One of the many perks of living where I do is that Noosa is host to Australia’s premier food event, the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival. How lucky am I to have this four fantastic days of fun right on my doorstop? Last weekend marked the festival’s twelth year, and what a party it was! Fabulous food ranging from gourmet burgers to elaborate degustation dinners, an incredible selection of wines from all over Australia, celebrity chef spotting, cooking demonstrations by inspirational chefs, insightful panel discussions featuring prominent food industry talent, fantastic entertainment – all taking place in a gorgeous setting.

Here’s a pictorial snapshot of the 2015 Festival:

One of the many kiosk lunch items on offer – southern fried chicken burger, celeriac remoulade & hot sauce

Interesting panel discussions – this one about food and dining philosophy

Passionate winemaker, Leanne De Bortoli

De Bortoli wine tasting organised by The Fabulous Ladies Wine Society

Kiosk lunch delight from Ricky’s

“Top Tastes of Queensland” lunch
  chefs: Nick Street-Brown, William Wallace, Alistair McLeod, Matt Golinski and Philip Johnson

Seared Hervey Bay scallops, apple, cabbage & bacon

Compressed cucumber, cos, radish & wood sorrell

Flourless pineapple & coconut cake, Greek yoghurt, passionfruit sorbet

“Wild Food Dinner”
chefs: Clayton  Donovan, Matt Golinski, Tim Montgomery, David Moyle, Sean McConnell, George Francisco

The chefs enjoying a laugh

Cherax Park red claw crayfish, bunya nut, finger lime, purslane

James Ashmore sea urchin, smoked “bidyan”, dashi of native & invasive seaweed

Wild hibiscus panna cotta, native honey, lilly pilly jam

“American Cookout & BBQ by the River”
chefs: Andrew Evans, Dan Hong, Morgan McGlone, Simon Palmer, Tom Montgomery

Morgan McGlone is very passionate about BBQ-ing!

Smoked maple & black pepper pork belly, apple & green papaya kimchi & Sriracha mayo

Guests enjoying the cookout (that’s me fourth on the right!)

Brownies & peanut butter cups

Here’s to next year’s festival!

Too much fun!