FORMER Vans Cottesloe head chef Leigh Nash is among the line-up of chefs to go north as part of the Gascoyne Food Festival in August.
Now running Dingo Sauce out of North Fremantle, the chef said he was honoured to be attending this year’s festival.
“I’ve been trying to make it to the festival as a guest chef for a few years now but it’s not come off due to scheduling issues,” he said.
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READ NOW“This year I’ve made it my business to keep my calendar clear so I can attend.
“I had massive food envy seeing all the pictures coming out of last year’s event, so I’m stoked that I get to be a part of the action this year.
“I’ll be joining a list of first-rate chefs from around the state to cook up a long-table lunch.
“I’m also super excited to have the opportunity to meet many of the growers whose top-notch produce I’ve been lucky enough to use over the years.
“It will be great to put some faces to the names and see first-hand where all the magic happens.”
Nash said it was important as a chef and business owner to attend events and festivals, including the Gascoyne Food Festival, as it gave him the opportunity to source, cook and enjoy produce in its place of origin.
“The freshness and quality of produce showcased at an event like this is second to none and it allows our extended foodie community here in WA to have a chance to see what an amazing wealth of ingredients we have right here at our fingertips in our beautiful state,” he said.
“Another important aspect is the connection to the growers and the land.
“We live highly digitised ‘fast’ lifestyles these days and it’s easy to lose that connectivity and forget the value of buying local, supporting small business and minimising our carbon footprint to have a more sustainable relationship with the food we eat.
“What’s not to love?”
He also encouraged foodies to attend.
“All that amazing grub against a backdrop of some of the most stunning scenery in our state; how could you not want to come to the festival, seriously,” he said.
Joining Nash this year at this year’s event are Stuart Laws (Showcase Events WA), Melissa Palinkas (Young George), Chase Weber (The Standard), Nic Wood (Santini Bar and Grill), Gord Kahle (Cook and Mason), Kyle Lyons (Otherside Brewing Co.), George Cooper (Tiller Dining), Russell Blaikie (Must Winebar), Marie Fisher (Froth Craft Brewery) and Tyler Little (Froth Craft Brewery).
Tickets for the festival are on sale via bookeasy.com.au.