Across two days in breezy July, Brisbane which will once again host the long-running Regional Flavours, a free food and drink festival showcasing the best Queensland produce as illustrated by some of the country’s top culinary talent. Hosted in South Bank Parklands on 15th and 16th July, the festival will see over 30 cooks and chefs present 50 free cooking demonstrations across four different stages, sitting alongside street stalls and leisurely long lunches.
“Regional Flavours is a true celebration of the best food and fresh ingredients available in Queensland, all located in one beautiful location”, said Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. “Regional Flavours is the largest free festival of its kind – there’s nowhere else in Australia where you can see this top calibre of chef and food experts in one location, without having to purchase a ticket”.
The main stage lineup, positioned in South Bank Piazza, will feature the likes of Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, Matt Preston, Miguel Maestre, and Tobie Puttock. One by one they’ll be taking guests through various produce as well as heading down for some fan meet-and-greets, signing their respective cookbooks.
Meanwhile the dessert-focused Sweet Escape stage will enjoy a bigger size this year, bringing in an extended lineup which includes Darren Purchese, Jocelyn Hancock, Georgia Barnes, and the one and only Clayton Donovan.
Those leaning towards meatier produce can head alon to The Hunting Club to check out live carcass breakdowns by the renowned Darren Robertson, as well as Otto’s Will Cowper, Luke Hines, and Ben Williamson. Sitting alongside this stage will be a diverse showcase of the ever-growing local craft beer scene, featuring discussions with four of the best Queensland brewers including Ballistic Beer Co, Balter Brewing Co, Fortitude Brewery, and 4 Hearts Brewing.
More than 80 farmers, wineries and small food producers will be on hand across both days with various stalls while guests can duck in and out of long lunches presents at eatSouthBank and the Picnic Patch, all featuring treats from the stalls as well as gourmet dishes prepared by pop-up restaurant stalls and kitchens.
To add a lot to the festive atmosphere a series of entertainment will be thread through the festival program, including two live music stages, activities for children, and other assorted fun set up throughout the South Bank precinct.
Regional Flavours 2017
Where: South Bank Parklands
When: 15th-16th July
Website: regionalflavours.com.au
———-