If there is a good lunch to be had, consider me in, and at the mention of Gary Mehigan, and George Calombaris, of Masterchef fame, you know there is no escaping… it is going to be a good one. So inadvertently, I almost double booked myself. I was not quite sure how I was going to swing it, but swing it I did, and I managed to make a visit, albeit quick one, at the Sunshine Coast’s Biggest Outdoor Picnic, and then settled in for the afternoon at Berardo’s who was hosting a book launch lunch for the pair in Noosa.
Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris were visiting Queensland to promote their book ‘Cook With Us’ so were on tour as part of the 2011 Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show that was held over the weekend. So in conjunction with Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL), Caloundra’s Clarke Place Park, played host to a fabulous outdoor picnic.
In true Sunshine Coast spirit, the sun made a spectacular appearance and set the stage for a magical day. Upon arrival I was provided with an extraordinary picnic basket complete with an assortment of Queensland produced goodies, bottle of sparkling wine, a copy of Gary and George’s book, all to be enjoyed on a picnic rug that was laid out in the park waiting for me.
Unfortunately, because I was double booked, I didn’t get the opportunity to settle in and enjoy my picnic basket there and then, but it was an absolute joy watching everyone else with their spread of foodie treats enjoying this truly magical day.
Now, I need to mention the divine goodies that were in the basket as it was such a grand showcase of what this region and Queensland has to offer, read on…
Chocolate Brownies (Zehnder – Maleny), Bliss Pistachio Nougat (Australian Nougat Co – Eumundi), Dried Olives in Aged Balsamic ( The Olive Drop – Nambour), Mustard Chutney (Noosa Chilli – Peregian Beach), Sea Salt & Garlic Pita Crisps (In Season Gourmet Food – Gold Coast), Almond & Quinoa Granola Energy Square (The Whole Food Co – Cairns), Hommus & Orange Dip (d’lish Food to Go – Brisbane), Caramel Popcorn (d’lish Food to Go – Brisbane), Brut Reserve (Clovelly Estate – Moffatdale), Vanilla Infused Honey ( Broken Nose Vanilla – North Queensland), Egyptian Spice Mix Dukkah ( Fat Hen Farm – Kilkivan), Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Fat Hen Farm – Kilkivan), Stuart River Triple Cream Brie (Kingaroy Cheese – Kingaroy), Fetta in Marinade ( Barambah Organics – Oxley), Safari Bites ( Jims Jerky – Charlton), Dark Chocolate Coated Goji Berries (Morlife – Arundel), Mettwurst and Mild Salami (Schulte’s Meat Tavern – Plainland) and Dry Roasted Salted Almonds (Mansfield).
Let me tell you; it was one heck of a picnic basket!
I ended up lingering longer than I should, but Gary and George were running late also, so I ended up having to do a runner without waiting for the guests of honour to make an appearance, but I knew I would catch up with them at the lunch…
Travelling at breakneck (though still legal) speed, I arrived at Berardo’s ready to relax. Located on Noosa’s glorious Hastings Street, Berardo’s Restaurant & Bar is one of my favourite Sunshine Coast/Noosa restaurants. Bright and relaxing, I felt at ease, and blew off all the rushing for the morning to settle in for a lovely lunch.
The guests of honour must have been travelling at breakneck speed also, as they arrived not all that long after me…
Lunch, as expected, was lovely. The talented chefs of Berardo’s showcased two of the dishes from Gary and George’s book, Cook With Us matched with some very delighting wines. The menu read as follows:
Pan Fried Barramundi, Calamari, Tomato & Capers
2010 Stoney Peak Chardonnay or 2010 Stony Peak Shiraz Cabernet
Fruit & Nut Parfait
NV Stony Peak Sparkling
After lunch we listened to Gary and George tell some tall tales, and no doubt, true, about their cooking experiences, Masterchef and their new book which covers a long list of cooking techniques as well as some wonderfully inspiring recipes… I have my eye on a number of the confit recipes and the glutton in me will definitely prepare the roasted bone marrow sometime soon, maybe even the laksa…
Then for me it was off home for my picnic dinner, on my veranda, enjoying the rest of the magical day with a glass of sparkling wine that went beautifully with my picnic basket of goodies that I now had the rest of the evening to explore. It doesn’t get much better than this; a full day of Queensland’s finest.
Special thanks to Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd for the picnic invite, I would have loved to have lingered longer, what a fabulous event.
This post was written by Petra Frieser – Local Harvest
Author: Local Harvest
About the Author: Local Harvest
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