A top food lover’s destination for those in the know for years, last year the Tweed Coast launched a festival that celebrates the thriving food community in this corner of northern NSW.
Co-curated by chef and author Christine Manfield, the restaurateur who created Paramount and Universal in Sydney and East@West in London, and local food advocate Amy Colli of Straight to the Source, Savour The Tweed shines a light on local farmers, chefs, distillers, brewers, cheesemakers and more, while honouring the cultural heritage of First Nations communities.
The five-day program from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 October includes an expanded program of 35 events.
This year’s options range from the free Tweed Taste Trail at the Murwillumbah Farmers Market with tastings and demonstrations from local producers right up to a four-day guided Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk in the Tweed Hinterland with luggage transfers and a foraged dinner under the stars with Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods for $2,525.
The first Australian to win the World’s 50 Best Restaurants program’s Champions of Change award, Mindy will also be joining Christine for Walking Together, a three-course dinner that blends First Nations and Indian food cultures with native ingredients.
Other highlights include A Taste of Spain in The Tweed with Frank Camorra of Movida travelling from Melbourne to Murwillumbah to join the team at Bistro Livi, Martin Boetz from Brisbane’s Short Grain joining forces with the Farm & Co Restaurant team for a Thai Feast in The Tweed, and the Girl Gang Chefs Collab Lunch, bringing four young female chefs together with local female producers for a collaborative lunch with a drinks list showcasing female Australian winemakers.
Local producers, makers, chefs, and more were invited to share expressions of interest to be part of the festival, and Christine says collaboration and connection were key in deciding which events to include.
“We have a flourishing and expanding food tribe here in the Tweed, and it seems to be growing every month. Our event program’s storytelling is told through the prism of food and agriculture, and it’s about growing and strengthening our partnerships and relationships within our community.”
After creating a sell-out food festival in their first year, Amy says she has loved working with Christine again to showcase the breadth of choice they have in the region.
“We’re doing this via events that are equally grassroots and highlight our strong and talented farming community, as well as elevated dining experiences across some of the best restaurants in the state, if not the country.”
The festival is also working with accommodation partners, including the five-star boutique hotel Halcyon House. General Manager Laura Proctor explains that, rather than creating multi-night event packages, this year they are offering a complimentary masterclass with chef Andrew Milford in Paper Daisy.
“That’s just for in-house guests, so it’s quite exclusive. And it’s a 60-minute class with Andrew where you’ll receive a beautiful apron and learn how to cook one of his amazing dishes.”
With some of the events already selling out, it’s best to book tickets and accommodation to this year’s Savour the Tweed as soon as possible.
Christine says she and Amy applaud the vision of Tweed Tourism and Tweed Shire Council for recognising the value of connecting with the community through food and drink. And for allowing them to offer a range of diverse and inclusive events that share the cultural knowledge of local First Nations communities.
“We are encouraging every resident and every visitor to actively engage with and support the exciting lineup of events that we have across our five-day program,” Christine says. “To join in this immersive experience of flavour, fun and festivities. And most importantly, to support our local small-scale businesses.”
