By Rebeccah Shillingford

WARNING: you will be in a food coma all weekend long from copious amounts of food, glorious food. Make plenty of room in those tums because today, the who’s who of Australia’s top cheffing talent has descended on Port Douglas to take part in its annual foodie frenzy: Taste Port Douglas.

With more than a dozen events, 20 stalls, celebrity chef-led live cooking demos, kids cooking activities, and wine and craft beer tastings, Taste Port Douglas has a truckload on offer as it shows off the flavours and laid-back lifestyle of Tropical North Queensland. This means you will need to strategically plan your feasting across the weekend so there’s no need for an antacid. One piece of advice, pace yourself.

QT Resort Port Douglas is again part of the Big Taste Collaborative Dinner Series held across Port Douglas tomorrow night. Taste Sydney in the Tropics is a collaboration between Colin Fassnidge, Alex Herbert and Matt Kemp, three chefs who are among the top food influencers in the Sydney food scene, each with their own unique philosophy. They will be dishing up meticulously planned menus for some 100 guests in Bazaar.

Now, I will admit I am not a foodie myself. And by this I mean I love food, but I don’t know the foodie lingo nor am I the best chef (hello meat and veg). I mean, what is gorgonzola?! Although my food knowledge is probably not where it needs to be, I was pretty excited to catch up with a couple of the chefs for a little Q&A.

I can feel you judging already, how dare this non foodie converse with these elite chefs. But golly they are a funny bunch. 

Rebecca Shillingford: Tell us what we should expect from your upcoming contribution to Taste of Port Douglas?

Matt Kemp: You should expect some bloody good food, a good bit of banter and plenty of laughs throughout the night. That is, unless Fass (aka Colin Fassnidge) is in the shit then expect some fireworks!

RS: Why did you decide to get involved in the event?

Colin Fassnidge: I have been involved for the last number of years, I like the area and the way the festival is produced – it’s a very family friendly event while still maintaining quality chefs, demos and produce.

Matt Kemp: It’s Port Douglas, that question answers itself. This is God’s country and it’s bloody freezing in Sydney. Any good excuse to get outta the cold and into the sunshine I’m your man, and this event is a great excuse. Taste is getting bigger every year and it’s great to be part of something that is so much fun.

RS: What is your favourite ingredient to cook with?

MK: That’s a tough one as it changes with the seasons, my age and my emotions. When I was younger I was so meat and fat heavy in my cooking now it’s more about lighter flavours such as raw fish and using vegetables in a more prominent focus of the dishes I create.

CF: Pig – I’ve built my reputation on it.

RS: What’s your favourite style of cuisine to eat?

MK: One that I haven’t had to cook!

CF: I do like a bit of Asian, and a bit of spice.

RS: Where's the best place to find produce? 

MK: Markets are definitely the best place as you also get to meet the producers who can tell you the story.

CF: Your local farmers market, local butcher or fishmonger – start talking to people.

RS: Is there any food you don’t eat?

CF: Vegan sausages – what’s the point!

RS: What little-known spot should everyone visit?

MK: There is a place we went to last year called the Tin Shed. We sat there with a G&T overlooking the inlet....magic!

RS: If you weren’t a Chef, what would you be?

MK: When I was at school I was going to be either a chef or a hairdresser. A f@#kin what I hear you say. Well the reason was that people would always eat and would always need a haircut it was just a simple equation. My other love and passion is wildlife, I would love to be able to do something in this area one time in my life.

CF: A drummer in a rock band. 

Join in this festival of feasting and get your tickets for Big Taste: Sydney before they are all gobbled up www.tasteportdouglas.pagecloud.com/big-taste-sydney.

For a full listing of all the Taste Port Douglas events this weekend visit www.tasteportdouglas.com.au.