell (Cutler&Co; Cumulus Inc.; Golden Fields, Builders Arms Hotel), Christine Manfield (Universal), Mark Best (Marque), Peter Gilmore (Quay) and Luke Mangan (co-founder).
Electrolux Appetite for Excellence changes the lives of talented young professionals through inspirational experiences in a supportive environment. Drawing on the wealth of experience and skills of the judges, the program fosters and challenges future industry leaders through unique education and career opportunities. Its mission is to inspire, educate and nurture this emerging talent. More..
New chef at Peasant and Cabiria
Chef Jonathan Bryant has returned to boutique at The Barrack’s favourites Peasant and Cabiria.
With an impressive background in the industry over the past 15 years, Jonathan has worked in some of Brisbane’s best dining establishments including Anise, Cha Cha Char, The Dining Room, The Mark Hotel, Ciao Baby, New Farm Bistro and Montrachet.
Expect to see European inspired cuisine from Cabiria’s new menu, with dishes such as Duck Liver Pate, Pedro Ximenez and Pepper Jelly; Pissaladière with White Anchovy, Sicilian Olives, Onion Confit; and Quail and Chicken Mousse Ballantine with Smoked Eggplant.