PLATE Up Ballarat 2019 will begin on May 1, presenting fifty unique food experiences across thirty-one days.<\/p>\n
The festival is all about shining a spotlight on Ballarat\u2019s local food and wine stage, and championing growers, producers, chefs, caf\u00e9s, restaurants and sustainability.<\/p>\n
Across the month, foodies can expect a celebration of the humble, comforting toasted sandwich, a Lunch Ltd menu at participating venues, and to get involved with Feed Ballarat, a food security and relief initiative by the Ballarat Foundation and Plate Up Ballarat.<\/p>\n
Within the events list, Ballarat Wholefoods Collective will have an open day, food and fashion will collide at the Farmers Arms, a Chilli Fest will spice up the city, a bakery workshop will get kids creative in the kitchen and a blokes\u2019 baking comp will have a focus on mental health.<\/p>\n
This year, Plant Up Ballarat is a new initiative in the mix, with plenty of venues looking at plant-based eating, nutrition and wellbeing.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s even an Edible Weeds discussion and dinner on the calendar.<\/p>\n
Lunches, dinners, markets, food trucks, high teas, yoga, music, competitions, and wine, beer and spirits tastings are all on the mouthwatering agenda too.<\/p>\n
Director, Kate Davis said Plate Up will have something unique and tasty for everyone in Ballarat, the culinary capital of western Victoria.<\/p>\n
\u201cBallarat is full of very exciting foodie businesses with people who work collaboratively to deliver an amazingly diverse and high-quality culinary experience,\u201d Ms Davis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlate Up Ballarat is our chance to show off what we have. It really is regional dining at its best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Noel Dempsey, the CEO of Visit Ballarat said Plate Up Ballarat really complements the recent Made of Ballarat promotion perfectly, which has seen a pop-up store in Melbourne\u2019s CBD.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe campaign celebrates and showcases the exceptional producers and culinary talent our city has to offer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n