The great western feast

The who’s who of the culinary world are preparing for the annual pilgrimage Down Under, when Audi again presents the Margaret River Gourmet Escape (MRGE) in 2017. This year celebrating the wine region’s 50th anniversary, an extra day has been added to what is considered one of the great food and wine festivals on earth, and the line-up of talent heading for Western Australia in November is nothing short of exceptional.

Headlining this year’s award-winning MRGE, Australia master chef, Curtis Stone will lead what can only be described as the A list of the food world, with 50 of the finest chefs from around the globe bringing their culinary magic to Australia’s west.

Taking place across 16-19 November, the four-day food, produce and wine extravaganza will put the unparalleled bounties of Margaret River front and centre, with a record number of events taking place among the extraordinary beauty of Australia’s south west. 

This year will also see the addition of new and exciting events including Curtis Stone officially opening the festival at the additional Audi Gourmet Beach BBQ session on Thursday evening; The Great Soiree at Fraser Gallop Estate; The High Life with Paul Iskov (a helicopter lunch); and the launch of the Official Closing Party at White Elephant Café.

Also, paying homage to the region’s 50^th anniversary of commercial wine production, will see world renowned wine critic Jancis Robinson, OBE, MW (UK) join the festival which will exhibit a selection of key wine events including the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting and Long Lunch; the Cullen Wines 32^nd International Chardonnay Tasting; plus fringe events including the ‘50 Years in the Making’ Decade Tasting at Vasse Felix and the Leeuwin Art Series Dinner. Jancis will be joined by some of Australia’s most respected wine personalities and journalists including James Halliday, Huon Hooke and Nick Stock.

Chefs from some of the world’s finest restaurants will converge on the area that is renowned for its outstanding local produce and natural beauty, bringing their culinary skills to the region, while celebrated local chefs, restauranteurs, wine makers and producers will all bring their own special talents to the four day event.

Joining Curtis Stone at MRGE will be Asia’s Best Female Chef, May Chow (Little Bao, Hong Kong) along with Pierre Koffmann (UK), Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese, USA), Kyle Connaughton (SingleThread Farm, USA), and Kris Yenbamroong (NIGHT + MARKET, USA).

Rick Stein will once again make his way to WA, having raved about MRGE in the past, while Audi ambassador, Guillaume Brahimi will also be in attendance at what is one of his favourite events on the calendar.

With an unprecedented number of food and wine events across the four days, this is an event not to be missed, and tickets are certain to again sell out as soon as they go on sale this Friday, 28th July at 12:00pm. For lovers of food and wine, Margaret River Gourmet Escape is simply not to be missed.