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2022 - The region's most incredible combination of fine food, brews and unique locations is back on the menu for the annual Gascoyne Food Festival this July to September 2022. WA's culinary stars will participate in events at Mt Augustus, Shark Bay, Bullara Station, Gascoyne Junction, Exmouth and WA's food bowl of Carnarvon.
Returning favourite Sophie Budd, of Taste Budds, is fast becoming the region's iconic chef, returning for the third year as head chef for the Twilight Gala Dinner in Carnarvon on 5 August.
Sophie will lead another dynamic line-up of chefs who will showcase some of the region's finest Gascoyne produce. Emily Jones, Margaret Roberts, Mei Yong, Michelle Forbes and Valeria Lucchitto-Andreoli join Sophie on the Gascoyne soils.
WA Good Food Guide's Young Chef of the Year Award winner Emily Jones brings her creative flares from dishes produced in Fremantle's West End to the Gascoyne. Chef Jones, originally from Regional WA herself, is blossoming in her cooking career. She has been led to create menus focusing on supporting locals and creating dishes from scratch. Emily is currently the Head Chef at the Republic of Fremantle, an urban distillery, bar and kitchen.
The Hart & Co cooking appliance icon Margaret Roberts joins the culinary line-up. Margaret's passion for cooking started as a young girl growing up with Maltese parents. Chef Roberts said, "For the last 20 years, I have worked with the cooking appliance industry, educating people to maximise the potential and enjoyment of using their premium appliances. My passion has always been shared table experiences, and I am looking forward to sharing the table with guests at Twilight Gala Dinner in Carnarvon".
Perth-based Mei Yong is a vibrant cook, food innovator, and entrepreneur passionate about empowering people to become the heroes of their kitchens. Mei was born in Malaysia; growing up in Australia and experiencing life within multi-cultural communities has shaped her deep understanding of a bold variety of cuisines, plant based foods, exotic ingredients, traditions and cultures. Mei channels all of this through her locally owned, run and produced food business - Turban Chopsticks, which uses Carnarvon produce.
Co-creator of Lady Lola Deli Bar Bistro, Michelle Forbes, will travel from Dunsborough to the Gascoyne, where she will draw on experiences from the Rockpool, The Trustee, Subiaco Hotel and Cullen.
Local Valeria Lucchitto-Andrelio will team with Taste Budds for the Canapes on the Gascoyne at Brickhouse in Carnarvon. Valeria has spent many years in Carnarvon sharing her culinary skills, with an opening of a deli with an Italian flare on the horizon.
Chef Sophie Budd said, "It is a privilege to be invited back to the Gascoyne to work with WA's finest chefs. It is a region with quality produce just waiting to be showcased to visitors in the region for the iconic event".
The Twilight Gala Dinner isn't the only event across the region using culinary icons to showcase Gascoyne produce. The Table is set to be held at the iconic Bullara Station on 31 July featuring Brent Draper. Brent is a confessed average bloke who found his passion for creating outstanding bloke food for every Aussie to cook at home. Brent is known as the 'Tradie turned foodie' from Masterchef.
Australia's Biggest BBQ set to be held on 3 September 2022 is welcoming back Gord Kahle to the grill under Australia's biggest rock, Mount Augustus, known to traditional owners as Burringurrah. Chef Gord Kahle said, "It's my third time heading out to Mt Augustus, the outback event is growing its reputation, and I am excited to be part of it." Gord will be joined by local “cook” Paul Kelly in presenting a BBQ feast of epic proportions.
The events growing success is set to see another sell-out program of events across the region. Plan your trip, and book tickets; www.gascoynefoodfestival.com.au
The Gascoyne Food Festival is supported by West Australian Government through Tourism WA.