How was your Halloween? In Ireland and Scotland, where the Halloween tradition has its roots, they apparently used to carve turnips and it was only the immigrants to North America who starting using pumpkins (which are native to North America). Obviously, unlike in Australia, pumpkins are in season in October in North America and, as I saw on my recent holiday in New England, their sheer ubiquity was extraordinary (see the picture right of a greengrocer shop).
A garden tour of Hurstbridge Farmgate had to be cancelled
In last week’s newsletter, we discussed how Hurstbridge Farmgate has been closed down by Nillumbik Council, who say that they haven’t got the right permit. Last weekend, the Council told Local Food Connect to cancel a garden tour of the property, claiming that this also required a permit. Lots of people are not happy with the Council’s decision – see the Facebook post on the subject. In passing, note that the reason that the garden tour was not highlighted in last week’s newsletter is that it was already sold out.
Not food but interesting
Nillumbik Artists Open Studios is happening on the weekends of 17th/18th and 24th/25th November. 32 artists from across Nillumbik will be opening their studios on all four days for you to visit, talk to the artists, look at their art and (if you want) buy some. If you have never done this, you really are missing out.
Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?
The sales’ listing for Jonathan Warren’s house.
Joke of the week
Did you hear about the guy who overdosed on curry powder? He went into a korma.
New events
Cook Indian by the creek
What: Menu: Diwali special of savoury and sweet – seekh kebab followed by gulab jamun (an Indian doughnut). Cook Indian by the creek came into existence with the idea of breaking the myth that Indian cooking is complex and difficult to nail. In each session, they will share their traditional recipes and go through the step by step cooking process. The classes are held in a private kitchen.
When: Friday, 9th November, 6.15-8.15pm.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $50.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Talking tomatoes – know, sow, grow, feast!
What: Karen Sutherland, from Edible Eden Design, will teach you how to select, grow and use the best and tastiest tomatoes for Melbourne’s climate.
When: Saturday, 10th November, 2-4pm.
Where: North Fitzroy Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Farmer to table dinner
What: The dinner comprises share-style courses which highlight 3 ethical local producers. The evening will include a panel Q&A with the three producers. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase at the bar.
When: Saturday, 10th November, 7-10pm.
Where: CERES.
Cost: $65.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Join the development of the Newton Street Community Garden
What: Darebin City Council, in partnership with 3000acres and Span Community House, invite you to take part in designing the Newton Street Community Garden. This project aims to transform an underutilised piece of land into a great community space – where you’ll be welcomed to share your knowledge, develop new skills and meet new people. They invite you, the community, to join them for afternoon tea and to provide input into the design of the garden. This includes contributing to the look and feel of the garden, what will be planted and the design of a sign.
When: Thursday, 15th November, 4.30-6pm.
Where: East Preston Community Centre.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Summer veggie garden success!
What: They will talk through the tips and tricks to plant your patch and keep it thriving through the warmer months, including advice about individual crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchinis and more. To help solidify your knowledge, you will take a walk around the community garden to identify crops that are thriving, and those that are struggling to learn more about common problems. This workshop is aimed at those just starting their veggie patch or who have been gardening for a year or two.
When: Saturday, 17th November, 10-11.30am.
Where: Lygon Street Community Garden.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Sylvester Hive presents Buzz & Dig – native bee workshop
What: This workshop will help you identify native bees and understand their nesting behaviour. Find out why insect biodiversity is so important and how you can encourage native bees to your garden.
Bring a plate to share.
When: Thursday, 22nd November, 6-8.30pm.
Where: Sylvester Hive Community Garden, Preston.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Cook Indian by the creek
What: Menu: Diwali special of three courses – aloo tikki (potato, peas and daal); chicken/paneer jalfrezi; and a surprise sweet.
When: Saturday, 24th November, 4-7pm.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $99.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Festive inspired cooking master class
What: Enjoy 3 tasting size courses cooked by chef Bek McMillan, from Gourmet Living, who will demonstrate step by step. All recipes are included. Menu: asparagus, ham & brie tart; baked gnocchi; and Christmas petite fours.
When: Thursday 29th November and Friday 30th November, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).
Cook Indian by the creek
What: Menu: malai kofta (soft balls of mashed potato and paneer).
When: Friday, 30th November, 6.15-7.45pm.
Where: Diamond Creek.
Cost: $45.
Bookings: by email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Christmas gingerbread house demonstration
What: Irene, from the Victorian Cake Decorating Society, will teach you how to create and assemble a traditional gingerbread house, decorated with piped Royal icing and candy. Recipes will be supplied.
When: Saturday, 1st December, midday-1.30pm.
Where: Balwyn Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Festive inspired cooking master class
What: Menu: mint harissa prawns; chicken rice salad; and raspberry jam cheesecake tart.
When: Thursday 6th December and Friday 7th December, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).
Festive inspired cooking master class
What: Menu: bruschetta; roast pork loin; and Christmas pudding ice cream.
When: Thursday 13th December and Friday 14th December, both 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite (Thursday, Friday).
Further information: LFC calendar entry (Thursday, Friday).
Summary of upcoming events
Over the next week
- Talking tomatoes with Karen Sutherland: Thursday, 8th November, 5.30-7pm.
- Growing fruit and veggies in small spaces: Thursday, 8th November, 6.30-9pm.
- Cook Indian by the creek: Friday, 9th November, 6.15-8.15pm.
- Festive inspired cooking master class: Friday, 9th November, 7-9pm.
- Eat drink talk shop: Saturday, 10th November, 9.30-10.30am.
- Charity open garden (Research): Saturday, 10th November, 10am-4pm.
- Eat drink talk shop: Saturday, 10th November, 11am-midday.
- Mexican – aguas frescas and kombucha: Saturday, 10th November, 11am-1pm.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 10th November, 11am-1.30pm.
- Green at Kathleen – preparing for summer harvest: Saturday, 10th November, 11.30am-1pm.
- Eat drink talk shop: Saturday, 10th November, 12.30-1.30pm.
- Talking tomatoes – know, sow, grow, feast!: Saturday, 10th November, 2-4pm.
- Farmer to table dinner: Saturday, 10th November, 7-10pm.
- Introduction to permaculture (two sessions): Saturday, 10th November and Sunday, 11th November, both 10am-4pm.
- Arthurs Creek Mechanics Institute’s 30th annual garden walk: Sunday, 11th November, 9.30am-5pm.
- Open Gardens Victoria – chooks in the city workshop: Sunday, 11th November, 10-11.30am.
- Charity open garden (Research): Sunday, 11th November, 10am-4pm.
- Open Gardens Victoria – chooks in the city workshop: Sunday, 11th November, 12.30-2pm.
- Great tomato giveaway: Tuesday, 13th November, 10am-1pm.
- Good Earth produce and plant swap: Tuesday, 13th November, 2-4pm.
- Raised garden beds are for everybody: Wednesday, 14th November, 11am-midday.
Over the next month
- Join the development of the Newton Street Community Garden: Thursday, 15th November, 4.30-6pm.
- Plant-based midweek cooking class: Thursday, 15th November, 6.30-8.30pm.
- Bush foods & herbs for courtyards & balconies: Thursday, 15th November, 6.30-9pm.
- Kombucha workshop: Thursday, 15th November, 7-8pm.
- War on food waste workshop and talk: Thursday, 15th November, 7-8pm.
- Festive inspired cooking master class: Thursday, 15th November, 7-9pm.
- Festive inspired cooking master class: Friday, 16th November, 7-9pm.
- Become a junior chocolatier: Saturday, 17th November, 9-9.45am.
- Summer veggie garden success!: Saturday, 17th November, 10-11.30am.
- Shio koji making and cooking: Saturday, 17th November, 11am-1.30pm.
- Halloumi Festival Melbourne: Saturday, 17th November, midday-9pm.
- Chocolate discovery class: Saturday, 17th November, 12.45-1.45pm.
- Beekeeping workshop with Ben: Saturday, 17th November, 2-5pm.
- Introduction to natural beekeeping (two-day): Saturday, 17th November and Sunday, 18th November, both 10am-5pm.
- Miso paste making: Sunday, 18th November, 11am-1.30pm.
- Healthy lives plant-based cooking: Sunday, 18th November, midday-4pm.
- Halloumi Festival Melbourne: Sunday, 18th November, midday-9pm.
- Julie and Julia (film): Monday, 19th November, 10.15am-12.30pm.
- Sylvester Hive presents Buzz & Dig – native bee workshop: Thursday, 22nd November, 6-8.30pm.
- Healthy productive compost and worms: Thursday, 22nd November, 6.30-9pm.
- No Waste Cook Club Carlton: Saturday, 24th November, 10am-midday.
- Home brewing with Paul Rigby: Saturday, 24th November, 10am-3pm.
- Bee hive tour: Saturday, 24th November, 10.30am-12.30pm.
- Spring backyard composting workshop: Saturday, 24th November, 10.30am-12.30pm.
- Cook Indian by the creek: Saturday, 24th November, 4-7pm.
- Backyard beekeeping workshop: Tuesday, 27th November, 7-8.30pm.
- Heidi garden club: Wednesday, 28th November, 10am-midday.
- Festive inspired cooking master class: Thursday, 29th November, 7-9pm.
- Cook Indian by the creek: Friday, 30th November, 6.15-7.45pm.
- Festive inspired cooking master class: Friday, 30th November, 7-9pm.
- Summer fruit tree maintenance: Saturday, 1st December, 9.30am-12.30pm.
- Become a junior chocolatier: Saturday, 1st December, 10-10.45am.
- Advanced composting workshop: Saturday, 1st December, 10am-midday.
- No Waste Cook Club Fitzroy: Saturday, 1st December, 10am-midday.
- Miso paste making: Saturday, 1st December, 11am-1.30pm.
- Christmas gingerbread house demonstration: Saturday, 1st December, midday-1.30pm.
- Beeswax food wraps: Saturday, 1st December, 2-4pm.
- Healthy lives plant-based cooking: Sunday, 2nd December, midday-4pm.
- Plant-based midweek cooking class: Thursday, 6th December, 6.30-8.30pm.
- Festive inspired cooking master class: Thursday, 6th December, 7-9pm.
- Festive inspired cooking master class: Friday, 7th December, 7-9pm.
- Raw living whole foods with Valentina Rise: Saturday, 8th December, 10am-3pm.
- Bee hive tour: Saturday, 8th December, 10.30am-12.30pm.
- Green at Kathleen – natural pest control in the garden: Saturday, 8th December, 11.30am-1pm.