The rain has started to fall, the temperature has dropped, and Manjimup’s cute canines are working overtime. It can only mean one thing: truffle season is back.
The world’s most elusive—and expensive—ingredient is harvested from late May to early September, with one of the biggest producers on the planet found right here on our doorstep in WA’s southwest.
Known for their strong scent and bold flavour that is, evidently, rather difficult to describe (savoury, earthy and umami-esque is the best we can do), these fancy fungi can cause quite a divisive debate. But those who have experienced the magic of WA’s very own fresh black truffles will tell you there’s nothing around quite like them.
To celebrate all things truffle, thousands of devotees will return to Manjimup for the locally-run festival—the annual three-day food-and-wine-filled weekend exploring everything there is to know about this divine delicacy. An easy 3.5-hour drive from Perth, this year’s festival will run from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 June, with an action-packed program of heady truffle-laden dinners, masterclasses with renowned chefs, hands-on truffle hunting and world-class wine sessions.
Keen to sniff out the details? Here’s everything you need to eat, see and do at this year’s Truffle Kerfuffle.
Wine And (Fine) Dine At The Festival Restaurant
A true highlight of the weekend each year, this year’s will be hosting the world’s top culinary talents with a series of one-off long-table dining experiences. There’ll be a five-course truffle-laden dinner of classic French dishes with Gary Mehigan of Masterchef fame; a boozy brunch with local (and WAGFG Regional Chef of the Year) Amy Hamilton; Christine Manfield’s five-course degustation where east meets west; Paul Iskov’s brunch menu that is like a love-letter to WA’s native ingredients and local produce; plus a closing party around the fire to round out the weekend.
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Break Bread With The Best In The Chef’s Cabin
If you’ve ever wanted to pick the brain of Paul Iskov (aka Yoda), knock back a vino with Gary Mehigan or talk shop with Christine Manfield, this is your chance. The intimate masterclasses in the series will see guests getting up close and personal with some of the world’s favourite chefs with a glass of wine in hand. Evan Hayter (Executive Chef and co-owner of De’sendent in Margaret River), Brian Cole (Hearth at the Ritz Carlton Perth), and Rebecca Sullivan will join Iskov, Mehigan and Manfield on the cabin lineup to prepare three truffle-laden courses while sharing their tips, tricks and anecdotes from decades in the industry. Be warned—spots in the masterclasses are extremely limited, so you’re going to want to snap yours up, pronto.
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Explore The Heart And Soul of Truffle Kerfuffle, The Festival Village
The family-friendly is THE place to smell, taste, touch, buy and learn about the star of the weekend. Across three days, you’ll be able to taste your way through the regional marketplace; purchase take-home truffles; sample wine, spirits, cider and produce from the Southern Forests; and refuel with truffle-infused food from pop-up vendors. There’ll be local farmers, winemakers, chefs and truffle growers to meet, plus live music, cooking classes and demos from the talented truffle dogs. Working up a thirst? Head to the Festival Bar to rehydrate, open all weekend at the Festival Village.
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Develop Your Palate At A Wine Masterclass
You know what goes well with truffles? Wine. One of Australia’s most exciting emerging wine regions happens to be right on the doorstep of Truffle Kerfuffle, and two of Australia’s best palates are on board to help you explore all that Southern Forests wines have to offer. Director of Wine for the State Buildings & COMO The Treasury Emma Farrelly, and Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room’s Foni Pollitt, will be guiding the four masterclasses, exploring the flavours and faces behind every bottle. There’ll be separate sessions for sparkling wine, chardonnay, pinot noir and the bold reds that are synonymous with the area.
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Sniff Out A Truffle With A Hard-Working Hound
It’s hunting season for the clever canines of Manjimup. Snouts to the ground, these intelligent truffle dogs are trained to sniff out the fancy fungi lurking below the surface, and you’re invited to join them. With truffle dogs leading the charge, you’ll venture through the orchards at Australian Truffle Traders and Fonty's Pool whilst learning about the art and science of growing (and finding) the mysterious black ingredient.
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Discover The Satellite Events Within The Region
Just outside the main festival hub, there’s a crop of truffle-focussed events and experiences to explore and enjoy. On Friday 28 June dig into a decadent dinner of truffle-enhanced prime cuts and seasonal veg at Tall Timber Brewery, with wines pouring from Pemberley of Pemberton and produce from Ryan's Quality Meats. Or head on an off-road adventure with Beach & Forest Eco Adventure 4WD Tours, where you'll explore the beauty of the Southern Forests, followed by a picnic lunch of seasonal bites and local drops.
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The Details
What: Truffle Kerfuffle
When: Friday 28 to Sunday 30 June
Where: Manjimup
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Images: Supplied.