F.O.O.D Week - The Producers Lunch

Prompted, once again, by the arrival of the latest Country Style Magazine, I am reminiscing about my time spent in Orange earlier this year.

The Country Style's Producers Lunch at F.O.O.D Week, has been on my 'to do' list for a while. It was the only event that my cousin and I had pre-booked. In fact, this lunch was the reason for my trip.

I couldn't have dreamed of a better way to spend a rainy Thursday.

The perfect setting, the perfect weather, the perfect food! Oh my - the food!

Complimentary sparkling and cups of warming, roasted, tomato soup greeted us on arrival. Figs picked from a nearby farm (the night before) were served with fresh mint and drizzled with this amazing caramelised verjus. It is true, that we ate a little too much of the Trunkey Creek pork belly with zucchini relish. We wondered:  

"Would we have any room left for our lunch?".

We chatted to the producers and did some more tasting, before moving in to the beautifully decorated hall. Lunch was amazing - that venison - WOW! Lunch was simple and light and fresh and very, very local.

"Seconds anyone?" 

"Yes please!"

We enjoyed the wonderful company of wonderful strangers, and I loved listening to the producers talk. What an amazing community and how passionate they all are. I certainly have renewed respect for all small producers and farmers everywhere.

At the lunch, my cousin bought me Sophie's lovely book. Each night, I would snuggle up in bed, when the rest of the house was asleep and read. I enjoyed reading more about the farmers I had either met, or heard speak at the Producers Lunch. I felt such a sense of community on this visit. Not only because of the Producers Lunch, but on hearing of how my cousin and her family, are settling into this close knit community of farmers and country folk. Even though I am from a small country town myself, my life was never lived on the land. I am in awe!

I cannot end this post before mentioning dessert.

THE BEST PLUM CROSTATA EVER!

Sadly, there were no seconds offered for this! Maybe they will serve that again next year... Because, yes, there will be a next year!