2022

Celebrity Chef Dominique Rizzo: A Highlight of the Blackbutt Avocado Festival

Looking back at the memorable Blackbutt Avocado Festival of 2022, one standout moment was the culinary mastery showcased by celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo. Renowned for her appearances on the popular TV show Ready Steady Cook, Dominique graced the festival with her expertise in crafting gourmet dishes featuring the versatile avocado.

On a sunny Saturday in September, festival-goers gathered inside Blackbutt’s historic Memorial Hall to witness Dominique’s culinary magic unfold. With an array of avocado-themed delights on the menu, attendees were treated to a feast for the senses as Dominique demonstrated the art of preparing chilled avocado soup, King Fish crudo with garlic chips and charred corn, and a decadent chocolate avocado cheesecake topped with Italian scorched meringue. Her refreshing raspberry balsamic strawberry salad was the perfect palate cleanser, showcasing the avocado’s unique flavors in every bite.

The mission of the Avocado Festival has always been to showcase avocados in a new light.

Attendees were not only treated to a culinary extravaganza but also had the chance to win one of twelve coveted spots at a private lunch with Dominique at the iconic Blackbutt country pub, Hotel Radnor. Pre-registration for tickets was encouraged, with winners drawn on Thursday, September 8th, adding an element of anticipation to the festival experience.

In addition to Dominique’s culinary delights, the festival offered a wide range of activities for all ages, including helicopter rides, a thrilling parachute jump onto a giant avocado, and the ever-popular AvoGames featuring the $1000 AvoRoll. Families enjoyed free art workshops for kids, explored over 100 market stalls, and grooved to live music throughout the day.

As night fell, the festival reached its crescendo with a spectacular giant street parade, winding its way from Coulson Street to the festival grounds on Bowman Road. The Harvest Moon Concert at the Showgrounds provided the perfect finale to a day filled with avocado-inspired delights, culinary demonstrations, and festive fun.

Looking back, the Blackbutt Avocado Festival of 2022 will be remembered as a celebration of community, culinary creativity, and the humble avocado’s place at the heart of Australian cuisine.

DATA SNAPSHOT

Attendees: 6,950 (Source: Blackbutt Avocado Festival 2022, IER Report)

Economic Impact: $532,413

Visitor Nights: 3,629