Bairro Português Petersham Food and Wine Fair

Last year I had a wonderful time at the Bairro Português Petersham Food and Wine Fair. I can still remember my first taste of Picanha (a Brazilian cut of beef), served with lettuce and tomato on a soft flour roll; washed down with a plastic cup of sun-warmed Mateus Rosé (it coped surprisingly well). So it is with particular relish that I’ll be popping along to Petersham (or ‘Little Portugal’ as it is affectionately known), on Sunday 9th March, 2008 between 1pm-6pm.

Expect a vibrant street throbbing with the sexy sounds of Portuguese and Brazilian entertainment (like the hot, sweaty boys from One Night in Brazil). Revel in the sight of traditional Portuguese costumes from local folkloric groups; smell the spicy tang of chorizo and bacalhau; and you should definitely eat a Portuguese tart (from Sweet Belem who make the best ones I’ve ever tasted) while you’re in the long Churros queue.

Local restaurants participating this year include Goan specialists Casa De Goa, Costa Do Sol and Casa Brasil. The event is presented by Marrickville Council and Petersham Main Street, and as Dimitrios Thanos, Mayor of Marrickville puts it: “If you love the spicy tastes and the colourful, energetic music and entertainment of Portugal and Brazil, there is no better event than Bairro Português Food and Wine Fair.‘ It’s sure to be a true feast for the senses.