Orange F.O.O.D Week – Night Markets

Every year for the last 3 years, myself and a group of girlfriends from Sydney have got together for a wine weekend away. This year, the girls timed it so that they could visit Orange during F.O.O.D Week and see the city in all its autumn glory.

The girls arrived on Friday evening and we shot off to the F.O.O.D Week night markets, as I knew from experience that food runs out if you arrive late – be warned. We cleverly brought our own glassware (totally

encouraged), so we could spend more money on wine and less on wine containment.

I’m always surprised by how many new wine labels seem to spring out of the woodwork, every time there is an event at least 3 newbies hit the block. My top new taste was Twisted River who produce a very drinkable Rose.

On the F.O.O.D front, the markets were set up so you could choose from an array of gourmet delights ‘in a roll,’ or go for a stew, tasting plate or bowl of dessert.

The girls and I opted for pulled pork and coleslaw rolls from Orange Mountain Wines, these were totally delicious but way too small. Bigger rolls definitely required next time please OMW! This dish was an ideal match to the Orange Mountain Chardonnay and we also tried the Kent’s Ginger Beer poured by a rather good looking Frenchman.

My personal favourite dish was sweet potato balls from Bodhi Garden, these deep fried delights are perfect to share as you can also half the calorie guilt!

The food tents surround the edges of Robertson Park with wine barrels, tables and chairs scattered in the middle. There is a really lovely communal feel that always receives a great turn out. It is also amazing to consider that all the food produced and consumed on the night is sourced within a 100km radius of Orange.

The live music and set up were excellent, just a bit disappointing that a large number of people left their litter lying on the tables rather than put it in the many bins provided. Who are these baddies? F.O.OD Week is entirely organised and run by volunteers which makes the popularity and scale of their efforts all the more impressive. Think they may need to hire a squad of school kids for clean up duty next time

As things got a bit cooler and more and more stands ran out of food we headed home for more wine, comfy sofas and most importantly heating.

One Week Until F.O.O.D Week

The countdown has begun for gourmet heaven - Orange style. From next Friday we get to enjoy 10 days of delicious local cuisine intermingled with top chefs and great wine as part of F.O.O.D Week.

The 100mile dinner and the newly introduced Forage are always sell outs however there are still plenty of spaces available for other lunches, dinners and events. Click here for the F.O.O.D website.

The weather is superb at the moment, hot sunny days with clear blue skies and then slightly cooler evenings, plus the leaves are starting to change colour so city looks beautiful. If you are at a loose end the weekend after Easter then venture to Orange for something different.

Lots of my girlfriends are coming up from Sydney for wine, food & a girly gossip next weekend. I'll report back on all our F.O.O.D Week adventures shortly. We are looking forward to trying out 'Table for 10' at the Byng St Store.

Hope all LALO readers have a wonderful Easter break, speak to you soon.

F.O.O.D Week

This is one of the big events in Orange, and all the locals talk about pretty mcuh from Wine Week onwards. We are really looking forward to enjoying our first F.O.O.D Week this year.

There are heaps of food related activities taking place, the amazing race option looks interesting plus there is something set in a maze with a bbq that was pretty appealing (wondering if it is more for kids than adults or worse will it be full of kids?).

To see the full F.O.O.D Week program click here. Mr L'Orange and I have decided to splurge on a wonderful Red Lantern dinner at the Philip Shaw vineyard. So far we have a decent gang of pals coming along, but there is always room for one more if you fancy coming!