Food and Wine Extravaganza at the Longest Lunch

Naturally beautiful Port Douglas, one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, is the idyllic location for Carnivale, held over 10 dazzling days and fun-filled nights from 16 May, 2014. The euphoric event, a magnet for visitors and locals alike, takes to the streets, restaurants, bars, parks, even beaches with live entertainment, a smattering of art and sport, family fun, celebrity spotting plus a heady mix of eating, drinking and mingling in a party environment.

To celebrate 20 years, the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort Longest Lunch on Friday 16 May, promises a food and wine extravaganza in a world class location, to rival the best in Queensland. The perfect backdrop is Four Mile Beach, also hectares of lush tropical gardens where elegantly-decorated marquees with beautifully-adorned tables are set around meandering lagoons and reflect the theme: Relax and Pass the Thyme.

Appetites will be well and truly whet with an indulgent 3-course menu designed by the Sheraton Mirage's executive chef Matt Hart, who has a serious penchant for sensory eating and food with integrity and sustainability. “I'm motivated by the stunning produce grown in the bountiful and verdant hinterland of the region plus delivering an exceptional culinary experience,” says talented Matt who has travelled the globe and cooked for numerous A-listers and dignitaries.”

Expect dishes such as yellow fin tuna and emu prosciutto with pickled cucumber, grapefruit pearls, kabayaki sauce and smoked yuzu aioli; crisp skin coral trout with pickled baby vegetables, lemon myrtle sea vegetables, blood orange and chervil olive oil; and Tableland lamb back-strap with burnt onion skordalia, heirloom tomatoes, tea-smoked oyster mushrooms and a coffee-infused jus gras; to tantalise the taste buds. Platters with lychee brulee; blood orange and Campari lollipops; vanilla cream fruit tarts with Mareeba Gold pineapple shards; plus salted caramel and Valrhona chocolate; are guaranteed to hit the high notes

Wines from Oakridge in the Yarra Valley will include Oakridge Over the Shoulder Chardonnay; Oakridge Over the Shoulder Pinot Noir; and Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Cabernet - Oakridge Vineyard.

The sultry-sounding trio Sweet K, which has performed with many of the country's top singers such as Renee Geyer and Grace Knight will entertain lunch-goers with hits spanning the 50s to today.

Sporting celebrities who could surprise guests by joining their tables are Australian cricket coach Darren Leeman, Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris and Australian cricket legend and former wicket keeper Ian Healy..

The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort Longest Lunch is an all-weather event and always a sell-out so book early:

• Friday 16 May 2014
• 12:00pm – 3:30pm
• Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort, Main Beach Port Douglas
• Cost $165pp includes 3-course lunch, wines and beers
• Dress to impress.

Bookings are essential on: www.foodandwinenq.com.au