Food and friendship fit the bill

ALMOST two years ago, a handful of Noosa locals decided to eat their way through Noosa one restaurant at a time.
The group named the Noosa Restaurant Trail meets every second Wednesday and the 60 members are about to celebrate their 50th dinner.
Group co-organiser Kerry Finch said between 20 and 30 members usually attended the dinners, held in different restaurants throughout Noosa.
“We are not elitist or ageist, with members (both single and couples) aged between 30 and 75, having dined at a range of local eating places, from burger bars to some of the most expensive restaurants in the area,” she said.
“We love supporting local businesses, and they have been very welcoming. A booking for 25 people on a Wednesday night makes a real difference to their takings.”
By exploring restaurants they may not have been to before, the members of the group are discovering new favourites, to which they return time and again bringing others with them.
The group ensures they have a mix of cuisines and price points so that as many people as possible will find a dinner that suits them.
“We know that not everyone likes sashimi, or can afford an $80-per-person menu, so co-organiser Di Brown and I always aim for variety,” Kerry said.
“Our milestone 50th dinner is being held at The Waterfront Restaurant, but the one after will be at a tapas bar.”
The Waterfront is the only restaurant the group has returned to and was chosen so the group can help celebrate the restaurant’s recent award as the Best Italian Restaurant in Queensland.
“We thought it fitting, on 7 October, to have a joint celebration with this restaurant – its award, and our 50th dinner,” Kerry said.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the Noosa Restaurant Trail can like the group on Facebook or visit their website www.restaurantnoosa.com.au, where members can also post feedback on each restaurant.