And they're back again (Free double passes giveaway!)

It seems like almost a year ago... ok - it has almost exactly been a year ago when I waxed lyrical about the exciting prospect of the Good Food & Wine Show arriving into the sleepy city of Perth. And with that news came the reminder of my love hate relationship with this city that has so much offer but is just so stuck in its old ways... and don't get me started on all things unrelated to the food scene because that could be the start of a whole new other blog.

Nevertheless, it's events like the GF&WS that remind the hopefuls in this city of ours that there is more to Perth than overpriced, lacklustre plates... that there are purveyors and restaurateurs out there that are proud to be West Australian but aren't ashamed to admit we need change. And I'm so excited to say that as quick as the past year seems to have flown by, Perth HAS experienced change. I only have to look to my neighbourhood to see the opening of two highly successful Melbournesque cafes,the pending arrival of a gourmet deli and very soon, two exciting new small bars.

And so, with the marking of the second post to encourage readers to attend this year's GF&WS from 15-17 July 2011 at the Perth Conventre and Exhibition Centre, I am proud as punch to offer one lucky reader two free tickets to this worthwhile event (reality TV celebrity chefs included). All you have to do is leave a commment against this entry on what is the one change (be it restaurant, cafe, new ingredient to the markets, etc) you have experienced in the Perth food scene over the past year that has given you the most joy and hope for our city. The winner will be announced on this blog on the 20th June (Monday) so check back in to claim your prize!

Good luck!

www.goodfoodshow.com.au

Tummies get ready to rumble

Perth has always been neglected on the gastronomic map of Australia - and to be completely honest, this has not been without good reason. For too long, this sleepy city has produced an alarmingly large proportion of poorly conceptualised restaurants which underwhelm in service and food but overwhelm in price and lack of interest.

But things are changing - and slowly the city is beginning to awaken from the culinary comatose that has plagued it for much too long. Talented chefs and artisanal food stores are injecting the much needed adrenaline into the veins of Perth's food scene, and with it, energising the people who live in it with the realisation that this city also has much to offer.

And whilst I am under no delusion that Perth has a long way to go in achieving the same food culture that is so prevalent in sister cities like Melbourne... I remain hopeful. So it is with much excitement that I await the arrival of the Good Food and Wine Show right here in my adopted city.

In its third year here in Perth, the event will showcase over 150 food, wine and beverage exhibitors. Of course, a definite huge draw card to the show is also the celebrity chefs that will be "performing" cooking demonstrations over the 3 day event. I say "performing" in inverted commas because whilst I am excited at the prospect of seeing Gary Mehigan, George Colombaris (both of Masterchef fame) and Matt Moran whip up culinary delights with hopefully a bit of humour and wit thrown in, other segment descriptions have already started to make me cringe.

Take Manu Feildel's "Spinning plates" segment - "He is the fun, feisty, fancy Frenchman from My Kitchen Rules, now see him juggling his culinary skills with his circus skills." So he's going to be spinning plates whilst cooking up a meal at the same time... right... NEXT!

Nevertheless, events like the Good Food and Wine Show are well worth supporting... afterall, it's publicity that leads to interest... interest that leads to awareness... and awareness that ultimately leads to choosing and demanding the right food direction for this city.

http://www.goodfoodshow.com.au/index.asp
In Perth July 2-4