Sunshine Coast's biggest food festival begins
Fire-cooked Sri Lankan cuisine, Japanese tuna-cutting demonstrations, Greek village feasts, New Orleans-inspired dining, paddock-to-plate experiences and family picnics are just some of the experiences on the menu as The Curated Plate officially begins today.
The Curated Plate | Alsahwa Estate - Bees & Brunch
Over the next ten days, around 50 events will take place across the Sunshine Coast, with this year's festival offering its broadest celebration yet of the region's people, produce and culinary talent.
The festival opens today with Island Fire, at Alsahwa Estate, a sold-out event, where guests will experience a menu inspired by Sri Lanka's rich culinary traditions. Curated by Peter Kuruvita, the luncheon showcases bold spices, local Sunshine Coast produce and cooking over open flames, setting the tone for a festival that celebrates both international cuisines and the region's exceptional local ingredients.
Festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita said this year's program reflects the multicultural influences that have shaped the Sunshine Coast's food scene while remaining firmly grounded in local produce.
"This is the most diverse Curated Plate we've ever delivered. You can travel the world through food without leaving the Sunshine Coast," Mr Kuruvita said.
"Across the next ten days you'll experience everything from Japanese, Greek and Asian flavours to New Orleans-inspired cooking, all brought to life using ingredients grown, caught and produced right here in our region.
“That's what makes this festival unique. It isn't just about great meals; it's about celebrating the incredible producers, fishers, farmers and chefs who make the Sunshine Coast one of Australia's great food destinations."
The people behind the produce
Beyond the restaurants, this year's festival shines a spotlight on the people behind the produce.
Guests can dine among the orchards at Green Valley Fingerlimes, where acclaimed chef Tom Hitchcock will create an extraordinary dinner at tables carved directly into the earth. At Mapleton Public House, the Next Gen Dinner will showcase the next generation of culinary talent, challenging emerging chefs to hero seasonal produce in a menu that celebrates creativity and sustainability.
The festival also celebrates one of the region's most important industries through the Mooloolaba Seafood Market Day, where local fishers, seafood businesses and producers will come together on The Spit to serve $5 tasting plates of Australian wild-caught seafood. Entry is free, however organisers are encouraging visitors to register for a complimentary ticket so they know just how many prawns need to come off the trawlers.
Families are also invited to Picnic on Kings, to see Bluey and Bingo's Live Interactive Experience, taste-test local food, and enjoy fun children's activities and entertainment overlooking Kings Beach. Tickets remain available online, with door sales also available on the day.
The ever-popular Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind also returns for one day only, bringing together some of the region's best Asian-inspired chefs for a relaxed weekend of street food, live music and festival atmosphere.
With many events already sold out, organisers are encouraging food lovers to book remaining tickets while they can.
Mr Kuruvita said one of the strengths of The Curated Plate is that no two events are alike.
"Some people will spend an afternoon learning about bees before sitting down to brunch.
“Others will be eating caviar by the lagoon, boarding a heritage vessel for lunch on the Mooloolah River, or watching a 70-kilogram tuna being expertly carved before enjoying it moments later.
“It's these one-of-a-kind experiences that people remember, and they're all rooted in the Sunshine Coast."
The power of collaboration
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the festival continued to deliver significant benefits beyond the dining table.
“Our signature regional food and drink festival demonstrates the power of collaboration across the region,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The Curated Plate unites growers, producers, fishers, chefs, hospitality operators and tourism businesses in a way that creates lasting benefits for our local economy and community.
"By working together, these industries showcase the quality, innovation and authenticity that have helped establish the Sunshine Coast as one of Australia's leading food destinations.
"Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and The Curated Plate invites everyone to slow down, gather around the table and enjoy the flavours, stories and connections that make our region so vibrant.
"Every event brings our regional story to life through unique dining experiences, meaningful connections with producers and unforgettable sunshine moments shared around great food.
"By connecting visitors with local experiences and local produce, the festival helps drive visitation, support jobs and strengthen our reputation as a premier culinary destination."
The Curated Plate is delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast, and Tourism and Events Queensland, alongside industry and community collaborators.
Experiences selling fast
Picnic on Kings - FREE activation zone + $16.50pp stage show
Mooloolaba Seafood Market Day - FREE event, please register
Queensland's Sunshine Pantry presents - The Paired Plate
Curated Plate - Bees & Brunch at Alsahwa Estate
4 Seas & SOKA's Tuna Cutting Show