5 reasons to tuck into the Margaret River Gourmet Escape

Just while the west coast's colourful wildflowers put on a show in the Spring, the chefs also come out to play as food lovers converge on the Margaret River Gourmet Escape. It's one of the premier foodie events on a global scale, let alone Australia so grab a Perth campervan or car rental and get ready for some seriously tasty treats come November 16-18. 

And here's a warning - you may just forget about returning home and stay on for summer as you explore the regions amazing attractions.

Nigella's Tea Party

Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a unique event attracting local, national and international visitors to enjoy a food and wine 3 day festival program. Cumulatively since the inaugural 2012 event 80,000 passionate foodies have shared in the unique local flavours, incredible landscapes, fun atmosphere and the personal experiences of their favourite attending food and wine celebrities. Could any be more popular than Nigella? “I have always had a slight fantasy-hankering for a cafe with cakes and bakes,” says Nigella Lawson. This year the British journalist and television star returns and gets her wish granted as Howard Park’s Wine Chapel is transformed into an exclusive salon and terrace for afternoon tea with a difference. Unmissable.

Caves Road Cantina at Black Brewing Co

Two of the world’s most accomplished Mexican chefs, Edgar Nunez (Mexico’s SUD 777) and Rosio Sanchez from Copenhagen’s world-renowned tacqueria Hija de Sanchez, will dish up a snack party of Mexican delicacies using amazing local produce, washed down with local brews courtesy of the Black Brewing Co. The Margaret River Gourmet Escape team says this one promises to be a "A fusion of flavour, fun and frivolity – gather your friends for the perfect Gourmet Escape fiesta." This is a casual canapé style event and each ticket includes two drinks and a selection of Mexican inspired snacks.

Fishtales with Rick Stein at Wills Domain

Here's your chance to enjoy a seafood dinner while engaging in thought-provoking discussions with insight from local producers and crowd favourite Rick Stein. How sustainable is the seafood we’re eating? Is farmed fish the future? What can consumers do to help the planet? These are some of the questions South West producers Brad Adams (Ocean Grown Abalone) and Peter McGinty (Blue Ridge Marron) will be discussing at this thought-provoking event at Wills Domain. After hearing local producers discuss all things seafood, Rick Stein will then reflect on a career running seafront restaurants in Cornwall as well as closer to home on New South Wales’ south coast and the soon-to-be-opened Port Stephens outpost of Bannisters.

Don't miss the Gourmet Village

At the heart of Margaret River Gourmet Escape is the community hub space known as Gourmet Village, a buzzing world of culinary excitement and the perfect opportunity to experience the delectable delights the region has to offer. Held at Leeuwin Estate Winery over 2 days, the Gourmet Village is where all the culinary stars come together across one action-packed weekend filled with cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, masterclasses, intimate Q&As and panel discussions.

Westpac Gourmet Beach BBQ

This quintessential Aussie beach barbecue is hosted throughout the festival by Justine Schofield from Everyday Gourmet. The Westpac Gourmet Beach BBQ is one of the signature events and this year’s line-up has a beachside food and drink celebration for everyone. On Friday, guests will enjoy dishes inspired by Nigella Lawson’s latest cookbook, At My Table as well as a relaxed Q&A with The Domestic Goddess discussing her remarkable career. Former Margaret River local Matt Stone (Oakridge Estate, Yarra Valley) rates Millbrook and Lulu La Delizia as WA’s best places to eat and has invited chefs Guy Jeffreys (Millbrook, Jarrahdale) and Joel Valvasori-Pereza (Lulu La Delizia, Perth) to help him prepare an all-WA feast on Saturday. To finish, fan and festival favourites Rick Stein and Jack Stein join forces to prepare a Sunday seafood feast.

Also check out our Western Australia Surfing Itinerary