Book review and competition: Chefs of the Margaret River Region
In this post:
- Book review
- Special offer for TFP e-newsletter subscribers
- Competition
Book review
When I was a child growing up in Malaysia, long before I ever touched a computer or picked up a camera, my favourite rainy afternoon activity was to snuggle up with my two older sisters in my parents’ bed, having gathered a pile of Mum’s recipe books – we deliberately chose the ones we knew had colour pictures. We would ‘read’ the books one by one, turning the pages slowly, gaze longingly the pictures and, imagining what the dishes must taste like, loudly declare whether we liked the look of each dish (“LIKE!”) or not (“DON’T LIKE!”). I never ever got tired of doing this.
If I was to curl up under the doona and indulge in this activity now as as adult, Chefs of the Margaret River Region would be a perfect book to do it with. Except that I’d be exclaiming “LIKE!” at practically every picture.
This is, simply, a gorgeous book.
Sue-Lyn Aldrian-Moyle’s vibrant photographs so vividly capture the beauty of this famous and beloved region which stretches from Dunsborough to Augusta, with its bright blue water, glorious skies and lush vineyards. But just as importantly, the book showcases and profiles nineteen people who live and work in the region and create wonderful dishes from its fantastic produce. We get an insight into where they’ve come from, their cooking styles, personal passions and inspirations. And each chef has shared a recipe, including a suggested wine match. The pride and joy of the chefs and indeed that of the author and photographer really pop out of these pages.
Let’s face it, many of us will admire and drool over the food photographs and never dream of attempting to cook these recipes in our own less beautiful kitchens, but whether you regard this as more coffee table book than cook book, there are countless pleasures to be relished within the glossy pages.
Chef Dany Angove, Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River with Salad of Pemberton marron, smoked salmon and avocado and orange poppy seed dressing (recipe in book).
Featured in the book are the wineries Vasse Felix, Watershed, Cullen, Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate, Clairault and Knee Deep Wines; restaurants Must Margaret River, The Studio Gallery and Bistro, Flutes at Brookland Valley, Cape Lodge and Newtown House; beachfront favourites Bunkers Beach Cafe, Gnarabar and White Elephant Cafe; and local food businesses The Larder, Providore, Chow Cuisine to Go and Veda Catering.
If you’ve never been to Margaret River, a flick through may help you understand why I write about the region in such gushing, loving tones. This stunning book may just entice you to start planning a trip so you can experience it for yourself.
Me, I’m left yearning to return to the Margaret River region soon. And oh, if only smell-o-vision was a reality.
In a project like this, it’s never possible to include “everyone” and I’m sure some readers will have favourite chefs, wineries and food providores who they think should be in the book. With such an abundance of culinary talent in the region, I reckon volume two would not be a crazy proposition.
Slow-braised Burnside beef cheeks with handmade gnocchi by Rick Houston, Must Margaret River (recipe in book).
All images from Chefs of the Margaret River Region featured in this post were taken by Sue-Lyn Aldrian-Moyle, used with permission.
Chefs of the Margaret River Region
Lisa Hanley (Author) & Sue-Lyn Aldrian-Moyle (Photographer and Co-Author)
Published 2011 by Margaret River Press
ISBN13 978-0-9872180-0-1
Hardcover
RRP AU$55
Visit publisher’s website
Now also available as an iBook in the Apple iTunes store.
TFP received a complimentary copy of Chefs of the Margaret River Region for review. All opinions are my own.
Special offer for TFP e-newsletter readers
Subscribers of my e-newsletter will get a special discount code in the August edition of the newsletter. With the code, you may order Chefs of the Margaret River Region direct at the Margaret River Press website and get 20% off the price of the book. This offer is available to Australian and international subscribers (shipping costs apply).
If you’re not a subscriber yet and would like to get the code, click here to subscribe.
If you’re already a subscriber, stay tuned for the next edition to appear in your email inbox in August with all the details you’ll need!
Another image from Chefs of the Margaret River Region
Competition
Thanks to Margaret River Press, I have a copy of Chefs of the Margaret River Region and a voucher for new Margaret River cafe Morries Anytime to give away.
NOTE: This competition is now closed. Winner to be chosen, contacted and announced very soon.
The prize
1 x copy of Chefs of the Margaret River Region – RRP AU$55
1 x voucher for Morries Anytime, one of Margaret River’s newest cafes – value AU$50
How to enter
Leave a comment including the following:
1. The phrase “I’m entering this competition.”
2. Describe your idea of a perfect weekend in Margaret River.
Competition terms and conditions
- Competition is open to Australian residents only
- Entries will be judged on their creativity, deliciousness and entertainment value
- You may only enter once
- My friends and family may not enter
- Competition closes at 9pm AWST (Perth time) on 12 August 2012
- The winner will be contacted directly by email, and once confirmed, will be announced at The Food Pornographer blog, Twitter and Facebook.
- Please ensure you include a valid email address (not published) when leaving your comment entry so that I can contact you easily if you’re chosen as the winner.