Perth Upmarket @ U.W.A Winthrop Hall 24th June, 2012

2012 Perth Upmarket Dates are 23rd September and 25th November, 10am-3pm.

Every quarter, UWA Winthrop Hall hosts what is known as Perth Upmarket; a colourful array of offerings from Perth’s original gourmet food producers, as well as other items of fancy from local designers, craftsmen and artists.  Details on the UWA Upmarkets are at the end of this blog…but we all want you to devour the food photos first.

If you’re anything like me, you will all too easily become lost foraging through tables after tables of special delicacies made by local gourmets, only to get more lost in a myriad of conversation about what they produce, how their inspiration grew from an idea into an aspiring business and what secret passion makes their product unique and special.

Let me share with you the 18 local producers I met, and give you an introduction to their gourmet craft, and what they feel is that special something about themselves that makes them that little bit unique, or perhaps just that little bit of gourmet bling, that really caught my eye.

(Links to connect you to the following gourmet stands will be added shortly-Ed.)

• Bean to Heaven
• Braza Churros
• Chai Baba
• Chica Catering Gourmet Pies
• Word of Mouth Catering
• Cookie Dough
• El Asador
• Fudge Fusion
• Fumi’s Japanese Pancakes
• Goccia d’Oro
• Kustom Cupcakes
• Littlesweet
• My Bicki Mix
• Oohlala Preserves
• San Pellegrino Drinks
• Spirals Cinnamon
• The Cheese Maker
• Turban Chopsticks
• Top the Cupcake

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Fudge Fusion
With crumbly and creamy flavours to choose from, and such candy store colours like these…how could you ever walk past this stand? Claiming flame and deserving notoriety for being tracked down by repeat customers purely after their best selling fudge: ‘The Scottish Tablet’, its no surprise. The rich buttery sweetness just melts in your mouth giving you that well deserved reward we all eat fudge for.

Get lost in the selection of rewards and you could be walking on air, all the way to Scotland with this quality product stashed beside your bagpipes.  Beautiful quality fudge, by a well oiled team of fudge experts.

Fudge Fusion
5 Day Place, Heathridge, 6027
T 94011374
E fudgefun@bigpond.net.au

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My Bicki Mix

Mandy and Tania, a couple of mums dedicated to making a fun product that’s easy for even kids to use in the kitchen have hit the big time with their individually packed biscuit mixes, cleverly branded ‘My Bicki Mix’.

With 9 flavours to choose from, there’s going to be something to impress any kids (or big kid!)

I love the idea of the Choc Chip Mini Bear Bicki Mix- it comes complete with a teddy bear cookie cutter.  With such easy to follow instructions and everything ready to go in the bag…it’s is sure to keep kids busy during school holidays and weekends.  The most difficult thing about this activity ids choosing which one to take home! I tried the Chocolate Macaron- and with its wafer like crunch and chewy texture, it was true to its name. The Vanilla dream with currants brought me back to an easy to devour shortbread and the Chunky Chocolate had a deep rich traditional soul food kind of flavour that no kid could resist. For gluten free aficionados, this might be your favourite flavour.  With no artificial preservatives, flavours or sweeteners, it’s a resounding yes from mums alike, and ‘My Bicki Mix’ even run their own fundraising program for local schools so give Mandy & Tanya a call to organise your school’s next fundraising venture.  If you’re in need of a quick My Bicki Mix fix, pop into Nosh Gourmet in Victoria Park or at WA Cleanskin Cellars in Osborne Park and grab your bickis there.  Tell them that Lydia from Absolutely Georgeous sent you xxx

My Bicki Mix
W mybickimix.com.au

Turban Chopsticks
By now most Perthites will have tried, or at least heard of Turban Chopsticks. Handmade in W.A, Turban Chopsticks are bringing the ease of delicious Indian and Asian inspired cuisine into the family home, quicker than you can say “rice kit”. But a briyani, pilaf, or the Thai tropical coconut rice is not all they do.  You can also grab yourself a Spiced tomato, creamy green pea or a jewelled mung bean dhal, or if you need a curry in a hurry…try their thai green or red curry, butter chicken pastes or peanut satay.

Feeling like a health kick? With chia and organic quinoa salad mixes or their moroccan spiced cous cous…dinner or a side salad can be easy to prepare from its easy to follow kit instructions. What I love about these kits is that they’re 1 pot wonders using natural ingredients and hand-roasted spices and they’re jam packed with punchy flavours.  I’ve tried most of their range and today’s sample offering was the ‘Majestic Almond Cumin Pilaf’ and that explained the massive crowd, waiting to grab next weeks dinner. Missed the markets?  Pop in to Nosh Gourmet in Victoria Park and they’ll have your dinner covered.

Turban Chopsticks
324 Bulwer St, Perth
T 92270022
F 6315 2659
E food@turbanchopsticks.com.au

Chica Catering – Gourmet Pies
Almost everyone loves a good Aussie pie, but these pies seem sky high. All hand made, with quality ingredients and cooked to perfection, I’m hoping they’ll supply already frozen pies as take home packs for the next Upmarkets coming up in September.  Takers, anyone?

…And that’s not all Lee from Chica can cook up for you.  One look at the Chica flyer, and I’m overwhelmed! With offerings far more delicate and refined than a rustic gourmet pie, I’m beginning to sense that Lee from Chica Catering can do absolutely anything for your next party, big or small. From platters, finger food, substantial cocktail items of fancy, buffets…to board room lunches and even sit down formal affairs. But wait!  As winners of the ‘Best Small Caterer’ in the Restaurant and Catering Awards, they’re big on service at Chica. They deliver too;  providing chefs, staff, equipment and whatever else you need to make your next event Absolutely Georgeous!

Chica Catering
T 9204 4955
E lee@chicacatering.com.au
W www.chicacatering.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Word of Mouth Catering

Whether it be a gourmet lamb burger with hummus and coleslaw ($9) Morrocan beef withcous cous salad ($9) or Tataki Beef of Salmon with Soba Noodles ($6) there’s something for everyone here.

Fooled for initially thinking I’d find a paella, I was surprised to smell the aromas of Morocco wafting from this deep cast iron pan into the crisp winter’s air but my oh my, what a comforting, warm, spicy, deep and rich tasty pan of comfort food that awaited me. Cooking in such large quantities is a challenge at the best of times but no one could have done a better job than Word of Mouth. It brought ideas of seeing that big glorious pan in my backyard catering for my next big party.  If it’s all about Word of Mouth, then let’s not keep this one a secret.

Oohlala Preserves

I have a little secret.  I found Ann from Oohlala Preserves a long time ago and have been secretly buying her Rasberry curd. All of course, with the hope of being inspired to make my own. But…then I run out, meet her again and restock my supply.  I can’t help it.  It’s…’Absolument Magnifique!Oohlala the Rasberry is good, but the coconut lime curd has just as much ‘laaaa’ anmd is probably my oen personal favourite.

‘Ann’s award winning gourmet jams, marmalades, curds and chutneys are free of additives and preservatives and made with only fresh and natural ingredients in small batches. Why is this such an Absolutely Georgeous way to prepare these preserves? You can be sure to receive the best colour, texture and flavour of the fruits this way. Ann’s selection is seasonal and include rhubarb and Rasberry, pear passion fruit, chocolate jams, pineapple run vanilla, coconut lime curd (another one of my fetishes!) chutneys, lemon cinnamon and peach ginger just to name a few. Try her Banana Coconut Relish! Its a Champion Award winning product. In fact, they’re all so magnifique you will find them in over 25 restaurants and cafes across Perth and available to purchase at the next Upmarkets on September 23rd and 25th November 2012, or easier still…pop in to Nosh Gourmet in Victoria Park for a selected range of Oohlala Preserves or find her at the Kalamunda Markets 1st Saturday of the month Manning Markets 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month.  Other locations are Bloomin Boxes (for hamper ideas) and Creations and Collectables in Bunbury.

Oohlala Preserves
Ann Bramoulle’
P O Box 1464 East Victoria Park 6981
P 94727270
E oohlalapreserves@yahoo.com.au

Bean to Heaven
Stop the Coffee Press!
Direct from the roaster to you, and I mean…TO YOU! Bean to Heaven will deliver to your home or office, or deliver that last minute gift idea for you, and with 5 varieties to choose from, why not try them all? Made from 100% Arabica beans and roasted in small batches (I love the quality that comes only from small batches!) your flavour and freshness can be ensured.

Come and meet Simon, the Artisan Roaster at ‘Bean to Heaven’ at the next Upmarket, and he can walk you through the flavours of his 3 single origins (Brazil, Peru and Sumatra) and his unique secret blend and of course…for those night lovers of quality coffee- Decaffeinated.

Simon says there’s no excuse now, not to have quality coffee at home or in the office because you can actually (I love this…) ORDER ONLINE and…he will deliver it to your home or office!  Delivery is only $5 (for less than 1/2 kg)  and only $8 for up to 3kg.  Have a friend co-worker or family member who is a coffee afficianado? Send them to Heaven with these roasted coffees and let Simon take care of your next gift idea! And for a chance to win a years supply of coffee, like Bean to Heaven on Facebook.
Bean to Heaven Order online: www.beantoheaven.com.au

EL ASADOR
I met Max today. Max was all fired up in front of this spectacular roaring Argentinian BBQ and I now wouldn’t mind if Max joins Lee from Chica to host my next outdoor party!

If only you could smell the unctuous, layered and deeply flavoured marinated beef from this Argentinian BBQ made special by El Asador’s secret blend of Argentinian spice rubs.

Now you could host your own Argentinian BBQ at home because everything you’ll ever need can be supplied to you by El Asador by mail order, delivery, or pick it up yourselves, at Nosh Gourmet in Vic Park.
Some of their distinct authentic range includes

• Dried herbs asnd BBQ rubs:  Adding these to your meats before BBQ’ing or to add a touch of Argentinian spice to your salads.
• Chimichurri:  Made from oil, vinegar and a mix of finely chopped vegetables and herbs used as a marinade, or as a drizzle sauce to acompany a BBQ)
• Chillichurri: Available in ’mild’ or ‘hot’ they marry beautifully with seafood or drizzled over pizza.
• Yerba Mate tea: A healthy, unique and nutritious drink available in lemon, orange, mint and natural
• Dulce de Leche: A decadent caramel dessert perfect to pour over icecream, spread on cakes, puddings or even your breakfast toast!

I tried the beef with the chimichurri sauce as Max had a good laugh. Why? Because when I took the first bite, my eyes widened and I almost coughed out ”Bloody hell! This is amazing!”

Max liked that, and why shouldn’t he? El Asador have won multiple awards for their distinct products.  So, if you’re like I once was- a tad dubious to trying any herb coming out a jar…don’t be. The flavours are true, distinct, clear and perfectly preserved, giving you as much of an authentic Argentinian experience as you could hope for without having to make it yourself.

Source this range online, or pop in to Nosh Gourmet in Victoria Park.  It’ll be worth your while.  I know I’m going to have a closer look myself.

EL ASADOR
P Emily 0400 556 395
E emily@elasador.com.au
W www.elasador.com.au

 

 

 

Spirals Cinnamon
Offering such favourites, May Tapley from Spiral Cinnamon had sold out of most of her wares quicker than it takes to decide which one to taste first. After seen at markets in and around Perth, I am no new comer to her offerings…in fact, we drooled and reminisced over the pastry I often long for- The Cinnabon; a sticky, sweet American version of the Australian cinnamon scroll. I talk about my love of Cinnabons on my website in my biography section…and it was this treat that was the inspiration for May’s business.

Next time you bump into her, try her own versions of the

• Cinnamon bun $3.50
• Chocky Chews $3.50 and
• Lemon Love $3.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cheese Maker
Well guess who spent $229 within 3 minutes of arriving at the Upmarkets? Lydia did, and she knows it’ll be worth every pretty penny.

‘The Cheese Maker’ was the first stall I walked past and was immediately mesmerised by the cheeses on offer and the notion of being transformed into a Cheese Artisan myself. Why? Because Tanya and Pamela at ‘The Cheese Maker’ run their cheese making courses so that you can learn to make your own cheese at home. Their hands on, fun and informative cheese making courses include everything you need to make, and take home your new creations, as well as supplying all the products in house to get you home making your own cheese for years to come.

Join me, I’ll be there learning how to make Camembert, cream cheese, Quark and marscapone at the Gourmet Delights’ class.  My tiramisu will be transformed to quantum levels and I’ll be talking about my new tiramisu now on my website in no time, thanks to The Cheese Maker! Why buy artisan cheese when you can be your own master artisan at home? Call a friend, and come along to a class…I can’t wait to learn all the tricks to the trade on Saturday 18th August.
If feta, ricotta, paneer, yoghurt, yoghurt cheese (labneh) or sour cream makes you smile, then perhaps go for the ‘Classic Delights’ class.  It’s held on Saturday July 21st or Sunday 19th August  and is only $195.

‘Farmhouse’ cheese is more your style? Learn how to make your own on 11th August or the 8th September ($249)

‘Haloumi’ is being taught on Saturday the 25th August where you start with milk and finish with glorious halo I, cocktail style! ($149).
If you love the idea of making and stretching your own piece of Italy, then come to the ‘Mozarella Madness’ class! The Cheese Maker have classes on Saturday 14th July, and September 1st or 15th ($149)

You’ll never be stuck for Christmas and dinner party gifts again. How gourmet and how…Artisan! I look forward to trying all the classes they offer so stay tuned for more feedback!
All Tanya and Pamela’s classes in July will be held in Osborne Park and in the Swan Valley thereafter.  I think these classes would make amazing birthday or Christmas gifts themselves! Which class would you choose?

The Cheese Maker
P Tanya on 0412 260 876  or
P  Pamela on 0439 901 652
E info@thecheesemaker.com.au
W www.thecheesemaker.com.au

 

Goccia d’Oro
A stunning product, fresh from our very own South West, Goccia d’Ora translates to ‘drop of gold’ and if I could wear it, I would. Bottles and bottles of….drops of gold.

Such a high quality extra virgin oil to taste, its freshness is apparant.  Gifted a bottle to take home, it poured like liquid molten gold, so glamourously gliding out of the bottle as my fresh pane di casa anxiously awaited the Calabrese dance of fresh bread, salt and extra virgin olive oil.  This oil is ripe, fruity and bright with delicious imitable grassy nuances. The flavour and acidity make it the perfect extra virgin olive oil for cold, warm and hot preparations. From the most recent harvest, you can tell in an instance it’s a fresh local quality product, and not an imported oil having lost much of its flavour and viscosity as a result of its long and arduous journey getting here.

What I love about this product is the tradition behind each bottle.  Domenic and Sarina, owners and developers of Goccia d’Oro, have continued their family’s Calabrese heritage of olive growing and oil production dating back generations before us, in the undulating groves of Calabria, in Italy’s South. Already into their 4th harvest, this olive oil is highly sought after.  Why?  Because having had a good long chat with these warm Italian folk, I can tell you that they commit themselves to the attention to detail they put into every bottle, from hand picking the olives, to the final stages of bottling. I loved my bottle of liquid gold.

You can have a luxury weekend or longer if you like, on the very same property that Goccia d’Oro is harvested.  What a decadent way to spend a honeymoon or anniversary. So go down South and let Sarina and Domenic spoil you with some of their Calabrese hospitality and have your little getaway at the Tren Creek Chalets. Reservations can be made by contacting

Tren Creek Chalets
E info@trencreekchalets.com.au
T +61 (0)8 97271279
F +61 (0)8 97271016

Tren Creek Chalets is: – Smoke free  and unsuitable for children

Cookie Dough
Who doesn’t stop and giggle at the thought of nibbling on a gourmet artisan cookie? Cookie Dough features in this Autumn issue of SCOOP magazine (Pg 207, “Brownie Points”). With 16 taste sensations and rising, seriously people…how do you choose? 16 is a dozen for a friend and 4 to eat in the car…so grab a coconut lime for me, a Pear-Licious for you, (no, that sounds like something I’d like) and…a Chocolate Hero for…for me…a Citrus Kiss for you, a Passionberry for me, a Mud Pie for me, a Choco Cherry for me but wait.  I have to try the Walnut Espresso too.

Just order while I’m not looking cause these cookies are what all gourmet cookies should look and taste like, and everything they should make you feel on the inside too!  Happy, rewarded, fun and giggly.  Kind of like their creator; Lisa, the Cookie Dough Artisan cookie designer.  I love their range and I think you will too.

Cookie Dough
Lisa Walsh
T 0414491103
W www.cookiedoughniscuits.com.au

Littlesweet Baking
If your heart is in shabby chic home style cooking with an emphasis on the style and without ignoring quality…then take a close up look at what Megan Henry from Littlesweet can bring to your home. Pure ingredients, pure indulgence and when I say quality, I’m talking to short cuts on goodness.  With an ‘all-natural’ approach to her baking, Megan only pulls out fresh free range eggs from her pantry and when she mixes those with Callebout Couveture chocolate, and all her secret home baking techniques, spices and top quality butter….you”;re sure to get a baked good that comes from the heart, with absolutely no additives at all.  This is what Megan feels sets her baking apart from the rest.

Why do I believe this?  I noticed the crowds, the happy smiling faces, and a very very empty display case! Visit Littesweet in September and be quick before all her brownies, cookies, dessert style cupcakes and spiced biscuits are littlesweet GONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top the Cupcake
Team Tina and Adelyn will surely get every member of the family fired up over what tops their cupcakes. And really, how can you not adore their own ‘Sexy Legs’ cupcake? Suitably created from a request to design a custom cupcake for a Moulin Rouge party…and what a brilliant idea!  You can can-can too now by thinking of how ‘Top the Cupcake’ might turn your next big event into one as memorable as this one was.  It’s still the talk of the town! And take a look at these quirky little cupcakes of kiddliwink proportions.  Your baby munchkins will love these adorable animal designs that kind of remind me of Japanese ‘Anime’ but just softer and cuddlier.  What’s more, they taste great.  Moist, and not too sweet, but with that delicious twist of cupcake decoration that a lot of folks love on their cupcakes.  Love your work, ladies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Pellegrino Drinks
A product that has stood the test of time, and of course, brought to you from my mother country- our event managers take care of us by offering us a lovely range of cool, refreshing drinks to keep our strength up for our gourmet tasting! Thanks team, at San Pellegrino!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chai Baba
On a crisp and chilly day, we all need a hot drinks stall in sight and thank Baba they were here because I could see a lot of thermo cups being held up close to faces in a bid to keep the crowds toasty and warm. With chai’s and teas on offer as well as other small gift giving ideas, what a handy gourmet pit stop to have at the Upmarkets!  I even took at double at the striped chopping boards…now how’s *that* for a last minute gift!

Braza Churros
Churros, made quite popular now after featuring in Masterchef 2012, were originally born from Spain however it was the Brazillians who took it to another level of decadence whilst still making it one of the best street foods in town.  By adding a delicious filled center of caramel (doce de leite) or a rich dripping chocolate (brigadeiro) you get to try a true taste of Brazil right here in Perth.

The boys at Braza Churros brought their gastronomical ideas home with them from a recent trip abraod and thank goodness they did.  They smelled absolutely georgeous!  So much so, that they too were all sold out before 2:30pm.  The only customers I saw without a beaming smile were the ones not holding a churros so don’t be like me and wait til the afternoon to try them yourselves.  I was able to catch a close up of the texture, and they seemed perfect.  Crunchy crispy dough on the outside, and just the right amount fo filling on the inside.  They tore away like a love story. You’ll come back for seconds. I’m sure, but only if you get in early to try them for yourselves!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fumi’s Japanese
Fumi has kept it simple for us, offering us a simple, traditional menu- packed full of flavour.  A lot of people though have had this Japanese sensation kept a secret from them..and when we hear the term ‘pancake’ as a Jaopanese food…it can get somewhat confusing.  What Fumi can make for you, fresh to order…is actually one of my most favourite Japanese street foods EVER, and having lived in Japan for nearly 2 years, I know my street food.

In Japanese, we call it Okonomiyaki? (お好み焼き) -a traditional  Japanese food that is sometimes called “Japanese Pancake” or “Japanese  Pizza”.  A little more like an omelette or frittata  than a pancake, Okonomiyaki made with a special okonomiyaki flour, eggs, cabbage, pork  (bacon), shrimp or other seafood. The flour now comes pre-prepared, but traditionally is a mixture of wheat flour and nagaimo or yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam) flour.  The yam flour is what gives the Okonomiyaki that sticky, glutinous texture that binds the pancake together.

The Okonomiyaki is then topped with a variety of condiments such as a sweet sauce (Okonomi Sauce), mayonnaise (only the best Kewpie variety), dried seaweed and dried fish flakes.

Ok…I know it doesn’t sounds particularly appetizing, enough to make you want to rush out and buy one now…but trust me…these are amazingly special and incredibly delicious! A good Okonomiyai will have a crispy outer, and a lovely fluffy soft texture inside the pancake.  If you have a passion for food, you absolutely must try Okonomiyaki at the next Upmarket in September.

Kustom Cupcakes
I pass the team at Kustom Cupcakes at most events I visit and the line seems to be getting longer and longer. With whispers and discussions under secret breath, I hear the anxiously awaiting customers reverently try and make just the right choice amongst many decadent treats. Cherry ripe? Noooo…peanut buttercup…look at what’s on the top of it.  Oh my Gosh.  Where does it all end. Vanilla Marshmallow, Musk, Honeycomb or Raffaello?

You can buy a boxed set of 6 cupcakes for only $20, which takes all the stress out of a decadent afternoon tea with friend …But I say buy a value packed box of 24 large and meticulously presented cupcakes for only $65…you couldn’t replicate the class and quality at home- and that’s enough for a big party (or a small one, with yourself and your best foodie friend while the kids are at school!) Such distinct flavours, custom designed to our palates where you’ll be sure to find just the right one for you. Or two or three.

 

Kustom Cupcakes A Shop 4/156 Orrong Rd, Lathlain T 6161 2103 H Sun-Wed: 8am-5pm, Thurs-Sat, 8am-8pm E sales@kustomcupcakes.com.au

Perth Upmarkets at Winthrop Hall; U.W.A are hosted quarterly, and are open to the public.  Public toilets on site and 2 ATM machines are available for shoppers. If you’d like to know more about the Perth Upmarkets, or you’d like to be a retailer yourself, register here and someone will contact you shortly.