Casey Parsons, 24, and Thomas Wesche, 18, of Hunters Quarter, took out the Newcastle heat of the 2019 Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Award regional cook-off last week. However Coffs Harbour chefs Siobhan McCowat, 21, and Owen Cootes, 21, who both work at Two Tails Winery's Velvets Restaurant, scored half a point higher and will represent NSW Regional in the national final in September. Parsons, while disappointed, has already moved on. He is one of 32 finalists competing for the Foodservice Australia 2019 Chef of the Year title in Melbourne this weekend. "It's a pretty full-on competition but I've done lots of practice," he says. "I'll be using pork hock and pork belly in my main, and salmon and clams in my entree. I also have to design a course from a mystery box of ingredients." Best of luck, Casey.
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Coast hosts Cowra
Cowra On The Coast - Food & Wine Festival is coming to Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific on Saturday, July 6. From 11am to 5pm you will be able to sample the best of Cowra and Central NSW in the scenic beer garden. Stallholders include Breakout River Meats; Wallington Wines; Windowrie Wines; Rosnay Organic Wines; Antonio's Wines; Murrungundy Pistachios; Milnes of Mudgee; Beeline Beewares; Franklin Road Preserves; Saltbird; and Second Mouse Cheese. This family-friendly event also features entertainment and activities for the kids. And at 6.30pm, Terrigal's Taste of Cowra Winemakers Dinner will be held at Seasalt Restaurant featuring a four-course menu by executive chef Simon Quick. Tickets are $99. Book online or phone 4384 9224.
Ready Made Menu
Gamble and Brown at Kotara Homemaker Centre is introducing a Ready Made Menu. Created by the cafe's chefs and using produce from Your Food Collective, the menu will include family favourites like Italian meatballs, Spanakopita, beef and vegetarian lasagne, and spiced pumpkin and green apple soup. The online ordering system is still being finalised, owner Michael Boyd says, and people can phone the cafe on 4957 3336 or email admin@gambleandbrown.com.au with any questions. It all kicks off in "two to three weeks".
- Food Bites is a twice-weekly taste of home-grown food and wine news. Email your tips and events to lrockman@fairfaxmedia.com.au
