Chefs to be grilled for the Sunshine Coast’s Curated Plate food festival

Sunshine Coast Chefs in Conversation (l to r) Peter Kuruvita,
Tom Hitchcock, Stacey Connor and Cameron Matthews

The Curated Plate Food and Drink Festival (26 July – 4 August) is not only inviting foodies to taste their way around the Sunshine Coast, but also to uncover the secrets behind some of the chefs who are shaping the region’s distinctive cuisine.

Chefs in Conversation will be staged on Saturday 27 July, from 2pm – 6pm at the new Maroochydore rooftop venue Altitude Nine.

Celebrity Cook Hayden Quinn (Taste of Australia & MasterChef) will gently roast four of the Sunshine Coast's most talented chefs in an entertaining panel discussion.

The chefs:

• Peter Kuruvita (former Head Chef of Alba, television presenter and author)
• Tom Hitchcock (Head Chef of Spirit House)
• Cameron Mathews (Executive Chef/Partner of Mapleton Public House)
• Stacey Conner (Head Chef / Owner of Humble on Duke)

It’s almost 30 years since Helen & Peter Brierty established the Spirit House in sleepy Yandina, sparking a new sophistication in the Sunshine Coast culinary scene. That Asian influence has been a major theme in the region’s food and restaurant evolution, which will be recognised in a number of events including the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind in Maleny on Saturday 3 August.

Of course, Chefs in Conversation won’t be a menu of just talk – regardless of how inspiring it is likely to be – the proof will be in the eating and drinking of local produce.

Upon arrival at Chefs in Conversation, guests will enjoy a welcome drink from local First Nations gin company, Beachtree Distilling Co, the drink will be bursting with Australian native botanicals and made with certified organically grown sugar cane.

After the panel discussion, guests will indulge in a curated menu of locally produced canapes including:

• Locally sourced lamb fillet on parmesan shortbread with salsa verde
• Freshly caught Mooloolaba prawn Caesar salad en croute (GF)
• Jerk spiced chicken skewers with coriander Kenilworth yoghurt (GF)
• Hum Honey glazed fig, goats’ cheese, walnut biscuit (V)

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet Hayden, Peter, Cameron, Stacey and Tom while taking in the beautiful views of the sun setting over the Glasshouse Mountains from the rooftop bar.

Additional drinks will be available for purchase from the venue bar.

Tickets for the event are $59pp, all inclusive. Further information and bookings: https://thecuratedplate.com.au/page/chefs-in-conversation

And if this event isn’t enough of a feast of local produce, Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Live at The Station certainly will be when over 70 local producers come together the following day (Sunday 28 July) in a farmers market stall-style event showcasing the culinary delights of the region.

About The Curated Plate Food and Drink Festival

The Curated Plate is a delicious celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s local produce, producers and chefs, and unique natural assets from the coast to the hinterland. The program is developed through collaboration between local producers, suppliers and businesses who come together to tell their stories not only through food but experiences. The festival runs over 10 days - from 26 July - 4 July – including two weekends, and comprising more than 90 tasty events to feast on.

Further information: https://thecuratedplate.com.au/