General News

Indian Dinner with Deep.

Be at the By the Sea Cafe in Kiama to sample an Indian inspired feast featuring a 3 course meal with extra treats, celebrating Deep’s food and hospitality.

Deep has extensive cooking experience in India, and Dubai and in hotel chains like the Shangrila, he experiments with a variety of cuisines and flavours from across India and Asia creating a fusion of Indo Western food.

This will be Deep’s first Indian feast presented in Kiama.

Dinner will include chicken, lamb, vegetable and seafood dishes, with a traditional Indian dessert of saffron milk.
BYO drinks as the restaurant doesn’t have a license.

When:  Thursday 29 June, 6.30pm

Where:  By the Sea Cafe, 72 Terralong Street, Kiama

Cost:  Slow Food Members: $88, Non Members $98

To book:   https://www.trybooking.com/CIXOS

For any more information, please contact Celia Wade at info@slowfoodsaddleback.com.au

Let’s Learn about Chocolate!

Slow Food Saddleback is having another interesting event to introduce you to one of our special local businesses  – Tilda & Cacao, artisan chocolate makers based at the Old Schoolhouse in Gerringong.

Erik Lau and Sarah Cromwell will share the story of their chocolate business, its trials and excitements and why they are different from many other small producers.

We will have a delicious High Tea with their product included and get to mingle and watch a short demonstration from Sarah.

When:  Friday 26 May at 3.30 till 6pm

Where:  The Old Schoolhouse, corner of Belinda and Victoria Streets, Gerringong

Cost:  Slow Food Members – $40, non Slow Food Members – $50

To book:  https://www.trybooking.com/CIAGE

This will be a delicious afternoon with treats and a chance to meet another pair of young producers in our area.

Optional goodie bags will be available to take home for $10.

Good food, Good fun

Long term Slow Food members were pleased to welcome several of our newer members to the Preserve and Pickle Workshop held in Kiama’s Uniting Church Hall on Saturday 22 April.

It is the first time we have used this venue and it certainly ticked all the boxes in terms of cost, size, facilities, location and access to nearby parking. Thanks to Rev. Kath for being so accommodating.

Thanks also to Monica Armstrong from Culinarius Catering who was most generous in donating her time and sample produce as well as her expertise to run the workshop. From her prepared notes the Committee had selected Country Garden Chutney, Spiced Vegetable Pickles and Barbecue Sauce recipes for the workshop. The group divided into three and, at the conclusion of the day, everyone was able to take home a jar of each, lots of recipes to try and some new skills.

After the workshop we shared a delicious Ploughman’s lunch featuring some of Monica’s pickles and dried fruits, sourdough bread, ham and cheeses. Lots of opportunity to get to know each other better.

Thanks to Shoalhaven Flavours in Berry for a generous donation of Tilba cheeses. The Queen Street shop is definitely worth a visit if you love fine food and the Slow Food philosophy.

We also enjoyed a variety of delicious sourdough breads donated by a local breadmaker. There was much discussion about which variety was the best. Lots to look forward to.

Our district continues to attract new artisan businesses that are working to give us access to more good, clean and fair food and Slow Food Saddleback is pleased to introduce and support these businesses.

Recipes used for the yummy cakes served can be found at https://slowfoodsaddleback.com.au/recipes/

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Slow Food Saddleback invites you to a preserve and pickle workshop, led by Monika Armstrong from Culinarius Catering.  Monika has been cooking and producing wonderful food events for many years.  She has owned cooking schools and been a TAFE teacher – the perfect person to lead us on a pickling adventure.

We will learn new ideas and hints to transfer to your favourite produce.

Recipes will be supplied to take home and we will end the workshop with a Ploughman’s lunch featuring local products and delicious bread made locally by a master sourdough maker, who will hopefully visit us and tell us of his new venture.

When:  Saturday, 22 April at 11am to 2pm

Where:  Uniting Church, Bong Bong Street, Kiama

Cost:  Slow Food Members – $50, non Slow Food Members – $60

To book:   https://www.trybooking.com/CHGZV

Numbers will need to be limited to ensure that we can all participate in the preparation of the pickles, so book early.

Please bring 3 cleaned jars (not too big!) and we can do last minute sterilisation on site, and bring an apron!

Slow Food Saddleback invites you to a Paddock to Plate lunch event at the farm.

Join Frank Marzano from Mountain Range Farm for a 3 course Italian style meal – antipasto plate, pasta and dessert and a glass of wine and coffee. Using all products from the vegetable patch!

Frank will lead the walk around the gardens, prepare lunch, all the while telling us about his personal stories and passion for food and farming.

When:  Saturday, 25 March at 11am to approximately 2pm

Where:  Mountain Range Farm, 29 Drakes Road, Dapto

Cost:  Slow Food Members – $45, non Slow Food Members – $55

To book:  TryBooking  https://www.trybooking.com/CGMXJ

Vote early and join your fellow Members for a fun and informative meal.

For the Diary: In late April there will be a preserving workshop in Kiama, and mid to late May will see a Chocolate event in Gerringong, details to follow.

Slow Food Saddleback members and friends will get together at Killalea State Park, and enjoy our own well prepared good food after an informative and comfortable walk with members of the Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience.

Our hosts will show us some of the traditions of the area and local bush tucker ingredients.

Killalea is an area of significant importance to the local indigenous people. Killalea has magnificent views, a grassy picnic area and beaches to share and enjoy.

This is a bring it all event. You will need to bring your food, utensils, and drinks – we will provide shade covers, and tables and some chairs. This will cope with drizzly weather too.

For those who are new to our Bring and Share tradition, the idea is to make a biggish plate of food that can be shared. We showcase our skills and local produce. All the food goes on the table and the creators let the rest of us know what they have prepared …it is fun and delicious!

You can do main course or dessert, just remember it is a picnic!!!

There is plenty of parking in the car park next to the Kiosk, where you can purchase extra goodies if required. The Kiosk is run by local indigenous members under the management of Mark Olive a well know chef specialising in bush tucker ingredients.

If the weather is really bad we will have to cancel, but we will do our best and there is plenty of shelter. Ring 0438447326 if it looks too wet to continue.

When:  Sunday 26 February at 11am for the Gumaraa Experience followed by the picnic.
We will commence the experience as close to time as possible.

Where:  Killalea State Park

Cost:  $25 to cover the expenses for the Gumaraa Group

To book: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CFRUP

See you at the picnic, it will be good for everyone to catch up in a relaxed atmosphere.  Obviously, children are welcome and free.

The 2023 Snail of Approval recipients were entitled to apply for a Slow Food Saddleback Business Development Grant. Two grants of up to $2,500 were awarded by the Committee with funds that are raised through Slow Food Saddleback’s many events, and Membership fees.

These grants were presented to the following special local farmers to further their activities on Friday evening, 9 December at the Terra Madre (Mother Earth) Day Celebration Dinner.

Kel and Mahlah Grey of The Pines Dairy in Kiama will use their funds to contribute to their project The Pines Whey Fed pigs.

This addition of pigs to their farming system will complete the full circle evolution in their regenerative farming methods. As cheese makers they have excess whey, a huge source of protein for the pigs that will combine with systematic grazing. Pigs will be rotated through different areas, where their natural foraging abilities will benefit the land. Pigs will later be processed ethically and sold locally as the Pines Whey Fed Pork.

The second grant went to Adam Walmsley and Fiona Weir from Buena Vista Farm at Gerringong, to enable them to attend an Artisan Cheesemaking, 5 day Masterclass at The Cheese School, Castlemaine.

Fiona and Adam farm a small acreage intending to use the resources they have been given in line with sustainable agricultural principles. For long term viability it is essential to train up the second business owner in the crucial part of the business model, cheese making!

Slow Food Saddleback has had an annual program of Snail of Approval Awards begun in 2019. The awards recognise local businesses, producers, restaurants and providers who follow the Slow Food principles of good, clean and fair food.

The awards also recognise a concentration on recycling, sustainability and regeneration. Applicants are required to demonstrate all or most of these criteria.

In December, the following 12 businesses were presented a Snail of Approval for 2023 to display at their place of business to show locals and visitors alike that they are worthy of support:

• The Pines, Kiama
• Loquacious Kombucha
• The Blue Swimmer at Seahaven, Gerroa
• Ola Chola Food Van
• Bagnell Organics at Dapto Community Gardens
• Buena Vista Farm, Gerringong
• Gung’s Gourmet Thai
• Husnu Yeniceri at Mountain Range Farm
• Silica Restaurant, Kiama
• Little Earth Café, Kiama
• Moonacres Kitchen, Robertson
• Moonacres Farm, Robertson

Congratulations to our Snail of Approval recipients. These local businesses reflect the principles of Slow Food in the food and products they create and deliver to the community and we encourage all our members and readers to support them.

Come to our Indian workshop and meal led by Reena Kumar, well known Jamberoo identity, and her colleague Archana Nakhate

Tea and coffee will be provided and if you want to add wine/beer please bring your own.  Dessert will be enjoyed before we finish our afternoon.

Time:  midday, Saturday 16 July, please be prompt, we will have lots to do together.

Place:  Jamberoo Youth Hall,  Allowrie Street, Jamberoo,
(access from behind the IGA or the adjoining park)

Tickets:  available at Try Booking https://www.trybooking.com//CAREY

Cost:     Slow Food members – $45, non Members – $55.

We will have a small raffle on the day so please bring some cash with you, we want to launch our Snail of Approval awards after the School Holidays and need to raise a bit of finance for expenses associated with the event.

If you can’t make the workshop and would like to obtain raffle tickets please contact Celia at jamberoo@icloud.com for details from 3 July onwards

Slow Food Saddleback members and friends shared a wonderful meal at Miss Arda in Kiama on Wednesday 22 June.  The menu included breads and dips and baked feta to start with followed by the most delicious slow roasted pomegranate lamb shoulder and vegetables for the main course and assorted baklava and kanafeh for dessert.

 

Exclusive Luncheon by Brendan Cato
Sunday 8th May 12pm – 3pm
Glass of bubbly on arrival
Entertainment by Mark Crotti
Tickets & Menu available via Eventbrite
https://pavilionluncheonbrendancato.eventbrite.com.au 

For Further Information visit http://www.thepavilionkiama.com.au
or Ph: 42 321419

The Pavilion Kiama, Brendan Cato and Slow Food Saddleback are teaming up as a part of the Revel in May festival.  You will enjoy an exclusive five course luncheon experience prepared by our own master chef Brendan Cato prior to jetting off overseas to advance his career.

Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and delve into Brendan’s extensive knowledge of the food industry.  During the lunch Brendan will be our guest speaker for a light hearted Q and A.

The luncheon will showcase foods from boutique producers, local farmers and artisans.  Brendan will also have his own wine available to purchase on the day to compliment your meal.  You will be entertained by Mark Crotti whilst taking in the breathtaking views overlooking Surf Beach Kiama and staying warm and dry at The Pavilion Kiama.

Why not spoil yourself or the family with an enjoyable Sunday lunch on Mother’s Day.  Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival.

Tables and seating will be allocated once ticket sales cease and at the discretion of the venue.

When purchasing tickets please note maximum table numbers are 10 people per table.

Date:        Sunday 8 May
Time:       12pm-3pm
Venue:    The Pavilion Kiama
Cost:       $127 (a $10 discount for Slow Food Saddleback Members will be applied using an exclusive discount code: Slowfood10)
Bookings:   https://pavilionluncheonbrendancato.eventbrite.com.au

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TILL LATER IN THE YEAR DUE TO THE FARM REMAINING COMPLETELY SODDEN AND MOST OF THE VEGETABLE CROPS BECOMING ROTTEN DUE TO THE RECENT RAINS AND FLOODS.

Come and meet Lauren and James (the New Growers Jambaroo) on their vegetable farm in Jerrara Road, Jamberoo on Saturday 26 March at 11am.

We will meet at the farm for the tour and then go into Jamberoo for a pasta lunch, prepared by your Committee members.If anyone would like to contribute to lunch, please contact Celia Wade on info@slowfoodsaddleback.com.au.
We will also serve tea and coffee, and dessert.
Please bring your own drinks.

The New Growers Jamberoo will tell us their story, and their plans to be sustainable farmers producing only the healthiest produce, and the trials and tribulations of all this rain!

The farm is just up from the substation, where there is plenty of parking. Parking is also available along the road next to the farm.

Lunch will be in The Jamberoo Youth Hall in the main Park in Jamberoo. Access to the Hall is from the car park behind the IGA.