Photo by Nigella Lawson
Those of you who follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram will have gathered that I have recently been in Margaret River for the 2016 Gourmet Escape — and, even in my now jet lagged state, I am still jubilantly grateful about it all. Where to start? 1) Margaret River, in Western Australia is unbelievably beautiful, and 2) the Gourmet Escape is a quite astonishing food festival. It’s not just about the setting (though that helps) but there was such a sense of community, a warmth and friendliness from both the chefs and the festival-goers, that I return inspired and elated. It was just so magical, from the scenery, the fact that I arrived on the night of the Supermoon (a good sign, obviously!), the making of new friends, drinking rainwater, and even getting a baby kangaroo to cuddle — and I’m not usually the sweet little furry animals kind of a person!
You’ll just have to indulge me while I show you snaps from my travels! If any of you get the chance to go to Western Australia, you’ll understand why I am so enthusiastic about it, and those of you who actually live there, I envy you.
So here goes:
Photo by Nigella Lawson
First look at the ocean at Rottnest Island
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Into the blue at Bunker Bay beach
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Sunset at Castle Bay beach after the opening barbecue party
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Glorious green view from my room at Cape Lodge
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Me holding a didgeridoo with Josh, the didgeridoo player!
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Tables set for lunch among the vines and my favourite wines at the Cullen winery
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Evening get-together and spaghettata with the chefs: at the helm, Riccardo Camanini from the Ristorante Lido 84 in Lake Garda (one Michelin star), with help from Antoni Luis Aduriz from Mugaritz (two Michelin stars), Mauro Colagreco from Miramar (two Michelin stars), Joan Roca from El Celler de Can Roca (three Michelin stars) and me - no stars, Michelin or otherwise, but then I was just adding the basil!
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Carla the baby kangaroo!
Photo by Nigella Lawson
Twinkling party house ready for our farewell party
