Shopping for Christmas goodies

It was one of those days that we Brisbanites describe as a 'stinker'. Hot and sweaty - with not a breeze in sight.

Luckily I spent the morning on an air conditioned bus touring Brisbane's foodie haunts with a group of fellow food lovers.

Organised by The Courier-Mail food writer Natashca Mirosch, the tour took us around inner Brisbane in a whirl wind of tasting. 

We started at The Fishery, Milton where owner Murray Dalton gave us samples of his seafood including Crystal Bay Prawns, complete with a prawn peeling lesson, and Huon Salmon. Jane Clout (above) was shucking her oh-so-fresh Moreton Island oysters and there was essence of seawater in every one, so refreshing and creamy. I'm calling soon with my Xmas orders soon Murray - those  were delicious.

The Fishery, 6a 16 Baroona Road, Milton. 3369 4707

Next was the Wine Experience, Rosalie where we tasted a mixed bag of prices and Aussie and European drops. I solved my Christmas Day champagne dilemma here plus there's a cheeky wine from Luxemberg with my name on it.

Wine Experience,150 Baroona Road, Paddington. 1300 554436

Deb and Bien Peralta greeted us with samples of their wonderful fare at Dello Mano Brownies Kitchen Door at Newstead. They filled us with their fine Christmas Pudding Brownies, Panforte with Dark Chocolate, Double Chocolate Butter Shortbread, Rum balls and a Kahlua style rum balls as well as their traditional luxury brownie range. These are simply the best and I heard a rumour even Oprah liked them!

Dello Mano, Breakfast Creek Wharf, Shop10, 194 Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead. 1300 661 682

At Black Pearl Epicure, Fortitude Valley owner Babak Hadi gave us a little tutorial on the differences between camembert and brie cheese, and shared some tips on his favourite chocolate. Then we roamed the shop searching for Christmas indulgences.  It wasn't hard to find plenty.

Black Pearl, 36 Baxter Street, Fortitude Valley 3257 2144

The stop at Judy C Cakes, Ashgrove gave us a chance to meet Judy and sample her fruit cakes, traditional puddings, fruit mince tarts, Xmas tree cookies, gingerbread people and gingerbread houses, Xmas cupcakes, ‘sugar plums’ and more. I love the spice flavour of her Xmas cupcakes - so unexpected and delicious.

JudyC, Shop 1 227 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove. 3366 9111