Win tickets to the Lovedale Long Lunch, 19-20 May 2007

That's right. Grab Your Fork is pleased to offer its very first reader competition! How do you enter? Keep reading...

Many of us know the pleasures of cruising the vineyards of the Hunter Valley. But imagine if those glassfuls of wine came accompanied with platefuls of delectable food.


Plating up

It wasn't long after my trip to the Hunter Valley that I attended a media preview for The Lovedale Long Lunch. The idea is simple but genius.

Gather seven participating vineyards on or near Lovedale Road. Pair them up with local restaurants. Invite the public to visit on the third weekend in May (19-20 May, this year, 2007) and watch as everyone enjoys wine, food and music as they make their leisurely from one vineyard to the next.

We were able to sample bite-sized portions of some of the meals and desserts available, all paired with matching wines (of course!).



I snapped photos of the full-size portions which will be served on the day, and in exchange for use of my images for promotional purposes, The Lovedale Long Lunch crew have agreed to offer two prize packs for readers of Grab Your Fork (who wants payment? prizes are so much more exciting)!


Barbecued succulent lamb
marinated in fresh rosemary served with
wholesome paprika spiced cous cous,
parsley & pumpkin salad and garlic butter ciabatta
- Prepared by Chez Pok and available at Gertelmann Hunter Estate


Barbecued Atlantic salmon
on a warm tart of caramelised onions, roma tomato and rosemary
with crisp pancetta, wild rocket salad and basil aioli
Prepared by Mojo's on Wilderness and available at Warraroong Estate


King prawns
tossed with sweet chilli, lemon and lime juices, garlic and fresh herbs
served on a bed of steamed jasmine rice
Prepared by Bel Posto Cafe Restaurant and available at Wandin Valley Estate


Homemade pan fried gnocchi with roasted duck
baby spinach and toasted pistachio
Prepared by Il Cacciatore Restaurant and available at Sandalyn Wilderness Estate


Crisped cheese risotto with a soft bocconcini centre
on a roma tomato sugo with charred chorizo sausage and rocket
Prepared by Amanda’s Restaurant and available at Emma's Cottage Vineyard


Baked sweet pastry tart with rum and raisin ricotta
sharp lemon curd and butterscotch caramel
Prepared by Chez Pok and available at Gertelmann Hunter Estate


Belgian chocolate, date and hazelnut tart
with King Island cream and butterscotch syrup
Prepared by Amanda's Restaurant and available at Emma's Cottage Vineyard


Trio of cheeses
accompanied by a sweet fruit chutney and crackers
Prepared by Bel Posto Cafe Restaurant and available at Wandin Valley Estate


Passionfruit panna cotta with white chocolate creme anglaise
seasonal berries and almond biscotti
Prepared by Il Cacciatore Restaurant and available at Sandalyn Wilderness Estate


THE PRIZE
Package for two people to attend the 2007 Lovedale Long Lunch (winners will have to make their own way to the Hunter Valley)

• 2 x Main Meal tickets that include a complimentary glass of wine $20 each
• 2 x Dessert/Cheese tickets $8 each
• 2 x Commemorative Long Lunch glasses $5 each
• 2x Long Lunch Caps $15 each
• 2x Rover Coach Shuttle Tickets for the day $25 each (for travel between vineyards)
  

Total Prize Value $146

And we have two prize packs to win!


HOW TO ENTER:

Simply answer the following questions (check out the Lovedale Long Lunch website for all the answers):

Q1. Which vineyard will be serving the lamb shank braised in Tuscan herbs of sage and rosemary?

Q2. Which vineyard will be serving the chocolate caramello cheesecake with vanilla bean creme anglaise?

Q3. When is the Lovedale Long Lunch for 2007?

Submit your three answers along with your full name, email address and contact telephone number to grabyourfork_lovedale_comp@yahoo.com.au. Entries close Thursday 11:59pm May 3, 2007.

Winners' details will be forwarded onto Lovedale Long Lunch organisers. Prize pick-up will be from Allandale Winery on the day. All personal details will be destroyed at competition conclusion.

Good luck!