TASTE TRAIL - Homegrown and The Curated Plate

Queensland’s premier food and drink festival, The Curated Plate, has unveiled its full program, with tickets now available for more than 50 unique events. Running from July 25 to August 3, the annual celebration brings together chefs, producers, restaurants, and venues across the Sunshine Coast. 

From long lunches to farm tours and bustling markets, every event showcases the region’s finest fare, with menus brimming with Sunshine Coast food and drink.

Festival Culinary Director, Chef and TV personality Peter Kuruvita said the focus of this year’s festival was firmly on homegrown talent and local ingredients.

"We’re proud to present a truly diverse culinary experience this year," Mr Kuruvtia said. 

"The program this year features cuisines from South East Asian to Mediterranean, modern Australian to native bush foods – all anchored by local produce like Maleny Buffalo, Woombye Cheese, fresh Noosa greens, and wild-caught Sunshine Coast tuna.

"It’s a celebration of the amazing ingredients grown, raised and caught on the Sunshine Coast."

Homegrown Cafe is part of this event, with a unique ‘Garden-to-Plate’ experience on July 28, 11am - 1pm at their welcoming and popular venue in Little Main Street, Palmwoods.

Already known for their seasonal long-table dinners, with exceptional food and a wonderful ambiance, this is an event not to be missed!

Owner Sarah explains, “When you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to explore our kitchen garden and hand-pick fresh produce for your lunch. We'll share insights into our closed-loop system, which minimises waste by composting and returning nutrients to the soil - creating a sustainable cycle that supports our cafe.

“After harvesting, we’ll gather for a shared long-table lunch under the trees, featuring the fresh produce we've picked alongside ingredients from some of our valued local growers, including Honeyeater Farm in Woombye and Rangeview Farm in Hunchy.”

The menu will showcase Middle Eastern-inspired share plates, highlighting a variety of leafy greens from the Homegrown garden, as well as leeks, cauliflower, fennel, beetroot, and carrots from Honeyeater Farm, complemented by grass-fed beef from Rangeview Farm. 

Accompanying these dishes will be Homegrown’s house-made hummus, labneh crafted from Maleny Dairies yoghurt, and freshly picked herbs from our garden.

A complimentary homemade citrus cordial will be served with the meal, and coffee, tea, and sweet treats will be available for purchase afterward.

“We’ve participated in The Curated Plate for the last two years, and we really appreciate the opportunity to showcase what the Sunshine Coast has to offer visitors in terms of our wonderful food scene,” shares Sarah.

“We look forward to welcoming you for a truly immersive dining experience!”

To book tickets, visit: events.humanitix.com/homegrown-cafe-closed-loop-garden-to-plate-lunch

The program also features a picnic on the lawn of The Doonan, a night of local flavours and jazz music in the country town of Kenilworth, a ‘Coast to Hinterland’ wine tasting experience at Spill Wine, Maleny, Hinterland Producers Lunch at Spicers Clovelly, High

Cheese à la Swiss at Maleny Cheese, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Yanalla Farms, Yandina, and much more!

Plan your festival experience and secure bookings early by visiting the website: thecuratedplate.com.au/events/program-2025