The freshest produce, the best chefs, a tropical plantation setting and a long table set for 180 people was the yearly highlight of the Gascoyne Food Festival held in Carnarvon from the 14^th to the 16^th August. The Long Table Lunch was hailed another success by all who were lucky enough to get hold of tickets for this annual gourmet extravaganza.

WA’s Food Ambassador Don Hancey and his team from Pan-O-rama Catering lead the charge again this year along with other leading Perth restaurateurs including Peter Manifis from Incontro, Shane Watson from Print Hall, Scott Bridger from Bib and Tucker, Nick Donlin from Beaumonde Catering and Michelle Forbes from The Trustee Bar and Bistro.

Utilising local fresh fruit and vegetables from local grower groups Loveapple and Sweeter Banana, prawns from Norwest Seafood, fish from Pickles Point Seafood, crabs from Abacus crab, beef from Lyndon Station and the freshest herbs from Morels the chefs challenge was to each provide a signature dish.

The Long Table Lunch event was held at Bentwaters Plantation and along with a purpose-built outdoor kitchen under the shade of magnificent old Poinciana trees, surrounded by mangos and grapefruit, made for an idyllic setting. As guests arrived they were greeted by the flurry of white aprons and the exotic smells of a myriad of aromas which made up the 10 signature dishes designed to showcase the Gascoyne’s sensational array of fresh food and produce. The Gascoyne’s very own WA Signature Dish finalist, Paul Kelly, kicked off the day with his Abacas Crab tartlet.

The Gascoyne Food Festival spans three days and includes a Chef’s paddock tour, the inaugural BBQ on the Beach, Long Table Lunch and tastings at the Gascoyne Growers Markets. The events celebrate the coming together of the restaurant industry with local growers and the supply chain whilst creating brand awareness for the region’s produce.

Executive Chef of The Trustee Bar and Bistro said “It’s such a great experience to get out of the kitchen and meet the producers behind all the amazing WA produce. It really puts in to perspective the amount of sacrifice and passion that goes with a farming lifestyle.  It was also a highlight working alongside amazing chefs that are now great mates.”

Pictures from the 2014 Gascoyne Food Festival can be found on our Facebook page link to the right.

The Gascoyne Food Council is working with 6 of Perth’s movers and shakers in the chef world to send their produce direct from the paddock to the plate.  Very soon seasonal Carnarvon fruit and vegetables will be available on select menus around Perth.  More updates to come soon on this exciting project.