Regional Flavors, South Bank

⁶ “So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and fearing him. ⁷ For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. ⁸ It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. ⁹ It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills. ¹⁰ When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.

¹¹ “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. ¹² For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, ¹³ and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! ¹⁴ Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. ¹⁵ Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! ¹⁶ He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. ¹⁷ He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ ¹⁸ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.
Deuteronomy 8: 6-18

We were blessed to go to the Queensland Regional Flavors this year, held in beautiful Southbank Parklands in Brisbane. Regional Flavors showcases the myriad of produce made right throughout the great state of Queensland. Being a Brisbane winter’s day, we brought a jumper just in case it got a little chilly, packed our bag and headed out for a beautiful afternoon sampling the tastes from all over this wonderful state.

You know, there’s just something so relaxing meandering through the busy but relaxed parklands. Scores of people lazed their way through the different regions. We sampled chutneys and chilli. Cheese and camels milk. Sipped on lime cordial, crunched on toffee apple and just enjoyed being out.

Queensland is such a diverse state. The festival was organised in different regions, with local producers from those regions assembled together. The Darling Downs and Granite Belt. The Lockyer Valley, the fruit bowl of Queensland was there. Esk, South Burnett, a whole range of regions were represented. Closer to home, the Gold Coast hinterland was on display, as was Moreton Bay to the north. To our surprise, our very own Logan had a very fine selection of cheeses, mushrooms and cured delights – not what you’d expect to find in Logan at all! Wine makers by the hundred filled up glasses of thirsty punters, enjoying a laugh in the warm winters sun.

It was the place you’d expect to find things that your grandmother would make, and I suppose looking at the stall holders they were made by many a grandmother! It was a treat, a real treat to talk face to face with the people that preserved, brewed, milked and matured these fine products. People – farmers – small business owners proud to show off their wears to city folk to try.

Last year we’d bought a certain chili relish which had long since run out, so we were on a mission to find it again! This sweet, spicy spread goes perfect with home made burgers and we simply could not do without it! We were on a mission to find this niche producer again. Thankfully, we found it – it was in the last place we looked! But what a find it was! As a side note, Murphy’s Creek has a chili festival on 13 October, so if you’re into something a little hotter then head on over in October!

We had such a wonderful afternoon. Lazy. Tasty. It certainly filled my heart with gratitude .

I started this blog with a verse from Deuteronomy, taken from a speech Moses gave to the Israelite’s before they entered the promised land. They’d grumbled around the desert for two generations and were ready to see the fulfillment of the Lord’s covenant to Abraham. Moses gave a stern prophesy that things would be good – really good – for the Jews. He gave a stern warning not to forget the Lord in times of prosperity, when their bellies were full, when the harvest was plentiful. Now Queensland has had more then it’s fair share of drought and flood. Cyclones, harsh weather, scorching summer suns. But being at Regional Flavors it was evident that as a State, we’d forgotten to put the Lord first. In a similar way to the prophesy of Moses, we’ve become proud of our achievements. The backdrop of South Bank is beautiful Brisbane city, with it’s skyscrapers proudly emblazoning emblems of business and government. Testimonies to the efforts of man.
Now I’m talking to myself more then anyone, but when was the last time you humbled yourself before the Lord? When were you truly thankful in times of plenty? When were you truly thankful and God honoring in times of need? I know this is a struggle I face daily, walking in true humility by the grace of God.

Well, with full bellies and a cache of memories, we enjoyed a tremendous afternoon at Regional Flavors. It’s been some weeks now since the event was on, and I can say the Chilli from SeatonFire is just sublime! We hope to see you next year at Queensland’s wonderful Regional Flavors!