Serving Valley up on a plate

2011 Causley Fresh Gate To Plate sponsors and special guests at the Gate To Plate launch on Thursday evening at the Grafton Regional Gallery (L-R): Kitchen To Table’s Scott Morschel, chairman of The Gallery Foundation Dr George Burkitt, Causley Fresh’s Jess Causley, Yugilbar Station general manager Rob Sinnamon, Causley Fresh’s Karl Causley and Mayor Richie Williamson.

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• Fuelling the local aroma

THERE was clinking of champagne glasses and sampling of local fare at the Causley Fresh Gate to Plate launch on Thursday night. But through all the culinary finery, there was a heartfelt message conveyed to those who gathered.

Gold sponsor Karl Causley highlighted why he got behind the event, and why he plans to continue being involved.

“I think the event really symbolises the Valley and embraces our agricultural background. It is what we are all about as an area and it matches the aims of our business.

“It is also specific to the Valley and I think sometimes we get lost in the Northern Rivers, as places like Byron Bay seem to overshadow us.

"This event, however, brings us and the personality of the area into the foreground of the minds of many,” Mr Causley said.

The event has been hosted by the Gallery Foundation since its inception and the chair of the foundation, Dr George Burkitt, hopes to see it continue long into the future.

“No event in our area has ever brought chefs together with producers, and through that union, they have managed to create some amazing things and show the people of the Valley what can be done with what we produce in our own backyards,” he said.

The Causley Fresh Gate to plate will go ahead on September 10 and 11, with a food and wine tour and master class on the 10th, and a produce market on the 11th featuring more 40 local producers.