Long lazy lunches in Port Douglas
With a backdrop of the Coral Sea, palms swaying above, a long table style lunch celebrating the very best of tropical North Queensland was on the menu.
Paradise on a Plate - The Longest Lunch will be serving up local produce in stunning scenery and a festive party atmosphere. The carnivale is a mecca for lovers of food and fun and should be on your bucket list in May.
I was lucky enough to have a taste tester of what our Far North Queensland chef’s will be serving for each of the four courses.
An tasting plate entree of locally caught sesame yellowfin tuna, dressed shallot and wakame cracker was supported by a Tiger prawn tail with a dusting of prawn shell seasoning. The bite size chicken ballontine was served with the cinder notes of a coconut ash mayo. It’s fresh, light and the beginnings of the story for the taste of Far North Queensland.
Who doesn’t love a shared plate style serving. I certainly do. It allows you to have a taste of everything and it’s a nice conversation starter if you don’t happen to know your neighbour. My sneak peak at the main course had us passing around platters of farmed in sea water barramundi with a roasted curry sauce and the softest lamb backstrap from the Atherton tableland with a salty olive crumb and beautifully fried sage crisps. There were plenty of sides to accompany but it was the dessert following which was the real show stopper.
Textures of Pina Colada is exactly as it sounds - AMAZING! A coconut mousse, spiced rum jelly, rum cured pineapple flesh and the sweet touch of fresh pineapple. An innovative dish with plenty of textures and surprises - a must try.
Port Douglas Carnivale is on from May 28-28. For more information head to carnivale.com.au
Alana Lowes was a guest of Port Douglas Tourism and Virgin Australia.
