Tastes of Moreton Bay offers flavour-packed program for foodies
Fancy a month-long culinary adventure? Strap yourself in for a jam-packed Tastes of Moreton Bay program, where you can enjoy local produce, masterclasses, events and much more.
Moreton Life
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WHEN your seafood comes fresh from the bay, your cows graze in verdant Samford Valley and your vineyards grow atop the D’Aguilar Ranges, it’s no wonder the Moreton Bay Region is home to one of Australia’s fastest-evolving foodie cultures.
That’s why we’ve dedicated a whole month to celebrating and sharing the Tastes of Moreton Bay, from August 23 to September 23. Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) has partnered with Moreton Bay Regional Council to cook-up an exciting program for food fanatics and is bringing some of the nation’s most talented chefs here to showcase our gastronomic offerings.
MBRIT chairman Shane Newcombe says the program is growing daily.
“This year we’re particularly excited to be working with TV personality Alastair McLeod, a Samford local, on two events including the popular Samford Harvest and a brand-new local produce event in Dayboro,” he says.
“With an abundance of passionate local producers, amazing restaurants, boundary-pushing cafes on-board, with unbeatable views, Moreton Bay Region indulges visitors and locals alike with choice.
“Combine that with our region’s spectacular natural landscapes from the bay to the hinterland ranges, our food tourism offering is the cherry on top of a perfect holiday.”
The Tastes of Moreton Bay program is a month-long culinary journey with a rich diversity of exciting local produce events and dining experiences, from across the region.
Mayor Allan Sutherland says tourists are increasingly letting their stomachs determine their destination choices, evidenced by Moreton Bay Region’s booming tourism numbers.
“This region just keeps going from strength-to-strength, so we’re kicking off this year’s program with some real star power,” Cr Sutherland says.
“A ticket to the Business Moreton Bay Luncheon not only gets you a great-two course Mon Komo meal, it also gets you a date with the team from Three Blue Ducks — the pioneers behind The Farm (Byron Bay), Rosebery (Sydney) and most recently the W in Brisbane.
“They are frontrunners when it comes to conscious consumption, and they’ve been on a journey of food sustainability and ethically-farmed local produce for years.
“So book your tickets now to be at Mon Komo Hotel on Friday, August 23. This is a must for local businesses and hospitality leaders.”
Tastes of Moreton Bay is happening from August 23 to September 23 in various locations throughout the region.
The program is now live online at tastesofmoretonbay.com.au and tickets are available online.
Tastes of Moreton Bay is an initiative of Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) in partnership with Moreton Bay Regional Council.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Moreton Bay Region Interactive Lunch Series presents Three Blue Ducks
Friday, August 23
noon-2.30pm
Mon Komo Hotel, Redcliffe
Tickets: $89
Includes: Two-course lunch with beverages, and access to the exclusive networking function from 2.30-5pm.
Come along and listen to the Three Blue Ducks’ Jeff Bennett (founding member) and Andy Allen (2012 MasterChef winner), best known for their work at The Farm (Byron Bay), Rosebery (Sydney) and recently the W Brisbane, as they talk about their journey of conscious consumption, food sustainability and ethically-farmed local produce.
First Friday Feast
Presented by Pause Restaurant
Friday, September 6
11.30am-2pm
Tickets: $30
Includes: Four-course lunch
Explore the magnificence of Millen Farm’s seasonal produce at Pause’s long lunch, in the beautiful Samford Valley. Head Chef Rino has carefully create a four-course menu using the freshest and most delicious seasonal produce available from Millen Farm.
Rooftop Cooking Class
Presented by The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach
Saturday, September 7
11am-3pm
Tickets: $39
Includes: Hands-on cooking class, a take-home box of ingredients (for you to try the recipe at home) and lunch with a glass of wine.
The Sebel is inviting all culinary enthusiasts to join in a hands-on cooking class, on the rooftop, overlooking the picturesque Moreton Bay. Run by chef, Michael Harris (who has an impressive resume working in kitchens all over the world, including alongside Jamie Oliver), participants will explore tips and tricks of preparing a delicious seafood dish during this fun and practical class. The experience is then topped off with a delicious meal served in the Margate Beach House, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Produce Dinner — Moreton Bay Region
Presented by Ocean View Estates
Sunday, September 15
Tickets: $85
Includes: Four-course degustation lunch, with drinks
Ocean View Estates invites you to a special local produce lunch celebrating the tastes of Moreton Bay Region. Enjoy four delicious courses, as well as a glass of beer, wine and gin. You’ll also be joined by and hear from the winemaker, the brewer and the chef.
Farmers Market Produce Dinner
Presented by The Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach
Friday, September 20
Rooftop Drinks: 6.30pm
Dinner: 7pm
Tickets: $99
Includes: Five-course degustation dinner with drinks, plus welcome drinks on the rooftop before dinner.
Join Chef Michael Harris and the team at The Sebel for this five-course degustation, showcasing local produce. Enjoy welcome drinks and a beautiful sunset on the rooftop, before heading into the Margate Beach House for dinner.
Barbecue Competition
Presented by White Brick Brewing
September 20-22
Free entry
Barbecue and beer, the dynamic duo, will be on show at the three-day Barbecue competition, run in conjunction with the National Grilling Network. Come cheer on your favourite team competing in “Low and Slow” and “Fast and Hot” battles, as well as tucking in to your favourite meats from a wide selection of stalls, with a cold White Brick beer in hand, as you enjoy listening to live music and workshops.
Jetty Lunch
Presented by Sandstone Point Hotel
Saturday, September 21
noon-3pm
Tickets: $149
Join Sandstone Point Hotel for a true trawler-to-table experience, at the exclusive floating lunch on beautiful Pumicestone Passage. Moreton Bay’s best seafood will be on offer, both hot and cold, served on tiers with chunky chips, Greek salad and a coconut cocktail dessert, served with a selection of premium beverages.
Samford Harvest
Presented by Alastair McLeod
Saturday, September 21
Samford Farmers’ Hall, 30 Main St, Samford
Tickets: $90 + Booking fee
Join Alastair McLeod and local farmers to celebrate local produce from in and around Samford Valley. The three-course menu has been thoughtfully created and prepared by local resident and celebrity-chef Alastair himself, using hand-sourced, seasonal ingredients. BYO drinks.
Sensational Seafood Menu
Presented by The Golden Ox
August 23-September 23
Celebrate the Tastes of Moreton Bay all month-long at The Golden Ox. Owner Nick Tzimas and son Chef Peter have carefully crafted a menu to showcase what they do best — fresh seafood. For the entire Tastes of Moreton Bay month, you can indulge in a wide selection of seafood with an emphasis on two things — fresh and local.
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