Truffle Hunting (In Orange)
Truffles, gumboots and black tie, what links these together? The Borrodell Black Tie and Gumboot truffle hunt of course! 2012 marked the 6th annual truffle hunt in the beautiful town for orange’s food and wine month. Apart from the 12 degree weather (which got even colder throughout the night) it was a fantastic event which combined both a truffle hunt and a 5 course truffle feast
DATE: 28th July
VENUE: Borrodell Cellar Door, Orange
FLICKS TAKE ON THE NIGHT:
The group must of looked odd to any passerby; dressed up for ball but trolloping through the mud in our gumboots towards the oak trees, following a Labrador (Scully) and Borry (in his bright blue attire).
Scully was on fire (plus her owner), we found millions of black perigold truffles (a slight exaggeration). Unfortunately they were guarded by the truffle keeper (Borry) so I couldn’t slip one or two in my coat!
Finding the truffle under the Oak Trees
Even with the warm mulled wine, the cold got to the better of us and we finished the truffle hunting early for the decadent feast which awaited us (no complaining here!).
First to start the night was the canapés- Oyster shot, pork belly and goats cheese on pastry. The goats cheese was a winner! Unfortunately only one per person so I couldn’t indulge in more.
Whilst warming up by the fire, the truffles we found, well Scully found, were proudly displayed in the centre! 240gms worth of perigold black truffles. Still, there was still no way one could find its way in to my handbag. For those who unaware of the price of truffles- a small one would cost anywhere between $60-$80. Pretty expensive for a fungus dug up by a dog! But once you acquire the taste for truffles- you will see what the fuss is about.
Truffles sat proudly in the room to admire all night
I was glad to see a Chicken terrine was served as an entree- very fond of French classic food! The truffle was incorporated into the vinaigrette and could only just be tasted, perfectly balanced! To accompany the entree was a glass of apple cider (foodie heaven).
Appetizer and Terrine.
The next dish was steamed truffle Barramundi in a bouillabaisse sauce. So far a great start to the evening.
Barramundi in Bouillabaisse.
To make room for the mains, the band had everyone up and dancing! There is a reason why gumboots are not worn to a ball, it makes dancing nearly impossible. Thankfully everyone else seemed to be having the same troubles. Nothing a glass of wine (Chardonnay, 2009) couldn’t of fixed- (seemed to be getting easier after each glass of wine.) 
Sharing the night with close friends. Pete measuring up the truffle (keen blogger)
Time for the mains, Venison with gratin of truffled turnips, broccoli & Hazelnut puree with mulled wine syrup. The venison was it rich and beautiful, perfect for the cold weather outside. This dish was paired with a glass of Pinot Noir (2006) which in my opinion was the best wine of the night. I was excited the venison was cooked perfectly- over cooked venison should be illegal!
Hosts for the Night- Borry and Gaye
Time for more dancing! Yes this seem to be the theme of the night, dance, eat, drink, dance! perfect combo
Now for the best dish, oh my it tasted like pure gold! Baked truffle brie and Borrodell apple salsa. The warm oozy cheese with the generous layer of truffle was absolutely amazing! It was the dish of the night
Mains: The beautifully Cooked Venison. The dessert I am still dreaming about; Baked Brie.
The final dish of the night was the chocolate tasting plate. By this stage I was stuffed to the max, though as a dedicated blogger I thought it would be rude not to eat it (my rationale anyway) so I brought out my second stomach!
Chocolate Tasting Plate- Marshmallow biscuit, White Chocolate Mousse, Flourless Chocolate Tarte
What a great night. Host Borry and Gaye put together a fantastic evening. Chef Paul McGrath (Bistro Ortolan) unfortunately had to pull out at the last minute although the Scottish, French trained Alan Meaney and his team did a spectacular job. I would recommend this to anyone, and besides where else can you wear gumboots with a ball dress?
Chef Alan Meaney and Team.
DEETS:
Borrodell Truffle Hunt
Each year in July
$190 per person.
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Truffles are amazing, and hunting them gave me an even greater appreciation for how precious they are! Glad you packed an extra dessert stomach too!
Hehe can’t leave anywhere without my 2nd dessert stomach
Love the idea of truffle hunting in a ball gown & gum boots (not so much the 12 degree temprature though).
would love to give it a try …!
& the chocolate tasting plate looks yummy! :D
Hehe what a fun sounding event! Yes you don’t usually do truffle hunting in black tie and gum boots but I suspect that’s what it so fun! :)
This looks so awesome! I’d love to go truffle hunting one day :) That meal looks great too, soo much truffly goodness :)
I quite enjoy a good dish with a touch of truffle but sadly I find it quite overrated. Hunting truffles however sounds really fun hehehe I heard they used to use pigs to find the truffles but unfortunately the pigs would eat them up lol
What a fantastic fun day. I love truffles, they really add a special something to a dish. And that chocolate tasting plate looks divine!