Page 95 - Port Douglas Magazine 41

“Throughout our journey with this
project, one thing became evident:
the warmth of Tropical Far North
Queensland extends far beyond its
climate to encompass the colours
and diverse community that call this
place home.”

Samantha Martin’s Coral Trout wrapped in Paperbark infused with native herbs
Filming Behind the Scenes on Cooya Beach

TASTE OF THE TROPICS

bounty of the Great Barrier Reef. Their individual journeys are enriched by the stories and lifestyles

of Far North Queensland’s residents. This includes a memorable opportunity for Samantha to cook a

TV Producer & Magazine Feature Writer, Maura Mancini delicious paperbark coral trout infused with native herbs over a fire on the beach at sunset.
takes us behind the scenes of her latest project. In the lushness of the Daintree Rainforest in Whyanbeel, we meet Alan and Suzi Carle, whose passion
for preserving tropical rainforest biodiversity and indigenous traditions has made them custodians of
one of the world’s most extensive collections of tropical rainforest plants. As they guide us through
their Botanical Ark, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that sustains this unique
IN THE TROPICAL PARADISE of Far North Queensland, a culinary A PREMIER FOODIE DESTINATION ecosystem and the food it provides. The Botanical Ark is the Carle’s’ life mission and their way to

journey unfolds in “Taste of the Tropics”, a three-part television series “Port Douglas not only offered the scenic backdrop for the narrative of the safeguard the invaluable rainforest biodiversity for future generations, making it akin to a modern-day

on SBS Food. show but also inspired our mission, to capture the essence of its revered Noah’s Ark story. Alan and Samantha take us on a garden tour, revealing a food heaven bursting with

The second episode, “Iconic FNQ,” hosted by First Nations food enthusiast reputation as a gastronomic paradise, tantalising palates with an array of unexpected flavours and tropical harvest. Suzi shares recipes using some of this produce, including

Samantha Martin, delves into the vibrant food scene and diverse cultural offerings from farm-to-table eateries to top-tier restaurants. To quote host her renowned guanabana (or soursop) cheesecake with passionfruit, leaving Samantha astounded by

tapestry of the region, set against the backdrop of the azure waters and lush Samantha during filming, “The Taste of The Tropics is all here rolled into one the incredible tastes and flavours she discovered.

scenery surrounding Port Douglas. While venturing through FNQ’s iconic big BBQ - tropical fruits, Asian flavours, fresh seafood, locally sourced meat, Our visit to a local cane farm is truly unforgettable as we’re treated to a feast prepared by local legend

landscape, Samantha delights in the vast array of flavours that make this a little bit of sugar, and a whole lot of love!” Rodney Rasmussen, a fourth-generation cane farmer with a passion for good food and good company.

tropical heaven truly unforgettable.
His ingenuity shines as he showcases his innovative approach to outdoor cooking, repurposing farm

UNCOVERING CULINARY TREASURES equipment to create a dining experience like no other. From a remarkable yakitori grill crafted from
BEHIND THE CURTAINS OF TASTE Samantha Martin, also known as the Bush Tukka Woman and author of cane cutter blades to a smoker/BBQ ingeniously fashioned from a fuel tank, Rodney’s inventive spirit

Behind the scenes of this culinary adventure stands our team of three diverse the ‘Bush Tukka Guide,’ leads the journey deep into the heart of Far North is awe-inspiring, reflecting his resourcefulness and unwavering passion for his craft. As Rodney shares
women filmmakers and Port Douglas locals. It was an honour to lead such Queensland. Samantha’s warm and engaging personality shines through as his journey to Japan and his love for Japanese cuisine, we are introduced to his friend Hideki Ishizaki,

a talented crew, united by a shared passion for this stunning location and she effortlessly connects with each character. Working alongside Samantha chef and owner of Seashells Seafood in Port Douglas. Hideki joins the fun at the BBQ, bringing along

its abundance of natural beauty, people, and produce. Alison George, our is not only educational but also immensely enjoyable, and her passion for the largest prawns found in our waters, Leader prawns. Meanwhile, Rodney provides cane sugar

director of photography and editor, brings her expertise in capturing the food and culture radiates in every interaction. Whether she’s uncovering the skewers for the prawns, naturally infusing a sweet taste into those flavourful prawns, adhering to his
essence of food and lifestyle through years of experience in videography secrets of bush tukka or exploring the intricacies of Far North Queensland’s philosophy of using zero-mile food, meaning locally produced.
and photography. Kim Knox, an award-winning producer with 25 years culinary landscape, Samantha’s genuine love for her craft inspires everyone

of broadcast production experience, plays a crucial role in supporting the around her, reminding us of the joy found in pursuing one’s passion. THE CHALLENGE OF CRAFTING THE SHOW
success of the project. Together, we spearheaded the production process Editing the show proved to be an hilarious challenge as we constantly drooled over the mouth-
of ‘Taste of the Tropics’ from inception to broadcast, spanning six months. watering footage captured during the shoot, relishing the perk of tasting the delicious food as part of

We crafted every frame aiming to authentically capture the vibrancy and CELEBRATING LOCAL TALENTS AND TRADITIONS the job. Watching Samantha and Rodney’s outdoor cooking, the smoked Sichuan lamb and molasses-

diversity of the region we call home, featuring talented contributors who One of the most fulfilling aspects of producing ‘Tastes of the Tropics’ was the glazed beef ribs, left us constantly hungry, making it hard to focus on the editing task. And Brandon’s

shared their time and passion with us for tropical produce. All local crew opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of local talents, each offering famous chilli mud crab? One bite and we were hooked, wishing for more! Trying to condense Alan’s
members from Far North Queensland, spanning from Cairns to Port their own unique insights. Kuku Yalanji traditional owner and tour operator vast knowledge and fascinating stories from all their collecting missions around the world into bite-
Douglas, were involved, contributing their expertise to the project across Brandon Walker shares his deep connection to the land and sea through sized TV segments was no easy feat either. Despite the laughs and food-induced delirium, we pushed
various production departments, including sound recording, set decor, hair traditional hunting and gathering practices. Ant Turner and Junlan Chen’s through, ensuring each scene captured the essence of our gastronomic adventure.
and makeup, lighting, and gripping. sailing adventures aboard their catamaran, Liquid Desire, showcase the