Lonely Planet has named Southeast Queensland’s Scenic Rim among the World’s top 10 destinations to visit in 2022. Those of us who are regular visitors already know this. Now the secret is out. With beautiful scenery, fresh produce, natural wonders and unique visitor experiences the region is packed full of surprises. She Society were thrilled to be invited to visit the Scenic Rim for their annual Long Lunch to officially launch the SCENIC RIM EAT LOCAL WEEK.
Guests travelled to the pretty town of Kalbar where we caught up with friends under the towering Jacarandas in the grounds of the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe. This pretty destination is nestled among productive farming fields, steeped in country charm and filled with warm hospitality. We enjoyed a showcase of canapés and drinks designed by Kate Raymont, Ash Martin, Simon Furley, Jack Stewart and Daniel Gronenberg. We were entertained by the lovely voice of Laura Frank.
Driving into the region I noticed how green it was in comparison to my last visit. Sure enough it has just been declared drought free for the first time in years , so 2022 is the perfect time to visit.This region has done it tough in the past few years but the people of the Scenic Rim are strong country folk who have had the courage to pivot and work together to make this region better than ever. It was great to be welcomed back by our delightful host Gen Windley and the Eat Local Week team.
The Scenic Rim had turned on a glorious day for our visit. Guests were thrilled by the quirky vegetable and flower arrangements on each table as we relaxed under the towering Jacarandas, one of which was 122 years old.The site also boasts Elderflower Farm, a gift shop and flower farm. At this unique venue you can picnic on the grounds, source the freshest of produce and enjoy a coffee or lunch and buy fresh flowers and Mother’s Day gifts all at once.
The day saw a veritable who’s who of celebrated chefs creating delicious morsels to delight the hungry crowd. Kate Raymont from the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe whipped up some delicious brisket and coleslaw crunch bowls before wowing us with rose flavoured profiteroles for dessert. Dan from Kooromba Vineyard and Lavender Farm created panko crumbed Kalbar pork belly sliders. Newcomers Blume from Boonah had us coming back for more with their mutton neck croquette sangas. While the crew from Homage at Spicers Hidden Vale brought the vegetable goodness with smoked mushroom pies atop a Kalfresh carrot sauce.
We cooled off with ice cream from local Summer Land Camels , Towri Frozen Eweghurt, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm Jersey Girl ice cream or Ungerman Bros finger lime ice cream. I can recommend the salted caramel flavour. No one left dehydrated as we were well watered with pretty mocktails called Wildflower and Scene -a -Rita, filled with local ingredients or beer from the Scenic Rim Brewery. Wine was from Witches Falls and cider from Eight Day.
In the crowd I spied Ambassadors, Javier Codina from Moda Tapas Brasa Bar and Glen Barratt from Wild Canary. Glen was talking edible flowers with the lovely Rachel from Elderflower Farm. The friendly Rachel and Stacey were the creatives who designed the bespoke arrangements found at the event as well as the floral lollipops we were gifted on departure. Closer to my home, Moda Tapas Brasa Bar at the Barracks will be hosting a Scenic Rim inspired banquet on May 21 and June 18. Glen and the Wild Canary team will host a special Scenic Rim producers five course degustation dinner on the 24th June at their Brookfield landmark restaurant.
For families you can enjoy sunrise camel rides daily or pick carrots at the Kalfresh Carrot day. There are cheese making workshops at Towri Sheep Cheeses and Spring Creek’s Low and Slow BBQ. Little farmers can dress up for the Little Farmer Humpty day at Summer Land Camels or create seed bombs with Jasmine Urban Farm on Olive View Estate.
Couples can picnic with alpacas or enjoy the Pinot & Picnic lunch at Binna Burra Lodge. Enjoy tapas at sunset in the inviting surrounds of the Kooromba Vineayrd & Lavender Farm or discover Boonah’s newest sensation Blume. Blume will host a four day long lunch series with matching wines showcasing the best local produce. Guest chefs Matt Blackwell from GOMA and Phil Merchant from Essa will be on hand to tempt your tastebuds. They even kindly arrange transport to and from Brisbane. I like the look of the Italian feast at Overflow Estate on July 1 where guests will enjoy a sumptuous Italian feast amongst the vines.
From the 25 June to 3 July there are hands on workshops and plenty of opportunities to meet with the producers. Tour your local farms and see where your produce really comes from. Enjoy tastings and talks plus free fun activities like the Beaudesert Street Food Festival or the Canungra Foodie Fest. To savour the tastes of this unique region, only an hour to an hour and a half from Brisbane, you can find out more @eatlocalweek.com.au The secret’s out about this South East Queensland gem, conveniently sited in our own backyard. SCENIC RIM EAT LOCAL WEEK provides a tasting plate of all the region has to offer. With 125 events at 42 locations you are sure to find one that suits you. Let’s celebrate our local food, wine and farming.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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