WESTERN Australian tourism minister Kim Hames swapped a suit and tie for chef’s whites on Thursday night at a dinner at the White Elephant Beach Café as part of the Food, Wine and China international tourism symposium.
Working alongside Margaret River Hospitality Group executive chef Tony Howell, Minister Hames proved he has what it takes to handle the heat of a commercial kitchen.
“He did a great job, to be honest, we couldn’t kick him out,” Mr Howell said.
“The minister is a very enthusiastic cook and helped with the preparation, plating up and serving guests.
“In fact, we’d like to keep him on to help us with a function this weekend.”
Mr Howell said Dr Hames had a good appreciation for produce and fitted in well with the kitchen team.
About 80 tourism industry guests enjoyed 10 dishes that showcased some of the best South West produce.
Food, Wine and China: A Tourism Perspective was organised by Curtin University’s tourism research cluster in collaboration with the Asia Business Centre on February 4 and 5 at Curtin University Margaret River campus.
It attracted leading tourism academics from interstate and overseas including United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan and New Zealand.
Topics included travel barriers for Chinese wine tourists, the importance of food events, an Italian perspective in response to Chinese wine tourists, an inbound tourism operator’s perspective and Chinese wine tourists in France.
Tourism WA’s Taste 2020 Strategy was also presented.
For more information about the symposium, click here.
