When life gives you livers, make pâté. In an exciting new collab set to bring a new level of flavour to your summer picnic, Victorian poultry specialist Aurum Poultry Co has teamed up with star Melbourne charcutier City Larder to make a range of cockerel products that sing with the flavours of Asia.
Here with the delicious details of the pâté, terrine and stock are Aurum Poultry Co’s general manager John King and City Larder head charcutier Robbie Bell.
Give us the elevator pitch, what makes your pâté different and special?
John King: Our pâté showcases the flavours of our signature Fook Wong cockerel – a young rooster chicken, slow-grown for 100 days on our Victorian collaborator farms and made into pâté by City Larder.
Robbie Bell: The Aurum Poultry Co x City Larder cockerel pâté stands out with its exceptional blend of cockerel liver, and unique mix of ginger and garlic: a rare fusion of Asian and French flavours.
But it’s not just pâté you two are collaborating on, is it?
RB: The range also includes a cockerel, duck and chive terrine and a cockerel double stock.
JK: Stock in chicken soup or breakfast congee is like a warm hug. City Larder’s ability to extract and concentrate the flavour from the cockerel is masterful. The terrine is delicate and unique, which we know the public will love.
I know precisely nothing about what makes a good pâté – what should I be looking for?
RB: A good pâté is defined by its smooth, rich texture and harmony of flavours – a balanced blend of butter and liver. It should neither be too soft nor too firm, you want a perfect, spreadable consistency.
What excites you about this project?
RB: For me, this project is an exciting opportunity to explore Asian flavours and profiles. It allows the use of specialty poultry like cockerel, which is not often used in Australian cooking. That’s been very exciting for us.
JK: Using cockerel liver and other parts of the bird is key to minimising food waste and making the most of cockerels that don’t meet our market specifications.
What are the perfect conditions to enjoy your goods?
RB: Enjoying the pâté with friends and loved ones, accompanied by a good bottle of rosé. Pair it with pickles and bread, or for a twist, with pickled radish, sesame oil, and chili dressing. City Larder even has its own playlist on Spotify, an eclectic mix and a perfect soundtrack for enjoying the goods.
JK: One thing I’d say is to always allow the terrine to get to room temperature; the flavours will be even better. The pâté is perfect for summer picnics with friends, family get-togethers during the festive season, or even on your own.
Where can I buy it?
JK: Aurum Poultry Co x City Larder cockerel liver pâté is available at select gourmet stores, Asian supermarkets and fine food stores, as well as through our online shop and social media channels. Keep an eye out for updates on our website for details on stockists and purchasing options.