Chef Aaron Carr formerly of Vasse Felix will be teaming up for this year’s Truffle Kerfuffle in Manjimup with his old sous chef Ben Day, now head chef at Aravina Estate.
The duo hasn’t worked in the same kitchen for four years, but Mr Day is looking forward to it.
“It’ll be great to get back together with Aaron, bit like the old days,” said Mr Day.
“Aaron was massively influential in my career, he’s the God Father of cooking in WA.
“He was the sort of head chef that allowed us to try new things, turn ideas into dishes with trial and error and for me that was huge for my development as a chef, it allowed me to develop my own style.”
On Friday, June 23, both Day and Carr are taming the flames at Feast and Fire at the Truffle Kerfuffle’s opening night that will be hosted by River Cottage Australia’s Paul West.
They duo will also be in the Chef’s Cabin at South West Mates on Saturday, June 24 discussing local produce, a subject they are both passionate about, as well as demonstrating dishes.
“I love truffle season, it’s winter and my favourite time of year,” Mr Day said.
“There’s so much good produce in the Southern Forests during winter, such as marron, rainbow trout, and the females still have roe so I hope to be able to get some of that to use, all the broccoli and cabbage, they are so vibrant.”
Mr Day said that they’ll be featuring lots of truffle in their dishes.
“I’ve been to just about every Truffle Kerfuffle event with the family. I love it, kicking back listening to good music eating great food. It has a raw, relaxed country vibe,”
“I love that it brings everyone in the food community together, farmers, producers, chefs and foodies. It’s not often we’re all able to get together in the same place, so it’s really amazing.”
For Mr Day, who began cooking at just 15 years of age, this year will be his first year cooking at Truffle Kerfuffle.
Esteemed chef Aaron Carr has appeared at every Truffle Kerfuffle event since the event’s inception in 2010.
Mr Carr recently announced he would open his own restaurant later in year.
The Truffle Kerfuffle will be held from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25 at Fonty’s Pool in Manjimup.
For more information, visit www.trufflekerfuffle.com.au