Winter is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean the hospitality industry in WA is going into hibernation.
From culinary collaborations to unique one-off experiences, the colder months will host a feast of events for every taste.
state makers
June 16-26
Camera IconState Makers welcomes star chef David Thompson. Credit: Included
One of Perth’s top hospitality areas, the State Buildings in the CBD, will host this unique celebration of food, wine, and art next month.
First organized in 2016, this year’s program includes free and ticketed events, with some very big names appearing.
Among them is star chef David Thompson, the man behind Long Chim, who will create a shared Thai feast over two nights (24 & 25 June) with a mix of classic and never-before-seen dishes.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome David Thompson’s ardent presence back to Long Chim for the first time in three years,” said Byron Wright, general manager of State Buildings.
“This is an experience not to be missed.”
Elsewhere, former Australian Foreign Secretary Julie Bishop will be the special guest at an in-conversation afternoon tea at the luxury rooftop restaurant Wildflower on June 26, and bar greats James Connolly, Dean Buchanan, and Eoin Kenny, pictured on our cover, will team up to bestow some of their most epic creations in Long Chim on June 24.
“Having all three of us behind the legendary Long Chim bar will be an exceptional evening for WA hospitality, with nearly 50 years of combined experience from all over the world behind the bar for just one night – this is an event you should not be missed,” said Kenny, Long Chim’s bar manager and State Buildings beverage manager.
Other highlights include East End Gallery by Night – a chance to explore some of Perth’s most intriguing gallery spaces – A caffeinated coffee-themed cocktail extravaganza, and a one-off journey through the world of craft beer with Howards Cearns and Rocky, co-founder of Little Creatures. Hamish Coates of Ridge Brewing Co.
Wright says State Makers is a unique event celebrating world-class culinary experiences in the heart of Perth’s CBD.
“The State Buildings invites you to discover the innovative and influential talents in our building and our great state who are transforming and shaping the bright future of Western Australia’s culinary and cultural landscape today. We welcome you to Perth Point Zero, the beating heart of the city and culturally curious playground for inspiring world-class experiences, here in our diverse and dynamic homegrown state.”
See statebuildings.com.
Manjimup Truffle and Wine Festival
June 24-26
Although the famous Truffle Kerfuffle will be canceled in 2022, truffle lovers can still indulge in this new three-day event.
It promises to showcase the best local producers and winemakers with a range of truffle-themed experiences, from tours and tasting dinners to masterclasses and truffle dog hunts.
TV chefs Alistair McLeod and Laura Sharrad will be appearing at the festival, which will take place in various locations across the shire, including Truffle Hill Wines, Hidden River Estate, Ampersand Estates, Tall Timbers Manjimup, Pemberley of Pemberton and Stonebarn Estate.
Truffle Hill Wine Director Stuart Hutchinson says the event was designed to celebrate the annual truffle season in the absence of Truffle Kerfuffle, which has been running since 2001.
“There are over 60 local truffles, and they account for 95 percent of Australian production, so it’s important that we continue to emphasize the range,” he says.
“Demand for high-quality food and beverage products is on the rise, with many consumers now seeking specialty products and experiences – and the Shire of Manjimup has those in abundance.”
Debbie Oliver of Lady Truffle Fine Foods from Queensland, heading to WA for the festival, says all Western Australians should be proud of the local truffle industry.
“It’s a shame the Truffle Kerfuffle has been canceled, and hopefully it will be back next year – but we felt the community and businesses should not miss out on celebrating all things truffle related in Australia’s truffle capital,” she says.
“Fungi are arguably one of the most fascinating and mysterious foods in the world. Combine the elements of Mother Nature, a devoted puppy as your workmate, and the addictive smell and taste of the unique truffle, and you may begin to understand its allure.”
See manjimuptruffleandwinefestival.com.au.
cabin fever
July 16-25
Camera IconCabin Fever 2021 Credit: Included
If you need another excuse for a road trip through the Southwest, this epic winter festival is it.
From Fondue by the Fire to a Night of Noir to a Cheese Toastie Battle, the event – first held in 2017 – caters to all tastes with a program designed to celebrate the famed region during what is traditionally the off-season. It is for operators who have already been hit hard by the pandemic.
Other highlights include the drag queen wine tasting at Bungalow Neighborhood Social in Dunsborough, Beerfarm’s popular Blazing Brews, and a Chinese street food event at Chef Mal Chow’s Chow’s Table restaurant in Yallingup.
“Cabin Fever has grown year on year, and it’s so wonderful to support a festival that not only showcases talented Southwestern hospitality businesses but also brings visitors to the area during a traditionally quiet time of the year, as well as our local people to break up with their doona and join the action,” Chow says.
“We are entering our fourth year working with Cabin Fever, and this year we are to add two events to the lineup. This year, we will be hosting a Chinese’ Street Eats’ event at Chow’s Table. We will also be collaborating with our friend Ben Jacob at his restaurant Lagoon, where he will offer an Asian-inspired experience as a tribute to Ben’s Burmese and my Sino-Malaysian heritage. †
See cabinfeverfest.com.au.
Good food and wine show
July 22-24
Miguel Maestre and Brendan Pang are among the big names to star at the annual Good Food & Wine Show when it returns to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Center after a brief pandemic-induced hiatus.
This year’s program includes live cooking demonstrations cheese masterclasses – with themes such as Cheese and Cocktails or Cheese, Chocolate and Sparkling – wine tastings, and more.
See goodfoodshow.com.au.
Perth Gin & Food Festival
August 26-28
This weekend, gin fest brings together more than 50 local and interstate distillers for a feast of tastings, dining events, and entertainment.
Now in its second year, the festival kicks off on August 25 with a sophisticated six-course tasting dinner paired with various gins from The West Winds Gin and Natural Distilling Co.
The event takes place in Claremont Showground’s Robinson Pavilion with several day and evening sessions to choose from (although some have already sold out) and also features a masterclass of WA’s Sin Gin, food trucks, and over 300 gins available to enjoy. Taste.
See ginevents.com.au.
WA on a plate
Some of WA’s best eateries join forces for Plating Up WA, the annual Buy West Eat Best initiative designed to entice West Aussies to get tough, ditch the takeaway, and support the local hospitality industry by setting the table. Book at one of the more than 30 participating locations throughout June.
From fine dining to cafes to food trucks, each venue offers a heroic dish that showcases WA’s amazing local produce – from Linley Valley pork shoulder vindaloo with turmeric potatoes and roast pork skin at Sauma in Northbridge to roasted scallops from Shark Bay and fried buttermilk Akoya oysters at Taylor St Quarters in the Goldfields.
