Inspired by the Barossa’s culinary pedigree, a fresh crop of talented and energetic food producers are on the scene.
Each week we meet a Barossa food hero and find out more about their history, produce and importantly how best to enjoy it!
Food Heroes: Maggie Beer
Maggie Beer Products and Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop
Maggie Beer is a self-taught cook, author and food producer, not to mention highly sought after speaker, celebrity cook, mentor, muse, wife, mother and grandmother.
When Maggie first arrived in the Barossa, there was little awareness of the importance of the region’s traditional food culture and, with her characteristic passion, she soon became a champion of Barossa Food.
She and her husband Colin opened the Pheasant Farm Restaurant and operated it until 1993. A staple on that menu was Pheasant Farm pate, now the stalwart of her large product range.
Maggie’s passion for the Barossa is as strong as ever and she continues to fly the flag for fresh, seasonal food in a whirlwind of appearances.
She has published seven books including Maggie’s Farm, Maggie’s Orchard, Cooking with Verjuice, Stephanie Alexander & Maggie Beer’s Tuscan Cookbook, Maggie’s Table and Maggie’s Kitchen. Her latest book, Maggie’s Harvest, brings together over 350 of her signature recipes that highlight her philosophy of using the freshest and best seasonal produce available in the Barossa.
She is a contributor of food columns to newspapers and magazines and was co-host of the popular The Cook and The Chef ABC TV program. Named South Australian of the Year and Australian Senior of the Year in 2010, her influence continues to grow.
The Product – Maggie Beer Products include a range of pates, verjuice, olive oil, preserves, vinegars, condiments and ice creams.
Tracing the Hands – Maggie Beer products are made in a state-of-the-art export kitchen in the Barossa town of Tanunda. Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is located at the original Pheasant Farm Restaurant site in the Barossa, where her full product range is available along with picnic lunches, great coffee and their Pheasant Farm Wines as well as Beer Brothers Wines with Colin’s brother Bruce.
A cooking demonstration, utilising seasonal produce is held every day at 2.00pm at The Farm Shop.
Why Barossa – Maggie and Colin have made the Barossa their home, as have their two children and grandchildren. They are an integral part of the community. She says, “I can hardly remember living in the city now, as my time in the Barossa has really defined me.”
Availability – Internationally.
Full range available daily at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.
For more information visit www.barossa.com
