100 mile challenge CRAVE Sydney International Food Festival

AUSTRALIA SYDNEY Sunday 30th October 2011

100 Mile Challenge to showcase best of regional NSW produce in the heart of the city

Five regions across NSW have been chosen to compete in the inaugural 100 Mile Challenge, a new event in the Crave Sydney International Food Festival culminating in a special lunch event for 500 lucky guests at Sydney’s Eveleigh Markets on Sunday 30 October.

Along with a wine maker, every team is paired with a renowned Sydney chef with Serge Dansereau, Alex Herbert, Tony Bilson, Jared Ingersoll and Nino Zoccali all mentoring, supporting and guiding the local culinary students in their quest to win.

The 100 Mile Meal concept sources NSW produce using a geographic radius of 100 miles (160km) promoting regional food and wine.

NSW Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner announced the initiative at the launch of the Crave Sydney International Food Festival and is a big fan of the concept.

Mr Stoner said NSW regions are increasingly at the forefront of food and wine tourism, driven by the sorts of people who will be involved in this challenge – producers, chefs and communities showcasing their vibrant regions.

“This initiative not only puts these people in the spotlight, it challenges their creativity and encourages regional cooperation,” he said.

All NSW regions were invited to participate in the 100 Mile Challenge with the five places going to the areas which were able to mount a collaborative regional challenge showcasing producers, students and chefs.

Crave Sydney International Food Festival Director; Joanna Savill said this will be the third year the Crave Sydney International Food Festival has a 100 Mile Meal component.

“The introduction of the 100 Mile Challenge takes our commitment to expanding regional NSW events to a new level,” she said.

Jared Ingersoll of Sydney restaurants Dank St Depot and Cotton Duck is a well known advocate of NSW regional producers and is looking forward to working with one of the teams as a Sydney chef mentor.

“I love using fresh seasonal produce from growers who put their heart and souls into their products.”
“Mentoring and teaching students is a great opportunity to pass on knowledge to future chefs and a way to give something back to regional communities,” he said.

For more information on the challenge event, go to www.100milechallenge.com.au.

For information on all 100 Mile Meals being held across NSW, see the Crave Sydney International Food Festival site www.cravesydney.com

Crave Sydney International Food Festival is a month-long celebration of extraordinary food experiences, celebrating Sydney as a global dining destination enhanced by regional NSW produce and wine.

The festival is one of five signature events on the NSW Events Calendar.