By Roy Weavers

Wow, what a week for Flames of the Forest!  In an announcement made on Wednesday 24th March by Australian Traveller Magazine, Flames of the Forest at Port Douglas has been listed in the publication’s 100 Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences.  It is the only dining experience north of Brisbane featured.

According to Australian Traveller Magazine, this prestigious list represents the best of the best foodie experiences from around the country, as determined by Australian Traveller Magazine’s panel of experts including such well-known identities as Matt Moran, Maggie Beer, Simon Johnson, Matthew Evans and Peter Russell-Clarke.

When announcing the winners on Wednesday, The Australian Traveller team said, “To judge and rank the Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences has never before been attempted. Restaurants are ranked almost every other day.  But experiences that encompass restaurants, producers and anything remotely connected to food, all ranked together in the one list?  Not on your life.  Until now.”

According to the publication, the judging panel’s brief was to help decide how great an experience was on the basis of their own opinion or how strongly they would advise a close friend to seek out the experience.

In determining the final list, the publication had gathered more than 900 experiences.  The judging panel were then given a short list from which they then allocated points.  The final scores were then averaged for each of the experiences to arrive on the list.

Sales manager Natalie Johnson said her employer, Amelia Hannaford, and the entire team are ecstatic at hearing today’s news.  “We are so thrilled to be included and feel it is testament to what we believe is one of Australia’s best kept secrets.  Where else can you dine by candlelight in the rainforest?  It is truly special and memorable.

“We feel great pride in representing our region and the destination of Port Douglas in particular.  In making the list, we hope Flames of the Forest will focus attention on our town that is bursting at the seams with great restaurants,” she said.

About Flames of the Forest

Award-winning Flames of the Forest at Port Douglas has a magical new look for its 2010 season with the added benefit of a reduced carbon footprint (as reported on Newsport 24th March). 

Environmentally friendly LED lights to further enhance the special effects of an evening of entertainment in the Tropical North Queensland rainforest have been introduced.  Add to this, new tasting menus showcasing the region’s best seasonal produce and an enhanced program of Indigenous entertainment for a truly special night to remember.

State-of-the-art lights have been installed in the black silk-lined ceiling allowing the creation of a range of looks to suit client requirements. The new system uses 30 per cent less power and is included in the venue hire so there are no extra charges for lighting.

Seven new custom-made crystal bud light and glowing orb chandeliers complement the lighting, creating an unmatched elegance in off-site events. Combined with thousands of twinkling bud lights these create a look reminiscent of the night sky with planets and stars. 

Three custom designed and locally manufactured bi-ethanol flaming vessels which are clean burning with no fumes means that the flames can be brought even closer to the marquee to enhance the magic of the rainforest, at the same time lowering our carbon footprint. 

Combined with the roll-out of low voltage lighting to the surrounding rainforest, a solar hot water system for the kitchens and our continuing commitment to the One Person, One Tree, One World tree planting program, Flames of the Forest offers a true environmentally positive experience to clients.

Tucked away in a fairytale pocket of rainforest, Flames of the Forest has a banquet seating capacity of 900 with all the infrastructure and comfort clients need, but with the magic only an off-site event can provide.

Since 2003, Flames of the Forest has gained an international reputation for its rainforest experience which combines a magnificent six course banquet dinner in a spectacular candlelit setting with a traditional and authentic Aboriginal performance featuring story telling, music and song from brothers who spent their childhood in the surrounding valley. 

Flames of the Forest has won awards for its innovation and cuisine including being a finalist in the 2009 Australian Event Awards, has been  listed in Australian Traveller Magazine as one of the 'Top 100 Things to do in Australia and now, its 100 Greatest Australian Gourmet Experiences.

For information contact: Tel: 61 7 4099 3966 email: info@flamesoftheforest.com.au or www.flamesoftheforest.com.au