Sue’s vision and belief in the importance of these awards for industry is what stands them apart as a true celebration of the creativity, innovation and talent of the South Australian food industry! These awards are pitched and produced to highlight the best of the best and as such the event itself must reflect this. Throughout the evening we heard so many positive comments from sponsors, finalists and guests, all testament to the work of Sue and the fabulous team she brings together including Susan Jones from Lush Lighting and the many local artists who contributed their work for display.

The four-course menu, designed by Adelaide Convention Centre chef Tze Khaw and his team, stared local produce and was matched by six Adelaide Hills wines.

“A shout out must be made for the Golding Chardonnay by the fabulous Justin McNamee, served at my wedding and still an absolute favourite”.

Entertainment included the fastest portrait artist in the world, Brad Blaze, as well as two surprise aerialist performances which kept our gaze to the heavens in awe. Brad was an absolute blast and seeing his mastery in action was a highlight of the event only possibly upstaged by his talent for soliciting Elvis moves from the restrained VIP lads.

It was our first time working with Nuala Hafner, the daughter of local food identity Dorinda Hafner and what a pleasure! Nuala is an articulate, warm, jovial person and a consummate Master of Ceremonies – we could not recommend her highly enough!

Hayley led our team from Champion who did a fabulous job of knitting the show together and getting all the sponsors and finalist on stage at the right time. As it was my first Food Awards not on the floor I did my best to stay out of the way and enjoy being a guest (ok so yes I did have a radio at the table – but it proved handy to keep up with the behind the scenes action). It was brilliant to sit with my super talented Cousin Dennis from Hilton and hear the exciting developments in store there and yes we could definitely be hatching foodie event plans!

A huge congratulations to all the deserving and talented people from the local food industry who were represented as finalists and of course extra kudos to the winners who are listed on FB http://www.facebook.com/safoodawards?sk=wall

What a glorious Adelaide day it was for this year’s annual FOODLAND GOLF CLASSIC, held on 17 November @ Blackwood GC

Blackwood Golf Club was again in sensational condition and with 92 keen golfers, they began their day with a BBQ Luncheon around the clubhouse, kindly cooked and provided by TIP TOP

Each player was also treated to a registration gift pack of 6 Srixon Golf Balls , Banana Boat Suncreen & a pair of BOLLE sunglasses, with Bolle staff on hand to professionally fit each pair! What a scoop!

All players were treated to their own Motorized cart and tackled the course with a feverish determination

There were many drink stops along the way including the Schweppes 10^th who served gin and tonics and some softies as well

Seasoned golfers would be aware of a “Nearest the Pin” competition, well the 12^th Hole sponsored by SCA Toilet Tissues had a nearest the Loo! A real loo placed about 180 metres down the fairway created some fantastic photo ops

After golf players were treated to a fabulous early dinner “USA Style” featuring grilled chicken, Pork Ribs and all the trimmings! Ye-haaaaawwww!

Congrats to the winning team from Unilever who bagged some awesome prizes for their troubles and Jarrod we will not rest until we find your wedding ring…I hope the couch is comfy mate!

Nick – aka The Postman

Well we have just returned with Foodland Supermarkets from our annual pilgrimage to the Melbourne Cup

Arriving this time by BUS! (thanks Alan Joyce!) we checked into the luxurious Park Hyatt and had a quick change before a short walk to our welcome dinner at GROSSIE FLORENTINI, what a fantastic restaurant, the food and wines were superb as was the service and we had a lot of fun conducting the Melbourne Cup Sweep. We also had a great 2 piece acoustic band singing some well known songs, some clients even took over the band towards the end of the night..April Sun In Cuba will never sound the same to me again!

On Cup morn, we met in the lobby for our coach transfer to Waterfront City to meet our River Cruiser, we took the 1 hour cruise in style, sipping champas and easting Hors d’oeuvres  and waving to the locals

We arrived and entered the Archer Marquee, well placed on the hill overlooking the finishing post, and enjoyed a fabulous day of eating, drinking and fluttering, some with more luck than others

Weary from a tough day, we tootled back onto the boat and cruised our way back to Waterfront City, most deciding it was time to go back to the hotel, but some party animals cruising onto the Crown Casino to donate back their hard-earned winnings to the Packer family.

The next day we all enjoyed the beautiful buffet breakfast before heading home on our respective Qantas flights (thanks for real Alan) back to our home cities

 Top three things i learned;

• The Bordertown bakery has awesome choccy donuts
• The Park Hyatt is still my favourite Melbourne Hotel
• The Melbourne Cup is a classy event until around 3pm

Nick – aka the Postman!

This year’s  Network Ten event was as always a great day at the races

As I said on FB Nath backed a winner but sadly no armoured trucks were bought in to payout the groups winnings this year – but those of you who were there back in 2004, will as I do live in hope that we will once again clean up in such synchronicity! – T.Hocking

There are some events that struggle to connect different groups but this isn’t one of them. Far from it Champion and Network Ten have created a family and every event is a wonderful chance to catch up with old friends and reminisce about all the fun and adventures we have shared over the years.

A measured improvement on the catering from SAJC deserves a mention and has help lift the entire event at Morphettville which year by year draws bigger crowds and truly is the closest thing to being there.

Just returned from the annual Drake Conference and it was a great success.

The 2011 Conference was run in tropical Port Douglas at the fantastic Sea Temple Resort & Spa.

Over 280 delegates enjoyed 4 days of entertainment and education with plenty of family friendly activities.

The guests were treated to an arrival 70’s disco themed cocktail party, with full LED light up dance floor, DJ and great live band as well

The next day there were some tired faces at the conference session but with guests speakers like noted Psychologist Jackie Fury and Mentalist Tom Berger there was no time to rest

Partners were treated to a range of sightseeing options inc reef tours, cooking classes form Masterchef Wizz Marion Grasby, Go Kart Racing, Quad Biking, Breakfast with the Birds and much more

Saturday night the delegates were treated to an Aussie BBQ bush bash complete with jumping castle for the kids, bucking bull ride, cane toad racing, petting zoo and country band, along with a massive Aussie BBQ feast!

On the last night we had the GALA Dinner, in Moulin Rouge style, held in a 30 metre silk lined marquee, with fantastic Moulin Rouge Styling.

Guests loved the Can Can Girls & the band but the hit of the night had to be GLEN SHORROCK and his band, he even had our staff on the dance floor, Reminiscing…..

What a great Conference, well done DRAKE SUPERMARKETS and we can pat ourselves on the back.