Searching for a way to sail to Samoa, drift dreamily to Fiji, or cruise leisurely to New Caledonia? Sydney Olympic Park leads a tastebud tour, when Louisa Taia takes over as guest chef for the Boulevard Market on April 23, tantalising with a range of South Pacific Island Treats.
Originating from the Cook Islands and currently the Executive Chef at the Citigate Sebel Hotel in Sydney, Louisa is one of Sydney’s most experienced chefs, having worked at numerous hotels including the Park Lane (now the Sheraton on the Park) and the University of NSW.
With the theme for the April Boulevard Market being ‘South Pacific Island Treats’, Louisa was the obvious choice to prepare a range of dishes native to the Cook Island region. Her trademark dish is Umu Kai, a dish similar to a Hangi, which involves wrapping chicken, fish and pork in banana leaves. Instead of digging a hole to create an oven for this cooking method, she will share her secret tips on how to prepare a special above-ground oven that captures the flavours of the food and assists in keeping the meat tender as is renowned with the Hangi cooking style.
Louisa will also demonstrate how to prepare Raw Fish Salad with lemon, limes and salt, a Coconut Seafood Salad and a Cook Islander Potato Salad.
And if that’s not enough, she’ll also prepare a range of sides using ingredients such as Taro, Kumara, Casava and Green Bananas in a special Polynesian Buffet to serve with the Umu Kai when it is cooked.
And if the food alone doesn’t provide a real South Pacific environment, in between demonstrations Te Tiare-o-te-O (meaning – the flowers of the valley) will perform traditional Cook Islander dancing in national costume on stage, along with live Cook Islander Drummers and musicians.
Te Tiare-o-te-O is performed by children ranging in ages from 2 to 15 years with many of the group having won numerous awards at recent dance competitions.
And as usual, it doesn't stop there. The Boulevard Market will also serve up a smorgasbord of other international food, goods, crafts, fashion accessories and home wares. The kids are not forgotten with 'Kids Kitchen Capers', free arts and crafts and cooking activities from 10am-2pm.
The Boulevard Market is located at Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park and run from 9.00am-2.00pm on Sunday April 23.
For further information, images or interviews please call Louise Di Francesco on (02) 8234 4300 or (0418) 617 869
Register for regular What’s On update www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/register
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