Campion and Curtis - Australian Food 
& Wine Newsletter - June 2003 
 
Welcome to the June 2003 edition of the C&C newsletter. It's certainly beginning to feel like winter in our part of the country, which is good news - especially if you like warming soups and hearty casseroles as we do. We have also been enjoying romesco sauce with just about everything, if you want to give it a go yourself the recipe is included at the end of the newsletter. 
 
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In-season
Our home-grown olives have been picked (around 3kg in all) and are going through a three day process of lemon and water, followed by salt, then vinegar. After which they'll end up in oil for a few weeks. We've been assured this method works beautifully, so fingers crossed. We mentioned chestnuts in our last newsletter and have been enjoying them ever since. Our new favourite way is to roast, peel and then dip them in dukkah! Also very good right now is rhubarb, apples and pumpkin. Excellent roast parsnips have also been making an appearance as we get back to roast dinners.
 
Wine happenings
Tasting Spain
Divine Magazine is set to do Spanish wines, covering everything from regions to wine varieties, styles and quality of the wines. A formal structured tasting of 26 wines with notes and some savoury items such as jamon, anchovies and Mr Woods own tortilla to tempt. Tuesday 17 June in Melbourne,  Thursday 26 June in Canberra. Bookings to Andrew Wood, 03) 5422 7500. Cost $44
 
Tasting France
The Wine Professionals in Melbourne are set to Go French with a series of advanced classes starting on Monday June 11. Learn about the wines and wine regions of France and their history, the Appelation d'Origine Controlee System, the concept of "terroir" and French labelling. It will also include wine and food matches. More info on www.wineprofessionals.com.au
 
Restaurant news
The Botanical
The Botanical Hotel in South Yarra has been packing them in since undergoing its recent refurbishment. It's hardly surprising when you consider the kitchen is headed up by the 2002 Age Good Food Guide Chef of the Year Paul Wilson and front of house covered by Erez Gordon. The Age restaurant reviewer John Lethlean gave them a high 17/20 and commented 'Wait till the dust settles a little, but go. A stimulating experience and a very suitable showcase for the talents and ideals of the chef.' 169 Domain Road, South Yarra. Tel 03) 9820 7888.
 
Mrs Jones
The team behind Diningroom 211 have opened a second restaurant in nearby Carlton called Mrs Jones. They've gone for a set price two course meal at $35 a head and are keeping costs down by only offering a daily seasonal menu. We really love the fact you can view the menu on-line to see what the days choices are. The Age gave them 15/20, while Stephen Downes was suitably impressed with the concept and the quality and went for 17/20. Mrs Jones is at 312 Drummond Street, Carlton. 03) 9347 3312. www.mrsjones.com.au
 
Afternoon Tea
Next time you get the bill at your local restaurant spare a thought for the Brits. An afternoon tea at The Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly includes such delights as Crab Sushi and Quiche with Spinach and Gruyere, and costs a mere £34.00 per person. Even with our flying high Aussie dollar that's over $80.00. To make your reservation please call 020 7300 2341.
 
Cooks books
Cheap eating
The latest edition of the Age Cheap Eats edited by Roslyn Grundy has hit the stands and is again providing an excellent value-for-money guide to dining in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Award winners this year include mecca bah at Docklands picking up the spot of the year as well as pizza of the year. Cliffy's in Daylesford won best country spot, breakfast dish of the year went to Rathdown Street Food Store for their Spanish omelette and best noodle dish went to Chocolate Buddah in Federation Square.
 
Rare books
Well known food lover Pam Bakes has followed her other passion and established a second-hand book store. She offers a constantly changing and growing list of paperback books. She'll even parcel up a selection of books, called a book bag and post them to you, or a friend who needs a good read. Perfect for holidays, visits to hospital or just to brighten your day. Pam will even consider buying your old second hand books from you too! Drop by one Saturday afternoon between Midday and 6pm at 99 George Street Fitzroy. 03) 9417 1852
 
Food happenings
Stefano de Pieri
Book now to ensure you don’t miss out for Stefano de Pieri’s Winter Bollito Misto Dinner Wednesday 16th July at De Bortoli in the Yarra Valley. As part of the Italian Regional Chefs Dinner Stefano will create his stunning Bollito Misto, an Italian winter favourite that becomes two courses. The first course is a tortellini in broth made from the main course’s stock and then the star of the evening is revealed - Bollito Misto is perhaps the most famous of all Piedmontese dishes and is traditionally created from many different meats - so there are always surprises.  $75.00 including wine, De Bortoli Winery, Pinnacle Lane, Dixon’s Creek, via Yarra Glen. Bookings can be made on 03) 5965 2271.
 
Canada here we come
If you're thinking of travelling further afield this winter food writer Peter Howard may have just the thing for you. He's leading a 16 day tour to explore the food, wine and spectacular countryside of Western Canada. The journey will travel through the regions of Banff, Jasper, Victoria, Vancouver and Calgary from August 25th, and visit farmers’ markets on Vancover Island, taste the ice wines of the region plus Albertan steaks, BC salmon, local oysters and venison. Plus pub tours and boutique breweries in Old Victoria, a visit to the Chinese area in Vancouver and silver service afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel. Sounds like our kind of holiday. Bookings and itinerary details on 1300 737 344.
 
Food safari
Gourmet Safaris have lots of good things on offer this month including an Indian banquet at Zaafran restaurant set above the sparkling waters of Darling Harbour on Saturday 21st June. On Thursday 26th June you can join them for a food and wine inspired walking tour of Leichhardt. If you really need to get away from the approaching winter they have a great sounding tropical North Queensland safari heading off in the not too distant future. Find out more at www.gourmetsafaris.com.au
 
Canberra cooking
Elizabeth Chong fans in Canberra can catch up with her on  Saturday, June 21 as she presents recipes from her cookbook and TV show Tiny Delights. She'll be presenting a wide range of regional dishes, plus her  favourite dim sum and simple family recipes. Bookings via the website www.belconnenmarkets.com.au  or telephone 02) 6253 5132.  
 
Seafood barbecue
You know we're pretty keen on a good barbecue, the Sydney Seafood School have something that's just up our alley. They have just extended the school to include a dedicated BBQ-area in order to better present classes on outdoor entertaining and barbecuing seafood. On Sunday 6 July the Seafood School is holding a food and wine fair to show off its new facilities. There’ll be food, wine and equipment stalls offering tastings, demonstrations, special discounts and prizes throughout the day, as well as free mini-demonstrations in the School’s auditorium at 11am, 12 midday, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. To make a booking or request a full program of classes call 9004 1111 or visit www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
 
Good Food & Wine Show
The travelling food show is on again beginning with Melbourne this weekend and on to Sydney from Friday 13th - Sunday 15th June. Lots to see including the celebrity theatre 'delicious duets' between Bill Granger, Jill Dupleix and Luke Mangan.  TV chef Ainsley Harriott will be the official host of these, which means anything can happen. Rob Hicks is host to top winemakers and brewers in the Wine & Beer Tasting Theatre, also making appearances here will be Lyndey Milan with her food and wine matching sessions. All information on where and when is available at www.goodfoodshow.com.au
 
Tassie travels
We love to hear about great food spots from our all of you foodies out there. Rosemary from Launceston has offered to let us know about all the best spots in her home town of Launceston, which we'll bring you next month. We want to hear from you too! E-mail us at michele@campionandcurtis.com
 
Cheers, Allan and Michele
 
Romesco sauce
This classic Spanish sauce is absolutely amazing served with pan-fried or barbecued chicken, seafood and lamb. Try it just once and it’s sure to become a real favourite. It’s sort of like a Spanish pesto, but even nicer.
 
1 red capsicum, seeds removed
1 small red chilli, seeds removed
1 tomato, cut in half
4 garlic cloves, peeled
Olive oil
75 g (1/2 cup) blanched almonds
75 g (1/2 cup) hazelnuts
2 tbsp smoked paprika
 Large pinch of saffron, soaked in 2 tbsp boiling water
1 thick slice of bread, toasted and diced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 180° C.
 
Place capsicum, chilli, tomato and garlic onto a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Place into preheated oven and cook until all ingredients are tender. The chilli will take 10 minutes, the tomato and garlic about 15 minutes and the capsicums may take up to 30 minutes.
 
Place almonds and hazelnuts on a separate baking tray and place in preheated oven. Cook until golden, approximately 15 minutes. Place the hazelnuts in a clean tea-towel and rub to remove the skins.
 
Peel capsicum, chilli, tomato, chilli, garlic. Add to food processor along with almonds, hazelnuts, paprika, saffron, bread, parsley, vinegar and salt and pepper. Whiz the ingredients to a coarse paste.
 
Spoon the mix into a bowl, stir well and add olive oil to make a thick paste like consistency. Season with extra vinegar, salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should have a smoky, rich full flavoured taste.
 
Keep in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
 
Makes 500 ml (2 cups)
 
 
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