Well, fortunately, except for the first night the rain has not been too bad at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. I am, as always loving my time out there, talking all things food, wine and agriculture, seeing the many exhibits, meeting so many enthusiastic members of the public and watching my lifelong favourite, the Woodchop.
I couldn’t say anything before hand because of confidentiality but I had long known that I would have the opportunity to meet with Princess Anne at the Show to tell her all about our Wine, Dairy and Fine Food competitions. As a farmer herself, she was down-to-earth, friendly and extremely well informed about agriculture and food production and it was a pleasure to meet her. She wished that her homeland could grow olives like we do for our olive oil competition and also cautioned that sometimes so-called economies of scale were used as an excuse to dumb down quality. An extremely gracious person.
I was also lucky enough to win a ballot to be able to ride in the Grand Parade, for the first time ever, just prior to the official opening of the Show. I have been on Council since 1996 and was thrilled to be able to do this with a few other Councilors, members and staff with my sister and husband and the rest of Council waving enthusiastically from the stands. Unforgettable and the rain held off. Princess Anne opened the show with a relevant speech and then at the opening dinner, I was fortunate to sit at the same table as her husband, Vice Admiral (retired) Sir Tim Laurence. He was also delightful company. What a day!
There is still lots to please at the Show until we close on the evening of Tuesday 19 April so come out and say hello? Talk and Tastehas been a resounding success and I am back there again on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. It is on every day from 10am to 4pm with half hour presentations on the hour, participation is free but come early or put your name down earlier in the day. At the Producer’s Table you can learn from some of Australia’s finest food producers at delicious entertaining and interactive sessions hosted by“Fast Ed” Halmagyi or me Find out everything there is to know about the Sydney Royal Fine Food, Dairy and Wine competition judging process, pick up a tip or two from award-winning food and beverage producers, and sample some of the best produce from the food and wine competitions. Each session runs for 30 minutes and the products on offer vary from session to session.
Then, there is also Bee-zeebo & Honey Land Stand where you can taste and buy honey (in the Flower & Garden Pavilion) and the ever popular Sydney Royal Dog Shows
The whole show, with lots of extra attractions in acknowledgement of our 200th year is on until the evening of 19 April.Pre-booking essential here.This is great as it means numbers are spread out over the 12 days and there are no really, really busy days.
You can keep up with it all onFacebookandInstagramor email me with any requests or comments.
Lyndey
L: In the Grand Parade in the main arena and R: after presenting the Woodchop ribbons
Now read on or scroll down, remember there’s something for everyone in this newsletter wherever you are in the world.
Many people turn to seafood for Easter. This is a really simple recipe for Seafood Pie which I originally created as a recipe for people to use who wanted to support Cure Cancer by hosting a virtual dinner during Covid lockdown. It uses marinara mix and some smoked fish for a really lovely flavour. Also ifyou use corn flour in this recipe, rather than plain flour, and use mash for the top of the pie, it is gluten-free.Here is the link for the written recipe.
I have published a lovely feature, my Feast for Greek Easter on the Happy-Ali website. There’s Calamari marinated in lemon, Grilled haloumi with mint and lemon, Chilli and capsicum dip, Flathead in vine leaves with skordalia, BBQ lamb shoulder, lemony Braised potatoes, Cos lettuce and dill salad and Shortbread crescent6s or Kourambiedes with Greek coffee. So hop on over and have a look at those.
South Australian Tour CONFIRMED Tuesday 16 – Sunday 21 August
With my friend Maggie Beer in our Flame Studio Sydney. You will meet her on the tour
I am thrilled that we have been able to rearrange this trip. The dates are locked in, as is Maggie and just about all of our planned bespoke visits. We are just tweaking a little to ensure we can offer the very best experience.
The information on the website will be updated once reconfirmed. PH 1800 001 778 or email directadmin@insightvacations.com.au
Morocco Tour 23 Sept – 4 Oct 2022
Colourful tagines for sale in the medinas in Morocco
This trip will see us travel from Rabat the capital, to spiritual Meknes and Fes, and to Marrakech the red city. On the way you will explore the archaeological site of Volubilis, visit a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains, and relax by the coast in tranquil Essaouira. You’ll discover the delicacies of Moroccan and French food, dine in local eateries through to upmarket restaurants, and experience the making and flavours of Moroccan dishes during cooking classes. Luxury accommodation is in charming, authentic riads, sometimes in exclusivity. Only 10 – 12 guests.
Details of the adventure include:
Meals as per itinerary: breakfast daily, 9 lunches, 11 dinners with ½ bottle of wine per person at dinner or sometimes lunch
Transportation throughout in luxury air-conditioned vehicles with professional experienced English-speaking driver, including related expenses and allowing for physical distancing
English-speaking escort
English-speaking local licensed guides in Rabat, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech and Essaouira with all entrance fees included to the sites visited with the guides
Atlas excursion including mules and the specialist trek guide
3 cooking classes
You can enjoy this experience from AUD $9600 per person twin share (flights from Australia not included). Cost for single travelers is AUD$10,700.
By Prior Arrangement is highly experienced and well-known in Morocco as Principal, Carol Prior lived there for 13 years and has been arranging tours there for over 30. I have confidence in working with them to bring this very special tour into being. Talk to them about the trip, or feel free to email me with any queries. I am excited!
Read Where to Eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Rabat.
Puglia in the boot of the heel of Italy is still relatively unspoiled. A secret Italians tend to keep to themselves, it is a wonderful place to visit and so much less crowded than Tuscany. Join me and share an unforgettable week of culinary and cultural exploration. Think hands-on bread, cheese making and cooking class; visits to wineries, olive farm, tours of UNESCO sites Alberobello & Matera & other cultural centres with local guides. All sensational meals and wines included. You only need money for the very inexpensive shopping you will find there.
Group size: an intimate 8-16 places only
Lodging in authentic, family-run noble estates and palaces
Operated by: Local Puglia specialist Southern Visions Travel: the leading experiential travel company in Southern Italy
Full brochurehere
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