Aussie chef Paul West to cook up a storm at Laidley Spring Festival

Renowned Australian chef, gardener and media personality Paul West has graced our television screens for many years, and now he will be gracing us with his presence at the upcoming Laidley Spring Festival, held from September 8-10.

Mr West, who was named as this year’s Festival Ambassador, will be sharing his top kitchen tips, tricks, and stories during his much-anticipated cooking demonstration at the Laidley Recreational Reserve on Saturday, September 9.

His cooking demonstration promises to be a culinary sensation, with Mr West creating mouth-watering dishes featuring fresh ingredients and products from local farmers and producers including Australian Organic Farmers, Schulte’s Meat Tavern, Awassi Cheesery, Native Oz Bushfoods, Cedar Gully Olives and 9Dorf Farms.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan said many of the fruits and vegetables grown here are the best in Australia.

“Boasting the title of one of the top 10 most fertile farming areas in the world, the Lockyer Valley is home to fresh and full-flavoured fruit, vegetables and gourmet goodies, which is why we are known as Australia’s salad bowl,” Cr Milligan said.

“It will be exciting to see Mr West shining a light on many of the region’s incredible farmers and producers, who are all so passionate about their products.”

Mr West will take to the stage at 11.30am for a half hour cooking demonstration, and then again at 1.30pm.

While Mr West has decided to keep his full menu under wraps for now, we can say this will be your opportunity to see how to pair chilli smoked mettwurst and feta for a delectable weekend lunch.

Along with delicious products being used in his cooking demos, Mr West will also have the magnificent red vegie truck (often seen at the Ekka and Brisbane’s Regional Flavours Festival), which will be loaded with bountiful organic produce from Australian Organic Farmers.

Mr West will be able to go to the truck and handpick the produce he will use for his demonstrations, highlighting the paddock to plate experience of the Lockyer Valley.

From 12pm, Mr West will also happily pose for photographs with visitors in front of the red vege truck and will be handing out Council’s agriculturally-themed giveaways including seed sticks and tractor tattoos for the kids.

Mr West said he can’t wait to celebrate the Lockyer Valley and its amazing produce.

“I can't wait to get to Laidley to celebrate all things Spring,” Mr West said.

“On Saturday I will be cooking up a storm featuring produce from some of the Lockyer Valley’s most iconic producers.

“There's going to be something for everyone and it's going to be a blast, so come on down and say G’day.”

Fifth generation farmer Anthony Bauer, who is also the owner of Australian Organic Farmers, said he is thrilled to be part of this year’s event.

“I know of Mr West and have been a fan for a long time as I have watched his shows, so I am really excited that he will be exhibiting our organic vegetables and we can showcase what we do as a business in the Lockyer Valley,” Mr Bauer said.

“I am really looking forward to this year’s event – it’s going to be a great day.”

The 60th Anniversary Laidley Spring Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.

For more information about the 2023 Laidley Spring Festival, including the full festival program, visit www.laidleyspringfestival.com