Join farmer and chef Jenna Abbruzzese from Addington Downs, farmers Jono Hurst and Natalie Hardy from Brooklands Free Range Farms and food journalist Dani Valent for a very special lunch that draws together all the important elements of food, farming and community.

For The Love Of Pork is a four-course lunch. Coming together in the cosy glasshouse at picturesque Scrub Hill in the Central Highlands of Victoria. This is a showcase of community, bringing to life the connections between Jenna, Jono and Nats. A chef by training and experience, Jenna has worked with Brooklands to build her own knowledge of farming, bringing philosophy, skills and support back to her own tiny farm.

This event will give an insight into the realities of small-scale farming when there is fierce commitment to nurturing land, animals and humans. Using retired sows, including some that Jenna knew by name, and 10-month old pigs that Brooklands is known for, Jenna has crafted a thoughtful menu that honours life, story and method. It’s nose to tail, sure, but it’s also hand to heart, land to soul, a deep and honest expression of toil, care and skill, expressed with the particular joy that only happens with shared table feasting.

For The Love Of Pork weaves in more connections. Each course will be matched with wines from Merth vineyard in Spring Hill. Wine makers Neil and Erin grow grapes on their property where they are working hard to regenerate the land. This is where Jono and Nats come in, they agist their yearling cattle at different times of the year as part of a mutually sustaining project to regenerate the Merth property. Non-alcoholic matches will also be offered.

During the course of the lunch, Dani will bring the room together in conversations with all the key players, amplifying connection and community.

Join us! This will be special.

Arrive at 12pm as we gather and pour you a drink, sit down at 12:30pm for the first course.

What to expect? A four course menu with an Italian influence. Focused on free range pastured pork, born and raised at Brooklands farms in Blampied. Wines from Merth Vineyard will be poured on arrival and matched to the savoury courses. A beautifully curated non-alcoholic beverage match will be provided for those who choose. Tea and stove top coffee service will accompany the dessert course.

We will not be catering to dietary requirements for this event. There will not be alternative options provided for people who book and have specific dietary preferences. The menu is designed so as not to fill you up with ingredients like gluten, dairy and nuts. Each course can be enjoyed by avoiding the very obvious components containing gluten, dairy and nuts which will be clearly communicated to you upon request. If you have issues with fructose or you are a vegetarian then this event is not for you.

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