The many wonderful flavours of our region are about to hit the spotlight.
Sunshine Coast restaurants, farms and tourism and event operators will throw open their doors for The Curated Plate, from July 29 to August 7.
It’s a welcome return for the event, which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the impacts of the pandemic.
There has been a huge, local response to the expressions of interest process, resulting in 85 events managed by 37 different organisers.
Even more businesses are expected to join the broad menu of events and culinary experiences in coming weeks.
Scroll down for six events not to miss
The participating venues will utilise an array of produce and event services of more than 170 Sunshine Coast businesses – all set to be on show to locals and visitors with more than 5000 tickets available.
From regional favourites, such as Harry’s on Buderim and Spicers Tamarind, to great local producers, including Montville Coffee and Sunshine Coast Cider, The Curated (side) Plate program has it all.
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Harry’s on Buderim owner and head chef Stuart Bell said he couldn’t wait to welcome the event back to the region.
“The concept is a really important step in establishing our region for its amazing produce and culinary experiences,” he said.
“Having worked in the industry for 30 years, I understand the importance of supporting local business and I am a big advocate of sourcing local produce to create our delicious seasonal menus and monthly degustation events.”
Phillip Hart, owner of Mooloolaba’s The Dock and Sunreef, Whale One, said The Curated (side) Plate brought a phenomenal opportunity to the Sunshine Coast.
“It will allow the region to showcase what it has to offer to a national and international consumer base which will assist in economic recovery from flood and covid affected areas,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor, Jason O’Pray, said the strong range would be a showcase of the region’s fabulous food, alluring lifestyle and would offer plenty of eventful experiences.
“With 400 food tourism operators and a food agribusiness industry currently valued at more than $700 million, the Sunshine Coast is taking the opportunity to capitalise on the fast growing food tourism sector,” he said.
“There are plenty of locations, activities, menus and price points to suit everyone, and many hidden gems to surprise visitors and locals.
“I want everyone to taste a bit of the Sunshine Coast and support our local businesses and producers.”
Businesses can still put forward events or ideas to go on the wait list to be included in the coming weeks. To discuss your idea, contact thecuratedplate@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Six events not to miss
To celebrate the dairy producers of the Maleny region, The Maleny Food Co, Maleny Cheese and Maleny Dairies are delivering a combined event at the dairy. The fun-filled family event will include tastings, entertainment, dairy tours, and the opportunity for children to connect with the farm animals.
Where: Maleny Dairies, 70 McCarthy Road, Maleny.
When: Saturday, July 30, 9am to 2pm.
Tickets: $22.50 to $99 via Event Brite.
Journey from Crop to Cup, and Build your own Blend
Meet the various hands our coffee passes through, from growers, processors and roasters. Find out how Fairtrade and organic certification impact sustainability and taste in your cup. Taste a range of single origin coffees, through the The Art of Cupping. Get to know coffees from across the globe and how each is celebrated with unique qualities. Finally, with your new coffee expertise to draw on, build your very own blend to take home.
Where: 20 Balmoral Road, Montville.
When: Tuesday, August 2, 10am to 12.30pm and Thursday, August 4, 10am to 12.30pm and Friday, August 5, 10am to 12.30pm.
Tickets: Contact via email info@montvillecoffee.com.au.
The Beachside Bluff
The Beachside Bluff welcomes all to the Sunshine Coast’s best pop-up bar. offering a delicious range of beer, wine and spirits not to mention a smorgasbord of locally-produced cuisines from the best restaurants the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
Where: Alexandra Headland, The Bluff, Alexandra Headland.
When: Thursday, August 4, 11am to 7pm, Friday, August 5, 11am to 9pm, Saturday, August 6, 11am to 9pm, Sunday, August 7, 11am to 7pm.
Tickets: Free entry via Event Brite.
Good Fortune for your Mouth
Join Victor Liong from Melbourne as he brings the taste of Lee Ho Fook to The Tamarind. Victor will join forces with Daniel Jarrett to showcase the nuances of modern Chinese cookery. Guests will enjoy a succulent banquet style lunch, including beverages. Victor will combine his talents with the amazing produce from the region.
Where: Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Obi Lane South, Maleny.
When: Saturday, July 6, midday to 3.30pm and Sunday, July 7, midday to 3.30pm.
Tickets: $295 via Event Brite.
Master the art of growing mushrooms at home
Have you thought about growing mushrooms at home? This workshop will lay the foundations you need to better understand fungi, plan how and where to grow it, as well as the many ways to cook it and the benefits you can gain from it. Join Kat and Dan from Mountaintop Mushrooms, a gourmet mushroom farm based in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, for a morning workshop exploring the wonders of fungi and how to cultivate mushrooms at home. You will also get to take some growing kits to take home.
Where: The Old Witta School Community Centre Inc, Witta Road, Witta.
When: Sunday, August 7, 9.30am to midday.
Tickets: $95 from Humanitix.
To see the full schedule of events and for more information, visit The Curated Plate.
