Feast on Q is a state-wide round-up of new and interesting developments in food and wine in Queensland.

In this issue: � Bunya Black best in Queensland � India comes to Port � Velicious! � Beautiful views at bargain prices � Turning Japanese in Rockhampton � Bush Tucker Cruise � Asian-inspired cocktails � Unmistakeable zing! � What�s on

Bunya Black best in Queensland Kingaroy Cheese Company grabbed the honours at the recent Brisbane Cheese Awards by winning two trophies and three gold medals. Cheese maker Chris Ganzer accepted awards for Kingaroy's Bunya Black, a luscious brie with streaks of grape vine ash which scored a gold medal and went on to win the State Development Cup for Best Queensland Cheese and the Black Pearl Epicure Cup for Best White Mould. The dairy also picked up gold medals for its Gourmet Fetta and Kingaroy Red Washed Rind.

More information: Kingaroy Cheese www.kingaroycheese.com.au +61 7 4162 5990 Media contact: Christopher Ganzer info@kingaroycheese.com.au

India Comes To Port Port Douglas expects to host an increasing number of Indian visitors with the opening of Port of India in Grant Street specialising in Indian cuisine. Owners Rick and Kate McConnell also own the highly regarded Living Room restaurant in Wharf Street.

�We have opened with three Indian chefs � one from Kerala in Southern India and two from Delhi in Northern India to cater for all tastes of India, hence the name Port of India,� said Rick McConnell.

Karen Holmes of Blue Ocean Sales & Marketing, a new tourism representation business specialising in the Indian market, said the opening of Port of India added an essential component to entice Indian visitors to Port Douglas.

�Cairns currently receives approximately 11,000 Indian visitors per year and Tourism Australia forecast this market to grow at an average of 15 percent per annum from now until 2015. Port Douglas has not previously been able to obtain their piece of the pie, as access to Indian cuisine is essential when considering a destination for outbound groups,� said Ms Holmes.

More information: Port of India +61 07 40996333 Media contact: Mia Lacy +61 7 4059 0319 mialacy@bigpond.net.au

Velicious! Barambah of the South Burnett, have released their first Verdelho - the 2007 First Grid Verdelho (rrp $19). Owners Steve and Jane Wilson decided to add an unwooded aromatic Verdelho to the range mainly for it's compatibility with food. The wine compliments a vast array of Queensland produce and the delicious aromatic spices and herbs of Asia. Made by Peter Scudamore-Smith, this wine is whole bunch pressed producing a lifted tropical bouquet and a pristine fresh and full palate of ripe mangoes and pawpaws with a touch of lime sherbet acidity. Go to the website for online purchasing and an extensive list of restaurants and stockists.

More information: Barambah www.barambah.com.au Media contact: Manda Duffy 1300 781 815 manda@barambah.com.au

Beautiful views at bargain prices One of the latest additions to the Brisbane dining scene is Alto at the recently reopened Brisbane Powerhouse. Replacing the Spark Bar, the new caf� restaurant has million dollar views from its deck overlooking the Brisbane River but all meals are bargain priced under $24. The food has an Italian theme and the restaurant is open until late Tuesday to Sunday with breakfast served on the weekend.

Alto, Level 1, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm More information: Brisbane Powerhouse www.brisbanepowerhouse.org +61 7 3358 1063

Turning Japanese in Rockhampton One of the Capricorn Coast�s best kept secrets is Tsuruya Japanese Restaurant at Rydges Capricorn Resort Yeppoon, just 30 minutes from Rockhampton. Here Japanese chefs employed on a rotational basis from their home country slice, steam and simmer up a diverse array of fine, high quality, authentic Japanese cuisine. Wait staff kitted out in imported kimonos offer personalised interactive table cooking. Tsuruya overlooks the lush green lawns of Rydges Japanese gardens.

More information: Gemma Bosworth +61 7 4927 2055 emarketing@capricorntourism.com.au

Bush Tucker Cruise Cruise the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast and discover the unique flavour of indigenous bush tucker cuisine. The entrancing sound of the didgeridoo and dreamtime song and dance by the Gubbi Gubbi people, traditional custodians of the Maroochy River, make Maroochy River Eco�s new Cultural Bush Tucker Experience Cruise one not to be missed.

Media contact: Gemma O�Brien +61 7 5452 2505 gemma@tsc.com.au

Asian-inspired cocktails Collaborating with three chefs and sourcing inspiration from recent world travels, award winning mixologist Emmy Atherton and Cara McCormack have created 20 new Asian-inspired cocktails to be for Zenbar Restaurant in Post Office Square, 215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane.

In 2006 Emmy created a cocktail fusion of peppermint and coconut flavours which catapulted her as a finalist into a national competition at Sydney�s Hugo�s Bar. Fresh ingredients of jasmine tea, honeywater and fruit nectars were sourced by Zenbar Bar Manager Cara to create and name cocktails with a distinctive Asian influence synonymous with Zenbar Restaurant. Look for Crouching Tiger, a martini based on lemongrass and Tokyo Nash, a smooth, sophisticated and complex version of the classic apple martini, among the new cocktails on the list.

More information: zenbar restaurant www.zenbar.com.au Media contact: Kristy Judd +61 7 3220 3800 kristy@zenbar.com.au

Unmistakeable zing! It took 65 years but finally Buderim Ginger has released an all-new premium Ginger Beer. Boasting a genuine ginger taste, Buderim Ginger Beer has a great balance with natural zing backed by a subtle sweetness. It contains no artificial flavours or colours � just refreshing real ginger. National Retail Marketing Manager, Mark Stanley said the new product was developed due to strong demand for a uniquely Buderim Ginger Ginger Beer. Available in 340ml bottles, look out for it in your local drinks fridge or caf�.

More information: Mark Stanley +61 7 5446 7100 mstanley@buderimginger.com Media contact: Corina Ammann +61 7 3252 2766 corina@prgallery.com.au

What�s on

Marina Mirage Markets 30 June Showcasing the best of local Gold Coast produce, farmers from the region will gather at Marina Mirage at Main Beach to display everything from homemade sweets to fresh seafood and authentic pastas accompanied by easy tunes from local singing sensation Venetta Fields. More information: Natalie Schofield +61 7 5584 6224 natalies@gctourism.com

Cardwell Seafest 30 June - 5 July From sand crabs to sand castles, Cardwell Seafest sizzles with life by the sea. This annual festival celebrates Cardwell and its regional communities and includes crab races, the Star of the Sea pageant, a sandcastle competition, and of course, plenty of seafood. For land lubbers, there�s a puppet show, moonlight movies, cultural dances and yoga and meditation. More information: Lauran Baillie +61 7 4066 8648 lauranbaillie@hotmail.com

Chefs in the North Dinner 5 July A six-course degustation menu prepared by chefs of national renown teamed by local Townsville chefs is the black-tie prelude to the opening of the world class Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville from 6 to 15 July. A spectacular culinary event where fine food, wine and music merge seamlessly under a stunning marquee on the grassy lawns of Jupiters Townsville. More information: www.afcm.com.au Media contact: Kath Rose +61 7 3357 9054 kath@kathrose.com

Christmas in Winter 16 July Enjoy a fire-warmed Christmas night in the eclectic Thunderbolt Farm restaurant, Stanthorpe. Outside mercury can drop to zero or less, but inside the fire is toasty warm. Christmas carols fill the air and the Christmas tree and decorations complete the experience. More information: Keith & Claudia Beverley +61 7 4683 5117 www.thunderboltfarm.com.au

Palmer Street Jazz Festival 10 to 12 August Townsville�s Palmer Street is set to swing with the 11th annual 4ttt Palmer Street Jazz Festival attracting some of Australia�s leading jazz artists. They will perform on several stages, in restaurants and hotels and in the Maritime Museum Park during the three day Festival. Music lovers can dine at one of the many superb restaurants and be entertained by top musicians. More information: Glenn Mintern +61 7 4721 5333glenn@tripleT.com.au

Festival Cairns 15 Aug to 25 Sep Have fun in the heart of Tropical North Queensland during this three-week program offering over 30 creative, cultural and sporting events. From signature food and wine events and performances by guest national and international artists, to multi-cultural and community celebrations that showcase the region�s talent, Festival Cairns is a celebration of Tropical Australia�s diverse cultural life. More information: Events Cairns +61 7 4051 0222 www.festivalcairns.com.au

Fraser Lions Hervey Bay Seafood Festival 19 Aug 2007 Have a whale of a time at this Hervey Bay festival, which links the local commercial fishing and seafood production industries back to the community through food stalls, historical displays, education and music. More information: Elaine Lewthwaite +61 7 4125 1077 elaine@hypermax.net.au

A la carte on the beach 26 August Restaurant & Catering Queensland, Gold Coast Branch presents this wine and food festival by the beautiful beach at Coolangatta to showcase the multi-cultural cuisine and local produce that is available on the Gold Coast. The multi-cultural cuisine on offer ranges from Australian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, to Seafood, Steak and Pancake Restaurants. Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta. More information: +61 7 5526 7833 goldcoast@rcq.org.au

Riverfestival 31 August to 9 September Brisbane is set to come alive over 10 days with Riverfestival�s annual celebration of the city�s iconic river, its people, art, culture and environment. An eclectic program promises an event for everyone from foodies to music lovers, sports fans, scientists and art aficionados plus Riverfestival�s signature pyrotechnic crowd-pleaser, Riverfire.