Image Credit: Natalie Mendham
The Huon Valley has quickly earned a reputation as a food lovers’ paradise and the local artisans who cultivate and create incredible produce will be a highlight of this year’s Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival: covering everything from traditional Chinese steamed buns to BBQ’d Geeveston Rabbit.
The Princess and The Fat Man is one Valley-based business making their debut at this feast of the senses to be held from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 July at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed.
Dave and Karan Spilling, who breed farmed meat rabbits have been operating in Geeveston under the quirky title for a little over two years.
After initially selling to local restaurants, a change in direction by those businesses necessitated invention – the Bunny BBQ was born, premiering to rave reviews at the Geeveston Twilight Feast.
“At the festival we’ll be selling ‘Wabbit Wings’, ‘Bunny Bacon’, Rabbit Pie with Bacon and Sage, and Dave’s new creation ‘Bunny Balls’ – I would prefer to call them Rabbit Rissoles, but it doesn’t quite hit the funny bone as much!” Karan says.
Karan will join more than a dozen foodies at the Festival including Matthew Evans serving his Bacon Backed Beans and Pork & Tomatillo stew straight from Fat Pig Farm, along with junkyard BBQ artist Ned Long of Wild Grove with his pedal powered rotisserie and newly created sausage chandelier and of course, plenty of drinks – from traditional and mulled cider crafted by the award-winning Willie Smith’s team, to the best beers, wine and cocktails from the region.
Up to 18,000 people are expected to flock to the lively celebration based on Pagan traditions to warm up the heart and soul of the region in the depths of winter.
Karan says it’s a great opportunity to celebrate Tasmanian homegrown produce and businesses.
“Events like the Willie Smith’s Mid-Winter Festival give home-grown business and produce a platform to be seen, and promoted, and an avenue for growth.
“We are looking forward to doing more festivals this year to promote our Bunny BBQ and grow our hobby into a sustainable venture.”
If your mouth is watering after reading this, you can secure your tickets to the event via the website – https://www.huonvalleymidwinterfest.com.au/
THE FULL LIST OF FOOD TO FEAST ON
Baker & Co – Scrumptious sweets from Geeveston
Lady Hester – Unbelievable donuts from Hobart
Diemens Grill – Gourmet hotdogs
Formosa Bites – Taiwanese street food
Coburg & Co – Wallaby burgers
Fat Pig Farm – Hearty fare straight from the farm
Ranelagh General Store – Locally sourced menu from the Huon Valley
Orlando Plenty – Delectable vegan fare
Wood Fiery Red Head Pizza – Woodfired Pizza and smoked meats
Deep End Farm – Traditional Chinese steamed bun from Geeveston
Big Henry’s Food Truck – Everything from Pulled Pork to Korean Style Popcorn Chicken
Cheese Louise – All the cheese
Wild Grove – Junkyard BBQ – sausage chandelier and pedal powered rotisserie
Rocket at the end of the Road – Huon Valley apple fritters and soy chai
Ashmore Food Tas – Tassie Salmon
Taco Taco – Authentic Mexican
Princess and the Fat Man – Assorted rabbit BBQ
The Porky Duck – Locally sourced duck
Villino Coffee – Espresso martini’s & coffee
Nandroya Wines – Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc from Margate
Home Hill Winery – Award winning wines from the Huon Valley
Hobart Brewing Co – Distinctly Tasmanian brews
Charles Oates Cocktail Bar – Featuring Apple Blanco cockatils
Beautiful Isle Wines – Beautiful wines from Legana
Willie Smith’s Cider Makers – Awarding winning local cider
Krystal Cox Festival Manager Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival
