A chef who is a household name both in regional Queensland and around the world thanks to his passion for fresh, seasonal local produce, received yet another accolade this week.
David Pugh, former owner of the flagship Restaurant Two in Brisbane's CBD and a leader of the city's culinary reputation, was named an #eatqld champion before a national and international audience of hundreds at the TropAg conference dinner on Tuesday night.
Mr Pugh has worked with some of the finest chefs in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia, and state Agriculture Minister Mark Furner told dinner attendees he was widely regarded as one of the architects of Brisbane's fine dining scene.
As the executive chef at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre, he oversaw meal plans for the 800 TropAg conference attendees, who had travelled from all over the world for the event.
Mr Furner said Mr Pugh had been chosen to be an #eatqld champion for his passionate support of Queensland produce.
"As a former Queensland ambassador chef, David spent many years championing Queensland produce and producers," he said.
"During that time, he developed a strong rapport with suppliers and has an intimate knowledge of their produce and the issues they face in getting their produce to market.
"His impeccable culinary pedigree makes him the perfect choice as our second #eatqld champion."
The first, Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker, was recognised in June 2019.
The campaign showcases the world of flavour that Queensland produce has in abundance, and which chef Pugh is known for championing.
Mr Pugh said the accolade was a privilege and welcome recognition of the BCEC's focus on local produce.
"I've worked in kitchens all over the world throughout my career, but nothing compares to Queensland produce," he said.
"Queensland is the food bowl of Australia, and I've always been proud to showcase it in my menus.
"Right now many of our primary producers are doing it tough; years of drought have been compounded by flooding rains and now devastating bushfires, so every single Queensland venue needs to support our producers and buy local."
He applauded the government on its #eatqld campaign and said he looked forward to continuing to support Queensland producers and educating BCEC clients through the initiative.
The centre sources 80 per cent of its produce from Queensland including 100pc of its chicken, 90pc of its beef and 80pc of its vegetables.
Mr Furner said the government's #eatqld campaign urged everyone to explore Queensland-grown food, and to take a photo of it when they did, and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld.
"By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table," he said.
The general public can nominate their choice as an #eatqld champion.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
