Must Do Ekka

The words ‘Ekka’ and ‘food’ go together like Dagwood Dogs and Strawberry Sundaes – two of the show’s traditional favourites. Let’s face it – a big part of Ekka fun is stuffing your face all day long.

Thousands of classic Strawberry Sundaes will once again be licked into oblivion, and remember that profits from the sales help save lives, courtesy of the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. It’s also good to know that since 2012, the strawberry ice-cream has been produced by Brisbane company, Lick Ice-Cream, and it’s 100% natural.

Then there are those other Ekka must-haves – Dagwood Dogs, Fairy Floss and Strawberries in Chocolate Fudge – which we love to indulge in once a year because… well, because we can! And what would the Ekka be without the old-school Country Women’s Association’s scones with jam and cream under the John MacDonald Stand? Mm-mm!

Another Ekka must-visit food stop is the Gourmet Plaza, where you can sit and relax while enjoying fresh air and fine food from an award-winning menu that includes Mexican, Yum Cha, SpanThai, and Indian, and featuring some of the country’s best beef. The  Sirromet Wine Bar and Pepperjack Bar are returning, and the Royal Queensland Steakhouse Restaurant will satisfy those enormous appetites that have built up over the day, with medal-winning meats, cheeses, fresh produce, oysters and a fully stocked bar. Make a booking to avoid disappointment.

The Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion will allow you to satisfy your cravings for smoked smallgoods, gourmet condiments, cheese and patés, cupcakes and so much more. The Woolworths Fresh Food Showcase will have seafood, meat, a bakery, deli and chilled food departments, and the kids can join in free cooking classes and craft activities. Jamie Oliver-inspired recipe demonstrations, chats with local growers and more await you in this food-lovers’ paradise. Sampling happens 9am – 7.30pm daily.

For the authentic country Aussie pub vibe, you can’t go past the XXXX Stockmen’s Bar and Grill or the XXXX Cattleman’s Bar, where you can enjoy a drink and some old-fashioned hearty fare. Another good place to down a cold one is the Woodchop Bar. While there, why not have a yarn with the competitors who’ve been doing it tough sawing logs?

There’s no excuse not to have all of your food dreams come true at the Ekka 2016 so BYO huge appetite!

BUY TICKETS HERE

By Vicki Englund

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is a valued sponsor of Must Do Brisbane.com