May Newsletter

Dear friends

Hope you’re all well and snuggling into the best time of year to indulge in eating and drinking..

I’m just back from two South Australian Safaris and will give you more details below on the next opportunity to be part of this feast of a week!

Come exploring Now!

We have a number of great safaris happening at this time of year and would love you to come and join us.

Rosebery Safari – come and join our newest walking safari of a wonderful food precinct on a Wednesday complete with generous tastings of pastries and coffee, fine cheese and cooking demonstrations, meeting a baker and providore, tasting acclaimed Archie Rose gin and settling in for a Vietnamese lunch with a difference before being treated to a colossal gelato experience. It’s a perfect day out. We have spaces on Wednesday 18th May and 15th June and 13th July. Click here to book

Marrickville Producers Safari – the best day out starting with just roasted coffee and then exploring some of the top food haunts of Marrickville including fine Italian soft cheese, small goods, providores, sourdough crumpet maker, ethical butcher, Poor Toms gin, glorious lunch at Stix Cafe (opening at the moment just for our groups) and more.

We have a couple of places on Thursday 19th May, then 16th June and 28th June. Click here to book.

Here’s what our guests Sue and Renzo said of a recent safari:

“Well where do we start? What a fantastic day! We just wanted to pass on a huge thankyou to Maeve, Kit & all of the wonderful, knowledgeable producers that were so generous with their time today. Start to finish the day was perfect! Such a fun, interesting day out with the opportunity to discover the talents & taste of Marrickville. A day out in Sydney exploring an area that is so abundant in quality locally made produce that is mindfully sourced. What a treat! What also made the day so enjoyable was the passion & devotion that all of the producers have for their trade, promoting a happy, healthy work place. Maeve & Kit, such a delight to meet you both. We look forward to seeing you soon when we book our next Food Safari”

Cooks Shed Cooking demonstration and lunch in the Hawkesbury – this is such a magic day in Lower Portland in the stylish food precinct of ex Longrainchef Martin Boetz. We start with a glass of prosecco and then settle in to enjoy a cooking demonstration of many classic Thai dishes (achievable at home and with all the key ingredients on show from the right fish sauce to how to slice kaffir lime leaves like an expert) Join us on Saturday 18th June. Click here to book

Turkish breakfasts

This is exactly the sort of easy immersion into a culture that gives you an entree to Auburn and all its delights in an easy and delicious way. Meet our guide Ulku Gani and feast on a huge range of dishes from our hosts Arzu and chef Sedat Acma.

The table is filled with a range of delicious dishes, some from regional Turkey and often a demonstration from our chef. Ulku will then guide you through our favourite Turkish emporium full of ingredients to sparkle up the cooler months.

Next safaris: Saturday 4th June and 2nd July. Click here to book

Lebanese walking safaris in Punchbowl

This is where Gourmet Safaris started and full of small family businesses we love and treasure.

Thanks to our guide Judy for sharing your culture and recipes guiding our groups.

Next safari Saturday 4th June. Click here to book.

Here’s what one guests said last weekend:

“Just wanted to thank you for a fabulous tour around Punchbowl on Saturday. We learnt so much and came away (or rather ‘waddled‘ home) with a mountain of wonderful Lebanese goodies to enjoy at home. My next dinner party will definitely be featuring Lebanese dishes and the delicious Lebanese bread and sweet treats. Thanks also to Maeve and Judy for making the whole day such fun. It was a pleasure to meet them.

Look forward to trying another food safari adventure soon”. Phyl and Eric

South Australia

What a safari…it’s so rich and full of goodness…and I love this so much I’m keen to do another later in the year. If you’ve followed me on Instagram or Facebook you will have seen how much we manage to do…food, wine, history, art, music, produce markets and farmers, and many more great finds.