Diamonds in the rough

From left – French Summer Truffles, French Autumn Truffles, White Alba Truffles & Black Winter Truffles

If you though diamond’s were a girl’s best friend then you obviously haven’t cooked with fresh truffles. With an intense, rich, earthy flavor, these subterranean mushrooms are known not only for their distinct aroma but also (especially in Australia) their rarity.

While they are expensive, they are renowned as a delicacy well worth the money, with French gourmand Jean Anthelme Brillat in fact calling them “the diamonds of the kitchen”.

Finding these little gems locally has always held it’s difficulties but now Sydney importer Josh Rea has opened his retail store Gourmet Life, to provide amateur cooks with the same European produce as he has been supplying to renowned restaurants all around the country.

Gourmet Life is the largest importer of truffles in Australia and brings in five variations: the Summer Truffle, the Autumn Truffle, the White Alba Truffle, the Black Winter Truffle and the Spring Bianchetto Truffle.

But there is more than truffles to Rea’s Gourmet Life. The extensive range of products include the world’s finest range of caviars and wild mushrooms including fresh Porcini, not to mention Cyprus Black sea salt and Europe’s most sought-after fresh almonds and hazelnuts. Watch out also for the stunningly packed jams crafted by 2 Michelin star Chef Moreno Cedroni.

Gourmet Life – open 7 days – 52–60 New South Head Road, Edgecliff  – (02) 9363 0775