How does a regional Gallery in country Victoria obtain such a prestigious exhibition? Apparently they have an established reputation with the V&A in London, and this is not the first collaboration between the two. Grace Kelly: Style Icon is curated and organised by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco, and runs at the Bendigo Art Gallery until 17th June. The exhibition is beautiful – the photographs and film excerpts as captivating as the dresses and[...]

Orange F.O.O.D Week The Shires of Orange, Cabonne and Blayney are known as the ‘Food Basket’ of NSW and each year F.O.O.D Week ( Food Of Orange District ), held in April, showcases the local produce, great wines, fine foods, local chefs and restaurants and the other enterprises that provide the region with its great reputation for fine food and wine. This district, I think, is unique in many ways – a simply beautiful part of the country, producing fabulous cool climate wines, a[...]

Having bought a packet of flatbread at great expense recently, I decided to have a go at making it,  surely it couldn’t be that hard – afterall it’s a very simple bread, made with flour, water, and salt which is mixed together,  flattened, rolled and baked.  Some flatbreads are unleavened — made without yeast or sourdough culture — but some are made with yeast, such as pita bread. I decided to use an American recipe that I’ve had on file for ages, IT IS SO QUICK AND EASY.[...]

Caponata is probably up there with Ratatouille as the quintessential Mediterranean vegetable dish. It shares many similarities – fabulous, flavoursome and colourful vegies, simply cooked in a tomato base. I find it a very versatile dish, as you can add olives, capers, pancetta, baby spinach leaves and herbs to vary the flavours. It works as a vegetable side for grilled fish or chicken, perfect as part of an antipasto platter, and delicious on garlic-rubbed toasted sourdough as a snack. It [...]

This sign hangs in my kitchen and greets me every morning  - Wake Up and Smell the Coffee - given to me by a dear friend, who also is passionate about good coffee. For me, coffee that is roasted in Australia wins every time. With the imported brands, not only are you paying for shipping, and often two distributors costs – the beans are not only expensive, but can be six months old. Fresh is Best, which applies to any foodstuff, and supporting Australian companies should be a priority. Buy [...]