Buckle up for decadent foodie trip across the region
Lovers of fine food, live music and feel-good vibes are fast discovering foodie and night markets that are close to home. We take a look at four of the best.
Moreton Life
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1 BITE MARKETS AT NORTH HARBOUR
In a first for the Moreton Bay Region, Bite Markets at North Harbour will offer a permanent food market featuring local and seasonal cuisine in a designated precinct every Friday and Saturday from March 1.
Founder and well-known caterer Tom Burke says it will be a hub for foodies.
“We would love to see Bite Markets become a village heart, a place where the region comes together every Friday and Saturday,” Tom says. “Biters are set for a culinary journey around the globe with dishes from Malaysia to Spain, Italy to Japan, Tibet to Turkey and everywhere in between, all created on-site. Of course, everyone is dedicated to championing local produce.”
There will be about 40 “flavour makers” including Mt Mee’s Suzanne and Brett Lang with Mitte Berlin Street Food and Ice Tea Man outlets; Kallangur’s Zoe’s Brownies; and North Lakes’ September 18 restaurant.
No single item will sell for more than $15.
“Being able to build Bite Markets from literally the ground up has been an enormous coup for us because we have been able to design areas like The Paddock, which is the dedicated kids’ area, featuring play areas, blocks and games and of course places to sit as a family,” Tom says.
Bite Markets is at Nolan Drive, Morayfield, every Friday and Saturday from 4-10pm. Entry is $3 adults, free for children 12 years and under.
Visit bitemarkets.com.au
2 FOOD TRUCKS @ THE VILLAGE GREEN
David Bostock believes good food can help lessen life’s worries, especially when shared with friends, and he brings that philosophy to Caboolture every fortnight.
Food Trucks @ The Village Green has been running since June offering foodies flavours from around the world and closer to home, live entertainment and a feel-good vibe.
“It’s a family destination, a trendy destination and for old fogies like me,” David says. The 40-year veteran of food markets says he can’t imagine doing anything else.
David, 65, worked at Jan Power markets for 15 years, an experience he says taught him a lot about running a quality market. He spent eight months travelling to the US, Britain and France to check out the market scene and has since run a number of markets in South East Queensland.
“It was exciting to see what’s happening in London. I couldn’t believe the markets over there, they’re everywhere,” he says.
His aim is not just to create an event, but to create a memorable experience that delights the senses. “I try to make it interesting, there’s a buzz there. It’s important that we create that bit of theatre — a jumping castle, face painting and live music each time,” he says.
“I have a wall of crazy hats. I wear a different hat every time.”
While fun is definitely the focus, David also wants to share quality food with patrons and teach newcomers about international cuisine and locally-grown produce. “The best berries in the country are grown in this area,” he says.
Food Trucks @ The Village Green is on every second Saturday from 4-9pm at James St, Caboolture. The next markets are on March 2, 16 and 30. Search Food Trucks @ The Village Green on Facebook
3 PICNIC HILL
It’s the event that brings a community together to enjoy food, lawn games, live music, art, craft beer and Sirromet wine, while giving young people skills they need to get a job.
Picnic Hill is the brainchild of Redcliffe Area Youth Space and has been running for almost three years. Executive manager Amylee Mayes says people are not just coming for the food — they enjoy the atmosphere, live music and children’s activities.
The number of food trucks varies depending on the time of the year, but peaks at 12-15 in the warmer months. The event is organised by young people undertaking traineeships and the tasks assigned to them relate to the field they are keen to work in. “It’s meant to show young people in a positive light instead of the negative stuff you hear in the media because they’re amazing people,” Amylee says. There’s also a strong focus on community relationships. “Picnic Hill was created so they could connect with the business community and the wider community,” she says. It also provides a venue for families and the wider community to enjoy. Picnic Hill is on the second Friday of the month from 4-10pm at the corner of Anzac and Oxley avenues. Admission is a gold coin for adults, free for children.
Search Picnic Hill on Facebook.
4 STREET BEATS, OLD PETRIE TOWN
Pack a picnic rug and head to Old Petrie Town for Street Beats, a monthly event with live music, classic cars, market stalls, food vendors, children’s entertainment and specialty shops. Entry is free.
The event has been running since January and the next markets are on March 15 and April 19 from 5-9pm. Old Petrie Town committee member Kim Hoole describes it as “the northside’s best kept secret”. “Old Petrie Town is really pretty at night,” Kim says.
“We want people to enjoy the space and have a unique shopping experience and night out.”
Kim says there’s 50 acres of green space so the whole family can spread out and join in the fun, including the family dog.
Search Old Petrie Town on Facebook.
OTHER THINGS TO DISCOVER IN THE REGION
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