Region’s produce shines
A HANDPICKED selection of the region’s most sought-after produce was served to some of Australia’s up-and-coming hospitality stars on Monday.
Toowoomba based, award-winning chef Amanda Hinds created a three-course Darling Downs inspired menu for young chefs, restaurateurs and waiters participating in this year’s Electrolux Appetite For Excellence awards.
Guests dined on sorghum, Oakey Angus Reserve, quail, Lockyer Valley root vegetables, a tribute dish to iconic Sutton’s Farm apples and Queensland’s first truffles of the season – both Granite Belt specialities.
Clive and Erica Whylie of Barnyard Farms supplied Ms Hinds with quail and also hosted a group from the Electrolux Appetite For Excellence program before the dinner for lunch.
“People who are interested in food take an interest in where the food comes from,” Mr Whylie said.
Ms Hinds, who is a huge advocate of supporting local farmers, said the menu provided just a “morsel” of what was on offer in the region.
“We have a very different culinary experience unlike anything else in Australia,” she said.
Program director Phee Gardner said every year, participants were taken to a different region to meet and learn from incredible producers, farmers, harvesters and growers.
“A very important component of what we want to showcase to the future stars of the culinary world is the importance of creating a sustainable industry for young professionals and the industry alike,” she said.
“This produce tour goes beyond the produce itself and delves into the farmers’ knowledge and science of what they do every day and why Australian produce is so good.”