Dear food loving people,

We hope you're all living loving and laughing despite economic woes and uncertainties, natural disasters and the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.

Our world is still buoyant and positive - as many of you know, we are almost fully booked out until July! A wonderful thing that the word is spreading about our small business which aims to open up new food worlds. But in these circumstances we advise that:

Patience is a Virtue

We are adding a few new safaris to our schedule leading up to July in order to fit in those of you who are keen to join us - heavens - as the most impatient person who ever walked the earth, waiting is totally anathema to me so I know what you're going through - but - we don't want to suddenly offer more than we know we are able to do really well. That would be stupid. So please bear with us. Please see below for new dates and be advised we are happy to extend gift certificates in these circumstances. We also aim to have schedule for second half of year out sooner.

New DVD - Food Safari 3

A nice young man has just wheeled in boxes of Food Safari Series 3 DVD which looks very schmick - Suzy commented that I seem to look younger with each version - yes there's a reason for that aside from eating really good food - it's amazing what magic graphics people can weave with photos!

So for those of you who want to complete their set of Food Safari, the new edition is here, priced at $20 and available on all safaris. We can post to you if you like, and I'm happy to sign cover if you'd like. Call us or send us an email. We also have more copies of Series 1 & 2 if you missed out previously.

Ozharvest

As many of you know, I'm an ambassador for the charity Ozharvest, which collects unused food from cafes, restaurants, caterers and within an hour or two, is taken by refrigerated van to people who really need it - and there are ever-increasing numbers - It's a wonderful and needed service - can you imagine good food going into landfill rather than feeding dear souls? It's just wrong. Anyway, I'll keep you posted about a special campaign being launched for May which I hope you may get involved in.

Margaret River Safari

I've been tied up writing for the Food safari book which will be out later this year so I missed an exceptional Margaret River Safari earlier this month. The weather was glorious and there were lots of highlights, including a lunch at a private estate - the lovely Ian Parmenter who's a local drop-in to join the group and took these photos - isn't this one lunch table you wish you were at? Plus they had 5 courses with matched wines, a string quartet, a private chef - all at a wonderful romantic getaway called La Forest Echantee - have a look at the website... There were lunches at Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, Leeuwin, Cullens and all during vintage which is such an exciting time to visit. Plus glorious dinners and staying right on the beach at Bunker Bay.

Here is what some of our travellers said:

"I had a wonderful, wonderful time and although I thought it would be good,
the trip exceeded all of my expectations." - Liz Mellick

"It was a fantastic trip. Don was a fantastic guide. People we met were so friendly..." - Robyn Marsden

Our next safari isn't scheduled until next year but hey - if this sounds good, then let us know and we could schedule one say early October...?

Greek Island Safari - 8th - 19th September 2009

The other astounding thing about these interesting times in which we live is that our Greek Island safari in September is almost full. We still have a few spots though so if you're thinking of joining us this year, let us know.
Click HERE to link to the international page on our website and a copy of the itinerary.

Vietnam Gourmet and Gorgeous Safaris

Gorgeous Safaris - September and October

Gourmet Safari - September/October

Time to plan ahead for one of our wonderful Vietnam safaris. Book now for our girls only Gorgeous safari in September and October or our Gourmet Safari late September/October.

Click HERE to link to the international page on our website. Sample itineraries for both tours are available.  Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like to make a booking.

Turkish Food Safari in Auburn
by Owen Thomson - SMH

"The last time I enjoyed lokum, authentic Turkish delight, was during a visit to Istanbul. I'd bought about two kilograms of the stuff from the city's famed Spice Bazaar and then had to lug it around Turkey in my backpack for the next three weeks, eating it or giving it away as I went in an attempt to lighten the load........"

Click on the followling link for the full article

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/auburn-not-constantinople-20090311-8upc.html

Additional Safari dates:

Due to such wonderful demand we have had to slot in a few extra tours.  New tours and dates follow:

World in a Day - Middle East - Saturday 13th June

Greek Walking tour of Marrickville - Saturday 6th June

World in a Day Mediterranean - Saturday 13th June

World in a Day Middle West - Monday 22nd June

Italy on Wheels - Saturday 4th July

Please contact our office on 02 9960 5675 during office hours (Monday - Friday) to make your booking. Payment can be made with VISA or M/C. (These dates do not appear on the website as yet. This is to give subscribers to our newsletter the opportunity to book first.)


The program for August - December 2009 will be available in early May.

So, my dears, enjoy your autumn and happy exploring from

Maeve, Suzy, Jinan and Georgie and all our wonderful guides.