The Curated Plate has kicked off off Queensland’s “premium” food and drink festival, with a farm-to-fork experience led by Festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita.
Held in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the opening event set the tone for a program designed to celebrate the region’s rich agricultural roots, premium local produce and vibrant hospitality scene.
Guests explored the picturesque grounds, met leading local growers, and sampled their finest ingredients before gathering for a live cooking demonstration and long lunch led by Mr Kuruvita. Each dish was inspired by the region’s seasonal produce, thoughtfully paired with craft beers and beverages.
A sunrise hot air balloon flight with Sunshine Coast Ballooning added an “unforgettable” finale, elevating the event and the festival to new heights.
More than 10,000 people are expected to attend events across the festival, including visitors from interstate and overseas who are combining their experience with a Sunshine Coast holiday.
“The Curated Plate is such a special celebration of what makes the Sunshine Coast unique – the quality of our local produce, the people behind it, and the incredible diversity of food experiences on offer,” said Mr Kuruvita.
“Across the festival, you’ll see everything from modern Australian menus to vibrant Asian flavours, native ingredients, classic seafood feasts and more – all brought to life by some of the country’s most passionate chefs,” he added.
With more than 50 events still to come, there are plenty of opportunities for locals and visitors to take part.
This weekend, Picnic on Kings makes its festival debut, transforming the Kings Beach Amphitheatre into a family-friendly picnic – with a special appearance from Bluey. Tickets are still available online or at the gate by scanning the QR code.
The program continues with the Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind Retreat on 2-3 August, Jazz on a Plate in Kenilworth on 2 August, and the first-ever Mooloolaba Seafood Market Day on 27 July – celebrating the region’s world-class seafood with tastings, demos and a vibrant seaside atmosphere.
The Curated Plate, Festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita.
