Geelong attraction showcases Lara food and wine that is best on show

March 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Set on the lawns of the historic Pirra Homestead which was built in 1880, festival goers will also be able to view the recent restoration work that has taken place.

Renowned wineries, cheese makers, boutique breweries, and an array of gourmet food producers will present a mouth-watering array of produce for visitors to enjoy. Bring a picnic basket to collect all the goodies, and a rug so you can sit on the lawn and enjoy your booty.

Star chef Gabriel Gaté will open the Festival at 11am, after which there will be two master classes: Cooking with Spices with Jill Rowe from Spice Bazaar, and Demystifying Mussels with David Hall from Jack Rabbit Restaurant.

Gabriel Gaté will also commentate at the Ultimate Chef Challenge, a new event at this year’s festival, in which six chefs from leading local restaurants have just 10 minutes to create an inspired dish to impress the judges.

The six chefs going in to battle are Matt Dempsey, the recent Young Chef of the Year and Executive chef at The Pier Geelong; David Hall, the head chef at the new Jack Rabbit Vineyard restaurant on the Bellarine Peninsula, and Leonie Mills, head chef at the award winning Jack and Jill’s.

There’s also Graham Jeffries, head chef at Baveras, the fine dining restaurant on The Pier; Lyndon Betts, head chef at the renowned Pettavel Winery and Restaurant, and Daniel Brehaut from the People’s Choice Golden Plate Award winning Black Bull Tapas Restaurant.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see Bart Beek’s cooking demonstration at 3.15pm. A chef, presenter, food writer and stylist, Bart is one of most dynamic personalities in the Australian culinary scene and has been involved in the hospitality industry since 1972.

The Cordon Bleu trained chef has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Australia, Hong Kong, USA and France and now owns Essence Food Studio, an innovative business that blends live music, theatre and culinary instruction.

Local jazz artists Rob and Levi will provide entertainment, along with Dazzling Dan the Magic Man and face-painting for the children.

Ample free parking will be available from Windermere road, opposite the entrance to Pirra, and Pirra's neighbours will open their paddocks to provide free parking.  

Entry is by gold coin donation, which will put you in the draw to win dinner for two at either the new Jack Rabbit Restaurant on the Bellarine Peninsula, or the award winning Black Bull Tapas Restaurant.

With other activities including an art show and sales, photography competition, vegetable planting demonstrations, the Lara Food and Wine Festival makes for a great day out in a historic setting.

For more information on Geelong events and the Lara Food and Wine Festival, visit http://visitgeelongbellarine.com/lara-food-wine-festival

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About Visit Great Ocean Road: The official website of the Geelong Otway region of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia