Did you know truffles are the most expensive natural food?
In Australia, truffle season runs from June until September with an annual event held in Manjimup WA to kick things off. This region south of Perth and east of Margaret River is the largest producer of Superior Perigord Truffles in the southern hemisphere.
While discerning foodies consider the white truffle to taste better than the black truffle, both can cost about $2800 per kg retail this year, making them not only expensive but also highly sought after by restaurants all over the country.
Here are four more fun facts about these mighty morsels and five venues to get your truffle on:
•Truffles are known to be an aphrodisiac – some say it is the aroma, others claim it is due to their rarity. The scent is similar to the male pheromone, so the next time you indulge your date with a truffle delicacy, you can find out for yourself!
•Truffles are fragrant mushrooms that grow underground – they grow at the roots of truffle oaks and are hard to find. Trained dogs, pigs and goats are used to sniff out the truffles.
•Mankind has been relishing truffles for nearly 4000 years. The ancient Greeks believed truffles were made when lightning hit soil and Egyptians ate them coated with goose fat; while Romans believed they had therapeutic properties.
•Truffles have featured in plays, TV series and comic strips. Who remembers 'Truffles’ from the iconic ‘Peanuts’ comic strip?
Fun and quirky, Social Manna on Albany Highway in Victoria Park is where locals gather for DIY sodas and brunch fare with flair. A shabby chic interior, complete with teaspoon collections, a gramophone and old kitchen beaters on the counter, is ideal for lingering over a Pound coffee or soak up the sun and balmy breezes alfresco.
Find WA truffle shavings on the menu at fun and quirky Perth café Social Manna.
Expect to find WA truffle shavings on the menu during July along with breaky plates such as smashed avo mezze, with za’atar pide, fermented vegetables, green harissa, preserved lemon cashew cream and dukkah nut granola.
Mode Kitchen & Bar on George Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD has launched a Winter menu topped with black truffle delicacies to celebrate the flavoursome and fragrant season of truffle harvest. Delivering uncomplicated, yet memorable Modern Australian dining experiences for lunch and dinner, Mode strikes an ideal balance between a casual bistro and fine dining.
Mode Kitchen & Bar is dishing up a Truffle Degustation menu until mid-August.
To welcome the return of this culinary sensation, Mode presents a highly anticipated Truffle Degustation menu until mid-August, with the likes of risotto Parmigiano and black truffle; or chicken ballotine, porcini mushrooms, celeriac and black truffle on offer.
Be prepared to celebrate Parada Hill’s French black truffles with a contemporary Turkish interpretation at Safran restaurant on Ocean View Road in Ettalong Beach. From July 27-30 a unique truffle menu is on offer along with a five-course Truffle Dinner on Wednesday, July 27 at this stylish venue; where a green tiled bar, recycled timber, arched windows and Middle Eastern-style lights set an elegant vibe.
Expect black truffle creations with a contemporary Turkish twist at Safran.
Delve into tempters like tuna sashimi, with sous vide egg, black sesame, truffle and isot pepper; followed by quail dolma, filled with truffle and spiced rice, whey, Tulum cheese and shaved truffle. Finish decadently with baked rice pudding, goats’ milk, mastic and truffle ice cream.
Bare Witness on Shoreline Drive in Rhodes has bought the freshest first-grade WA truffles and will be offering fresh shavings for just $9 until June 30 for those who love them. Add them to the new Winter menu and devour dishes like eggs your way with toasted sourdough; or specials like truffle lobster mac and cheese served up on Mother’s Day.
Fresh shavings of WA black truffles can be added to your plate at Bare Witness.
Find an intimate, warm-lit space to chill out with a wine, fine fare and live entertainment at Wakefield’s Bar & Wine on Wakefield Gardens in Ainslie. Nestled around the corner and upstairs from Edgar’s Inn – one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets and a second home for many locals – this stylish wine bar exudes rustic charm with exposed brick, dark timber and moody lighting, ideal for after-work drinks or a romantic interlude with someone special.
Add a serve of truffle fries to finger-lickin’ good lamb ribs at Wakefield’s Bar & Wine.
Add a serve of truffle fries to signature plates such as finger-lickin’ good sweet and sour margra lamb riblets with peanuts; or duck breast, raisins, turnips and orange, washed down with a glass of red.
For more truffle destinations near you, click here.
