Awesome foodie affair

The Noosa International Food & Wine Festival started out as a humble row of food stalls stationed beneath the one marquee, albeit without the ‘international’ bit but amid picture-perfect Lions Park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. That was in 2003.

Today the event has evolved to become one of the finest culinary celebrations of its kind in the southern hemisphere, thanks in part to its splendid geographic positioning.

Noosa’s primary sector delivers some of the country’s highest quality produce: tasty vegetables, tender meats, succulent seafood, and an array of herbs and spices – from organic to hydro – all readily harvested, farmed and/or caught around these quarters.

Noosa’s scenic beauty is also a major drawcard for fussy foodie types. The crème de la crème of the Australian food and beverage industries visit annually, and this year’s roll call includes celeb chef Ryan Clift of the UK, Shane Watson of Print Hall in Perth, Frank Camorra of MoVida fame, Paul Baker of South Australia’s Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Ben Batterbury of Rees Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, and Shane Bailey of Noosa Boathouse.

The itinerary for this year’s festival is bigger, bolder and brighter than before, with plenty of events on offer, both massive and intimate, for locals and tourists to take part in.

On the grander end of the scale are productions such as the Grand Opening Party, Audi Asian Food Trails (which include farm tours followed by an Asian banquet), DeBrett Seafood Trails along Mooloolaba Wharfs, various Hinterland Trails, and a huge BBQ Lunch on Noosa Beach.

On the more intimate side of things will be champagne breakfasts, workshops, decadent luncheons, and finely-crafted degustation dinners – hosted by some of the nation’s better-known chefs, even the occasional comedienne and radio jock.

There are also master classes, cheese and wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and competitions galore, as well as a host of star presenters and entertainers ranging from jazz musicians to pop starlets.

So if you happen to be in Noosa this weekend, we know where you’ll be heading to…  Antonino Tati

The Noosa International Food & Wine Festival is on May 14-17.

For the full program of events and information on special travel packages visit noosafoodandwine.com.au.

Pictured: Smoked kingfish salad with fingerlime and horseradish.