Stratford, Queensland boasts an exciting food and drink scene focused on showcasing local produce and flavors. The region is renowned for its Southeast Asian cooking schools that utilize ingredients sourced from nearby farms and kitchen gardens, including organic beef and pork from John Bull Farming and Sunnyville Free Range Pastured Pigs, as well as fresh seafood from local fish. These cooking schools grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs onsite to incorporate into a variety of dishes.
Aside from the cooking schools, the area offers diverse dining experiences. Upscale hotels such as the recently opened $130 million Riley in Cairns provide stunning Coral Sea views and multiple onsite restaurants. Additionally, small bars and microbreweries offer unique drinking experiences, like Jimmy Rum's Mixing Lounge in Port Douglas, known for its stylish decor and house-made tonics.
Stratford's specialty coffee scene is thriving, with local cafés serving meticulously crafted drinks alongside vegan snacks and charcuterie boards. The region also prides itself on a robust cocktail culture, with establishments creating signature concoctions using locally sourced ingredients.