There's something quite magical about Port Douglas which makes people who visit here sometimes forget to leave.
It's a bug that bites a wide range of people including some great chefs which also means there's no shortage of restaurants churning out fabulous food in this small coastal town.
Some of these chefs were amongst the presenters who shared their tips, tricks and secrets at A Taste of Paradise on May 25, a new event in Port Douglas' Carnivale which stretches over two weeks every year in May.
Held on the historic Sugar Wharf, the event showcased the wide range of produce and value-added goods which come from Tropical North Queensland. Think wild and farmed tropical seafood, lush dairy products such as cheeses and yoghurt, tasty chicken, beef and pork, macadamia nuts, coffee and tea, spices, chocolate, native rainforest fruits, hearty and traditional Asian vegetables through to fresh salad staples and exotic tropical fruits.
There were plenty of people to browse the wide selection of stalls from local producers set up inside Sugar Wharf and also to take an undercover seat on the wharf and learn from the experts.
 |
| This was my office for the day |
 |
| On stage with Tony Sassi and his nephew Roberto, straight from Italy. |
 |
| Natascha on stage with Nick Holloway |
Along with editor of the Queensland Good Food Guide Natascha Mirosch, I was involved in moderating sessions for the day long event. Presenters included Spencer Patrick, Executive Chef and co-owner of Harrisons and Bucci in Port Douglas and Brisbane, butcher Todd Malone of Malones Butchery, Nick Holloway, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Nunu Restaurant in Palm Cove, television personality and chef Ben O'Donoghue, Executive chef and owner of Sassi Bar and Cucina Tony Sassi and Craig Squire, Executive Chef and owner of Ochre Restaurant, Cairns.
Here's some highlights from the day
Here's what you can do in one weekend at Port Douglas
For more information on Port Douglas visit www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com/
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was an invited guest at A Taste of Paradise