The Sapphire City Festival has just ended and the Festival of Christmas is still a long way off. Sandwiched in between the two is Eat Drink Live New England, one of the region’s annual gastronomical highlights.
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The food fiesta may be in its fourth year, but the fascination with pure and wholesome ingredients has been a lifelong quest for the festival’s creator Sean Taylor.
Once upon a time, events such as degustation dinners were considered high brow, but there’s an evolution
- Sean Taylor
As a real estate agent, he knows the area like the back of his hand and wants to share its spoils with the rest of the world while also changing people’s perception of food. “In its entirety, this event is trying to make people more aware of what is made and grown in the region,” said Mr Taylor, but it is also making people more creative in their food choices and mindful of the delicacies they savour.
In many ways, Eat Drink Live New England presents local delights repackaged, and sometimes lifted to a fine art. “Once upon a time, events such as degustation dinners were considered high brow, but there’s an evolution,” said Mr Taylor.
“As you can see there’s been change. Tradies are getting coffee whereas 20 years ago they were fine just making it at home.”
48 stallholders
Interactive market stalls of every kind with culinary offerings and demonstrations are one of the highlights of Eat Drink Live New England, and this year is no exception.
Regional stallholders are coming to Evans Street on November 10 from all around the region, bringing salami from Coffs Harbour, wines from Moree, Tenterfield, Inverell, Bolivia and Tingha, goat products from Uralla and an amazing cornucopia from Armidale, Tamworth, Deepwater and more.
The market stalls are slightly down from last year’s 55. “The drought has had an impact,” said Mr Taylor. “A lot of meat producers don’t have enough water and one of the breweries could not come, but I’m happy that we have managed to get the amount we have.”
This year’s celebrity chef is Luke Hines, known for his motivational coaching, books and research into healthy eating. His appearance at the event is thanks to David Ferris from the Premier Store.
Wine night
A great opportunity to sample some local wine and regionally-inspired canapes under a starry night is offered at the courtyard of the Inverell Club 6.30pm on November 9. The event is $55 per person with tickets at www.trybooking.com/435842
Those who don’t manage to get tickets will not be left disappointed with a live music night in the main bar from 8pm featuring Emma Dykes. Visitors will be able to enjoy the music and sample the six craft beers on tap.
Degustation dinner
It’s not often you get to enjoy a degustation dinner in Inverell, and so it isn’t surprising that this event is usually sold out every year. The dinner takes place at the Inverell Club on November 10 at 6pm, featuring New England Regional Produce in partnership with TAFE New England. A full bar will be available for purchase featuring regional wines and there will be six craft beers on tap. Chris and Jasmine Richter will provide live music. Tickets are at $75 per person, and available at www.trybooking.com/435841.
READ MORE: Eat Drink Live New England 2017 highlights