Tastes of Gold Coast - a taste for all

Beer from Burleigh, zucchini flowers from Mt Nathan, chocolate from Molendinar and liquors from the hinterland, was just some of the local produce used for this year's Tastes of Gold Coast Festival - held from 26 August to 5 September.

Tastes of Gold Coast, proudly supported by Gold Coast Tourism, is an initiative of Gold Coast City Council’s Economic Development Branch.

Economic Development and Tourism Committee Chair Councillor Susie Douglas said Tastes of Gold Coast was an impressive showcase of the region’s outstanding food producers, chefs, restaurants and wine makers.

"Our city has restaurants and gourmet food producers to rival any around the world and this festival sends a message that we truly offer something for everyone here."

This year, the festival was under new management and Scott Maidment, Creative Director at Strut and Fret, said his team drew inspiration from the Gold Coast’s vibrant character to create a program of events for every palate.

"On the menu this year was the Breakfast in Bed Pyjama Party, which was reminiscent of the pyjama parties of the late 1950s, Taste Plates on Tedder Avenue, The Cocktail Trail, eurofest, as well as long time festival favourite Three Chefs Do Lunch," said Mr Maidment.

"The Gold Coast is a city that celebrates dining and embraces innovation and that is what the festival is all about."

A key to the success of this year's festival was the two local chefs as festival ambassadors – Daniel Ridgeway from Little Truffle Restaurant at Mermaid Beach and Angela Brown from the Sofitel's Room 81 at Broadbeach.

Daniel and Angela were instrumental in promoting local food and wine produce, markets and restaurants through events such as the Do-It-Yourself Mystery Box Challenge, Gold Coast Show Ambassador Cooking demonstration, and the Little Truffle Degustation Dinner.
Building on this year's success, 2011 promises to deliver an even more tantalising Tastes of Gold Coast festival guaranteed to bring out the 'foodie' in you.