This week – chef shuttle, LA food tips, great cooking workshop offer for Ed+bK followers, chocolate and sex, martini month, Barossa cooking class, taste of Verona, Italy and swine dining in Spain.
Chef shuttle
Well known Brisbane Chef Trent Robson has been appointed Executive Chef for Moo Moo Brisbane. I last saw Trent whipping up great things in the kitchen of Gallery One at Carindale but his experience includes iconic Brisbane restaurants such as Pier Nine, 1889 Enoteca and Belle Epoque. Joining Trent in the Brisbane kitchen is Sous Chef Jason Curtis who recently arrived from England a myriad of kitchen experience in London restaurants.
Moo Moo Broadbeach welcomes Executive Chef Anthony O’Shea who has been working for Moo Moo Brisbane for the past two years as Sous Chef and more recently acting Executive Chef.
Pony Executive Chef Damian Heads is moving on to new challenges says Pony Group Director George Kyprianou. It's an amicable split and Damian says “It’s been a great journey and I leave behind a terrific brigade in each kitchen and a very professional executive group running the enterprise.” Neil Nolan will now look after both Sydney Pony restaurants, while Brisbane Head Chef Matthew Astier will continue to run the Pony Eagle Street kitchen.
Heading for LA?
Here’s some food tips from travel expert Craig Gibbons, Director - Australia & NZ, AVIAREPS Oceania
Australia Pacific, to help you make the most of your visit. I had a chat to Craig at IMM, the International Media Marketplace held by TravMedia in Brisbane on Friday. Find out more about LA at www.discoverlosangeles.com
Sugar and Spice with Christine Manfield - Special offer for Ed+bK followers
Join highly acclaimed Australian chef and author, Christine Manfield, for a hands-on cooking class and learn how to make a mouth-watering menu of
* Palm Sugar Fish and Green Papaya Salad
* Sweet and Sour Chicken
* Roasted Kingfish, Spiced Beetroot and Coconut Tamarind Sambal
* Coconut Cream, Star Anise Glazed Pineapple
Christine has pursued a career running successful restaurants but also travelling the world seeking an insight into spice, flavours and the art of cooking. She is widely regarded as a brilliant teacher and mentor and will be sharing with you her extensive knowledge and passion. Premium wines and beer are served with the meal.
The class starts at 5.30 on June 15. The normal price is $265, but Ed+bK readers can reserve a space at a reduced price of $165. To book call Katrina on 3666 0884 and mention Eat,drink+beKerry.
Sexy chocolate
Chocolatier and sexpert, Claire Preen, has compiled a recipe book featuring over 60 sexy chocolate recipes to spice up your kitchen. With recipes you can share with friends (Chocolate Shortcake with Mascarpone), lovers (Edible Chocolate Big O Lubricant) or even on your own (Chocolate Bath), 50 Shades Of Chocolate has everything chocolate-lovers need for a sexier life, no matter what their relationship status is! The book includes easy-to-make recipes for beauty treatments, snacks and sexual enhancers, all using the finest quality chocolate. I'm keen on the recipes Cocoa & Chilli Pork Chops and Pear and Stilton Salad with Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar. All jokes aside, there are some delicious recipes in the book. Find it in newsagents RRP $14.95 www.50shadesofchocolate.com.au
Martini month
Rum and Vanilla Espresso Martini anyone? May is Martini Month at The Waterloo Hotel! Taking the lead as the signature cocktail within the hallowed, art deco designed walls of this grand heritage hotel, the Rum and Vanilla Espresso Martini is a perfect winter warmer! The Waterloo wants to uncover Brisbane’s martini secrets in May and have put the call out for martini recipes old and new. Martini Mad Brisbanites are encouraged to post their Martini recipes on The Waterloo Hotel’s facebook page – all recipe contributions will be warmly welcomed, trialled and rewarded with some Waterloo Hotel love!
Cnr Ann Street and Commercial Road, Fortitude Valley 4006
Love and wine in Verona
Let the Fasoli family guide you through a magical journey through their wines located in romantic Verona, Italy. You will also enjoy the amazing taste of the Di Bella coffee blends accompanied by the fabulous pastry and savoury treats offered by Gerbino’s Pasticceria.Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Australia (Queensland)
When: May 20, 2013 Where: Di Bella Coffee Roasting Warehouse 82, Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills Time: 6.pm for 6.15 start Cost: $40 members/ $50 non-members Bookings info@icci.com.au
Food luddite
Barossa-based foodie and former Appellation executive chef Mark McNamara is passing on his culinary secrets through his new venture – the Cooking School Without Walls. Class venues change with the seasons and are held in a range of unusual settings, from shiny commercial kitchens and winery out buildings to rural barns and manor house kitchens. Common to all classes, though, is a hands-on approach to cooking using traditional techniques and age-old skills that put flavour first every time. The cooking school is part of Mark’s Food Luddite program – a series of one-off culinary events at farms, gardens and wineries.
Swine dining
Vegetarians beware - the advanced course at top Andalucian gastro-villa Cortijo El Carligto, is not for the faint of heart. It includes a full butchering course that begins with a whole Iberian pig and ends with all of the various cuts, along with chorizo and sausages, prepared and delivered to the table in numerous dishes throughout a week-long stay.
Guests receive hands on kitchen instruction as well as guided cultural and culinary outings. The four night “light” version of the package skips the butchering but still includes educational sessions on the many cuts and how to prepare some of Spain’s most popular pork dishes.
Both new packages begin with tastings of the famous acorn fed “pata negra” cured ham and a consultation with a local sommelier to present the finest Spanish wines with a lesson on pairings to match the pork dishes planned throughout the week. There are visits to the covered food markets of Malaga, bodega tours for wine tasting and further familiarisation with the rising stars of Spanish cuisine. Find out more at info@carligto.com
Kerry Heaney