Autumn is the month of Orange with not only the leaves turning into bursts of colour but also the town of Orange coming alive.
Orange Food Week is one of the main reasons to get excited as it is fast ap- proaching. The renowned festival show- cases some of the best produce and wine in this region and does so perfectly.
Autumn fruits are ready for picking with apples, pears, table grapes, figs and plums all coming in abundance; it’s hard not to want to showcase them.
This time of the year also see’s some favourite nuts being ready for the takings being hazelnuts and chestnuts, also both great to incorporate into any dish.
Orange F.O.O.D Week is one of the long- est running regional food events and has been acclaimed as one of Australia’s top ten food festivals.
The event is held in Orange and surrounding areas which was recently named one of the states premium events by Destination NSW.
The event was originally founded in 1991 by a group of local foodies with the concept of showcasing the region’s excellent fresh produce and award-winning cool climate wine. This soon became a platform for lo- cal producers, chefs and caterers.
A voluntary committee runs the organi- sation with support from the local tourism marketing office of Brand Orange.
Over the course of the festival the event hosts over 80 events to appeal to every- one’s different tastes and styles. Local restaurants, cafes and wineries will all be participating in the event so they will be sure to delight your taste buds.
This year Orange Food Week have positioned themselves as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible with biodegradable food vessels, sustainably produced paper for all printed festival material (including a commitment to use mostly digi- tal communication for festival programme items) and carrying out an Environmental Audit of this year’s event to use as a blue- print for future events. This initiative comes as the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development being a main initiative for this year.
Signature events for the week include:
• Food HQ open daily from 1st-9th April, except for Saturday. Located in the ground of the Agrestic Grocer under the marquee. Ask volunteers for information or come along to meet the producers, taste some of their specialties and maybe even buy some of their produce.
• FOOD Week Night Market Friday 31st March at Robertson Park, come enjoy some local wine, food and live music.
• FOOD Train Friday 7th April departing central station in Sydney be whisked away on a train to explore the food of the district.
For more information visit http://orangefood- week.com.au