13 things not to miss at Regional Flavours this year
Get ready Brisbane, Regional Flavours is upon us. And to make the most of this annual food-packed weekend, we've put together this handy guide.
Print it out, write it up your left arm, memorise it – just whatever you do, don't miss out on this event.
1. Spot the MasterChef judge trifecta
Yes, Regional Flavours has done it again and collected the complete set. Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston will be returning to South Bank to share their expertise with you all.
2. Chill out by the water at River Quay
Drinking a glass of Pimm's by the river never looked so good. The micro River Quay precinct’s five restaurants will expand onto the rolling riverfront green with a food and drink stall from each. Kick back on a beanbag or picnic blanket with gourmet plates and specialty drinks while listening to music on the stage.
Meet the farmers, producers and makers from some of the state’s biggest food regions. Expect samples and tastings as Queensland’s top growers, winemakers and purveyors show off their goods. Highlights will include wine, cheese and sweets – the trinity of a good time.
4. Spot a celebrity chef
Besides Gary, George and Matt, spot ex-MasterChef contestants and hunt down Javier Codina, Paul West, Georgia Barnes, Reynold Poernomo, Poh Ling Yeow, national and state food writers, and local chefs.
5. Learn something at the Main Stage
The MasterChef judges will be put behind the pans along with Ellie Bullen, Justine Schofield, Dan Churchill and Poh Ling Yeow on the Main Stage. Head along to the Piazza and learn something new and build on your recipe repertoire.
6. Get your cookbook signed
Hang around after the cooking performances for celebrity book signings with your favourites. The above celebrity chefs will be available for signings after their presentations.
7. Sit down to learn with a tasting paddle of craft beer
Meat and malt lovers will feel at home in The Hunting Club. The pop-up bar and bistro has a mouth-watering menu of brews and bites, live cooking demonstrations for beef and lamb farmers, and a large menu of craft beers from local brewers and many other delights.
Be sure to stop by early to the Queensland Taste Stage. These intimate demonstrations are a chance for you to ask food and wine questions, direct from the producers and experts.
By now you’ll be needing a real feed. A line up of "street stalls" run by restaurants around South Bank can be found sprawled along Little Stanley St and the Little Stanley St Lawn.
10. Keep the little ones busy at Kids Collective
Budding farmers and mini foodies – South Bank’s Kids Collective program has a paddock and plate focus for the weekend. Get your hands dirty harvesting tomatoes and planting vegetables, join in for giant storytime and get involved in a range of crafty activities.
Keep and eye out for free live music around Regional Flavours with performances happening all weekend – perfect when you're wanting to relax with your spoils.
Find an empty rug and nestle up at the Picnic Patch. The area will showcase the Brisbane Region’s freshest produce with bite-sized and alfresco-inspired menus.
13. Head back to the future with Future Food
Talk to the experts and learn what trends will be hitting your dinner plates now and in 2050 with a program of events including Future Foodie: Trends & Tastes; Smart Food, Future Flavours and From the Grill to the Till – the future is looking mighty delicious.
Need to know:
Check out the full program of events here, and download a handy event map here.
