TASTE THE TWEED: A FOOD WRITERS' FEAST

KINGSCLIFF, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA: Some of Australia's best food writers and celebrity chefs will put the spotlight on Northern NSW's unique regional cuisine in the inaugural Taste the Tweed: A Food Writers' Feast on September 8.


Renowned food and wine commentator, Peter Howard (pic right), will head an all-star line-up including celebrated Sydney restaurateur, chef and author Stefano Manfredi, former Better Homes and Gardens chef, Belinda Jeffrey, cookbook author John Newton, Daily Telegraph food and wine editor, Sue Bennett and Brisbane star chef, Philip Johnson of bistro e'cco fame.

The gourmet gurus will present a series of discussions at Salt Village's Outrigger on the Beach at Salt on a wide variety of topics ranging from the farmers' market phenomenon (and what to do with all those goodies when you get them home) through to writing and publishing cookbooks.

A strictly limited number of participants will also have the opportunity to attend a Master Cooking Class with the legendary Stefano Manfredi at Kingscliff's North Coast Institute of TAFE, focussing on innovative menus that reflect the very best of Tweed cuisine.

The real star of the show, however, will be Northern NSW's unique regional produce, with a smorgasbord of local growers on hand to highlight Tweed's home-grown success stories.


Outrigger on the Beach at Salt (above)

The day session concludes with Sunset Mocktails, sponsored by Tropical Fruit World at Outrigger. Serious foodies can then join the celebrity guests at one of three gala degustation dinners hosted by Twin Towns' renowned Signatures Restaurant, Roughies at Peppers Resort and the Sandbar + Grill at Casuarina.

The event has been organised by Tweed and Coolangatta Tourism Inc (TACTIC) as part of their overall strategy to promote food and wine tourism in the region.

"Food tourism is a growing sector of the travel market and Tweed is ideally positioned to take advantage of this opportunity," said TACTIC General Manager, Terry Watson.

"By bringing Australia's top celebrity chefs and local producers together, we hope to encourage more growers in the region to consider showcasing their products to the travelling public with a view to eventually developing a series of food trails throughout the Tweed.

"The event is also a fantastic opportunity for keen cooks to mix, mingle and learn from Australia's best."

Taste the Tweed: A Food Writers' Feast will be held at various venues throughout the Tweed on Friday, September 8. The day session from 8.30am to 6.30pm is priced at $95 per person, including lunch and sunset mocktails; Stefano Manfredi's morning Masterclass is priced at $150 per person, including lunch and the afternoon portion of the day session; and the Degustation Dinners at Signatures, Roughies and Sandbar + Grill are priced at $130 per person.

Numbers for all sessions and dinners are strictly limited and early reservations are recommended. Phone 1800 674 414 or go to www.tweedcoolangatta.com.au/tastethetweed/feast.asp for bookings or further information.