The best way to make friends and strengthen ties is through food. Clearly, Steven Ciobo, the Parliamentary Secretary to The Ministry of Trade and Investment Australia, endorses this view. He was in Hyderabad to give a glimpse of what his continent has to offer by way of an Australian food fest. The Australian Consulate General, Chennai, in collaboration with the Australian High Commission New Delhi and Park Hyatt Hyderabad, is hosting the ‘The Australian Food Week.’
For the fest at Tre-Forni, Steven Ciobo, along with Steven Beaumont from the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, whipped up some quick dishes as they discussed food, wine and friendly relations. The duo was assisted by Lars Windfuhr, Executive Chef at Park Hyatt. While Beaumont say that Lars has treated him to some authentic curries and biryanis, Lars says Beaumont is bowled over by the sheer size of the tandoors. “In Melbourne, only one restaurant might have a tandoor, we don’t get to eat from the tandoor everyday; here I am spoilt for choice,” says Beaumont.
Lars and Beaumont exchanged notes on ingredients, spices and challenges in acquiring the right raw material. “In Australia we are spoilt for choice for the ingredients of the dishes we cook, but Lars here has already done the homework for me, so I have a good choice,” adds Beaumont.
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When it’s time to cook, the trio begins with the lamb chops. After slicing them carefully and neatly, they sprinkle a generous dash of olive oil and give them a gentle spice rub before pushing into the oven. “Cooking styles are different. I am comfortable with open barbeques I do at home when I have friends and family over. I also like whipping up nice pasta dishes,” says Steven Ciobo.
Ciobo adds that the Australian Food Week is a good way to peek into what the country has to offer in terms of food and wine. “We want to improve relations further and showcase Australia’s vast tourism potential,” says Ciobo.
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So is the way to a man’s heart through the stomach? “It is definitely a good way to make friends,” smiles Ciobo.
The food fest at Park Hyatt ends on June 30.