Once a year the crème de la crème of Victorian produce is celebrated at the Heart of Victoria Gala, brought to you by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV). The gathering is a chance to showcase the best of the land brought to plate in an industry night of nights. This year’s winter gala was hosted on the indoor rooftop terrace of the RACV City Club.
The menu was constructed by Queen of Desserts, Philippa Sibley of Syracuse Restaurant and Craig Dowling, Chef de Cuisine of RACV City Club, who came together to create a wonderful menu that displayed their admiration for the produce.
Amongst the favourite dishes of the night was a dead heat between the Roasted Port Phillip Bay Scallops, Carrot and Chervil Soup with Amaretti Crumb and the Burnt Butter Rhubarb Tart, Rose Geranium Ice Cream & Local Strawberries. There was also a shared fondness of the hearty Gipsland Lamb, Double Cutlet, Slow Braised Shoulder, Honey and Wattleseed Pastille Chickpeas and Spiced Quince, in which the fine quality of cuts from sponsor Ashburton Meats took the stage.
Accolades presented on the evening included the awards for Emerging Leaders in Victorian Agriculture, which went to Amelia Bright of Amber Creek Farm and Prom Coast Food Collective’s Dr Jo Newton. The pair’s evident passion about the future of Victorian agriculture was shared by the guests of the gala who requested them back to the stage for an impromptu Q&A.
A strong theme of the evening was advances in technology and bio-security, of which many wise words were shared, including an appearance by special guest MP Jaala Pulford on her visions for the state looking forward.
If you’re now excited to sample some of the best produce the state has to offer the The Royal Melbourne Show 2018 is set to be a feast for the senses. This year’s show is going to be the biggest and best yet, so hit up RASV’s socials for all the action-packed announcements.
– Brenton
Brenton is a child of the night and lover of all things crispy and deep fried. Follow his shenanigans on insta @SoSpinky
For more on the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), follow them on Twitter (@RAS_VIC), Instagram (@RASV), or online: www.rasv.com.au.
RACV Club
Located at 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne City
03 9944 8888
www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-club.html
RACV Club is an accessible venue.
