Fresh local produce, unique food experiences and some of the region’s favourite chefs will be celebrated as the Atherton Tablelands’ most exciting culinary event returns in October 2017.
With a new expanded format, Tastes of the Tablelands will be held on Saturday evening, October 14 and all day Sunday, October 15 at the Hou Wang Temple, Atherton.
The Rotary Club of Atherton, which celebrates its 70-year anniversary this year, are once again hosting this much-anticipated regional foodie day out.
Tastes of the Tablelands event manager Kirsty Densmore has promised a dynamic weekend filled with inspirational food, and fun cooking demonstrations.
“It’s a real celebration of local culinary diversity”, Ms Densmore said. “We want to inspire people to cook innovatively and passionately learning from the region’s most most talented foodies, producers and providores.”
Seating under shady canopies will provide the perfect vantage point for the various cooking competitions, demonstrations and entertainment that will be held on the new cookery stage.
Assorted artists and children’s entertainment will also fill the grounds of the old temple, a link to the Tablelands’ Chinese past, with live music from some of Yungaburra Folk Festival’s headline acts including Jango in the Jungle and perennial favourites Swamp Dogs.
New events this year include a barbecue competition, showcasing high quality sustainable raised meat, while the new dedicated cooking stage will offer fast moving, high energy food-related demonstrations and mystery box competitions.
The local celebrity cook off will be what, Ms Densmore describes, as a real spectator sport, open to all sorts of “bribery, corruption and blackmail”. Sustainability workshops will round out the program of events.
Ms Densmore said the five-course dinner will also see producers and chefs from across the region work together to offer a five-course locally-sourced but internationally inspired menu on the night.
These include Mungalli Creek Dairy, Smokin’ Hot Q, Little Red Hen Catering, Jet Soul Food, Gallo Dairy and Tableland Wagyu Beef.
“We want people to come along for the entire weekend, spending the night in Atherton, taking in the atmosphere of the event, appreciating the food and ultimately having a great time,” she said.
Michael Trout, chair of Tropical Tablelands Tourism (TTT), said the popularity of Tastes of the Tablelands continued to grow each year and the expanded format would ultimately encourage people to stay in the destination longer.
“More and more people are seeking holiday destinations that combine natural beauty with fresh, delicious produce and a wide range of accommodation to suit various tastes and budgets,” he said.
Taste of the Tablelands will be held in the grounds of Hou Wang Temple, Herberton Road, Atherton, from October 14-15.
The dinner is priced at $70 per person. Entry costs for the Sunday are: $10. Those under 12 admitted free. For more information, visit www.tastesofthetablelands.com.au
Written by Tanya Snelling. Originally published 7th September 2017
