The sun is set to shine on Phillip Island this December 8th, as food and drink lovers flock to the inaugural Phillip Island & Bass Coast Local Flavours Food & Drink Showcase. Hosted at the Berninneit, Cowes, this one-day festival promises a feast for the senses and a journey to meet passionate local producers. With doors opening at 11 a.m., the event is free to attend, offering tastings, demonstrations, and the opportunity to taste and purchase some of the region’s finest food and drink.
The December 8 showcase will be helmed by none other than Shane Delia, a renowned chef celebrated for his Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and passion for local ingredients. From fresh cheeses and craft brews to artisanal gin and native-inspired condiments, the festival highlights the creative artisanship of Phillip Island and its surrounding Bass Coast.
This rich farming tradition lives on through many of the showcase’s exhibitors including Bassine Speciality Cheeses, who represent the continuation of the region’s dairy farming legacy, producing artisanal cheeses that reflect both European traditions and local terroir. Their presence at the event bridges the gap between the island’s pastoral history and its contemporary food culture.
The San Remo Fisherman’s Co-operative’s participation pays homage to the maritime heritage of the region. Just as Captain John Lock’s trading ketches once plied the waters around Rhyll in the 1800s, today’s local fishing fleet continues to harvest the bounty of Bass Strait, bringing fresh seafood to local tables. Visitors to the showcase will have the opportunity to sample and purchase some of the region’s finest seafood, caught and processed using a blend of traditional knowledge and modern sustainable practices.
The event also highlights the region’s emerging craft drink scene. Mates Gin, Ocean Reach Brewing and Green Gully Brewing represent the new wave of artisanal drink makers who are writing the next chapter in the region’s culinary story. These craft producers are joined by Herco and Emily from Silverwaters Vineyard, whose cool-climate wines express the unique characteristics of the Bass Coast terroir.
For those interested in the intersection of traditional and contemporary food practices, The Wild Food Farm offers an intriguing glimpse into how modern agriculture can work in harmony with native species and traditional knowledge. Their products represent a thoughtful approach to food production that honours both the land’s heritage and its future potential.
The event’s demonstrations and panel sessions promise to be a highlight, with opportunities to learn how to incorporate local products into home cooking. These sessions will showcase the versatility of regional produce and provide inspiration for visitors to support local producers in their everyday cooking.
To truly immerse yourself in the region’s culinary offerings, consider extending your stay across the weekend and further. Phillip Island offers a range of accommodation options that cater to every taste and budget, from luxury coastal retreats to charming bed and breakfasts housed in historic buildings. Many local accommodations have partnered with regional producers to offer unique food experiences, such as locally sourced breakfast hampers and in-room selections of Bass Coast wines.
While the December showcase promises to be a highlight of the region’s event calendar, Phillip Island and the Bass Coast has many reasons for the food lover to return throughout the year. Each season brings its own specialties: summer seafood straight from the boats, autumn harvest, winter wine experiences, and spring producers’ markets.
DETAILS
What: Phillip Island & Bass Coast Local Flavours Food & Drink Showcase
Where: Berninneit, Phillip Island
When: Sunday, Dec 8 2024
More Info: https://localflavoursshowcase.com.au/
