December 30th, 2012

Food Pioneers Make Their Way to Rural Australia

A new type of pioneer is making their way across rural Australia: the foodie. Jamie Riley, a cafe owner with 16 years’ worth of Melbourne culinary experience, with his partner, Zac Stamos, have had plenty of success in the small town of Heyfield. Even though Heyfield is considered to be a rural outpost, Riley and Stamos have managed to make a go of it, as the locals actually appreciate the very different menu and the new style of cafe furniture. “They freaked a bit at first. I really did have to push them to try something new,” Riley said, adding that the people are quite progressive and that the food culture is changing. Riley and Stamos aren’t the only ones, however, as Mason Clarke Preserving Company has also found success in Dimboola in central Wimmera. Owner and operator Mary Clarke is surprised to have such success with her preserves in a place where most people probably still do their own preserving at home. “Dimboola people just love it and I’m delighted because they have a sophisticated palate,” she said. “There’s a real misconception that country people don’t understand good food.”

 

Source:

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/in-with-the-out-crowd-20120813-2441s.html