If there’s one Australian Christmas tradition that grew out of Australia’s climate, it’s the food. We once slaved in the kitchen cooking thick, European meals a generation or two back, turning our kitchens into saunas
But since the nineties, we’ve turned al fresco: Fresh, local ingredients, straight from the sea. We have a blue border as a skirting line down all our coastlines - the Pacific, Southern, and Indian Oceans, the Timor, Tasman, and Coral Seas – and that means we have a penchant for one thing: “Throwin’ a prawn on the barbie”.
In Bowen there’s plenty of fresh fish, crustaceans, and oysters coming in from the boats, especially at one of the town’s longest-running food establishments and an institution of seafood, Bird’s Fish Bar.
Owner Chloe Bauer said Christmas was a special time of year for the store, which also functions as Bowen Fisherman’s Seafood Company, bringing in fresh-caught produce from the Great Barrier Reef.
“Every year, we have lots of fresh, local fish coming in for Christmas; great packs and deals that include the Australian staples,” Chloe said.
“Because of this climate, it’s always nice to have cold prawns with a salad. Things that are forever popular. We have so many people over the years who come and buy a whole fish for a centrepiece, cook it all together around the barbecue. That’s what Christmas is about!”
Bird’s Fish Bar has a range of local, wild-caught fish available all the way until Christmas Eve, with specials available including the chance to go into the draw to win five-kilograms of Bowen prawns.
“For me, our Christmas is always fresh prawns, prawn cocktails, bugs on the barbie with sand crabs, and a whole baked fish,” Chloe said.
“A bit of lemon, lime, chilli – it’s so special.”
Aside from the food, Bird’s is also available as a Christmas party venue – whether it be for work, family, or friends, don’t miss your chance to enjoy one of Bowen’s most special spots. Give them a ring!
Owner of Bowen Fisherman’s Seafood Company and Birds Fish Bar Chloe Bauer with some of their fresh, local-caught range of Christmas delights
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