Goulburn Valley ,Victoria ,Australia

This is my home where we live on a smal farm ,producing some of our food but are surounded by some of the best fertile soils in Australia growing an amazing array of stone fruits ,as well as a big dairying industry ,and grazing and cropping .Its often called the foodbowl .in fact our small local town has a Foodbowl Music Festival where fine music mixes with good food at farmers markets and some of the god local wine

We grow free range ,organic beef for local sale and buy in Black Berkshire pigs fed on excess whey from the cheesery where I work,another example of the fine ingredients grown here .Our friends and neighbours have mixed farms ,more in the specialist area ,growing walnuts ,almonds ,raisng bees ,heirloom apples ,rare sheep like Damarra and Persian Fat-tails and different breeds of goats .There has been a boom in the farmers market scene with small scale producers like ourselves suppling quality food to a discerning but small consumer group .Not the average supermarket shopper !

We spend most weekends travelling across the countryside to various farmers markets selling our meat and re-selling pork products made from the Berkshire pigs --beautiful smoked hams and bacons as well as fresh cuts and sausages -a good life but very little spare time .

I found this site when searching for info on Arancine hoping to recreate the taste of my youth .My sister lived in the States for many years and we visited Chicago with her twice for memorable holidays ,eating great food and seeing and hearing great bands .Go Chicago !!

Aussie Bob

Welcome, Aussie Bob. You are indeed "Beyond Chicagoland".

G'day, Aussie Bob.

I can attest to the wonderful soil in that region and the delights it produces. Great dairy (and cheese makers to go with it), and some great wines. Australia is a splendid place for foodies.