Food festival adds dash of fashion

Models may not be used to competing for attention on the catwalk but they had to work hard yesterday to outshine the culinary creations showcased by some of Perth's best chefs.

Dressed in the latest season threads, the fashionistas shared the runway with the city's top cooks for the launch of Perth's biggest food festival, Eat Drink Perth.

The month-long festival kicked off in style with the Food Meets Fashion parade in Hay Street mall where models dressed for brunch, lunch, high-tea and dinner while chefs from CBD eateries, including The Aviary, The Trustee and The George matched trends with mouth-watering offerings.

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the festival was about celebrating the city's culinary culture and featured progressive dinners, high-teas, wine tastings and pop-up bars.

Trustee Bar & Bistro owner Scott Taylor with models Grady Wulff and Cassie Antunovich in the Hay St Mall today

Scott Taylor, owner of Trustee Bar and Bistro on St Georges Terrace, said Perth's food scene had been reinvigorated in the past few years.

Mr Taylor said liquor licensing reform had led to an increase in small bars.

"We are seeing a diversity of new venues opening up from the hawkers-type food stalls to small bars, big restaurants and fine dining - all in one place," he said.

"When a location can offer a diversity of experiences, where people can go from one place to another and enjoy the city as a whole, then it becomes a real precinct."

Source: The West Australian, 1 March 2013