The Annual Truffle Kerfuffle festival was held in Manjimup over the weekend, attracting chefs and visitors to the region to sample dishes that showcased the humble black truffle.
The festival, which is now in its seventh year, saw thousands of visitors descend on Fonty’s Pool across the weekend.
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan officially opened the event on Friday evening and said the festival shows off our State’s ability to produce the highest calibre of culinary delights.
“Truffle Kerfuffle puts our local produce onto the national and international stage, drawing visitors to the Southern Forests region and creating business and job opportunities for the local community,” she said.
“Truffle Kerfuffle puts our local produce onto the national and international stage, drawing visitors to the Southern Forests region and creating business and job opportunities for the local community.”
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the festival is part of a growing trend in culinary tourism.
“Supporting unique events such as Truffle Kerfuffle will help us to further grow this important industry and showcase the State’s quality produce, including the black truffle, to the world,” he said.
“Tourism is a key pillar of the State Government’s plan to diversify the economy, create jobs and develop business opportunities, especially in the regions.”
“There is a growing trend towards culinary tourism, with about 400,000 people visiting WA each year because of its food and wine.”
The Truffle Kerfuffle festival attracted celebrity chefs including Paul West from River Cottage Australia and Jack Stein, executive chef across the Rick Stein Group in the United Kingdom, as well as some of WA’s best chefs who held demonstrations and workshops across the weekend.
Festival highlights included; truffle hunts, fresh truffle sales, a gourmet food and wine marketplace, pop- up dining, wine tasting, live music, Chef’s Cabin workshops and demonstrations featuring freshly unearthed truffles.
