I was making my usual bargain hunting rounds at toney David Jones department store when I bumped into inspiration in the form of a man and woman at the fine cheese counter. They were ordering three ounces of this cheese, four ounces of that, etc. I commented that their office parties are much better catered than mine and the man disavowed any such usage. A native of Melbourne, the man sympathized with my sometime frustration of not finding the stuff I can get back home. And smiled while saying so. In fact, he never stopped smiling. His companion was also smiling. Happy anticipation as they collected their cheese and discussed the bread to go with the fine,fine cheeses and the bottle of champagne to wash it down. They were celebrating...just because. That's it. Just because. It's Monday at 1:07 p.m. and that made it a cheese & champagne holiday.
Considering how many questions I constantly ask people, I had surprisingly few then. I have no idea if their relationship is professional or personal. What business deal or life happening inspired this lunch? Is he visiting from Melbourne or a transplant? What about the lady? I know nothing other than she has Asian heritage. Nothing. No questions. Just the belated realization that Monday at 1:07 p.m. is an official holiday.
And...
I am putting the Universe on notice that at the earliest opportunity, I too will celebrating such a significant holiday in much the same manner. Monday at 1:07 p.m. or Wednesday at 2:32 p.m. or Saturday at 10:57 a.m. , no matter, it will not pass unheralded and untoasted.
And to you I say, "Be there or be square."
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Mundaring Truffle Festival
We're heading for the hills...and the Mundaring Truffle Festival. Not that we are connoisseurs of this fabled epicurean delight but curious and encouraged by its accessibility this weekend. It's a gorgeous day for a drive and they are giving away lots of freebies.
A lot of noise is made over this rather humble looking fungus that smells very earthy with a splash of bleach and a hint of nut. Yeah, hard to describe the not unpleasant smell or taste but once you know it, it is easily identifiable. Quickly overwhelmed by odoriferous and highly acidic ingredients, this gives great lift to mild foods: butter, cheese, oil, desserts, popcorn, pates, pastas, beef, pork and the like.
Not cheap. Truffle costs $1700 a kilo ($772 a pound) which explains why so many people crowded the fairly small outdoor venue. In church this very morning, the word from the pulpit was "something for nothing excites greed like few things can." Truer words, my friends. Yes, we paid $10 admission but some people had grown fangs. The jostling could sometimes be disturbing, so we steered clear of areas until the mob had cleared. The entertainment was homegrown and pleasant. The kids area had kiddies digging for potatoes, pressing pasta and munching on apples--a welcome change to the usual bouncey castle and face painting found at such gatherings. Demonstrations by truffle sniffing dogs were popular as were cooking demos (with their free tastings). Chittering Valley had their wine festival on site, very coincidentally, and did quite well in terms of foot traffic. It cost extra to get in (Kev found a red wristband on the ground, so I got in for free sorry organizers) but the very small wine area that is Chittering enjoyed much popularity and perhaps an improved prestige.
We now find ourselves more knowledgeable about truffles but no chance of making anything with it. There must be $400 worth of truffle in the hands on the right. (Can we plant a few of the right trees in our yard to finance our retirement?) We did clean up on some interesting truffle and nontruffle products as many vendors were keen to offload their goods at days end. I like a bargain! And for one pleasant afternoon, I like truffles.
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| Le Truffle |
Not cheap. Truffle costs $1700 a kilo ($772 a pound) which explains why so many people crowded the fairly small outdoor venue. In church this very morning, the word from the pulpit was "something for nothing excites greed like few things can." Truer words, my friends. Yes, we paid $10 admission but some people had grown fangs. The jostling could sometimes be disturbing, so we steered clear of areas until the mob had cleared. The entertainment was homegrown and pleasant. The kids area had kiddies digging for potatoes, pressing pasta and munching on apples--a welcome change to the usual bouncey castle and face painting found at such gatherings. Demonstrations by truffle sniffing dogs were popular as were cooking demos (with their free tastings). Chittering Valley had their wine festival on site, very coincidentally, and did quite well in terms of foot traffic. It cost extra to get in (Kev found a red wristband on the ground, so I got in for free sorry organizers) but the very small wine area that is Chittering enjoyed much popularity and perhaps an improved prestige.
We now find ourselves more knowledgeable about truffles but no chance of making anything with it. There must be $400 worth of truffle in the hands on the right. (Can we plant a few of the right trees in our yard to finance our retirement?) We did clean up on some interesting truffle and nontruffle products as many vendors were keen to offload their goods at days end. I like a bargain! And for one pleasant afternoon, I like truffles.
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