Put on your best puffer jacket and embrace winter at Beltana Farm. Photo: Lean Timms.
Beltana Farm has released its program of events for Truffle Season, the magical three months in winter when the elusive black Perigord truffle is harvested. The urban truffle farm at Pialligo is offering multiple chances to experience the best of the season.
James Souter from Beltana Farm Dining told Region that they want to encourage people to face the cold weather head-on.
“We’re embracing what Canberra is in the cold weather! Canberrans will happily put on a puffer jacket, scarf and beanie to go and watch the Brumbies play, so why not enjoy the farm in winter?” he said.
“You’ll need to be a little bit brave, but I think that’s all part of the fun!”
The season launches on Friday, 20 June, under the moon outside on the farm. Fire pits and warming BBQ canapes will keep the chill away before guests move inside to the farm of the restaurant and a roaring fireplace for a main course featuring local produce, Beltana Farm truffles and dessert.
Alice O’Mara, co-founder of Beltana Farm, will share captivating stories and insights into the world of truffles throughout the evening.
Beltana Farm co-founder Alice O’Mara will be guiding guests through the world of truffle hunting. Photo: Lean Timms.
Last year, Beltana Farm was awarded a $100,000 tourism grant from the ACT Government (which they have matched with their own funds) to build a retail shop onsite. It will be open in time for truffle season and feature a range of boutique goods from around Australia, with a focus on locally made. Produce from the farm will also be sold. Customers can expect truffles and truffle-infused products, like honey harvested from the farm’s hives infused with truffles. This honey will also be featured in the restaurant.
In addition to morning truffle hunts, Beltana Farm will also offer twilight hunts this year.
“I feel like winter evenings in Canberra are just stunning, and the farm is a beautiful place in the afternoon and early evening, so we’re offering twilight hunts with a BBQ at the end,” James said.
Head Chef Heather Kovacs (centre) will teach guests how to cook with truffles at home. Photo: Lean Timms.
Other events include a hunt and cooking demonstration by Beltana Farm head chef Heather Kovacs and group executive chef John Leverink. This event aims to showcase the potential of truffles in home cooking, so the recipes will be accessible to the home cook. Participants will get to taste along with the demo and take home a recipe card to give the dishes a try at home.
Truffles will be scattered across the dine-in menu at the Beltana Farm restaurant throughout the season, but to experience a fully truffle-laden feast, James recommends booking in for the Hunt & Lunch, which features a guided truffle hunt with canine companions, followed by the unearthed tasting menu with full truffle accompaniments.
BBQ dinners cooked over the coals will feature in several special events over the three-month truffle season. Photo: James Souter.
Beltana Farm is hoping to get more people excited about truffles and the unique experience available to Canberrans.
“I don’t think anywhere else in Australia does truffles like Canberra: we’re trying to make this the flagship destination for truffles!”
Find out more about Beltana Farm’s truffle season and book in for an event. Beltana Farm is located at 14 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Follow Beltana Farm on Facebook or Instagram.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
