Harvest Picnic At Hanging Rock
Despite looming rain clouds, I decided to bite my thumb at the weather and head for the Hanging Rock Harvest Picnic. And I’m so glad I did as the weather was spectacularly sunny by the time I got there.
The Harvest Picnic is basically a salute to the production of great Victorian food and wine. Samples were plentiful and diverse, ranging from cheeses, meats, biscuits, breads, cupcakes, beer, wine, spices, ice cream, daiquiris, pastries, BBQ’s, okonomiyaki, paella, falafel, jams, chutneys, sauces, salts, fruits and vegetables. There was so MUCH that I wanted to buy. Unfortunately apprentice wages really aren’t substantial enough to be whimsically wanton with the purchase of such delights. *sigh*
Anyway, I really couldn’t go past new season Harcourt Royal Gala apples. They were crisp, crunchy and smack bang full of flavour. Yummy!
Lunch included an amazing tender Strathbogie Beef rare Rump roll. Strathbogie prides itself on being 100% grass fed, and is dry aged. Sometimes the simple things in life are often the best - a squidgy soft white roll stuffed full of tender beef, and a tangy zesty tomato relish.
To wash it down was a Natural Blonde Wheat Beer from Grand Ridge Brewery. Free of preservatives, it was fresh and crisp to the palate. Apparently it is infused with coriander and orange peel (not that I could taste it). I found it quite refreshing, very Belgian-like and extremely drinkable.
Dessert was a moreish Lemon and Coconut Biscuit from Michel’s Fine Biscuits in Castlemaine. Unfortunately I didn’t nab a photo of that one - it was consumed way too quickly. But the taste reminded me of those old fashioned lemon coconut slices, yet was made in a funky little square biscuit sandwich. Yum Yum!
A reported 10,000 people turned up to the event with picnic rugs and hampers full of goodies. There were cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs (including Stefano di Pieri and Tobie Puttock), music and live bands, an animal farm for the kiddies, 100 exhibitors and a trackless train to take either heavily laden punters or deleriously drunk punters back to the car park. Good vibes and good food. It rocked!
Written by mellie on
February 28th, 2006 | Tags: Uncategorized | Category: Uncategorized
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February 28th, 2006 at 8:01 am
Ah, I meant to go to that but the family were in town and couldn’t make it. Oh well, there’s always next time. And good to know that it’s well worth attending!
March 1st, 2006 at 12:18 am
Sounds like a great day, I always seem to have some other plans when these things are on & miss out