- Western Australian consumers encouraged to dine out as the temperature drops
- As an incentive select restaurants and cafes will feature special 'hero dishes' on their menus using WA's finest seasonal produce
- It's all part of Plating Up WA, a State Government backed initiative helping to ramp up business during June
This winter Western Australian consumers are being encouraged to support small businesses and local producers across the State by dining out.
Winter is abundant with seasonal and affordable WA produce, but the cold weather can deter people from leaving the comfort of home.
Plating Up WA is an initiative of the State Government's Buy West Eat Best program and aims to help ramp up businesses at local pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants during June - one of the quietest months of the year for the food service and hospitality sector.
As a special incentive for customers, more than 45 venues across the State will feature 'hero dishes' on their menus using WA's finest winter ingredients such as warm WA potatoes, crisp carrots, butter beans, truffles, WA rock lobster, Wagin duck and Margaret River Wagyu.
Importantly, the Plating Up WA initiative also supports local producers by fostering connections between venues and suppliers.
Some of the participating restaurants across Perth include Drasko's Hot Chicken in Mount Hawthorn, RoyAl's Chicken and Burgers Northbridge, Subi Continental in Subiaco, Core Cider and Funk Brewshed in the Swan Valley along with Ethos Deli and Dining Room in Fremantle.
Finlay's Kalbarri, Ooze & Tang in the South West, Tall Timbers Manjimup and Jaspers Pemberton are also taking part.
Combined, the food and beverage manufacturing, and food service sectors in WA have more than 100,000 employees - many working for small businesses.
This is the sixth year of Plating Up WA and more than 200 venues across the State have participated in the initiative since it began.
Details about venues, dishes and how to book are at www.platingupwa.com
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Plating Up WA is an opportunity to really get behind our local producers, cafes, restaurants and pubs and of course enjoy our great seasonal Western Australia produce.
"We know consumers are feeling cost-of-living pressures and local businesses are facing the same challenges - adding to that the winter months can be the hardest for venues as people tend to stay home.
"It's important to remember that buying local means supporting our local producers, along with all those local businesses along the supply chain who help get this product to market and plate.
"When produce is in season, particularly fruits and vegetables, it generally means supplies are abundant and prices are competitive."
As stated by Regional Development and Fisheries Minister Don Punch:
"Western Australia is spoilt for choice when it comes to seafood and a number of local seafood retailers, wholesalers, restaurants and industry organisations are members of the State Government's Buy West Eat Best labelling program to help consumers identify and buy local options.
"Buying local means the freshest possible product, less food miles and supporting our local producers.
"Plating Up WA gives local restaurants and cafes a chance to take advantage of what's in season and offer that to their customers."
