Tasting the Tropics to unleash rare flavours

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) is hoping to draw more visitors by bringing the destination’s food story to life in April with the launch of Tasting the Tropics.

TTNQ CEO Mark Olsen says Tasting the Tropics will be a celebration of Tropical North Queensland food and drink experiences, highlighting chefs, producers and agritourism stories behind the region’s dining culture.

“Restaurants, cafes, farms, hotels and tour operators have joined the month-long celebration by dishing up their best tropical creations and throwing in some great entertainment to complete the experience,” he said.

“Try a river dining experience, a chef’s masterclass, barrel painting with live music, local spirits and cheese, and discover that smoked green papaya is the new smoked salmon.

“We are so excited about Tasting the Tropics in April that we are kicking it off a few days early at Feast of the Senses in Innisfail, an annual festival now in its 23rd year that brings food lovers to the Cassowary Coast for a smorgasbord of exotic farm produce and tropical tastes.

“Tropical North Queensland’s unique food story has grown from a proud farming history steered by a multicultural population and finessed by creative chefs wanting a sea change.

“Ochre Restaurant owner and chef Craig Squire is among the pioneers who incorporated native Australian ingredients into modern cuisine and his team will be showcasing the Ooray plum in both food and drinks at Ochre during April.”

Ochre sous chef Mikayla Senn said Ooray is a versatile ingredient suitable for savoury and sweet dishes as well as drinks and was traditionally used to boost the immune system as it is rich in Vitamins C and E, potassium, zinc and antioxidants.

“At Ochre we infuse its unique flavour and vibrant colour into sugar syrups, stocks for sauces, wine reductions and puree for cocktails to use throughout our lunch and dinner menus,” she said.

Feast of the Senses spokesperson Dave Jensen said the four-day festival included food trails and a River Feast with rare fruit tastings, cooking demonstrations, food vans and market stalls. 

From red papaya to fruit wine tastings there will be a range of events to enjoy 

Discover details about Tasting the Tropics events at: tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/tasting-the-tropics/