Top chef praises Perth's food scene

Perth’s restaurant and cafe scene is amazing. Just ask reality TV star and chef George Calombaris, who is in WA at the weekend for the Good Food and Wine Show.
“Top restaurants aside, the coffee scene in Perth is incredible now,” Calombaris said. “That real Melbourne coffee scene has infiltrated into Perth.”
The show kicks off in Perth tomorrow morning, with organisers expecting about 30,000 people through the doors at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre during the three-day event.
Calombaris is full of praise for WA produce and our restaurateurs.
“The first thing that comes to mind, when I think of Perth is marron, Manjimup truffles and Restaurant Amuse,” Calombaris said.
“It’s one of my favourite restaurants in Perth. We should celebrate these people (Restaurant Amuse owners Hadleigh and Caroline Troy).
“They’re doing it on a shoestring and doing it well.”
The Master Chef judge will be joined at the weekend by celebrity chefs Matt Moran, Maggie Beer, Matt Stone, Adriano Zumbo, Antonio Carluccio and Miguel Maestre.
Organisers say people will be able to eat and drink their way “through thousands of food and wine samples” presented by exhibitors showcasing everything from organic wine to local cheese and artisan gelato to free range pork. Linley Valley Pork marketing and sales manager John Thompson is one of the 250 exhibitors at the show.
“It’s all about brand awareness for us. It’s important that consumers know we’re a West Australian brand,” Mr Thompson said.
“These shows give us one-on-one contact with our customers which is important to them and to us.”
Linley Valley will be one of the scores of stands cooking food for visitors to taste.
“WA food ambassador Don Hancey will be at our stand cooking lightly-smoked pork collar butt served in a brioche roll,” Mr Thompson said.
“That’s something not to be missed.”
General entry tickets for the Good Food and Wine Show start at $35, with VIP experiences and access to masterclasses available at an additional cost.