Orange F.O.O.D Week 2013 - Programs Available

Foodies everywhere are beside themselves trying to nab as many tickets as possible to the best Orange F.O.O.D Week 2013 events - not for the faint hearted.

The official program isn't launched until Sat 9th Feb, but there was a flurry of excitement when the Forage tickets went on sale early this week with 450 tickets snapped up in record time. 

Clearly, many people had been following this fabulous little blog and read all about Forage 2012 which Mr L'Orange and I went on and loved. I can't blame you for being in awe and wanting to participate yourself, as these pictures go to show it is a rather special event.

My sources tell me, that some more Forage tickets have been kept aside for when the official program goes on sale tomorrow so fear not, you may still get some yet.

If you were planning a little meander up to Orange, then during F.O.O.D Week is an exceptional time to come. All the wineries are in the midst of vintage, the weather is good and there are plenty of delicious fresh foods in season.

Accommodation can be a bit thin on the ground, however use AirBnB and you are sure to find a bargain or one lucky couple can come and stay in our studio!

My top picks for Orange F.O.O.D Week 2013 include:

F.O.O.D Week Night Markets - Robertson's Park

April 12 from 6pm

My best advice is for you to go early, take plenty of change and order the food you want straight away.

Patina Fiesta in the Courtyard 

April 13 & 14 from 12pm - 5pm.

Victor Valdes and his Mexican band are authentic, very talented and well worth the money.

To book your tickets visit the Patina website.

Black Tie Ball at the Errowanbang Shearing Shed 

Saturday April 19

So nice to have a very cool venue for a function and it doesn't get more country than an old shearing shed. I am definitely getting a gang together to go to this one.

For more info contact Xanthie.

Visit Orange F.O.O.D Week to download the 2013 program for yourself, then get hold of your friends and head this way. 

Would love to hear what you are planning to do during Orange F.O.O.D Week - let me know!

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.