Things Are Happening – 26 November 2021

I am thrilled that my daughter arrived from Singapore last night (to be followed in about 10 days by her husband and kids). Therefore this newsletter will hopefully be short and sweet as we have lots to do and catch up. My renovation is limping to a close but sadly not quite there yet. sometimes things seem overwhelming.

However, I have enjoyed going out and catching up with friends, trying out Phil Wood and Lis Davies’ new restaurant Ursula’s, on the site once famous as Darcy’s. I went to an interesting champagne education dinner run by the Australia Champagne Bureau which was principally for WSET students and had great fun at a good old-fashioned nosy dinner party – the type we had before Covid. Thank you all.

See below for my hosted tour to South Australia. I’m thrilled that mentioning this last week this drew an instant response from some of you who have travelled with me previously. It should be a fun trip.

Please stay in the loop on  Facebook and Instagram or email me with any requests or comments. sorry for my brevity this week.

Join me on this tour for exclusive access to people, produce and places for a bespoke behind the scenes foodie trip which will be like no other. Together, over 6 glorious days, we will go behind the scenes and discover the real stories behind the people, the produce and the places that makes Adelaide and the Barossa Valley especially one of Australia’s most loved destinations.

Having a depth of experience on the culinary scene, I have called on friends old and new to help create a one-of-a-kind trip showcasing food, wine and cultural experiences that will not only give you a unique insight into top artisan producers in South Australia but also explore the traditions, histories and passions that make each experience special.

There are too many experiences to list here and they are all highlights for me. Regular readers will remember my writing a thesis on Teas and Wines Explored as a Match for Chinese Cuisine for which I received a distinction from the University of Reims and I am excited that on our first night we will have dinner at Bai Long Store, where the manager Jerry is a tea expert. So we will have three different teas tasted over three pours (with different brewing times) as well as wine. At the D’Arenberg Cube, 4th generation winemaker Chester Osborn will take us on a tour, in the Barossa you will meet Maggie Beer and David Franz (son of my friends Margaret and Peter Lehmann) will explain the tradition of Barossa smallgoods which he also makes along with his terrific wines. There will be food and cheese, wine and gin tastings and not at a hectic pace. I promise you’ll have time to breathe. You’ll love this trip for the exclusive experiences and inspiring personalities you’ll meet along the way as well as having fun.

I have worked with Insight Vacations on this to ensure that every detail is covered, confident that we will all be safe and secure. However, this tour is not going on general release through their website, rather it is only being promoted first here to my loyal subscribers and then to my personal database. I will follow up with social media and publicity but this is your chance to get in first. It will therefore be a very special group of like-minded people, no more than 22 (plus Insight travel host and me). Cost is $4,4495 twin share ($925 single supplement)  with lots of meals included as they are specially planned.

If you would like to join me in March 2022 on a close to home journey to explore behind the scenes in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley, follow this link for the brochure, email customgroups@insightvacations.com.au or PH 1300 780 283.