The Scenic Rim’s annual Eat Local Month is a celebration that food lovers in Australia should not miss. Held each June, this event showcases the best of the region’s produce, bringing together farmers, chefs, and food enthusiasts to celebrate the local harvest.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the Winter Harvest Festival, which took over Kalbar’s main street with an array of gourmet experiences. From carrot ice cream to hand-churned butter, the festival offered a unique taste of the Scenic Rim’s artisanal food scene. Chef Josh Lopez, the festival’s ambassador, emphasised the importance of seasonality and local produce in creating the best possible food. His passion for ingredients like macadamias and lavender, sourced directly from the Scenic Rim, highlights the region’s contribution to Australia’s top restaurants.
The festival also paid homage to the lost culinary arts, with a particular focus on preserving age-old recipes. Sal, one of the participants, shared her love for pickling, a tradition passed down from her grandmother. The urgency of preserving these recipes was a poignant reminder of the importance of heritage in the culinary world.
Another standout at the festival was the butter from Tommerup’s Dairy Farm. Described as “pure luxury,” this hand-churned butter made from rich Jersey milk provided a velvety texture that was nothing short of decadent. Attendees also had the chance to sample vodka made from camel’s milk at Summer Land Camels, adding to the festival’s eclectic mix of offerings.
The Scenic Rim’s Eat Local Month is more than just a food festival; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the incredible bounty of local produce. With its diverse range of experiences, from paddock-to-plate dining to workshops and farm tours, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Australian food culture. Make sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event and immerse yourself in the flavours of the Scenic Rim.
