2013 Margaret River Gourmet Escape

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22 – 24 Nov
Margaret River Gourmet Escape, presented by Siemens, is thrilled to announce that internationally acclaimed chefs, Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein, Alex Atala and Sat Bains and favourite Australian culinary icons, Neil Perry and Matt Moran will lead a star studded line up of personalities at the three day culinary adventure from 22nd – 24th November. Just the first announcement with other commended talent still to be released, this event will see the coming together of many of the biggest names in the culinary world.
The Margaret River Gourmet Escape will deliver a program showcasing the best of Western Australia and the Margaret River Wine Region through a lauded line up of over 25 international and Australian food and wine personalities and special events set in unique locations, attracting food and wine lovers and holiday makers to the region. So successful was the inaugural year, which saw sell out crowds, it has set the stage for an even bigger festival for 2013.
This year’s program promises once again to deliver on the extraordinary with a jam packed three days of beach BBQ’s, long table lunches set among the vines and new events including a pop up Rockpool Bar & Grill restaurant with a rock twist; collaboration dinners with an exclusive culinary line up set in picturesque wineries; an event held in a secret forest location; a series of lunch and dinners serving local produce and bush tucker.
Heston Blumenthal, the owner of the famous Fat Duck and Dinner By Heston Blumenthal restaurants in the United Kingdom, is one of only two chefs with 2 restaurants in the San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, was unable to attend the event last year but he is very excited to be a part of the festival for 2013 and is looking forward to visiting the region, discovering its acclaimed produce with his peers and meeting the food lovers of Australia.
Rick Stein, one of the most recognised chefs in the world with his conglomerate of TV shows and cookbooks is a great advocate of Australian produce. 2013 will be Stein’s inaugural Margaret River Gourmet Escape experience where he will host his private masterclasses as a new addition to the Gourmet Village at Leeuwin Estate using the freshest seafood straight from the Indian Ocean.
Adding to the line up is Alex Atala from D.O.M. in Sao Paulo Brazil with the world’s number 6 restaurant in the San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Restaurant Awards and Sat Bains from the two Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms in Nottingham, England. Both Atala and Bains were a part of last year’s line up and are keen supporters of the festival, 2012 having enlightened them to the Margaret River Wine Region and its offerings. Atala, a passionate forager was in awe of the regional and native ingredients and is keen to uncover some new discoveries in 2013.
First announced who will be leading the local charge are Neil Perry and Matt Moran – both returning to Margaret River Gourmet Escape from a hugely successful 2012 event. This year sees a unique pop up Rockpool Bar & Grill with Perry whilst Moran will appear and cook at various events throughout the program.
2013 sees new exciting additions to the program, sure to whet any appetite.
Rockpool on Rocky Road
The team from Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar & Grill restaurant will cook up a rock and roll menu showcasing a fusion of rotisserie meats, gourmet salads and fine wines. Held at McHenry Hohnen Winery, this inventive dinner will be supported with live music so guests can eat, drink and dance the night away.
The Collaboration Series, Vasse Felix
One event in a new series for 2013 is this once in a lifetime experience as acclaimed Australian chefs, including Neil Perry and the team from Vasse Felix, collaborate in a spectacular feast whilst guests get up close and personal to Heston Blumenthal
with an interactive Q&A. Set in the gallery of Vasse Felix, this offers an intimate culinary experience and a flawless wine list – not to be missed!
What’s New at The Gourmet Village?

The hub of the festival is the popular Gourmet Village at the iconic Leeuwin Estate. This gourmet extravaganza features wine tastings, masterclasses, West Australian premium wines and quality produce and will introduce visitors to the international food and wine stars appearing across the weekend. New festival Title Partner, Siemens, who have confirmed a two year sponsorship, will be hosting the Siemens Chef’s Theatre where visitors can see cooking demonstrations from leading chefs over the two days. New features this year include:

  • Catch of the Day with Rick Stein – An intimate masterclass with the Godfather of seafood, guests will get up close and personal with Rick and hear first hand his tips for cooking the perfect seafood dish before tasting Rick’s creations. A not to be missed experience!
  • The Secret Garden – This is the ultimate pass to the Gourmet Village providing an exclusive private enclosure with a birds eye view of the festival and a place to enjoy music, food and wine. The Secret Garden pass includes two complimentary drinks on arrival, a tasting plate of local produce and GEMs to indulge and discover fine fare and wine.
  • Premium Wine Tastings – For appreciators of the finest wine, Gourmet Traveller WINE will be holding premium tastings at the Gourmet Village in the exclusive Leeuwin Estate art gallery. Hosted by lauded international wine talent, guests will sample special and old vintage releases.

Gourmet Beach BBQ’s @ Smiths Beach
Back by popular demand are the Gourmet Beach BBQ’s at Smiths Beach. With the sand between your toes, a glass of the region’s finest wine in hand and the sun setting over the water, this unique setting provides the backdrop for an unforgettable experience as favourite Margaret River Gourmet Escape chefs (Australian and international) create a world class BBQ menu reflecting the laid back sophistication of the South West region.
Tickets for the above events will be on sale in July through Ticketek. Tickets are limited for all events so early purchase is recommended to avoid disappointment. Visitors can sign up for news on the culinary talent, event program updates and exclusive pre-­‐sale information at www.gourmetescape.com.au.
Famous for its exceptional food and wine, Margaret River is the only wine region in Australia that boasts beautiful beaches, spectacular tall tree forests, cave systems, incredible surfing, whale watching and wildflowers, making it an extraordinary holiday destination. It is also the perfect base to explore the natural beauty, unique attractions and fresh produce of the South West corner of Western Australia.
Margaret River is a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth. Virgin Australia operates flights from Perth to Busselton, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from Margaret River township. International flights operate to Perth Airport.
For event information please visit their website.

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