Head to Port Douglas for a special taste of the tropics

Port Douglas is always a tempting destination - but even more so when there is a food and wine festival happening.

I attended the Port Douglas Carnivale a few year ago and that event has now been complemented  by Taste Port Douglas, the seventh edition of which will be held from August 10-13.

Several of Australia's top chefs and hospitality talent have been lined up to visit Far North Queensland by organisers Spencer and Reina Patrick at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas resort.

Tickets are now on sale for culinary masterclasses, signature dinners and food experiences at tasteportdouglas.com.au.

Among the stars who will be in attendance are TV chef Massimo Mele from Grain of the Silos in Launceston and Peppina in Hobart; Adam D’Sylva from Lollo, Tonka and Coda in Melbourne; Guy Grossi from the Grossi Group; Ian Curley from The French Saloon and Kirk’s Wine Bar and Jerry Mai from Pho Nom and Bia Hoi.

Other big names will include journalist, author and TV presenter Matt Preston, star sommelier and wine writer Samantha Payne and restaurant industry legend Raymond Capaldi.

All will join forces with local producers and restaurants to dish up a culinary program of over 20 food- and drink-focused events.

“We are stoked to collaborate with Australia’s diverse and talented culinary community at Taste Port Douglas," says local star chef Spencer Patrick.

"They are the key ingredient to the festival's reputation as one of Australia’s most celebrated and dynamic gourmet weekends of the year. 

"Culinary events of this scale contribute to skill-sharing and fostering interstate relationships in the hospitality community, providing unique opportunities to connect key players to the region’s suppliers, growers and producers and a hungry audience of local chefs."

Celebrate the end of winter with a taste of paradise in the tropics

A few years ago I was a guest at the Taste Of Port Douglas festival in tropical north Queensland.

It was a memorable event in a beautiful setting.

With a line-up of star Australian chefs, the Taste Port Douglas Food and Drink Festival returns this year for the sixth time, with a wide range of culinary masterclasses, signature dinners and experiences from August 11-14.

Chefs will showcase the best of the region's tropical produce, joining forces with local producers and restaurants to dish up a varied culinary program.

The talent already signed includes Jerry Mai (Pho Nom, Bia Hoi, Melbourne), Ben Williamson (Anges, sAme sAme, Honto, Brisbane), Colin Fassnidge (Kitchen Nightmares, Sydney), Spencer Patrick (Harrisons Restaurant, Port Douglas) and Manu Feildel (My Kitchen Rules, Sydney).

Over 20 food and drink focused events will be spread across the weekend with Four Mile Beach providing an idyllic backdrop.

Highlights will include a festival village, a long seaside luncheon, a barbecue feast, a cocktail-sipping soirée and premium chef-hosted yacht and golfing gourmet adventures.

Taste Port Douglas event founder and culinary director Spencer Patrick said: “The last two years have been tough for the hospitality industry; we’ve been starved of the opportunity to gather, feast and celebrate together.

"This year’ s festival will be the fork in the road, with Australia’s hospitality elite coming together once again to create bespoke menus, share knowledge and skills amongst peers and guests and to soak up the festival atmosphere.”

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort General Manager Steve Molnar said: “We are thrilled to be a partner to the festival again. With the best chefs arriving in Far North Queensland from around Australia, Taste Port Douglas elevates the region’s reputation as a premier culinary destination.

“There’s a real sense of excitement in the community as we welcome back interstate and international visitors to Port Douglas and this extraordinary event this year.”

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort will be announcing a limited number of exclusive Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival VIP Experience packages.

Bookings will be open to Marriott Bonvoy Members soon.

​Tickets to the four-day program will be released in May and available to purchase online at www.tasteportdouglas.com.au