A Feast Full of Flavours at the Curated Plate
Jennifer Swaine previews the plateful of flavours on offer for the Sunshine Coast’s premium food event, The Curated Plate.
For years the Sunshine Coast has been widely recognised as a stunning tourism destination; a place where you can find some of the best beaches in the world, where the locals are friendly and welcoming and where you can feel the warmth of our incredible climate. Our economy is flourishing and we have earned a reputation for being innovative and entrepreneurial. We are also known for having world-class chefs who love nothing more than being able to showcase the incredible array of fresh and tasty produce you will find across every corner of the region, in what we like to call ‘Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry’.
Recognising that our community loves to collaborate (and eat), Sunshine Coast Council facilitates 10 days of pure foodie heaven through one of their flagship festivals,
The Curated Plate – a vibrant showcase of the region’s local produce, talented chefs, and diverse landscapes, from the coast to the hinterland. With over 50 events over 10 days, The Curated Plate offers a smorgasbord of flavours from farm experiences to fine dining and everything in between. It’s a delicious collaboration between local producers, suppliers, and businesses to share their stories through both culinary creations and immersive experiences – and everyone is welcome!
Event organisers and chefs are currently finalising menus and events, and early release ticket sales will be available from late March, with the full program released in early May. One of the standout events on the program is Providore Privée’s Glaze and Graze, which sold out last year. This unique experience blends the artistry of food and fine craftsmanship, allowing guests to glaze their own take-home pottery in a hands-on workshop while enjoying an array of exquisite dishes curated by Providore Privée, a renowned Sunshine Coast caterer and private chef.
Another gem, new to the program, is a Spanish Degustation Long Lunch that will see guests enjoy a 10-course shared meal paired with Spanish Wines and Flamenco Dancers at Toro, Mooloolaba. Owner Jaime Badia, said it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase his Spanish heritage with a display of passion and colour.
“Sharing food is how we show love and enjoy each other’s company,” Jaime said. “It is all about letting conversation and laughter flow, while savouring shared meals complemented by the perfect pairing of hand-selected Spanish Wines.”
The Doonan will be holding a family-friendly Picnic on the Green with guests receiving a Doonan-branded picnic basket, filled with locally-sourced bites and handcrafted canapés, plus six drink cards to enjoy sessionable wines and local beers. Wes Thompson, General Manager of The Doonan, said guests could settle in on the lush lawns with a picnic blanket, great food and drinks while soaking up live music and relaxing in the sunshine.
“Everyone is welcome and we will also screen a movie to keep our younger guests entertained while parents relax,” he said. “The Curated Plate is a wonderful festival that shines a light on the incredible culinary options we are blessed to have in the region.”
For seafood lovers, the program is shaping up to simply be incredible with the largest contingent of seafood experiences in the festival’s history. Another new and not-to-be-missed event will see Walker Seafoods joining forces with the incredible Japanese restaurant SOKA for a tuna-cutting show and culinary experience. Described as a one-of-a-kind Japanese culinary experience, SOKA Head Chef Kenji will showcase the art of tuna-cutting using a 35kg whole tuna sourced from local producer Walker Seafoods, who are located in Mooloolaba and proudly Australia’s only MSC-certified tuna company. Guests will witness the precision and tradition of Japanese seafood preparation, followed by an exclusive tasting of premium tuna dishes.
The Curated Plate program is brimming with so many other incredible events and experiences to be devoured, including the return of Signature Events such as the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind Retreat; feasts at some of the Coast’s most-awarded venues such as Bella Venezia Mooloolaba and Harry’s on Buderim – and surprises from new venues, including Alsahwa Estate in Palmwoods. And, we haven’t even explored the drinks program!
To stay ahead of what is happening and secure first bite at the pre-release tickets, subscribe to the e-newsletter.
THE CURATED PLATE
Devour 50+ delicious events across the Sunshine Coast from the beach to the hinterland over ten days.
25 July-3 August 2025.
Visit www.thecuratedplate.com.au to subscribe for the program and first release tickets.
