This coveted fungi certainly has an air of mystery about it and if you're a foodie then the Canberra Truffle Festival just might be for you.
The Truffle Festival is a 12-week celebration of the harvest of the Black Winter Truffle also known as Perigord Truffle grown in the Canberra region.
Currently in full swing, there are more than 250 events held across the region offering the opportunity to savour and experience the prized truffle. Events range from truffle hunts, degustation dinners, cooking classes and more.
If you're a foodie and lover of truffles, then a truffle hunt is probably high on your bucket list. During the festival you can join a truffle hunt and watch these skilled truffle dogs in action, sniffing out the prized truffles. There are plenty of truffieres dotted around the Canberra region offering the opportunity to meet the growers, pat the dogs and get your hands dirty. Check the website for details.
Once you've left the paddock, you'll want to enjoy truffles on a plate and you're in luck, with a host of top restaurants showcasing truffles during the season. Some highlights include Buvette Bistro & Wine Bar at Hotel Realm with a double baked comte soufflé & truffle. Another favourite, Joe's Bar at East Hotel is sneaking some truffle on the menu too.
A highlight has to be the Truffle degustation package at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, a new addition to the alluxia collection. Your exclusive package includes:
• 5 course degustation menu including truffle inspired dishes including Champagne and premium French & Australian Wines
• Overnight accommodation in uShaka rooms at Jamala with dinner served upstairs in uShaka alongside the shark tank
• Private tour of the Canberra Truffle Farm
At the Canberra Truffle Farm learn about the history of the farm and watch the energetic truffle dogs in action as they harvest the truffles. The fungi are found in soil around Hazelnut and Oak trees at the Canberra Truffle Farm. Truffles can only be detected by their smell and while pigs have traditionally been used to sniff out these delicacies, they also tend to eat them, which has led some farmers to train dogs for the task. Jayson Mesman, owner of Canberra Truffle Farm has recruited a legion of eager pups for the task, adopted from nearby pounds.
Hear this great story, experience a truffle hunt and dine on the delicious delicacy at Jamala Wildlife Lodge for $1,500 per night. Subject to availability, conditions apply. Package is available on Tuesdays from 7 June – 23 August 2016 (excluding Canberra school holidays 4-15 July) exclusively to guests in the uShaka Lodge. Book online here or contact us at info@alluxia.com for more details.
The climate around the Canberra region is ideal for Black Winter Truffles as it is similar to the climate in Europe where the truffle originated. Warm to hot summers and cold winters with frosts are perfect for truffles. It's also the perfect weather for cosy winter getaways. Browse our handpicked Canberra accommodation options and book a truffle inspired winter getaway.
What are your tips to enjoy a foodie getaway in our nation's capital? Share your tips below; we'd love to hear from you!
Image credit: The Truffle Festival
