Mountains of Pleasure

From a chef’s perspective, nothing gets Sandro more aroused and moist than working with what he calls ‘the golden commodity’ (and we use that phrase as the perishable in question is worth more that gold itself!). Glorious, pungent, intoxicating and desirable, with a scent that seven out of ten women find sexually arousing… the deliciously ugly Truffle is truly one of the most sort after ingredients in the world.

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Western Australia’s truffle production is at the moment the envy of the French (not that they would ever admit that) and the Mundaring Truffle Festival (August 1-3, www.mundaringtrufflefestival.com) is your chance to find what all the fuss is about and indulge in a weekend away with cooking master classes hosted by Shannon Bennett, Vue de monde – Melbourne and WA’s own Alain Fabregues from The Loose Box. There’s food and wine tasting, the opportunity to taste fresh truffles and learn how to use the ‘diamond of the kitchen’. Just GO! You can thank us later. While you’re out there, you can also check out the Perth Hills Wine Show (August 2-3, www.perthhillswine.com).

It’s got to be Red….

Second to the truffles on things that make us quiver with delight is a big fat red, and South Australia knows how to provide them with consistency and vigour. Coonawarra hosts the Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow (August 27, www.coonawarra.org/events.asp) at the Perth Town Hall for the 6th year running; this popular and prestigious event showcases some of our favourite brand such as Lindemans, Majella Wines and Yalumba. Tickets are $25, cash only door sales or pre sale from the Coonawara Vignerons Association on 08 8737 2392.

Lazy Kitchen Tip #4

You’re gonna love this one OiP’ers!!! It’s by far the best tip that Sandro can give this month and in every August to follow for as long as this tradition continues. Sick of cooking? Too lazy to even boil water for last month’s Mi Goring tip? Can’t cook a steak to save your life (or Tofu if you’re that way inclined)? Well… it’s really so simple, it will save you money, you won’t have to spend time in the kitchen or worry about burning the most simplest of tasks like toast and we can guarantee you will lose weight and look fab in doing so.

Ready….. Just don’t cook – and starve! That’s right… you read correctly, starve! From the 15th to 17th August is the World Vision 40 Hour Famine (www.worldvision.com.au/40hourfamine), so please support the cause, or some one who does, as any contribution does make a difference.

Lee & Sandro