By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
TO those with mighty appetites: your time has come.
Eating competitions are coming to Berwick, as well as five days of diverse food, entertainment and kids activities at the upcoming Berwick Food Truck Carnival.
Four competitions will pit eaters against each other in a battle for a share in thousands of dollars in Westfield gift cards plus a trophy of achievement.
The Cheesy Championship will see competitors be given 30 minutes to eat as many cheeseburgers as possible, the Great Pizza Challenge will crown the fastest pizza eater, the Chili Monster will time foodies devouring a chili pizza and the Carnival King will present entrants with a mega-meal full of different meals supplied by food truck partners.
Foodies from around Victoria will flock to Akoonah Park next month for the inaugural festival.
Over 46,000 Facebook users have registered as either interested or attending the event, which will run from Wednesday 30 March until Sunday 3 April.
Organiser Danny Grant, a Berwick local, said the carnival would draw a diverse range of cuisines and people to the area.
“The response to the event has been incredible,” he said.
“I think its popularity is in the variety and the fact that it’s something different. When you live in an area, you can only eat what’s put out in front of you, but with something like this you can give lots of things a go.”
Some of Melbourne’s most popular food trucks have signed on for the event, including Mr Burger, Facy Hanks, Nem N’ Nem, White Guy Cooks Thai and Super Taco.
Mr Grant added that the carnival was an opportunity for locals to take advantage of free entry and experience the culinary scene’s hottest trend.
“Through the Berwick Food Truck Carnival, we’re bringing Melbourne’s festivals to the southeast, and we think the local community will be thrilled to have its very own food truck carnival for the whole family to enjoy,” he said.
“I think people are more adventurous with their dining now than even 10 years ago.”
As well as the 15 food trucks, the carnival will offer visitors a bar, live performances throughout the weekend and a dedicated kids entertainment area, featuring games and activities, a petting zoo, face painting and more.
More information and a food competition entry form can be found at www.berwickfoodtruckcarnival.com.
