Food fans from across the region are expected to converge on Port
Douglas this weekend to enjoy a host of foodie fun.

The weekend starts today (Friday) with the prestigious and well established 'must do' Domaine Chandon Luncheon at Zinc Bar and Grill.

The Zinc team will be presenting a 4 course degustation lunch, accompanied by wines from Australia’s premium wine producer, Domaine Chandon, and French champagne on arrival by Veuve Clicquot.

Later this evening The 'Great Gatsby' themed Palates of Port is being hosted at The iconic Sugar Wharf where diners will enjoy an eight course degustation.

Each course is being created by a different head chef from eight local restaurants. The restaurants this year are: Bucci, Salsa Bar & Grill, Bel Cibo, Nautilus,Thala Beach Lodge, Zai, Sheraton Mirage and Port Douglas Catering & Events.

Saturday revellers will then enjoy the launch of the inaugural Carnivale event - A Taste of Paradise from 9am to 5pm.

Port Douglas Carnivale manager Ken Dobbs said months of planning had gone into this new event, which will see a huge contingent of local and celebrity chefs up on the main stage showing off their cooking skills in an event to rival that of the Noosa Food & Wine Festival.

“This all day event will showcase the region’s best produce with cooking demonstrations and free food, wine and beer tastings from many well-regarded suppliers.

“These include Daintree Estate Chocolates, Daintree Vanilla and Spice, Julatten Earth Foods, Coffee Works, Soap Herb, The Tea Chest, Rainforest Bounty, Wonga Food and The Hungry Humming Bird. Origin Coffee will be serving its house roasted blend all day,” Mr Dobbs added.

“The Blue Sky Brewery, Red & White, and Yalumba have also been confirmed and will represent local wine and beer suppliers in the region as part of the event, while local restaurants Harrisons, Bucci, Salsa, The Tin Shed, Nu Nu, 2 Fish and Ochre are also excited to come on board.”

The event will open at 9am with coffee and pastries available with cooking demonstrations to begin on the main stage at 9.30am with celebrity chef Ben O’Donoghue to start.

He will be supported by local star chefs who will also take to the stage throughout the day along with My Kitchen Rules contestants from the 2012 series – David Hopgood and Leigh Sexton.

Mr Dobbs was urging people to spend the day and enjoy dinner at one of the Carnivale Set Menu participating restaurants before heading onto the Taste of Paradise Concert with Daryl Braithwaite at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort.

“There are a number of restaurants offering special Carnivale Set Menus. Order between 5pm and 6.30pm and receive a complimentary glass of wine on Saturday, May 25.

“Participating restaurants include Harrisons, Bucci, Salsa Bar & Grill, 2 Fish, Sassi Cucina E Bar, Zinc, Finz,Otz, Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort, Cocos, Aqua at Pullman Port Douglas and Bel Cibo.

The weekend comes to an end on Sunday with the traditional Seafood Extravaganza. This is a day for families, couples and friends to come together and enjoy free entertainment and great seafood all along the boardwalk at the Marina. 

Stalls offering the ‘fruit of the sea’ are plentiful, and you can also buy seafood direct from the trawlers in the marina.  Kick back with a coldie, listen to the band on the deck of the catamaran, and tuck into a bucket of prawns, or fish and chips.

A Taste of Paradise and Seafood Extravaganza are free events.  Tickets for Palates of Port and Daryl Braithwaite can be purchased online at www.carnivale.com.au/tickets