"Cooking & Lifestyle" holidays at The Red Feather Inn - Tasmania

We've just received word from The Red Feather Inn in Tasmania, announcing the first of their popular Cooking & Lifestyle School calendar for 2012. 

Saturday 14th April - “Tasmanian Bush Tucker Experience”

An amazing nature and wildlife experience with Tasmanian bush legend, Craig Williams from Pepper Bush Adventures. You will see, feel, smell, taste and hear Tasmania. This afternoon / evening trip focuses on gourmet campfire dining and the antics of the wildlife in Tyne Valley on the side of Ben Lomond. All the ingredients are Tasmanian, which is to say, the best there is, the recipes are original and often include native spices or herbs and the combinations of texture and taste are subtle and varied. Naturally, the best Tasmanian wines accompany these dishes, carefully chosen to compliment these culinary creations.

-          Class Cost: $395pp

-          Class & Accommodation Package: $545 per person twin share

-          Inclusions: Free airport transfers, lunch, dinner and cool climate Tasmanian wine. 

-          Breakfast included for accommodation package.

-          Duration: 1pm to 10.30pm

-          Maximum 8 people

Saturday 28th April - “Game Day”

Master Butcher Craig Williams will demonstrate the art of preparing some of Tasmania’s highly renowned wild game meats such as hare, wallaby and venison. You learn some of his secret bush tucker recipes that you will then get to try for lunch. Tanya will then teach you how these same fabulous products are utilised in Australia’s best restaurants.

-          Class Cost: $395pp

-          Class & Accommodation Package: $545 per person twin share

-          Inclusions: Free airport transfers, lunch, dinner and cool climate Tasmanian wine. 

-          Breakfast included for with accommodation package.

-          Duration: 10am to 4pm

Located at Hadspen in the magical countryside of Northern Tasmania, The Red Feather Inn is the perfect place to stay if you're looking to really absorb all that this beautiful region has to offer, from the magnificent South Esk River to the historic homes, lush open gardens, gastronomic experiences, scenic wine routes, world class golfing, highland lakes fishing and an endless scenic coastline all within easy reach of your cosy abode at the inn. The Red Feather even offer guests a picnic basket service, so you can go exploring and enjoy a romantic dining experience, just the two of you, surrounded by this glorious nature. Sounds truly lovely to us!

A FIELD KITCHEN IN THE FOREST

If you have a passion for cooking or just a keen interest in learning more about it all in a beautiful wild environment, then you may just like to check out Foragers in the beautiful Southern Forests region near Pemberton, Western Australia. 

Run by Sophie and Chris Zalokar - she is a qualified chef who has worked with Australian food icon Maggie Beer; he is a builder and artisanal craftsman - this is a place where wilderness and food combine in a passionate and unique setting. Guests can come and stay in one of the seven farm-based, private cabins and a cosy farmhouse, with sweeping views over farmland and forest, while partaking in a unique culinary travel experience at the Forager's Field Kitchen, with a variety of dinners and cooking classes held here throughout the year.

Dining is nothing short of an indulgent feast, and changes according to the seasons. Much like a private dining room with long tables rather than a traditional a-la-carte style restaurant, places are pre booked for a fixed price set menu meal that will often be themed and feature local seasonal produce. There are demonstration-style workshop days in the kitchen, as well as weekend hands-on workshops where local produce takes centre stage, while the more intrepid types can set out in to the surrounding bush to source ingredients on the Foraging the Southern Forests experience. 

Nourishing country food served up in a contemporary and hospitable setting, with the delights of the Margaret River a mere day trip away ... sounds like a good way to enjoy some of life's most simple pleasures!