Canberra is a city that really shouldn’t be over-looked. It’s the rarely talked about capital of Australia that never seems to get the best reputation amongst cities to visit and I’m really not sure why! This little city is a food-lover hot spot with so many great eateries to explore, especially in the winter. The reason I say winter is because we discovered that Canberra has just the right climate to grow truffles !! And we were excited to see, taste and learn all about it.
During the Australian winter; from June to August, the truffle season begins in the ACT capital. There are many activities around the area with our main source of information coming from www.trufflefestival.com.au – be sure to subscribe to receive updates on what’s happening in the truffle season.
We booked a truffle hunt with degustation lunch at the Truffle Farm and we were not disappointed !! A 5-minute drive from Canberra CBD led us to the entry to the farm and the view was stunning. Set in the most beautiful farm location over-looking rolling paddocks to the views out to the distance, we were seated under the heated marque. Four long tables were set so beautifully we almost thought we were invited to a wedding reception. The tables were strategically set in front of the open kitchen where all the magic would happen later in the day. We were introduced to Jason, the owner and founder of The Truffle Farm, and of course the important (and most exciting) guest of the day – Samson, the truffle dog. We learnt all about Jason and Samson’s journey together, how the truffle farm all came about and that the Truffle Farm’s logo was indeed Samson! They truely were an awesome team.
Jason led us outside into the cold winters air but this only set the scene to the awesome truffle hunt ahead. We followed the truffle dog who led us into the fields of over 4,000 oak and hazelnut trees where this special ingredient grows under the ground in abundance. We watched as the truffle dog led with his nose, searching for the smell before advising his owner that this is the spot. Jason would pull out his truffle spade and start the dig, ensuring to go wide as to not break the truffles that are growing underground. The black truffles were huge and were passed around the group for us to feel and smell. We continued our hunt, with many of us having a go at digging our own truffle, before returning to the warmth of the truffle shed for our six-course degustation lunch with matching wines.
We were introduced to executive chef Damian Brabender who prepared all of our truffle dishes in front of us whilst teaching us all of his truffle stories and secrets to using this ingredient at home.
At the end of our lunch we had the opportunity to buy all the products that The Truffle Farm create using their produce including truffle infused butter, salt, honey, vodka and more!
The Truffle Farm in Canberra was such a great experience and one winter activity you should book. I highly recommend the truffle hunt and degustation lunch to all!
www.thetrufflefarm.com.au
The Truffle Farm, 23 Mount Majura Road, MAJURA, ACT, 2609
We had such a good weekend in Canberra with our travel besties and can’t wait to return!
ONLY HAPPY WHEN I TRAVEL 