Tweed Artisan Food Weekend 18-21 November 2021, Bundjalung Country

WORDS: Kylie Mitchell-Smith @travellingsenorita PHOTOGRAPHY Orion Media Group on behalf of Destination Tweed

The taste of the Tweed lies in the native produce, sourced locally, and crafted with knowledge passed down through generations. The 5^th Tweed Artisan Food Weekend pays homage to indigenous ingredients that offer a deeper understanding of local produce, storytelling and connection to country and culture.

Local producers, chefs and venues come together for a tantalizing weekend of events that celebrate the people and the place.

The long weekend invites individuals like Uncle Franc, a local Elder who has been working the land in varying forms for his entire life. Alongside Uncle Franc is indigenous Chef Robert Philp a local Goori man who completed his apprenticeship at Murwillumbah Hospital, becoming one of the first of his mob to become a chef.

Wijirr – meaning native food is an experience that explores local Goori’s knowledge of the land along with bush tucker yarns by Uncle Franc. Enjoy a native food brunch on Minjungbal cultural grounds, smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country. Take a guided tour of the Museum and artisan shop and learn about the ‘Tweed Six Seasons Calendar.’

Indulge in a native food degustation hosted by the iconic Mavis Kitchen & Cabins in the Tweed Valley. The ‘Native Summer’ Friday night kicks off with a woodfire damper in the garden, storytelling by a local Elder, a 3-course dinner menu that includes organic wines and finishes with a herbaceous cocktail by the fire.

Take a full-day Sunday culinary tour along the river on the Wollumbin Spirit from Tweed Heads to the historical sugar cane town of Tumbulgum. Experience a day of authentic storytelling with Gary Kafoa & Dan McCoy, award winning poetry and live music.

Back on land indulge in a 3-course meal at the picturesque House of Gabriel on the banks of the Tweed River. Feast on mud crab pies, smoked seafood, seared kangaroo fillets and a dessert of wattle seed pavlova, tropical fruits and lemon myrtle. All paired with stone & wood and Husk Distillery beverages.

Take time to explore the Tweed, from its local indigenous culture to the thriving red volcanic land that produces some of the most outstanding food in the country.

For further information and ticketing visit  www.destinationtweed.com.au. (Please note each venue will be adhering to current Covid safe regulations as per NSW Health guidelines).