Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER

Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER
HomeNewsFresh Western Downs produce shines

Fresh Western Downs produce shines

Western Downs farmers proved their produce is restaurant quality, with a four-course gourmet lunch starring local meat and vegetables on the menu.

The Chef’s Table was hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) at the unique Jubri’s Hideaway last month.

In all, 100 people enjoyed the flavours of local pork, fish, goat, eggs and beef for an elegant dining experience.

Grassland Goats director Keeleigh Allport said she was impressed with how her produce was featured.

“It was delicious, it was really great to see how it was used today and just the different flavours and presentation was fantastic,” she said.

“We’re really happy to be a part of The Chef’s Table and hope we can start encouraging people to start eating goat meat and putting it on their menu at home.“

Guests also had an appetite for Murray Cod supplied by Condabilla Fish, which was used in the main course with saffron soaked currants, finished with parsley and pine nut garnish.

Mark Oliver of Condabilla Fish said he was excited to have the produce on people’s plates.

“The chef’s use of Condabilla Fish was very refreshing, and a different style of using it as it was cooked escabeche.

“It’s exciting because not many people realise what’s actually produced in the Western Downs.“

Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was fantastic to have so many people enjoying locally-sourced food.

“It’s so important that we show people what we produce,“ he said.

“That’s some of the best food I’ve ever eaten and I’m not biased.”

Pips’n’Cherries, a local caterer based in Bell, put the menu together and loved working with the Western Downs produce.

Local producers who contributed to The Chef’s Table included KCRidge Farm, Coggan Farms, Condabilla Fish, Grassland Goats, SunPork Fresh Foods, JBS – Pure Prime, Burando Downs Garlic and Mace’s Hot Bread Shop.

Digital Edition
Subscribe

Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription

Eromanga the ‘Kuwait of Australia’

A renewed push to unlock oil reserves in western Queensland is gaining momentum, with the tiny outback town of Eromanga emerging as a potential...
More News

Upgrade secures future

South Burnett’s Coolabunia Saleyards have been in operation for 44 years, and after four decades of service, have seen some much needed upgrades. On...

Hoofbeats around the world

At one point Pam Karner was lying on the ground, crying to herself in pain. Her horse was above her. That was when she realised...

Sunshine State success

Queensland’s value-adding food and beverage sector has claimed national bragging rights, with a Brisbane brewery and a Sunshine Coast distillery taking top honours at...

Footy field to farm gate

Premiership-winning forward Corey Jensen has spent his professional rugby league career earning a reputation for toughness, consistency and quiet determination on the field. Now, the...

Talking risk management

In 2025, QFF and Biosecurity Queensland launched the Biosecurity in the Boardroom initiative in Brisbane, bringing together corporate, industry and government leaders from sectors...

Woombye rum crowned Australia’s best

A Sunshine Coast distillery has claimed the nation’s top honour at the 2026 Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits and Beer Awards, held at the Brisbane...

Nannas protest ’stitch-up’

Farmers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a group of self-described Knitting Nannas outside the Toowoomba office of Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki last month. They called on the...

Floods and Ferts

This story is contributed by Australian Pump Industries Chief Engineer, John Hales. John comes from an agricultural background and has been instrumental in...

Dog Trials return to CQ

Australia’s most prestigious working dog event will return to Central Queensland when the Ray White Livestock Rockhampton Working Dog Sale and Trial is held...

Disaster grants available

​* Primary producers impacted by latest flood event can now access disaster grants up to $75,000 and disaster loans up to $2 million. * Affected...