Bites

The precious black truffles grown by the Wine and Truffle Company in Manjimup are prized for the similarities to the black Perigord Truffles of France.

Now those keen to pull on a pair of Wellingtons can become more like a French truffle farmer with the Company announcing special Truffle Hunting packages for the 2006 season.

For a nominal fee members of the public and overseas visitors can share in the European phenomenon of an intimate truffle hunting experience.

The season commences in early June and will end in early September but bookings are kept to a minimum.

Rumour has it that the Spanish tradition of serving tapas – bite sized appetizers – came from the old custom of placing a slice of bread on top of a wine glass to keep out the bugs.

Whatever the historical roots, chef Paul Medica of the Hilton’s Globe Wine Bar is seeking to reintroduce them to Perth diners – albeit without the bugs.

Instead from 5pm to 8pm Monday to Saturday evenings he is offering a choice of eight tapas including Moroccan spiced lamb koftas, shallow fried chilli and coriander calamari, and sauvignon blanc sautéed mussels with salsa verde.

Time is quickly running out for the City of Perth’s Food and Wine Festival which finishes at the end of March. East Perth will still be the hub for remaining events although many restaurants and cafes around the city and Northbridge have saved the best till last.

Jan Purser, a Naturopathic nutrition consultant will be conducting a seminar on how to reduce or minimise food sensitivities on Thursday March 30 at Myer in the CBD. 

On Wednesday March 29 the seasoned team at Dusit Thai on James Street will be guiding willing participants through some of the intricacies of tractional Thai cuisine.

Similarly Don Hancy and Peter Manafis will be throwing a few prawns on the barbie as only they can at Comestibles in East Perth. Local wine educator David Mullins will be matching some local wines with the event as well.