FOODIE EVENT OFFERS UP A TASTE OF PORT DOUGLAS

Colin Fassnidge

Foodies from across the region are expected to converge on Port Douglas for a weekend of fine dining, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, rock music and mountains of seafood.

Roy Weavers, general manager of Port Douglas Carnivale, said while the opening weekend had been a show stopper for Port Douglas Carnivale, the second weekend would culminate 10 days of festival magic incorporating, food, wine, community, sport, music, art and entertainment.

Weekend highlights include Palates of Port on Friday, May 23, which will see seven of the region’s finest chefs from some of the most acclaimed restaurants come together for an eight-course degustation dinner under the stars at the Sugar Wharf.

On Saturday, May 24 Taste Port Douglas presented by Harrisons Restaurant, makes a triumphant return. Now in its second year, Taste Port Douglas will serve up a feast of food throughout the day with guest appearances by Colin Fassnidge, Ian Curley, Massimo Mele along with a raft of extremely talented local chefs.

“There will be exciting food stalls including local outlets Harrisons and Malone’s Butchery, Bucci Italian Restaurant, The Tin Shed (Port Douglas & District Combined Club), Rasa, NuNu, Salsa Bar & Grill, Otz and Two Fish,” Mr Weavers added.

Other food/wine stalls include Yalumba, Red+White, Port Providore, Fino Food & Wine, Daintree Chocolates, the Hungry Hummingbird, Wonga Foods, The Tea Chest, and coffee from Four Mile Roasters,

A new addition in 2014 will be the lawn area, home to a Peroni Nastro Azzurro van, and an Aperol Spritz bar with pockets of casual seating under umbrellas. Live music from Finger Print will entertain the crowds from this space.

Taste Port Douglas will open at 9.30am with cooking demonstrations to begin on the main stage at 10am with Tony Sassi and Massimo Mele to start. Spencer Patrick will MC the event, which will be held at the Sugar Wharf.

Mr Weavers was urging people to spend the day, staying on for Food, Wine & A Taste of Port, with headline act the Screaming Jets, followed by the Seafood Extravaganza at The Reef Marina on Sunday, May 25.

“This will certainly be one of the biggest concerts Port Douglas has ever seen and the town is already starting to buzz with excitement.

“The Seafood Extravaganza is also another crowd favourite and this year there will be even more to enjoy with live music and entertainment all day, kids rides/fun fair, fresh seafood and a dazzling fireworks display that will conclude the Carnivale festivities,” he added.

Taste Port Douglas is a ticketed event ($10 online or $12.50 at the door) and can be purchased online at www.carnivale.com.au/buy-tickets-now

Tickets for Food, Wine & A Taste of Port are still available ($68.50) and Palates of Port ($189.50) and can also be purchased at the above address. Seafood Extravaganza is a free event.