It was a star studded event when Mamre Homestead hosted its Inaugural 100 mile Dinner under the stars on Friday, October 16.More than 160 guests attended the dinner as part of this years Sydney International Food Festival.
The concept of the dinner was to source all produce from within 100 miles (160km) radius. Therefore supporting local growers and producers while reducing our food miles and carbon food print.
Produce that had been grown on the property as part of Mamre’s African Employment Program was also showcased at the dinner.
The Hon Laurie Ferguson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affair and Settlement services, officially opened the dinner and Costa Georgiadis from Costa’s Garden Odyssey SBS was master of ceremonies for the evening. Costa has also agreed to become Mamre’s first Ambassador.
Vanessa Pilla, Festival Manager, Sydney International Food Festival and Penrith Mayor Kevin Crameri and Councilors were also among the guests.
The dinner brought together local food producers, wineries, TAFE colleges, musicians, astronomers and other local businesses.
The dinner started what was a successful fundraising weekend for the Mamre project with the annual Good Living Festival also held on Sunday, October 18.
All monies raised from these two events will go to supporting programs of the Mamre Project a sponsored work of the Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta.
Semco - Equipment Sales, St Marys very generously sponsored the Marquee for the dinner, with many other businesses also generously donating products or services.
Sponsors and major donors for 100 Mile Dinner were:
Semco- Equipment Sales- www.semcogroup.com.au
Sydney International Food Festival- www.siff.com.au
Pepes Ducks- www.pepesducks.com.au (duck for mail meal)
Shogun Wagyu- Ph. Anthony 0427 867 077 (beef for mail meal)
Simply Original- www.simplyoriginal.com.au (entrée platters)
Blue Mountains Honey- Ph. 4721 2840 (candles for centerpieces, condiments for mains and hamper for auction)
Morgans Coffee- www.morganscoffee.com (after dinner coffees)
Balloonatics (decorations)
The final component of the Penrith Valley contingent of the Sydney International Food Festival is Blue Mountains Honey’s Open Day and High Tea this Sunday 25th October. For bookings or more information contact Blue Mountains Honey on 4721 2840.
Story by Susan Hamilton, Acting Marketing Officer, Penrith City Council
