MEDIA RELEASE: Plating Up WA calls on Sandgropers to Eat Seasonal & Support Local this June

As winter approaches, Buy West Eat Best is once again launching its award-winning Plating Up WA campaign to encourage WA diners to cast off their Oodies and support local food service and hospitality. 

This June, over 40 venues will be serving up mouth-watering dishes featuring the best of WA ingredients, with fine dining to rustic and casual options. Patrons can choose delicious dishes from restaurants and cafes in the Mid-west to the Southwest, Southern Forests, Perth, Swan Valley and Goldfields Esperance, thanks to the campaign initiated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Buy West Eat Best program.

Singapore diners will also enjoy a taste of WA in the second year of the Plating Up WA: Singapore Edition, running from 23rd June to 23rd July. Plating Up WA: Singapore Edition is organised by Invest and Trade WA via the Government of WA Singapore Office and supported by Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Buy West Eat Best program.

The campaign provides many benefits including supporting WA’s food, beverage, foodservice and hospitality industries during the quieter winter trading period. Plus, the added boost to diners’ well-being through socialising and enjoying the warmth and comfort of good food and company.  

WA’s food and beverage manufacturing industry is valued at $8 billion, with more than 1300 food and beverage businesses across the State, and is the second largest sector after Mining and Resources. The industry makes a significant economic and social contribution to the community, as clearly demonstrated by the bountiful options on offer during the campaign.

Warming, winter dishes prepared with WA fresh produce including Manjimup truffles, Rock Lobster, Red Emperor and Sardines, Artisan cheeses, Wagyu beef, assorted fungi, fruit and vegetables will cater for all tastes, dietary options and budgets. Think comforting curries, warming roasts, baked seafood, decadent pizzas and a picnic hamper laden with gourmet delights.

Deborah Pett, Manager Food Industry Development states, “By supporting local restaurants and the wider food industry, the campaign aims to help boost the local economy and support jobs in the industry. All dishes are made using locally sourced ingredients, bolstering a healthier, more sustainable food system in WA.

“This is now the fifth year we have delivered Plating Up WA to the community, which is a testament to the program’s success and its popularity amongst chefs and patrons alike.  We know that winter can be a tough time for foodservice and hospitality businesses, so once again we implore everyone to get out and try one of the amazing dishes on offer.”

Chris Taylor, Executive Chef of Frasers Restaurant Kings Park has been involved with the Plating Up WA campaign from its inception. “I feel utilising WA produce is an obligation we have to our customers and also our staff.  It’s important where possible to be able to support local products, from seasonal lambs, ducks from Wagin, locally caught WA Rock Lobster, truffles and heirloom vegetables from Manjimup, Rottnest scallops, Abacus Seafood crabs from Shark Bay - Buy West Eat Best has it all,” said Chris.

“To have a one stop shop to help us to find local suppliers is seriously important. Just when we think we have kept up with all the options, you check Buy West Eat Best website and every time there is a new supplier that has popped up. The logo gives the assurance of a quality that’s required and expected,” said Chris.

Plating Up WA rallies local patrons to book a table with participating venues that are showcasing a hero WA dish that best demonstrates the State’s great winter ingredients. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, the chefs creatively plate up in their support of our local producers.

Amelia Park Restaurant in the State’s Southwest has also been involved in the Plating Up WA campaign for multiple years. Executive Chef and Director Blair Allen says “using WA produce is important because local suppliers produce some of the best quality ingredients I’ve ever experienced. Coming from the Wheatbelt I know first hand how crucial it is to support local businesses and farmers; and the positive impact it has on the survival of small towns, businesses and families in our region. This year we are excited to feature Margaret River Wagyu as it’s a highly sought after product world-wide and the richness of the fat gives great flavour and tenderness.”

“Buy West Eat Best is a critical program, not only does it bring to light how great our produce is in WA, it also makes us aware of just how much choice particularly in new produce that is out there,” Blair added.

The campaign will be strongly promoted through social media channels with supporting collateral illustrating the diversity of Western Australian landscapes and dishes reflecting the range of ingredients that venues will be offering.  Foodies, family, businesses and communities are urged to get behind the campaign to strengthen the viability of the sector by booking their table via www.platingupwa.com

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For further information and to arrange interview opportunities:

Dixie Battersby

DP Publicity

dixie2266@internode.on.net

0413 382 201