Fresh from picking up a national award, The Curated Plate is urging the Sunshine Coast food and dining industry to be part of next year’s event.
Named the nation’s Best Small Regional Event at the 2024 Australian Event Awards last week, one south-east Queensland’s premier food festival has put out the call for partners for the 2025 instalment.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said chefs, food producers, tourism operators, venue managers and restaurant owners were invited to take part.
Mayor Natoli said festival partners would help create a unique culinary journey across the Sunshine Coast from July 25 to August 3 next year, celebrating local produce, talent, collaboration, food and drink.
“The 2024 event attracted more than 7000 attendees to 85 events thanks to local businesses, producers and venues who participated in the region-wide culinary showcase.”
Mayor Natoli said the festival created enduring opportunities that strengthened the region’s economy.
“We are looking to create a program full of diverse experiences for locals and visitors with extraordinary events that take place in unique settings, from our farms to beaches, from our breweries to distilleries.
“We also want our local restaurants to participate and do something special for The Curated Plate.”
She said restaurants could consider changing their menus to feature Sunshine Coast local produce and help “tell the story of our vibrant food culture and showcase Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry”.
Mayor Natoli said renowned Sunshine Coast chef Peter Kuruvita would take on the role as the festival’s Culinary Director in 2025.
Mr Kuruvita said he was keen to provide support for local chefs and venues on conceptualising ideas for events, particularly around menu development using local products.
“I’m excited to become more involved in The Curated Plate in 2025, particularly to provide guidance and share my knowledge and skills with local chefs and producers, if that’s what they would like,” he said.
“I hope to influence and guide the festival program to ensure we curate the best possible festival of events to showcase both local chef talent and produce and promote the Sunshine Coast as a fantastic food and drink destination.”
Visit The Curated Plate website for more information. Industry Partner submissions close December 6.
