The Taste Bundaberg Festival celebrates the region’s vibrant food producers and chefs with over 30 events across the Bundaberg food bowl.
This month we share the stories of our Local Taste Ambassadors, and what makes them passionate about growing, producing and cooking in the Bundaberg Region.
Alex and Jen from Water St Kitchen share their story
How long have you been cooking in the Bundaberg Region?
Water St Kitchen is coming into its seventh year as a restaurant in Bundaberg.
What do you love about living in the Bundaberg food bowl?
The Bundaberg Region’s bounty of fresh produce is unparalleled.
From vibrant fruits to lush vegetables, we have access to an abundance of premium ingredients.
What truly sets us apart is our close connection with local producers.
We take pride in collaborating with these passionate families to create menu items that showcase their produce.
What would you like to tell visitors about the region’s vibrant fresh produce?
There is so much it’s almost overwhelming.
From seafood to bread, nuts to fruit and veg, great butchers that really know their stuff and greatly experienced spirit makers.
All of these products have a story of hard work and determination – it’s a special thing to be a part of and witness.
Where is your business located and what is the best part about it?
We are in the suburb of Walkervale and we are proud of our ‘bare to the bone’ approach to cooking which champions local producers with both simple and creative techniques.
How are you involved in Taste Bundaberg Festival this year?
We will be hosting a ‘bunch and brunch’ event with Anastasi blooms, a beautiful local flower producer and our ever popular Sunday long lunch.
What’s your favourite thing to cook using local fresh produce?
Marto’s zucchini flowers are a favourite for us and our guests.
In recent seasons we have started to play with how we stuff these and use them on our menu.
Last season we stuffed zucchini flowers with Red Shed’s snapper and dressed with a Japanese inspired miso dressing and we think it’s our favourite to date.
Read more Local Taste Ambassador stories here, and check out the Taste Bundaberg Festival program.
