SPIRITED
Matt Golinski serves up a feast of foodie events that are sure to get the tastebuds tapping!
g n i r e d n a W
WINTER
W
Restaurants notice a sudden decline in trade during the first hints of a change into the chilly months as locals get their heads around the idea of venturing out into the bitter cold. (Victorians, on the other hand, can be seen frolicking happily in the ocean in what to them feels tepid). But after the first chill, the desire to dine, socialise and escape reality television overrides the fear of frostbite, and the wheels of the hospitality world start to turn once again. Our mild winters with crisp, blue-sky days see the region’s agriculture burst to life – the perfect growing conditions for strawberries, citrus, tomatoes and brassicas - it’s a time of year that farmers aren’t battling against floods, hail, humidity and oppressive heat waves. Well, that’s historically been the case anyway. It’s the perfect time of year to head out into the hinterland and explore the grassroots food scene, buy your ingredients direct from farmers at the authentic markets that happen across the coast every weekend, visit open-gate Hello Sunshine Magazine
PHOTO: MEGAN GILL
inter on the Sunshine Coast is a bit of a joke really – it drops to 18 degrees and we all go rushing for our jumpers, beanies and scarves; retrieve the extra thick doona from the cupboard and dust off the ugg boots.
farms like Cooloola Berries and Lindols Macadamias, or search out one of the great (and often quirky) food festivals that are a nice country drive within an hour or two of the coastline. The weekend of 18-19 June will see Petersen’s Farm in Woolooga, northwest of Gympie, hold its seventh annual Big Rosella Festival - a great opportunity to wander around a real working farm and see first-hand how things are done as well as stock up on the range of jams, chutneys and all things Rosella from CC’s Kitchen. In July, a little further north, Childers comes alive with its much loved four-day Childers Festival; and in August Bundaberg celebrates its fertile region with a 10-day calendar of events. For lovers of bacon, it’s worth the trip to Kingaroy on 20-21 August to experience BaconFest, and all the smoky, fatty, crispiness that it offers. Make a weekend of it with plenty of great accommodation options out in the country - think cosy cabins with log 26
I’m working on a menu for Hello Sunshine Magazine Sunday Soireé that will be full of local produce and fulfil the brief of being Savvy, Surprising and Spirited. fires, hampers full of local goodies, wildlife galore and clear, starry skies. Heading into spring, meet the newest Slow Food Community, Cooloola Farmers, at the Cooloola Farm Trail when a group of passionate producers throw open the farm gates for you to meet the farmer, stock up on fresh produce and enjoy entertainment and educational activities. The trail is a self-drive annual event scheduled for 10-11 September.