Don’t Miss the Hottest Tickets at Noosa Food & Wine
There are some truly excellent food and wine festivals in this country, but it’s hard to beat one that’s set in the lush, tropical surrounds of Noosa. The region, just north of Brisbane, is so firmly on the map for its natural beauty that world-class restaurants and accommodation have grown up around it. Noosa Food & Wine runs from 20-22 May and some of our best and brightest chefs are joining local luminaries to shine a light on the area’s incredible produce, laid-back lifestyle and glorious beach front. There are a plethora of free events to choose from such as twilight markets and cooking demonstrations, as well as dinners, food safaris, wine-tastings and live music. Here are our must-do (and must-eat) picks. Go to www.noosafoodandwine.com.au for tickets and more information.
Slow Food Noosa Safari
A full day of foraging takes place on festival eve. Participants can meet local growers and artisanal food producers to chat and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Depart from Lions Park on the Slow Food Noosa bus and head to the hinterland to sample scones and homemade berry jams at Cooloola Berries in Wolvi before a bush-tucker themed lunch (with matching wines – the Bushtucker Man never lived so well) in Kin Kin with chef and farmer Jodie Williams of Kin Kin General Store. There’s also a guided tour of Stephanie Alexander’s School Kitchen Garden in Kin Kin and a visit to Eumundi Beef where a herd of very contented Angus and Murray Grey cattle is raised on biodynamically-grown pasture. The day’s food adventure comes to a very civilized close with afternoon tea on the verandah of the big old Queenslander belonging to Eumundi Beef farmer Susan Rodger.
WHEN: Thursday May 19, 9am to 5pm
WHERE: Hinterland Tour (pick-up at Lions Park)
COST: $150.00
La Fiesta Party at Miss Moneypenny’s
They’re calling it La Fiesta Party, which translates as The Party Party – and that seems entirely accurate, since La Fiesta is the after-party of Noosa Food & Wine’s sold-out opening cocktail celebration. Partygoers will be greeted at the door of Hastings Street’s most hyped bar/restaurant with a refreshing Aperol spritz, and can take advantage of the very appealing-sounding “roaming pizzas” thereafter.
WHEN: Friday May 20th, 7pm
WHERE: Miss Moneypenny’s Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, Hastings Street
COST: $40.00
Flava at the Noosa Junction Twilight Market
Market-browsing is enjoyable under the bright morning sun, but beneath starry skies, with the smoky aroma of hot-off-the-grill barbecued meats filling the air, it becomes a real event. You can dine in, or pick up some local seafood or freshly-baked pastry to devour later, then browse the eclectic stalls for items made by local craftspeople and artists. Tunes are provided by local troubadour Harii Bandhu.
WHEN: Friday May 20th, 5pm to 9pm
WHERE: Arcadia Street Noosa Junction
COST: Free
Queensland Produce on Show dinner
The salubrious surrounds of Peppers Resort & Villas will be the scene for an epic three-course dinner created by executive chef Andreas Nielsen with the help of celebrity chefs and local food ambassadors Matt Golinski and Alastair McLeod. The three Queenslanders are all passionate about regional produce, as is Brokenwood’s chief winemaker Iain Riggs who is providing the wine. Digestion is aided by the smooth sounds of jazz/soul quartet Jasper.
WHEN: Friday May 20th, 7:30pm
WHERE: Arcadia Street Noosa Junction
COST: $175
Get Personal with Pete Evans
Have you ever wanted to ask Pete Evans if he misses bread? Whether he’s tried woolly mammoth? How he got his teeth so white? Here’s your chance. The celebrity chef and Paleo promoter who lives in Byron Bay has made himself available for an intimate chat about “The Paleo Way”, his 10-week diet program. There will be some snacks and a welcome drink to start, followed by a presentation by Evans and a Q&A session. Attendees will also receive the 10-week program, valued at $149.
WHEN: Saturday May 21, 10am to 12pm
WHERE: The J Theatre
COST: $95.00
La Esquina Espanola
Rococo Bistro is creating a Spanish Quarter in downtown Noosa, with Spanish wines, smallgoods, and sultry Latin sounds. La Esquina Espanola on Hastings St is intended to evoke a Spanish village, and a flower stall, jamon station and sangria bar will be up and running throughout the festival. Rococo’s chefs will be creating small plates – think barbecued meats and tapas – and there will be tables and chairs for a rest before the festival continues.
WHEN: Friday 20-Sunday 22 May, 11am to 9pm
WHERE: Rococo Noosa, Hastings Street
COST: Free entry
Wine Tasting Quarter at Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa
At the Wine Tasting Quarter, a $6 token will buy you six tastings (or one whole glass) of wine from some of Australia’s best vineyards. Some 20 wineries are represented at the event, including Evans & Tate, Sirromet Wines, Seppelt, and Brown Brothers, and there will be plenty of opportunities to pick the experts’ brains. Try a new variety, revisit an old one, or sample with gay abandon – this option is particularly attractive if you’re staying at the very well-appointed Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa.
WHEN: Saturday, 12pm to 5pm
WHERE: Rococo Noosa, Hastings Street
COST: Free entry
Producers Meet the Chefs
Get some cooking tips while you’re eying off the fresh produce at the Noosa Farmers Market. Chefs including Nick Holloway and Cameron Matthews will meet growers and farmers before showcasing their ingredients in cooking demonstrations throughout the morning.
WHEN: Sunday, May 22, 8 - 11am
LOCATION: Noosa Farmers Market, 55 Weyba Rd, Noosaville
COST: Free entry
Chefs VS Surfers
It’s not just about the food in Noosa – it’s also about the waves. On Sunday morning, watch chef Ben O’Donoghue, along with guest chefs (including “Paleo” Pete Evans) take to the surf for a little friendly competition with some of the area’s surfing royalty. Of course, surfing and cooking aren’t mutually exclusive – just ask O’Donoghue who found fame when he and chef Curtis Stone chased waves around Australia and cooked up whatever they found along the way on Surfing the Menu. After the 6:30am surf comp there’s a free Pilates class with Luxe Escapes, and when the physical activity wraps up, join O’Donoghue and co on the sand for a barbecue brekkie.
WHEN: Sunday May 22, 6:30am – 10am
WHERE: Noosa Main beach
COST: $30
SEE ALSO: 15 Events to Add to Your Calendar This May
