Perth Good Food And Wine Show

If you’re a fan of MasterChef Australia series two winner Adam Liaw (host of Destination Flavour on SBS), you might want to catch the popular cook at the Perth Good Food & Wine Show this weekend.

Event Director Louise Osborne says they’re thrilled to have Adam at the show. “Adam’s take on Asian-infused dishes is inspirational. He is also very down to earth and I think many people feel they can relate to him.”

Television in recent years has locked down the concept of the celebrity cook and chef in the everyday Australian’s psyche. One of the major drawcards at the event will be the ever-popular George Calombaris; best known for his judging role on Ten’s MasterChef Australia.

Miguel Maestre will be back (often seen on Network Ten’s The Living Room; his Spanish accent is beloved by fans). Maestre’s flair and sass, combined with culinary knowledge, make him popular with foodies.

Other kitchen celebrities appearing include Anna Gare (from ABC’s Consuming Passions and her judging role on Ten’s Junior MasterChef Australia) Paul West (chef turned farmer, as seen on the series River Cottage Australia on the Lifestyle channel) and Sammy & Bella (2011 winners of Seven’s My Kitchen Rules).

According to Osborne, this year the program showcases the diversity of the food and wine culture in Australia (“from family-run businesses to established artisan companies, our best local and interstate chefs and restaurateurs, and mouth-watering national and international street food”), designed to get people thinking about how and why they use certain ingredients.

The three-day event is a great place to learn about/check out food and drinks that are currently on-trend; you’re sure to be up on the latest gems of the culinary scene by the time the show is over.

The Good Food Theatre presented by Seven-West is a must-see. That’s where you’ll catch some of the cuisine celebrities (George, Anna, Miguel, Paul, and Adam) cooking up a storm live on stage (check the program for times). If you want to taste as well as watch, look into a ticket for Lifestyle FOOD Chef’s Table sessions.

Beer, wine, and cheese are always popular draw cards, and the program is jam packed with opportunities to learn (and procure) on all these fronts.

Beer fans will make a beeline for Dan Murphy’s Beer & Cider Hall, and catch the wise words of Australian beer expert Kirrily Waldhorn. Wine lovers will enjoy The Cellar Door, where they can sample products and get the lowdown on the Australian oenophile scene.

If supporting local produce is your thing, make sure you wander down the Buy West Eat Best Artisan Lane, chat the WA boutique producers, and stock up your pantry. The event also offers the Grazing Garden, a collection of popular WA food trucks, when you’re ready to chow down and reboot before browsing again.

The suggestions above are just a taste of the event menu (ha). No way will you be bored, there’s so much happening. Top tip? Maybe don’t eat before you head on in…

The Perth Good Food & Wine Show takes place at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre Friday, July 10, Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12.

Originally published in X-Press Magazine