If there is one thing the Ekka is known for besides the non-stop entertainment, it is the food – and in 2017, show-goers are certainly spoiled for choice!
The list of venues is long and the variety of options wide, so no matter what your favourite food there is sure to be something to tickle your fancy at the 2017 Ekka, presented by RACQ.
Today, I was in the mood for traditional favourites and new confections, and I was certainly satisfied with all the Ekka had to offer.
First up was a $2 Cheese Toastie – an Ekka staple through and through, who could go past one of these delectable yet wallet-saving treats? Certainly not me!
Later, I found myself at the Coffee Galleria for a very on-trend treat: Coffee in a Cone. This new-to-the-show delight is already proving exceptionally popular, and I was in good company as I revelled in the wonderful piccolo coffee served in a chocolate-coated cone – in a word: delicious!
I know what you are thinking – you said you wanted traditional, but you are yet to mention one of the most long-standing and well-recognised foodie traditions of the Show! Well don’t you worry dear reader, the iconic Ekka Strawberry Sundaes certainly featured in my culinary diary.
I wasn’t alone either in indulging in the sweet treat, with more than 22,500 litres of ice cream set to be supplied by Brisbane-based gourmet ice-creamery LICK by the end of this year’s show to create the tasty confection, along with 6.2 tonnes of strawberries and 830 litres of fresh cream.
If the taste and nostalgia wasn’t enough to have you lining up for your own Ekka Sundae experience, there is also the fact that the profits from the sundaes go to the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation to consider. It is all part of the Ekka’s celebrations of 30 years of partnership with this important entity.
After cooling down with one of many sundaes I will enjoy across the show, I was soon in the mood for something a tad warmer for afternoon tea, finding myself at the CWA tea rooms where the organisation’s 95th birthday celebrations are underway!
Located under the John McDonald Stand the tea rooms have plenty of yummy choices on-hand, from the CWA’s famous scones with jam and cream to sponge cakes, egg and lettuce sandwiches and their special Pavlova serviced with fruit and cream – yummy!
As another great day at the Ekka moved its way into the evening, it was time for my wife, daughters and I to have an extra special treat – Dinner with Dom.
A delicious five-course degustation of Australian produce by Australian celebrity chef Dominque Rizzo awaited us in what is Brisbane’s hottest dining experience right now, and I could barely contain my excitement.
The ‘Corks and Forks’ Blackbird Restaurant function, presented by JBS Australiawas a truly impressive dining experience and one that was well-enjoyed by myself, my family and the other lucky invited guests.
For those of you who would like to Dine with Dom yourself, you can with two more Dinners still on the calendar – Friday 18 August and Saturday 19 August. Be sure to book early though, any remaining seats are likely to go quick as word gets out about this exquisite dining experience. For full details and to book, visit http://bit.ly/29wJvnK
For more on what you can find on the Menu at the Ekka, make sure you check out the Ekka website at www.ekka.com.au – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
