Showtime

SHOWBAGS, crowds, fireworks and rides: for many Geelong folk, these are likely your first thoughts when the words Geelong Show are mentioned.

For other showgoers, though, they probably couldn’t care less about what ride goes the fastest or if Bertie Beetle showbag still exists (which, it does – believe it or not). Chances are this second group of patrons will be amongst the thousands of locals completing in any one of the show’s annual competitions, which range from woolcrafts to woodchopping, and just about everything in between. From my count, there’s over 1750 different classes (or areas of expertise) you can compete in. Fancy you might have the best Sample of Farm Harvested Faba Beans? Yep, there’s a class for that (and it’s #3713, if you’re keen). What about best Set of Crocheted Dolls Clothes less than 50cm tall? Anyway, you get the picture. On a serious note though, what really has my interest are some of the produce and food production classes they’re judging: brewing awards will be given for best beer, cider and mead (I’d love to be a judge here) much like salami winners will be crowned for best twiggy sticks, jerky and smoked items. Not to mention the countless jams and preserves gongs for classes like best savoury plum sauce, cordial concentrate, or lemon butter. So never mind those noisy rides and sugar filled showbags, if you’re heading to the Geelong Show this week, make sure you stop by Homecraft Pavilion 1 and 2 to try some of this year’s tasty winners and support a few of our emerging local food-making talents.

 

After the arrival of Ket Baker a few months back, Belmont has again been blessed, with the opening of a proper artisanal pizza place to call their own. Tillage Pizza offers wood-fired, 48-hour fermented dough bases from a concise menu – which I really like the idea of, rather than trying to nail too many different versions all at once. Pizza toppings come from locally found producers (or the best from Melbourne) and they’re also making their own gelato in-house too (eg vanilla bean or mango sorbet, amongst others). Whether you’re a Belmont local or not, put this on the list for your next pizza night in.

In anticipation for some warmer weather ahead, Bannockburn Vineyards have launched the latest release of their 1314 Rosé. It’s a refreshing dry style, but with a core of bright red fruits and a little spice. It’s got great texture, but what gets me are the aromas on the nose: I love the floral strawberry and raspberry character here, with a tiny bit of added savoury/spice element to build a bit more interest. Really enjoyable, with much more substance and character than you usually find among the sea of simple, unimaginative Rosés out there.

 

Keeping with the summer vibes, Blackman’s Brewery have announced their Torquay outlet will transform this summer into a full blown Mexican Cantina. Tacos will feature heavily among a menu littered with other south-of-the-border favourites, but what I’m excited to see is their beer garden, which is set to turn into Margaritaville: a sunshine filled pop-up celebrating everyone’s favourite summer drink. Don’t worry, their beers won’t be going anywhere though – expect the same line up available along some of the best poured margaritas and spritzes in town, partly due to the venue recently having recruited Damien Kos-Beckwith (the man behind much of the success of Little Malop Street favourites 18th Amendment, and Non Disclosure Bar) to run the show. Geelong’s loss is Torquay’s gain, but definitely gives patrons another good reason to visit over the coming weeks and months.

Finally, a mixed review of Geelong’s ROAM event last weekend, as I wondered whether the selected date was the best fit for the calendar, given it was the first weekend of daylight savings. The performers and visuals were good, but I couldn’t help think how much better they would have been with a darker backdrop (ie upon/after dusk). Add the factors of it no longer being school holidays and this wetter than usual spring weather we’re experience, the event just didn’t feel as big a hit as what it could have been. I like the idea of holding a proper winter solstice event, where everyone’s out embracing the cooler weather during the June school holidays. Anyway, food for thoughts for the decision makers at the City of Greater Geelong perhaps.