The warm glow continues after the sun has set on the ninth annual Winning Appliances & Asko Truffle Kerfuffle held at the picturesque Fonty’s Pool in Manjimup, nestled in Western Australia’s south west.
The rainy forecast didn’t dampen the spirits of event goers who rugged up and enjoyed the bounty of the Southern Forests in the huge Marketplace and didn’t miss an opportunity to eat, drink and mingle with some great chefs, cooks and producers.
There were over 55 events across the weekend with the historic Fonty’s Pool transformed into the Truffle Kerfuffle Festival Village. Approximately 35 kilograms of Manjimup truffle valued at $105,000 was served to more than 1,100 people at long table dining events and intimate Chef’s Cabin masterclasses with Pete Evans, Poh, Russell Blaikie, Aaron Carr, Paul Iskov, Amy Hamilton and Scott Brannigan with Chris Eales.
The long table dining events proved to be highlights for food lovers, which included a dinner and a brunch by Pete Evans, brunch by Aaron Carr with Mary Street Bakery, and an Italian-inspired dinner by Nic Wood with Melissa Palinkas, while Poh’s Lunch Among the Karris was held at the picturesque RAC Karri Valley Resort.
About 250 people attended wine, beer and spirit masterclasses, over 350 people ventured out on truffle hunts and approximately 5,000 people walked through the gates at Fonty’s Pool to attend in this year’s Winning Appliances & Asko Truffle Kerfuffle. Once inside the gates, festival goers watched free cooking demonstrations on stage with Pete Evans, Poh, Nicole Bampton and other chefs including the very entertaining Anna Gare whose banter with host and chef Tony Howell had the audience roaring with laughter.
The new Jarrah Jacks Bar was a popular hang out, kids enjoyed free cooking classes with Sophie Budd, and the clever truffle dogs demonstrated how they find the alluring truffle. Live music created a fun festival vibe, which continued on with cocktails, dancing and a spit-roast dinner at the Closing Party on Sunday night.
The Winning Appliances & Asko Truffle Kerfuffle was held from 21 to 23 June at Fonty’s Pool, Manjimup, Western Australia, in the most prolific truffle growing region in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a true celebration of Manjimup’s prized black truffles, sought-after by chefs across the globe for their consistent high quality, impossible-to-describe taste and heady, earthy aroma.
The response to this year’s Winning Appliances & Asko Truffle Kerfuffle has been overwhelmingly positive from chefs, producers and event attendees.
Quotes attributed as indicated:
Jeremy Biessel, Chairman Truffle Kerfuffle Inc., Owner Fonty’s Pool
Truffle Kerfuffle is a terrific event. It was fantastic to see that the bit of rain we had in no way impacted on a great crowd having a blast. In fact, it probably enhanced the day bringing out the true meaning of this genuine winter festival. Also that Pete Evans revealed himself to be a huge asset, humble and personable and just an all-round quality bloke.
Pete Evans
Truffle Kerfuffle is without doubt the most wonderful food festival I have been involved in. From the warmth of the locals, the amazing produce, including the sensational black truffles, to the stunning forests, I will hold very fond memories of Manjimup and Truffle Kerfuffle and I hope to come back one day and do it all again.
I suspect there won’t be many times in my life where I’ll get to work with such a loot of stunning Manjimup truffles. For weeks to come, I’ll be dreaming of those towering Karri forests and savouring the unforgettable joy of enshrouding every dish I cooked and ate this weekend with feathery little piles of black gold - thank you Truffle Kerfuffle, a truffle fest it has been.
Tony Howell, Cape Lodge
I think that once again Truffle Kerfuffle didn’t disappoint. And despite the forecast of rainy weather, the crowds still came, which is a testament to how good an event it is. I always enjoy catching up with old chef friends and making new ones. The crowds are full of good people passionate about food - I can’t wait to see what’s lined up for next year.
Aaron Carr, Yarri
It is always a pleasure to be involved in one of Western Australia’s premier food and wine events and in the heart of truffle country. I love seeing producers who supply Yarri and often find new products - the Southern Forests region really does produce outstanding food. It’s always fun catching up with old and new mates over a glass of wine and some truffle after the work in the kitchen is done.
Russell Blaikie, Must Winebar
I’m so happy I said yes to being part of Truffle Kerfuffle ‘19! Even in the pouring rain, there was a brilliant light shining on this event, from the great WA chefs who came to Manjimup and share their knowledge and passion for cooking our truffles, to the guest star (and surfing mate) Pete Evans who brought seriously good food cooked with care and tangible authenticity...and that is what TK has in spades, it’s THE most authentic food festival in the nation in the middle of the most productive truffle growing territory in the Southern Hemisphere in mid-season, it just does not get better.
Paul Iskov, Fervor
It's not only the truffles that are amazing, the community, growers, and the incredible produce are the reason we love coming back to Manjimup for Truffle Kerffufle year after year.
Nicole Bampton, Capriccio Osteria
Manjimup was very welcoming. I learnt of the region’s rich soils and committed locals producing some of the best produce I have seen. I am excited to see future events of the Truffle Kerfuffle, showcasing the regions talent, high quality produce and their prized black truffles. Molto buono!
Scott Brannigan, Bread in Common
It’s awesome to be a part of Truffle Kerfuffle and it’s really great to connect with farmers and suppliers we work with in the restaurant. It’s great to celebrate truffles, it’s like Christmas for chefs! We catch up, talk about food, we’re all out of the comfort of our own restaurant so we’re in the same boat and can relate to everyone a bit more closely. It’s my third Truffle Kerfuffle event, and every time I go, I pick a new supplier or find new products. This was the first year I was able to spend time in the Festival Village and experience the event, I had a really good time. Hopefully I’ll be asked to come back again.
Nic Wood, Santini
The Southern Forests region has so much to offer. It was great to see so many people supporting local producers and a pleasure to use those ingredients for the L'Elegante Tartufo Dinner with Melissa Palinkas.
Melissa Palinkas, Young George
As a chef who advocates for Western Australian local produce and supports our farming community, it was great to see so many producers at this year's Truffle Kerfuffle. I had such a blast up on stage at my cooking demo with chef Tony Howell and I got to talk about the region and its producers, cooked with beautiful local produce like marron, Hamlet Berkshire ham and eggs from CharCol Springs. The real hero of the weekend was of course the truffle from The Australian Truffle Traders in Manjimup. At the L'Elegante Tartufo Dinner with Nic Wood, diners were treated with beautiful produce and the hero truffle that's for sure! I can't wait for next year!
Amy Hamilton, Libertè
This year’s Truffle Kerfuffle was a blast. It’s a winter festival with a whole lot of warmth and a whole lot of heart. I love the comradeship, commitment and passion of all the people that get involved in this event. The festival message is simple: the producers of the Southern Forests are invaluable, their produce incredible and as a chef I’m proud to support and help showcase this tremendous region.
Alex Wilson, The Truffle & Wine Co
Truffle Kerfuffle 2019 was an action-packed, fully laden Black Truffle experience with loads of world-class fresh Southern Forests produce on offer. I can't wait for next year!
Gavin Booth, Australian Truffle Traders
What a fantastic weekend celebrating the south west and its truffle. Looking forward to Truffle Kerfuffle 2020 being the event’s 10th anniversary. I wonder what’s happening and who's coming for that milestone….
The State Government is a proud supporter of the Truffle Kerfuffle through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program.
21-23 June 2019
Fonty’s Pool, Manjimup, Western Australia
www.trufflekerfuffle.com.au
Photos: Jessica Wyld Photography