Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has launched its new menu with celebrated Executive Chef, David Pugh, adopting a strong Queensland First approach.
The fresh flavours of Queensland produce are the heroes of the Centre’s new Menu.
Described by Pugh as ‘honest home grown food’, the Menu has been cleverly curated to accommodate current changes to food service regulations while upholding the Centre’s reputation for culinary excellence.
Throughout an award winning career at the forefront of contemporary Australian cuisine, David Pugh has maintained his passion, driving the use of local, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. He was at the helm when BCEC was judged Australia’s best for Banqueting & Catering at the Meetings & Events Australia National Awards earlier this year.
Equally at home in a paddock in Queensland’s Scenic Rim or in the Centre’s state-of-the-art kitchens, Chef Pugh has combed the length and breadth of the state in search of Queensland’s finest produce.
From fresh prawns, ethically caught from the pristine waters of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, to prized Wagyu from the Darling Downs, Pugh and his team of talented chefs have been busy harnessing new and artisan produce to offer guests. Even the pepper is local quips Pugh, who says more than 85% of the produce is sourced locally.
Pugh says the main influence in the Menu is our geographical location. “The Darling Downs, in particular the Lockyer Valley, is one of the top 10 most fertile farming areas in the world. It is Australia and Asia’s vegetable and salad bowl in the cooler months and beef from this region is amongst the most highly prized on the planet.”
The launch of the Menu coincided with the appointment of BCEC as an #eatqld partner. In making the announcement, Queensland’s Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Mark Furner said it would help spread the word about the safe and nutritious produce from Queensland’s vibrant and robust agriculture sector.
BCEC General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe AM, said the Centre was proud to partner with the #eatqld campaign, continuing its support for the state’s finest producers and local growers and a remarkable 25 year history of showcasing Queensland produce at Centre events.
“The Centre’s new menu is driven by ethical, seasonal and regional values. We are committed to showcasing Queensland produce, giving assurance to visitors to the Centre of a uniquely authentic taste of local cuisine.”
A major contributor to the economic fabric of Queensland, responsible for more than 70% of delegate days to Brisbane each year, in 2018/19 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre invested $6.3 million in direct local food and beverage spend in Queensland.
