A Gastronomical Festival of Food & Wine

Now in its eighth year, Western Australia Gourmet Escape showcases the Margaret River region’s gastronomical delights and natural beauty, and this year is expanding, adding Perth and the Swan Valley to what’s now a 10-day festival. The jam-packed Margaret River program runs from Friday, November 15 through to Sunday, November 17.

Returning to the festival is David Chang, chef and founder of Momofuku in New York. Revered by foodies around the globe, his multiple accolades include Bon Appetit’s Chef of the Year, five James Beard Awards, which include Outstanding Chef and Best Chef New York City, and, if that wasn’t enough, he was also named GQ’s Man of the Year. He has appeared on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and Esquire’s list of the Most Influential People of the 21st Century. It’s safe to say he’s well credentialed!

Chang says he’s excited to be returning to Margaret River. “I was lucky enough to join the first ever Gourmet Escape in 2012, so when I was invited back this year, I jumped at the chance to get back to Western Australia. The event brings together some of the best chefs from around the world and gives us the chance to collaborate with local chefs in an incredible setting,” he said.

Before he heads south to Margaret River, Chang will present at the inaugural World Gourmet Symposium, bringing together industry leaders and change-makers from all over the globe to discuss topics that impact and shape the culinary world. “Then I’ll be driving south to the world renowned wine region of Margaret River to host a beach BBQ. I’m really looking forward to working with Australia’s incredible local seafood and produce,” Chang said.

The Gourmet Beach BBQ is now a fixture on the Gourmet Escape program and guests coming to Friday’s lunch and dinner will be treated to a menu created by this incredible chef on the beach at Castle Rock overlooking the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay.

And that’s just the start of a huge culinary weekend. Foodies, start your engines! Other favourite events returning to the Margaret River program this year include the Cullen Chardonnay Wine Tasting and Lunch, Dining by Twilight at Margaret River’s Secret Garden, and Sunset, Beats and Bites at White Elephant Café.

If there’s just one thing you do at this year’s Gourmet Escape it must be the Gourmet Village, the heart of the festival. Plan ahead and check out the full village program to pack in a day of hands-on demonstrations with some of the world’s best chefs and hosted by comedian Matt Okine, thought-provoking conversations with local and international food talent, and of course tastings of wonderful WA wines, beers, gin, cider, local artisan goodness, and, for the first time, Let’s Get Fizzical – a space dedicated to fizzy goodness – from kombucha to fizzy coffee and sparkling wine. There’ll be tasty pop-up restaurants too. Kids 16 and under can come along for free with paying adults and they’ll have their own dedicated fun activity program. Adult tickets start at $42.

There’s some exciting new events too. Here’s a taster:

Safari Club Cookout

Leeuwin Estate’s Safari Club is a hidden spot within the karri forest where guests will graze on flame cooked canapés from live cooking stations, sip on Leeuwin Estate wines and enjoy live entertainment. There’s a feast of talent in the Safari Club line-up, including Oakridge Estate’s Matt Stone, Orana’s Jock Zonfrillo, Masque in Mumbai’s Prateek Sadhu, Asia’s top female chef Garima Arora (Gaa, Bangkok) and David Thompson (Long Chim).

Mission Chinese x Chow’s Table

Presented by Gage Roads Brewing Co – with mastermind of New York’s Mission Chinese Danny Bowien teaming up with local legend Mal Chow for a Chinese banquet like no other.

Lake House Meets Wills Domain

Two champions of regional Australian dining come together for a dinner at Wills Domain that’s sure to delight. Alla Wolf Tasker, co-owner and culinary director of The Lake House in Daylesford in Victoria pairs with chef Seth James from Wills Domain to create a dinner focused on local ingredients, award-winning Wills Domain wines and beautiful winery sunset views.

Satellite Lunches, Dinners, and Tastings

The region’s most celebrated wineries and venues – Vasse Felix, Amelia Park Restaurant, Cullen Wines, Cape Mentelle, Voyager Estate, Cape Lodge, Wise Winery, Fraser Gallop and Leeuwin Estate will each host satellite lunches, dinners, and tastings, celebrating local produce and iconic wine, with some of the world’s best food and wine talent joining our local culinary stars.