Fresh Byron Bay: Eat Your Way Through Markets, Restaurants and Providores

This article is sponsored by our partners, Byron Bay Council. To book your creative Byron Bay adventure, visit legendarybyron.com.au.

Byron Bay might have long been associated with getting passionate about mung beans, but the variety and yumminess of local produce certainly belies such a reputation. The hinterland’s nutrient-rich volcanic soils and temperate climate mean a lively farming scene, with specialties including macadamias, pecans, lush dairy products, organic fruit and vegetables, and coffee.

Any sojourn in the Byron Shire should include a meander around the farmers’ markets, a dish or several at eateries specialising in local produce and, if you happen to be planning a trip for September, a few hours at the annual Sample Festival.

GETTING TO KNOW LOCAL FARMERS

Every Thursday morning, growers and producers wake up extra early; pack their finest creations in their cars, trucks and trailers; and head to Butler Street Reserve for the Byron Farmers’ Market, which happens until 11am. For an insider’s experience, take a tour with the Byron at Byron Resort and Spa head chef Gavin Hughes.

“The first thing I tell the guests is to just look around,” Hughes says. “Everything is so well stocked at the moment. It’s a visual feast and the smells are breathtaking. It’s an eclectic mix of people; the experience is as much about the atmosphere, getting a sense of the community, as it is about the food ... all of the sellers are the growers. It’s really nice to meet with the guy who grows the pecan nuts or meet with John Singh, who has been there for years selling his incredible pork”.

Singh’s hand-raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free prime cuts, known as Byron Bay Pork, are the favourite of both David Jones’ Sydney store and an array of high-end restaurants.

“The market is the best because you are selling to your consumers and you get feedback from them,” Singh says. “They tell us that they can’t buy this type of food anywhere else. Even if it’s wet weather, it doesn’t matter; they still attend to buy their food. They just put their gum boots on and make a special effort to come. And not only that, the atmosphere at the Farmers Market is unique. You can feel a vibe of friendliness”.

What's more, your Farmers’ Markets shopping doesn’t have to be confined to a weekly affair. They also happen in New Brighton on Tuesday, in Mullumbimby on Friday and in Bangalow on Saturday.

EATING LOCAL

There’s every chance you’re familiar with some of Byron Bay’s most commercially successful producers. Think Ginger Nektar, Brookfarm Muesli, Zentvelds, Bun Coffee and, of course, Byron Bay Cookie Company, the Byron Bay Coffee Company and the Byron Bay Brewery. If you’re in town, and looking out for some regional tastiness, check out the huge range on offer at Green Garage and Trevor Mead Quality Meats.

Unsurprisingly, a bunch of restaurants take advantage of the local farming scene. These include The Restaurant at The Byron, where the menu changes every season, keeping up with regional variations; the Manna Haven, where the focus is on vegetarian and vegan dishes; and Harvest, a gorgeous cafe, deli and restaurant found in Newrybar, which is in the hinterland just 20 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay.

SAMPLE FOOD FESTIVAL

Every year, 15,000 or so people head north for the Sample Food Festival. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to sip and sample the best of local produce. 2014’s event, to be held on Saturday, September 13, at the Bangalow Showground, is promising tasting plates, a farmers’ market, celebrity chefs, cooking demos, master classes and live music. Proceedings will kick off at 8am with an enormous breakfast feast.

Ready to eat your way through Byron? Visit legendarybyron.com.au to plan and book your gastronomic escape.