Page 43 - Tropic Magazine Issue 29

TROPIC • FOOD

Plastic phase-out
Single-use plastics are set to
be banned from September.
Queensland is the second state
following South Australia to
1. Tropical Trifle
2. Davidson Plum Mousse pass such legislation, which
includes straws, stirrers,
cutlery, plates and polystyrene
cups and containers.
Plastic Free Cairns Coordinator
Helen Reilly has welcomed the
1
recently passed bill, which she
Taste of the says is backed by business.
“These are amongst the most
tropics 2 littered items in Queensland
with the most recent state
Clean Up Australia Report
LOCAL EATS
estimating that over 30 per
Ochre Restaurant is proving the These world class creations, only available cent of all litter collected was
popularity of modern Australian at Ochre, have been loved by locals for plastic packaging,” she said.
“The bans are supported by all
cuisine in both fine dining and aeons and their support became even the major hospitality and retail
more apparent as the dining market
casual canapes. changed dramatically over the past year. industry sectors and APCO who
Words: Annabel Bowles “It’s important to create exciting and represent the beverage and
affordable events for locals, who have packaging sector.”
Since opening Ochre in 1994, owner, been truly fabulous in their support,” Plastic Free Cairns is part
director and chef Craig Squire has Craig said. “We’re attracting younger of the state and local
had his sights set on native flavours. customers with a government-supported
His waterfront more casual dining Boomerang Alliance ‘Plastic
restaurant experience, but still Free Places’ program, which
has become offering quality provides assistance to retailers
internationally food and service, who want to reduce and
renowned for Native ingredients excellent cocktails eliminate single-use plastics.
modern Australian are on trend at last and an interesting The group already has more
cuisine, as well and independent than 120 local businesses
as one of the best Craig Squire wine list.” on board.
places to dine by Ochre Restaurant Ochre Restaurant “We can make it easy for local
the backdrop of Director has also crafted an businesses to become ban
Cairns Marina eclectic menu for compliant. We’ll look at what
and surrounding mountains. Alongside the upcoming Port Douglas Carnivale they’re using and show them
this and its reputation as one of Cairns’ Longest Lunch, featuring salmon tiradito what alternatives are available
best catering companies, Ochre is now matched with finger lime, twice-cooked to them. We can also help them
taking a step in a more casual direction Tablelands pork belly, beef tenderloin reduce costs,” Ms Reilly said.
– collaborating with local brewers and dressed in Daintree vanilla and wattle
distillers to host exciting tasting events. seed jus, and a vibrant tropical trifle. MORE: plasticfreecairns.org
Following two sold-out tastings with
Wolf Lane Distillery, the restaurant is Upcoming events
hosting an event with Tablelands distiller
Mt Uncle Distillery this April, as well as a 24 APRIL
canape pairing with Barrier Reef Mt Uncle Distillery,
Brewing Co. in May. Ochre Restaurant
Craig told Tropic these collaborations help
nurture niche producers and showcase 21 MAY
native food to a broader clientele. “My Longest Lunch,
chefs and I have always used a fair range Port Douglas Carnivale
of native ingredients, once marginalised 29 MAY
and little understood by Aussies,” he said. Barrier Reef Brewing Co,
“These natives are on trend at last – full Ochre Restaurant
of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Our use of Davidson Plum is a perfect
example, from our Cassowary Cocktail to
Davidson Plum mousse.” MORE: ochrerestaurant.com.au

43 • tropicnow.com.au