Spring 2020 is here, and for us at The West Australian Good Food Guide the warmer weather means an exciting new season of events, cooking schools and features from our new editorial team. I’m thrilled to oversee the program following the success of our winter Truffles Unearthed series, and to continue a run of events designed to support and celebrate hospitality after months of shutdowns and restrictions.
For us, getting out and sharing good food and drink is what the WAGFG is all about. So to launch a program of this scope, with those principles firmly at the core, fits within the spirit of everything we love to celebrate.
For our Spring ABCs dining series, we’re bringing together the state’s most celebrated chefs with one simple idea: pick a letter, and build a menu around it using seasonal WA produce. It’s a testament to our chefs’ creativity, and to the good work of our producers, that there’s such range within each menu. We’re also thrilled to be in such esteemed company, made even more exciting with opening and closing events from our two most recent Chefs of the Year, Jed Gerrard and Melissa Palinkas.
Gerrard, who kicks things off at Hearth on 16 September, has themed his menu around the letter “B”, using coal to coax delicate flavours out of blue swimmer crab, beetroot, Rose Mallee wagyu beef and new-season blueberries. Palinkas, meanwhile, has built a late-spring menu around the letter “L” designed to see off the season in typical Young George style. Catch hers on 14 November. In between, we have a range of dining experiences lined up with some of the state’s finest chefs and restaurants, all celebrating the best of the season, be it from the earth, sea, paddock or dairy. In every case, expect the wine and drinks offer to be equally exceptional. See the full schedule here.
In addition to our dining series, we’re proud to be running a series of Cooking Schools at European Concepts with a roster of top local chefs. Classes range from cheesemaking and vegan cooking through to mastering seasonal produce and wagyu. Tickets are set to sell fast, so don’t miss a beat. In the weeks that come, we’ll also be announcing a program of free cooking demonstrations at Winning Appliances, and an event at the European Concepts wine cellar with leading WA sommeliers.
Lastly, I’m delighted to spearhead a seasonal content series with our new team of contributors: Max Brearley, our contributing editor, will be touring the regions of WA, bringing producer stories and profiles straight from the farm gate; Mike Bennie, our drinks director, will be developing a guide to spring drinking; Matty Hirsch, our new bars editor, will be delving into the non-alcoholic drinks trend just in time for picnic season; while Pat Nourse and Besha Rodell will be bringing their own insight and experience to the party.
It’s a full program, and one I can’t wait to get into. Let’s go,
David Matthews
Editor, WAGFG
The WAGFG Spring ABCs Series is produced in association with presenting partner Audi Centre Perth and 94.5FM, and associated partners Harvest Road, Winning Appliances, European Foods and European Concepts.