BALINGUP was the site for the best kind of standoff local foodies could have asked for last week – chef versus chef.
Sam Ward of El Publico in Perth and Simon Bryant of Cook and the Chef fame met at Balingup Town Hall for the Street Food Standoff, an event set up to resemble street food markets.
Using all local ingredients and fresh food, including vegies from Newies in Kirup, Mr Bryant cooked Chinese street food and Mr Ward Mexican as they vied to be the one to most impress the locals.
Each chef designed six dishes around these local ingredients.
Organiser Katrina Lane of Taste of Balingup said the Street Food Standoff was part of a series of events she was running designed to bring prominent WA and interstate chefs to Balingup to discover the amazing produce on offer, and create a connection between chef and farmer – as well as providing an experience for locals and enriching life in the small town.
She said Mr Ward had visited Cambray Sheep Cheese and picked up milk and cheese to use on the night.
“The idea is that that relationship will continue to flourish and he will use that produce in his restaurant,” she said.
About 50 guests arrived to sample the 12 dishes and soak up the colourful street market atmosphere created in the Balingup Town Hall.
The next event will be a Summer Table in February.
