The Herb and Chilli Festival is back with a burning mouth vengeance, after the pandemic put a stop to the 2021 event.
The opportunity to get your taste buds excited will come this weekend, a milestone for the festival marking its tenth anniversary.
It’s a local celebration of the taste and health benefits of using herbs and chillis in everyday cooking, started by Clive and Di Larkman.
The true foodies and Renaissance Herbs’ Brand owners started the event in 2012 as a way to promote their herbs and chillis and to share their passion for a spicy appetite.
The festival is set to be a fun, family event at which everyone involved has an amazing time and are pleased to be there.
“The festival has become a must-attend part of the food and wine scene in Melbourne,“ Clive said.
“It is a two-day celebration of how we use herbs and chillis in our daily lives through the presentation of food and drinks, sauces, plants and cultural gear associated with those cuisines that focus on spice and flavour.
New stall holders are joining the event this year, while all of the favourites are returning with local brews, wines, coffees and food to drizzle some of Australia’s leading hot sauce companies on to.
To cool down the burn – sweets, handmade chocolates, desserts and fresh fruit ice creams will be available.
It is also a chance to stock up the pantry with an amazing range of sauces, herbs, spices, rubs, blends, relishes and chutneys – not to mention some unusual snacks like salami, jerky, pate and Turkish delight.
“There will be a food court with dishes from 15 plus cuisines, four stages: lectures, cooking demonstrations, relaxed music and cultural dance and bands.
“Also, the Australian Chilli Cook-off is on each day. The competition stage has the Hellfire Chicken Wing Challenge, ’Tequila Shot and Holler’ and the Captain Chilli eating competition.”
It’s shaping up to be a great event for all, whether you’re improving your DIY recipes, looking to grow one of the 40 varieties of chillies or just looking for a spicy day out with the family.
Entry for under-14s is free and there is a kid’s area with jumping castles, face painting, pony rides and an animal farm (which are also all free).
The 2022 Herb and Chilli Festival is taking place on 19 to 20 March from 10am to 5pm at 125 Quayle Road in Wandin.
For more information and tickets, visit www.herbchillifestival.com.au
