Life’s good being a fanatico!

From paddock to plate was a small gathering of foodies organised by Vapiano to meet some of their suppliers and preview four new dishes on their winter menu – which launch today.

I came away feeling fed, watered AND educated, and I don’t know if that’s ever happened before!

I loved the idea behind this relaxed and informative occasion – really reinforcing Vapianos position on sourcing fresh and local ingredients, and also embuing customers with a sense of pride that they are supporting local producers, and encouraging diners to try a little something different in terms of the usual wine and beer choices you’d usually get.

This is an indulgent blog post – what does that mean? It means I talk about things that fascinate me, but which may have others with eyes glazed over. Terribly sorry if thats you. Maybe try some eyedrops.

Open entry we were met with a glass of Bollinger (I am so ROCK STAR ) and then we met the suppliers:

• Michael Dalton from Fino Food and Wine – olive oil, meats and cheeses
• Kellie Jensen from Jensens Market Supplies – fruit, vegetables and herbs
• Rory Smith from Bouchon Wines – Italian and Australian wines
• Peter Wise from Fine Wine Partners – Italian, New Zealand and Australian wines
• Andrew Gowdie from the James Squire Brewery – Craft beer

Kellie Jensen's stand - from Jensens Market Supplies - see those tomatoes? They came from Noosa that morning, Fresh BABY

Each with stands displaying their wares – After a quick chat with each supplier  – whilst they simultaneously stacked our plates with Mozzarella, Feta, Olives, FRESH tomato and basil, and filled our glasses, we seated ourselves and each supplier took the floor to give us some background on their product and their relationship with Vapiano – a common thread being the intense investigation that Will and Tim put into sourcing the products they would use with pre-requisites being quality of ingredient and product and region of origin.

Buffalo Mozzarella and a selection of delectable olives from Fino Fine Foods

It was nice to hear that Vapiano did not just decide to stock cheap and well known brands of beer and wine – in order to prop up sales – but they decided to seek out independant sources and craft beer that would actually match their food better.  We were told how staff have been educated to help you match the wine or beer to the meal – so don’t hold back on asking for suggestions, especially if you are new to the label, or, like me, didn’t know you actually COULD match beer to your meal.  Our expert Andrew Gowdie from James Squire knows his craft beer – did you know hops actually vary in flavours according to region? – just like grapes – fascinating!

Highlights of the night for my tastebuds were:

The Bianco Pizza – cream sauce, potato, tallegio cheese, proscuitto, mozzarella and rosemary – My friend likened it to a “gourmet potato bake on a pizza” – and a trip to the supermarket for me this morning saw me purchasing ingredients to attempt a home replication – but I doubt I’ll get that base right .. or even close to right …

My James Squire beer – I have no idea what it was called but it actually had the taste of rose petals in it. Sound weird? It wasn’t, it was gob smackingly yum – maybe more suited to the ladies.  I’ll get that name for you if you’re interested, I’m going to be tracking it down.

Some Young Punks wine – I only got to try the “Squids Fist” Sangiovese – which was delightful, and no, not just cos I loved the labels.  Don’t ask me to describe it though, cos that would reveal my wine ignorance, which could be embarassing…  I really wanted to sample more Some Young Punks wine – but I had trouble fitting everything on my table and I thought – hmm, Bolly, Beer, Sangiovese – maybe not a good combo, and I didn’t want to wear the effects later.

Some Young Punks smokin' hot label

But alas, no effects were borne later, and I seriously could have cracked into it.  (In a ladylike manner, obviously)

Thanks Vapiano and Marissa Tree for putting on a nice relaxed information evening, and thanks readers for indulging me, while I indulged myself. Wouldn’t you say it was a win-win?

Eyedrops anyone?

Tagged as: CBD, Pizza