Businesses in 4101 are both blessed and cursed by the major events that take place in our midst.
While these events bring thousands of people into the postcode, they do not always have a positive impact on our business. If they drag people off the street and away from the existing shopping precincts and do not promote the area generally they can significantly dampen trade.
It is up to you to think creatively about how you can take advantage of all the people on your doorstep uring Regional Flavours this month. The official opportunities are limited. Basically you buy a stall and/or pay a sponsorship fee, or not.
Advertisers in Westender get some foothold, as well will be handing out magazines to visitors from time to time during the festival. If you are interested in participating in a special Regional Flavours flyer, please let us know at advertising@westender.com.au
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Regional Flavours was a must-do Brisbane event this winter.
“One of the greatest elements of Regional Flavours is its focus on creating awareness of the amazing fresh produce here in Queensland. The event gives locals and visitors of all ages the opportunity to celebrate food – whether it’s cheese, chocolate, wine – it’s all readily available right on our doorstep,” Cr Quirk said.
“This free annual festival continues to grow from strength to strength and is now considered one of the city’s most loved food and lifestyle events, attracting big names such as this year’s special guest, Matt Preston from Network TEN’s MasterChef Australia.
“The beautiful Brisbane weather also means we can enjoy alfresco dining throughout the year, so what better way to celebrate our food and lifestyle than in the stunning Parklands. This truly is an event for the people, and it’s free!”
The 2014 event program is available online at regionalflavours.com.au. Headline activities are highlighted below:
Producer Market
Little Stanley Street
Taste-test free samples from over 100 of Queensland’s finest regional producers at a food trail of market stalls along Little Stanley Street. Producers travel from across Brisbane, South East Queensland and tropical North Queensland to showcase their unique local produce over two days.
The Grove
Little Stanley Street (northern end)
A must-visit for all wine connoisseurs, The Grove is a fully-licensed area dedicated to local makers, free tastings and live music.
EAT-SHOW-TELL
The Courier-Mail Piazza
This year’s main stage, EAT-SHOW-TELL, will be hosted by Miguel Maestre from Network TEN’s The Living Room and will feature live cooking presentations from celebrity chefs and industry experts. Popular names appearing at EAT-SHOW-TELL include special guest Matt Preston from Network TEN’s MasterChef Australia, Annabel Langbein, The Free Range Cook on Foxtel’s LifeStyle FOOD; and Paul West from River Cottage Australia on Foxtel’s The LifeStyle Channel. V-ZUG’s Executive Chef, Felix Halter, is also returning to the event for a second year to showcase the health and taste benefits of cooking with steam.
The Hunting Club
Little Stanley Street lawns (southern end)
The Hunting Club Bar and BBQ, presented by South Bank Surf Club, will be decked out hacienda-style and will be serving up diverse and powerful flavours, with craft beer tasting paddles and barbecue beef with a South American twist. The Hunting Club Stage, presented by Nothing beats Beef and Target 100, will be hosted by beer guru Matt Kirkegaard and will offer slow-cooked barbecue beef and craft beer demonstrations from brew experts and high-profile chefs such as Alastair McLeod, ambassador and advocate of the Lockyer Valley Region produce, and Darren Robertson, Target 100’s Ambassador.
Eat Fleet Food Trucks
Little Stanley Street
A fleet of pop-up gourmet food trucks, the Eat Fleet Food Trucks, will be run by Little Stanley Street’s restaurants and cafes, with menus items available for purchase.
South Bank Kids Club
Central Café lawns & Arbour View lawns
The South Bank Kids Club will keep the children entertained with a range of free food-themed activities to ignite their creativity and love of food.
All Day Breakfast
Little Stanley Street lawns
All Day Breakfast presented by Di Bella Coffee will be serving up gourmet breakfast delights, specialty coffee and cooking demonstrations all weekend.
Savour at River Quay
River Quay Green
Savour an afternoon with great friends, high-end food and delicious cocktails while overlooking the Brisbane River and listening to live lounge music.
For a weekend full of food, wine, lifestyle and leisure, head along to Regional Flavours in the South Bank Parklands on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July from 10am to 5pm.
Pick up a copy of the 2014 event program at Regional Flavours, or visit regionalflavours.com.au to plan your foodie weekend.