Brisbane’s premier food and wine event, Regional Flavours, takes place at South Bank Parklands this weekend, and if you’re planning to head along to it, you’re in for a treat. Not only is there a great line-up of local produce on offer, but some top names are headlining the event.
Paul West, of River Cottage Australia, patissier Adriano Zumbo, Maggie Beer and MasterChef Australia celebrities Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan are among those who will be joining local talent, Alastair McLeod, Matt Golinski, Cameron Matthews, Jason Ford and Philip Johnson.
Presented by The Courier-Mail, this free event at South Bank Parklands offers something for all ages, including a producer market with 80 stallholders from across Queensland, live music, beer, wine and kids’ activities. As well as the MasterChef trio appearing on the Eat-Show-Tell stage, there’ll be demonstrations in other areas of the Parklands by the aforementioned Queensland chefs and local coffee experts Dean Merlo and Frith La Vin Lloyd.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says the calibre of chefs attending Regional Flavours this year was a reflection of the growing status of Brisbane as a food tourism destination.
“We’re not just about pineapples and bananas here in Queensland – all of the chefs and cooks presenting demonstrations at Regional Flavours will be working with locally sourced ingredients – everything from beef, herbs and spices, cheese, vegetables, wines, beer and coffee,” he said.
“If you want to know more about growing your own food, supporting Queensland farmers and graziers or the latest food trends sweeping restaurants throughout the world, Regional Flavours is a one-stop-shop for families and foodies.”
Among highlights of the event:
* There’ll be demonstrations by Luke Hines, Hayden Quinn, delicious. Magazine food editors Warren Mendes and Phoebe Wood, and Great Australian Bake Off winner Sian Redgrave.
* Food, beer and wine writers from The Courier Mail, Anooska Tucker-Evans, Rory Gibson and Des Houghton, will lead panel discussions on the Queensland Taste stage.
* Trading until late all weekend, The Hunting Club is an atmospheric pop-up bar and bistro featuring a local menu by The Charming Squire, that champions the best of Queensland meat and malt. With a nod to local graziers and boutique breweries, The Hunting Club provides the full paddock to plate experience in a stylish and laid-back setting. A presentation stage will host carcass breakdowns, meat-laden cooking demonstrations and panel discussions with local brewers.
* At Sweet Escape, presented by Merlo Coffee, there’ll be sweet treats and barista-brewed coffee, alongside demonstrations by Adriano Zumbo and nutritionist and author of The Happy Cookbook, Lola Berry, as well as live music by local musicians.
* At Epicurious Garden, Paul West from River Cottage Australia will share his knowledge about reconnecting kitchens with the land and eating sustainably. Check out the sessions on cheese making, permaculture, fermentation and garden gastronomy by local experts.
What? Regional Flavours 2016
When? Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July 2016 from 10am-5pm except The Hunting Club, which is open from 4-8pm on Friday, 15 July and 10am-8pm on 16 and 17 July.
Where? South Bank Parklands, Brisbane.
Cost? Free entry.
www.regionalflavours.com.au
I am loving North Queensland coffee bought in Cairns; and some wonderful gin from Mt Cloud distillery on the Atherton Tablelands – uniquely flavoured with native botanicals such as lemon myrtle.