By Cassandra Pulver

The countdown is on for far north Queensland’s annual premier food, beverage and restaurant event “Taste Port Douglas” which is no surprise considering Port is known as the culinary highlight of the region.

Home to one of the most thriving restaurant and food industries, the aim of Taste Port Douglas is to introduce Far North Queensland food and culture on to a national and ultimately on an international stage.

Over three days from August 21-23 some of the best restaurants and chefs in the country will celebrate with fresh local produce offering unique food experiences.

Event director Reina Patrick said “Taste Port Douglas promised a dynamic weekend filled with inspirational cooking, unforgettable dining experiences and a unique educational opportunity to learn from some of the country’s most talented food experts.

“We have kept the very best of Taste Port Douglas and have continued to build on this to create an exciting three day event incorporating celebrity chef dinners at Port Douglas and Palm Cove, master classes, food trails and the two day Taste Port Douglas celebration of all things food,” she added.  This also includes local restaurant food stalls, produce stalls and demonstrations, wine tastings and talks, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and live music.

“Taste Port Douglas is our opportunity to shine the spotlight on Far North Queensland’s unique food industry and be known as one of Australia’s most exciting produce regions.

“Coffee, tea, vanilla, cocoa, tropical fruits, macadamias, cheese, yoghurts as well as some of the best beef in the country, unbelievable tropical fish such as Coral Trout and more, you name it and we have it in Far North Queensland,’ she said.

The line up of renowned Australian chefs demonstrating their culinary expertise include Adam D’Sylva, Adrian Richardson, Alastair McLeod, Ben Williamson, Ben O’Donoghue, Cameron Matthews, Colin Fassnidge, Daniel Wilson, Ian Curley, Massimo Mele, Matthew Kemp, Nick Holloway, Philip Johnson, Ray Capaldi, Spencer Patrick and Warren Turnbull.

With such a culmination of culinary inspiration and expertise making its way to Port Douglas, these world class chefs will tantalise our taste buds while leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and experience for anyone who appreciates our Far North Queensland produce.