Gourmet Safaris Newsletter February 2021

February 2021

Dear friends,

We’re back at work and reminding you that while you can’t travel the world at the moment, you can still explore your own city and some of the sensational parts of Australia with Gourmet Safaris.

There are many new safaris that you may love as well as long term safari treasures featuring small authentic family businesses.

We have a few spaces on upcoming weeklong safaris in the first half of the year if you feel like a week away – to the beautiful High Country in Victoria and a new safari in South Australia in autumn.

South Australia

We have just a few spaces left on this exceptional 8 day explore through Adelaide, McLaren Vale and the Barossa, staying in Adelaide at the new Crowne Plaza in the East End and the renowned The Louise hotel in the Barossa. We visit produce markets and established and upcoming restaurants, family estates and family homes, vineyards and olive groves and scenic spots to taste wine with a sweep of view in front of us, plus some wonderful ‘finds’ that are the hallmark of a Gourmet Safari.

All in stunning Autumn – 29th April to 6th May. Meet in Adelaide at the Hotel. Click here to book

Victorian High Country Safari

Previous guests have described this safari as Italy with gum trees…and it really is – we live ‘la dolce vita’ as we visit many Italian families through the King, Ovens and Kiewa Valleys. The plan at this stage is to enjoy a Sardinian feast in Melbourne before we head out for 6 days of warm welcomes, family estates, Italian wines, regional feasts, autumnal local produce. Plus we enjoy lunch at a hatted restaurant, an al fresco lunch by a mountain stream, mushroom foraging, cooking class, bocce competition and more.

If Melbourne is of concern, we will head straight to the region and settle into our lovely hotel at Lindenwarrah overlooking the vines.

Sunday 21st to Friday 26th March – the most perfect time of year to visit this area of high mountains and beautiful valleys. Just a few places remain. Click here to book.

Upcoming Sydney Safaris

Newtown Enmore Wednesday evenings

We are delighted to be able to continue this eclectic exploration of two cool neighbourhoods, enjoying craft beer and introducing natural wine, meeting local artisans and small businesses, tasting some great food and finishing with internationally award winning gelato. Led by me and my eldest daughter Kitty.

Fitness level required – you will walk about 1 kilometre, there is some standing

Next dates: 24th February, 10th March and 31st March Click here to book

Marrickville Producers Safari (Thursday)

This is a food lover’s dream… a day exploring some small businesses in light industrial Marrickville roasting coffee, tasting just made coconut based yoghurt and ice-cream, German smallgoods, some great gin, Italian soft cheese, an ethical butchery, an emporium full of top ingredients and lunch at a cafe which sources its fresh produce directly from its own farm in the Hawkesbury.

Have a look at this lovely lunch one of recent guests Allison put together with beautiful produce sourced on this safari: buffalo mozzarella from Vannella cheese, prosciutto from Black Forest Smokehouse, her own homemade pesto and focaccia and homegrown tomatoes…

Fitness level required – you will walk about 2 kilometres.

Thursday: 18th February, 11th March, 27th May, 15th July. Click here to book

Italian Haberfield Safari on a Thursday and Saturday

Haberfield is a glorious Italian village full of small family businesses with all the ingredients for a feast. We explore delicatessens full of olives, cheeses, small-goods, olive oil, aged vinegar, pasta and sauces; a bakery famous for crusty pane di casa bread and arancini; a fresh pasta maker; artisan cheese maker, some of the best Italian fruit and vegetables and a perfect handmade chocolate shop. We enjoy a generous lunch of homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza & salads including wine (of course!) and finish with a specialist liqueur shop. Magnifico!

Click here for Thursday

Click here for Saturday

Barzaari Banquet lunch

From the brilliant team at Marrickville’s treasured Barzaari, join us for a Sunday feast from the wood-fired oven and spit roast, all created by top chef Darryl Martin and his team. Expect a range of starters including dips and fresh pita bread; olives and haloumi. Plus pork souvlakia and the classic sheftalies from the spit and the incredible slow cooked lamb shoulder with spices served with yiayia’s rice and tzatziki. With wines matched from the cool climate of North East Victoria, our friends at Gapsted Wines. A perfect Sunday lunch!

Sunday 28th March – Click here to book

Spice Safari

Exploring the heady world of spices across a number of delicious cuisines. Our journey takes us into some of the best spice emporiums of Sydney: fragrant with cinnamon, cumin, saffron, cardamom and curry leaves. Learn how to use spices in some simple achievable recipes across a range of cuisines then enjoy a glorious lunch and cooking demonstration. This safari features cuisines as diverse as Persian, Lebanese, Turkish, Indian and Sri Lankan. Includes coach transport, tea, tastings and lunch.

Saturday 27th March and more dates…click here to book

Best of the Mediterranean

We can’t travel to Europe but we can transport you into the delicious sun kissed cuisines of Italy, Malta and Cyprus. We start with a good Italian coffee at our friends Paesanella who make fresh Italian cheese every day, taste just-made ricotta, bocconcini and oh so heavenly burrata. Journey into the Cypriot heartland for dips and a range of fabulous olives – the jumbo green olives are superb! plus Cypriot specialties and ingredients; see olive bread made before visiting our favourite Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with a spit roast and wood fired oven then see golden flakey pastizzi being made by hand in a family business and then a light Italian lunch with a glass of wine. Magnificent fun day!

Saturday 27th February – click here to book

Breakfasts

We’ve introduced some great new breakfasts across Sydney…all traditional and delicious and a great introduction to what we do.

Priced at just $55 you get to try many dishes that are traditionally served in homes, complete with warm hospitality and a visit to stores that stock some of the ingredients you may have tried.

Lebanese Breakfast in Greenacre – click here to book