PERTH hospitality guru David Weinman has been commissioned by The Marketing Pepper Board of Malaysia to promote Sarawak pepper across the globe. And what better place to start than in his home town, Perth?
David has been out to numerous restaurants across Perth in a bid to prove to them that, just like coffee beans, there is differentiation of taste and quality with pepper and Sarawak is creme de la creme.
“Pepper is Sarawak’s biggest export. It is on the north coast of Borneo but until now they have sold it and it has been repackaged and sold under another region’s name,” he says.
“They now want to make pepper the new commodity and have it packaged as Sarawak pepper.
“They are packing it under the Sarawak name and selling it wholesale.
“Sarawak pepper berries are bigger than other varieties and are more flavoursome.
“The white pepper is creamy white and the black is robust and firm.”
David is currently speaking to chefs across the country and has received early interest from operators in Sydney.
He has been invited by former Parmelia Hilton general manager Franz Zellar to conduct pepper promotions at three hotels in the Middle East and, depending on the security situation, will head there later this year.
David will take two Sarawak chefs with him on the cooking tour.
And if you think pepper is something for food only, think again. They’re also looking to promote pepper perfume.
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There will be a new restaurant opening at the B Restaurant site shortly, and it will take on a very different approach to what took place under the helm of Tony Barlow. Think Japanese.
Gusto will keep you posted on who and what this new Subi restaurant is all about.
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Linda Mead is back in the hospitality scene, this time promoting restaurants rather than running them. She is marketing food promotions at local venues through N-Durance Promotions.
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The West Australian Olive Festival kicks off this weekend at the Swan Valley. Those wanting to expand their knowledge of the olive industry should be sure to book a spot at the UWA Extension Tasting Tent. A range of classes will be hosted covering topics such as table olive production at home, introduction to olive oil tasting, coffees of the world, and Swan Valley wines and WA cheeses. The classes are $29.
