UNDETERRED by impending wet weather, the hungry hoard took to the streets of South Bank in Brisbane over the weekend to revel in some sweet treats and winter warmers.
The who’s who of kitchen talent descended on the park lands for the eighth annual Regional Flavours.
The 2016 program was the biggest ever for the two-day event with 55 live demonstrations; 80 fresh or gourmet produce stalls and 25 pop-up eateries spread throughout the stunning surrounds of South Bank.
All three MasterChef Australia juggernauts Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan appeared on stage at the EAT-SHOW-TELL exhibition where visitors witnessed a myriad of demonstrations.
Further outdoor stages saw Queensland chefs Alastair McLeod, Matt Golinski, Cameron Matthews, Jason Ford, Philip Johnson, and local coffee experts Dean Merlo and Frith La Vin Lloyd take to the kitchen for hands-on displays using some of the freshest picked produce from across south east Queensland.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Regional Flavours was a unique event in Brisbane, embracing the full spectrum of Queensland’s diverse food industry – from farming, to small-batch manufacturing and restaurant hospitality.
“Regional Flavours gives Brisbane residents and visitors the opportunity to see, taste and buy items directly from the farmers, cooks and chefs who are so passionate about food as their vocation,” Cr Quirk said.
“From native ingredients to the latest super food, Queensland is brimming with amazing fresh produce that is used in commercial kitchens all over Australia and internationally.
“Even if you’re not an enthusiastic home cook, the local restaurants at South Bank are fully on board, as are many pop-up restaurants from our surrounding Regional Councils, serving up ready-to-eat meals with a distinctly Queensland theme.”
Regional Flavours has grown exponentially since its inception as a small, one day farmers market in South Bank eight years ago.
In 2015, more than 85,000 people flocked to see live cooking demonstrations on the five stages; sample gourmet goods from the market stalls and consume street-style foods from the vendors and restaurateurs.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said Regional Flavours was one of Brisbane’s signature food and wine experiences.
“This festival is a culinary showcase with celebrity chefs, entertainment, demonstrations and amazing produce right in the heart of Brisbane,” Ms Jones said.
“Offering a broad range of experiences is important to drawing visitors to our state and I’m delighted that Regional Flavours is back in its eighth year as South Bank’s premier food and wine festival.
“The State Government is proud to support Regional Flavours through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a diverse calendar of events throughout the state,” she said.
“Queensland has a rich tapestry of local food tourism experiences and this event showcases amazing produce from around the State alongside some of the most famous names in the food industry.”
