The Company Farm
Reporter: Sally Obermeder
Sal is getting a Japanese lesson…in cooking at The Company Farm just outside Port Macquarie.
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The Company Farm
The Company Farm is an 8.2 hectare property and has been in operation since 1991, growing specialised produce for a small group of restaurants.
The farm grows and provides most of the vegetables, herbs and fruit for the cooking classes, with excess produce sold at the local farmers markets and to a few restaurants, local and in Sydney.
The philosophy at the farm has always been to grow all produce in the ground and practice organic methods rather than hydroponics. This, of course, is far more labour intensive, however the results are certainly worth it and this is proven by the taste and shelf life of their produce.
They are also proud to feature seasonal produce from local suppliers in the area in their cooking classes.
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Cooking With Company at The Company Farm
Cooking With Company means just that... a gathering of friends, both new and old, getting your hands "dirty", sharing a laugh, and sitting down to dine on sumptuous meals created within your group.
They use as much of the farm produce in the cooking classes as they can and also source from some of the other local growers. The classes are very much about teaching people to use good fresh seasonal produce as well as having some fun.
Lyn Withers began Cooking with Company at The Company Farm in February, 2006. Their cooking classes are held at The Company Farm, located just outside Wauchope and approximately 30kms west of Port Macquarie.
From their commercial-grade kitchen, you can enjoy spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling glass looking across the Hastings River, which fronts the property, to a backdrop of rolling hills. Guest chefs are regulars at Cooking with Company. With small classes, everyone has the opportunity to work closely and side-by-side with these special chefs.
Their rewards come from being able to use great produce and teach people to prepare and appreciate good, fresh seasonal food incorporating the varied and diverse food culture here in Australia.
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The commercial grade kitchen accommodates 8 to 10 people in each class. Classes are run weekly, including weekends, and run for 4 hours. This includes the preparation of the dishes, then sitting around the dining table enjoying the meal (and the view!) with a glass of wine. All recipes are supplied.
Severe allergy/anaphylaxis, gluten and wheat free classes are also conducted on a regular basis by Jean Davy, whose passion is to work with and teach people about whole foods.
Private classes are also welcome and are extremely popular. Maybe it’s a group from work or family? Choose your own style that you would like to learn — vegetarian, asian, low fat — whatever your desire.
There are between four and six dishes prepared each class, depending on the cuisine.
You can also stay at The Company Farm. There is a Queen size suite in the house and cottage accommodaton in The Courthouse.
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More Information
Greater Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre Cnr of Gordon and Gore St Port Macquarie
Open 7 days Mon- Fri: 8:30am - 5pm Weekends and public holidays 9am - 4pm extended operating hours on Sat Nov 10th until 8pm
For bookings and information on The Company Farm, AND for a free holiday planner and DVD, give the Visitor Information Centre a call now on 1300 303 155 or visit www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au. |
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Prices correct as at 10/11/07
Port Macquarie is just an hour away from Sydney when you fly direct with QantasLink. Tickets are on sale from $74 one way until 16th November 2007. So book now on www.qantas.com.
Valid for travel 15/12/07 – 15/3/08 and 29/4/07 – 26/6/08
*conditions apply
Prices correct as at 10/11/07