We recently made our annual pilgrimage to the Sunshine Coast for the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival (NIFW) to share a weekend of sunshine & happiness with friends. The crew of 6 made our way up the coast separately from Brisbane, the smart ones took the day off work and came up early, the unlucky ones left Brisbane late Friday afternoon and endured 3 hours of traffic. But it was worth it, to relax and enjoy a weekend of good food, wine and friendship.
We all gathered in our luxury apartment at The Rise and the early arrivals were rewarded with a spectacular sunset from the balcony. The Rise is the perfect base for a weekend in Noosa and only a short walk to NIFW Festival Village. Bedroom-wise, our apartment had a generous master bedroom with ensuite including bath plus another two bedrooms with queen and twin beds and shared bathroom all on the lower level.
Upstairs the living and dining space open up to an expansive balcony and the gourmet kitchen is well equipped to cater for crowds. It’s compact design isn’t conducive to everyone helping out at once, so sometimes you just have to sit back on the balcony drinking champagne while someone else does the prep work!
Not that there was much to be done, as I’d pre-ordered catering from Belmondos to ensure a fuss free Friday night. We devoured platters of spiced chicken rice paper rolls, citrus rice crumb crusted salmon croquettes, spiced lamb kofta skewers, pumpkin & parmesan arancini plus selection of antipasto, olives, meats, terrines and cheeses all for under $40 per person.
The beauty of apartment living meant we enjoyed a home cooked breakfast before heading down the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival on Saturday morning. NIFW has been running for over 20 years and is a must visit for lovers of food & wine. There’s a full itinerary of events includes cocktail making on the beach and degustation dinners by celebrity chefs or simply enjoy all the fun in the festival village. Just $40 gains you general admission to the festival village & $8 tokens are purchased in exchange for wine & plates of food.
We enjoyed tastings from favourites such as Josef Chromy, Meerea Park, De Bortoli, The Lane, Fraser Gallop and more providing a great selection from across Australia’s best wine regions. I dragged myself away from the tasting long enough to visit the Courier-Mail Annexe to hear a discussion entitled “Let’s Throw Some Mud! Foodie Television, Celebrity Chefs, Social Media, Traditional Media – any more gripes?” with a stellar panel including John Fink, Kerry Heaney, Lizzie Loel, Elizabeth Meryment, John Lethlean, Tim Montgomery and Simon Thomsen. The robust discussion delved into areas such as journalist vs bloggers with respect to disclosure and authenticity, Instagram food etiquette and how much some celebrity chefs actually even cook anymore - we’re looking at you Manu Feidel!
Where to dine in Noosa
This small bistro on the beach has such a sunny and inviting aspect you won’t want to leave. Settle in and enjoy a long lunch with a glass of wine. Spotted Guy Grossi doing just that on our recent visit.
No visit to Noosa is complete without dining at Bistro C. I prefer lunch over dinner, so you can soak up the dazzling views of Noosa Main Beach. A creature of habit, I always order the calamari with chilli, lime and coriander dipper and will be devastated if they ever remove it from the menu.
There’s a lot to love about Thomas Corner Eatery - a stunning casual eatery created by owner and chef David Rayner. My quinoa, feta, carmelised apple, almonds, shaved carrots & orange yoghurt salad was to die for. Simply loved every morsel but could easily have ordered everything on the menu and will be going back for more.
Where to Shop in Noosa
Initially browsed in this store to escape a sudden downpour of rain & glad I did because I discovered a stunning collection of homewares, gifts & accessories. My credit card didn’t thank me for that diversion…
Feeling all Noosa relaxed & free spirity? Unleash your Nina Proudman style and find beachy boho dresses from JoJo’s to go effortlessly from beach to bar and back again.
Always a pleasure to shop at Signature on Hastings, beautifully styled and stunning selection of Missoni towels, coffee table books, homewares, gifts & accessories.
In addition to the catering, it’s worth a visit to the store with a wide range of gourmet goodies as well as fresh produce and café.
What to do in Noosa
Noosa International Food & Wine Festival
There’s nothing better than spending time with friends and enjoying some quality food & wine in the sunshine. Just announced, Noosa International Food & Wine Festival returns in 2015 – 14-17 May.
Where to Stay in Noosa
Ideal for a group of friends or family with one, two & three bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens and just a short walk to the festival village. The Rise from $330 per night
Absolute beachfront and in the heart of Noosa’s Hastings Street. Fully self-contained two bedroom apartments create a glamorous base for all your NIFW festivities. Fairshore Noosa from $440 per night
Absolute beachfront and with full hotel services and facilities to ensure you’re well looked after on your Noosa foodie adventure. Perfect choice for couples. Netanya Noosa from $500 per night.
or browse our full collection of Noosa and Sunshine Coast accommodation.
Image credit: alluxia
