First-ever Mushroom Festival a success

Thousands of people have gathered to celebrate the first-ever Mushroom Festival at Queen Victoria Market in what proved to be a weekend of fun and feasting.

The festival, held from October 14 to 15, included live cooking, masterclasses, teaching and the best food trucks and vendors.

Crowds also enjoyed live cooking demonstrations, showcasing the versatility of mushrooms.

Chef Jason Roberts cooked chilli and garlic roast mushrooms with salsa verde and ‘mumplings’, whereas Miguel Maestre cooked up his famous mushroom paella.

Dani Venn showed the crowd how to make the most of mushrooms with her mushroom three ways demonstration, while Simon Toohey talked up the sustainability and plant-based benefits of mushrooms and cheesemonger Hakim Halim whipped up his delicious mushroom and cheese toastie.

Australian Mushroom Grower Georgia Beattie also gave the crowd insights into mushroom farming and fun facts.

“It was wonderful to see so many people genuinely interested in mushrooms,” she said.

“Lots of people said they were inspired by the passionate chefs on stage and will be trying new ways to cook with mushrooms - paella, skewers, salads, toasties and more!”

The Australian Mushroom growers were grateful for all the support for World Mushroom Day.

Caption: Crowds enjoy the atmosphere at the Mushroom Festival. Photos: Marcela Lehocka