Think prawns, think Mooloolaba prawns. Think cheese, think Maleny and Woombye cheese.
It’s hardly surprising that the Sunshine Coast is renowned as one of Australia’s great food destinations given the richness of its ocean, volcanic hinterland soils and almost perfect climate.
As one restaurateur quipped, “Our secret is that we offer sunshine on a plate!”
It’s hard to dispute that when you are sitting on a converted trawler called (appropriately) the Prawn Star at The Wharf Mooloolaba with the sun beaming down and a magnificent platter of prawns, bugs and other seafood in front of you.
It’s the simplicity, the presentation and, of course, the “vibe” that makes touring the Sunshine Coast with plate and glass in hand such a winning combination.
Making it far easier this winter (yes, 22 degrees Celsius is called “winter” on the Sunshine Coast!), a refreshingly authentic food festival has been announced with a focus on touring the region and getting close to the produce, the restaurants and the passionate people who’ve elevated the “Sunny Coast” – as the locals like to talk about the region – to national foodie status.
Unlike some food festivals which could in the end be “anywhere”, The Curated (side) Plate is all about local.
Local restaurants, farms, tourism and event operators are combining to present 85 authentic events, with a rich menu of tantalising tastes across 10 days from July 29 to August 7.
The Curated Plate made an impressive debut in 2019, showcasing local produce as curated by international, national and local chefs to food lovers. But after the event’s cancellation in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the event has been reimagined with an emphasis on “real” experiences.
Even more tasty is the fact that events are designed and priced for a wide audience. You can indulge at fine-diners such as Harry’s on Buderim and Spicer’s Tamarind or enjoy laid-back picnics and events at local producers, including Montville Coffee and Sunshine Coast Cider.
Not surprisingly, the Sunshine Coast’s world-class seafood will be the focus of many events, including seafood and native bushfoods cruises, Champagne and seafood degustations, and even a Sunny Coast crab lunch that will give the crustaceans their deserved place on the table.
But the pick of the crop may well be the “Trawler to Table” deep-dive into Mooloolaba’s seafood sector. Any seafood lover should pencil this into their diary now. The experience starts with a scenic cruise to the Mooloolaba fisheries to sample their famed prawns, and then you return to the beautiful waterfront See Restaurant, where you both see and consume more of the Sunshine Coast’s delectable seafood.
There will be celebrity chefs but, in the main, local legends such as Matt Golinski, Alejandro Cancino and Stuart Bell will host interactive events. However, as a nod to the Sunshine Coast’s incredible affinity with Asian cuisine, Melbourne’s Victor Liong of Lee Ho Fook will join forces with The Tamarind chef Daniel Jarrett to showcase the nuances of modern Chinese cookery in two special “Good Fortune for your Mouth” lunches at Spicers Tamarind.
The Sunshine Coast’s newly minted status as Australia’s Craft Beer Capital will be recognised in a range of events including brewery tours, beer and food matching masterclasses and a ‘Brewer for a Day’, where participants join Brouhaha Maleny’s lead brewer in a hands-on experience to learn the art of crafting great beer.
The Sunshine Coast’s spectacular landscape will feature prominently throughout the festival, with cruises from Mooloolaba, long lunches in the lush hills of the Hinterland, and The Beachside Bluff pop-up at Alexandra Headland overlooking the ocean offering cuisines from the Sunshine Coast’s best restaurants.
And as a reflection of the festival’s inclusivity focus, there will be a “Meet the Female Makers” lunch, where you can meet, hear from and – most importantly – taste dishes created from the Sunshine Coast’s best produce.
The festival will also be family-friendly, and if you ever wanted to teach your children where milk really comes from, then an open day at Maleny Dairy is a must. Dairy producers will come together to offer tastings, entertainment, tours (including milking), and the opportunity for children to connect with the farm animals.
Explore more: thecuratedplate.com.au
Take me there
Stay: A range of special accommodation deals during The Curated (side) Plate festival can be sourced from the Visit Sunshine Coast website (visitsunshinecoast.com/deals). They include: * Stay 5 nights at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach and save up to 15%.
* Stay 2 nights or more at ULTIQA Shearwater Resort in Caloundra and save 15%. Book online with the hotel using promo code STAY15.
* Stay 4, Pay 3 at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort (for bookings prior to 24 June).
All special deals subject to availability (see individual websites for conditions).
Info: For touring inspiration, see visitsunshinecoast.com.
