by Kendrea Rhodes
Over the past decades, cooking has become more than nourishment, in fact, some consider it an art form. It has leapt head first into the entertainment arena with flamboyant and creative personalities gracing our screens and book cases. Many of us have the ghost of Jamie Oliver or Bill Granger over our shoulder as we prepare that sweet marinade for our meat or whisk that eggwhite into soufflé. Now you can have that celebrity experience (without the camera’s) here in the Hills with the new fully functional, SMEG Hills Market Kitchen at the Adelaide Hills Market in Lobethal.
Mike and Pene Willoughby of Gumeracha have hit upon another winner for the dynamic markets with their “food affairs with flair” events which include many local Hills products available at the market. Customers can watch, learn and interrupt acclaimed Australian chefs as they perform their magic in the kitchen. They can also expect to taste the results of the chef’s efforts, amounting to a hearty lunch for all, with a glass of wine and a well guarded tip or three from the chefs.
Lyn Hughes of Harrogate attended one of these sessions on the 20th of March to witness the creative magnificence of Chef, Justin Markos, who’s menu included: Duck parfait, mustard crusted Spear Creek Dorper lamb with Tilbrook sangiovese jus and local potato galettes, and to finish off with poached Adelaide hills fig tarts with local botrytis cream. Lyn has been a regular at these events, therefore she has come to expect the high standard and thoroughly enjoys the fantastically rich atmosphere and approachable chefs.
The kitchen itself is so inviting, that when not in use, many of the 2000 weekend visitors to the market, cannot help but get a closer look. The tomato red SMEG refrigerator beckons to be opened, while the other SMEG appliances sit atop and within the classy cabinetry, supplied by Balhannah Mitre 10 (kitchen solutions).
Future events include a vegetarian experience on 17th April with Bev Millott, seasonal flavours with Ben Sommariva on 1st of May, and a return visit from Justin Markos on May 22nd. Bookings are essential as tickets are selling fast, phone 8389 5615 or visit the web site for more info: www.adelaidehillsmarket.com.
Chef Andrew Fielke with Market Kitchen director, Sarina Waterman, demonstrating their art
at the recent “food affairs with flair” event at the Adelaide Hills Market – Lobethal.
