A collaboration between the South Regional Tafe and Margaret River Farmers Market to produce and host a fortnightly two course lunch overlooking the grounds of the market has been hailed an early success by diners.
The Gather & Feast program, the brainchild of commercial cookery lecturer Amanda Smith and Farmers Market coordinator Katrina Lombardo, aims to develop the skills of cooking students in a ‘real world’ kitchen scenario while fostering ongoing relationships between local producers and foodies.
“This is a discussion Amanda and I have had for years, looking for a way to combine the talents of the students with the incredible local produce and passionate growers we have in the region,” Mr Lombardo said.
The students spend the weeks prior to each lunch, held every second week immediately following the Farmer’s Market, planning and developing their menu on advice from the market producers.
“Every single item of food, including drinks, are made using ingredients sourced directly from the market stallholders, so the students are constantly adapting and considering seasonality, availability and using as much of what they have to create these wonderful meals,” Ms Lombardo said.
At last weekend’s lunch, the second in the Gather & Feast series, ex Voyager Estate chef Nigel Harvey said the opportunity to mentor the next wave of young chefs was an important one to grasp.
“I was very keen, when I heard of the concept,” Mr Harvey said as the bustling kitchen maintained a steady pace and diners began to take their seats.
“As well as giving the students the chance to experience a real service with paying diners, they are required to really connect with the producers and plan out their menu well in advance, forcing them to look at what is available and which produce is at its best for each event.”
Ably assisted by a small team of front of house staff, the kitchen was a study in quiet concentration.
Conversations were muted as the students discussed their menus and delegated work, occasionally stopping to ask the advice of Ms Smith or Mr Harvey.
“To have someone like Nigel so willing to come on board and help us out is fantastic, and his knowledge and advice in the kitchen is invaluable to the students’ education,” Ms Smith said.
The next Gather & Feast lunch will be held on Saturday March 25 at the South Regional Tafe campus adjacent to the Margaret River Farmers Market.
Tickets are $25 per person for a two course locavore lunch and bookings can be made by calling 9780 5800 or email margaretriver@srtafe.wa.ed.au
To read more about the Gather & Feast program and to view the full gallery from the event, visit www.margaretrivermail.com.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
