Burpengary’s unique gluten-free, local-first cafe, Project Salubrious, is celebrating its birthday with a vibrant farmers market.
Burpengary’s unique gluten-free, local-first cafe, Project Salubrious, is celebrating its birthday with a vibrant farmers market - heroing the produce, people and community that chef and owner Kurt Lovell says have made its first year possible.
Taking place on 27 August, Rowley Road Market Day will see an array of local farmers, artisan food makers and creatives selling everything from flowers to kale to hot sauce gather in the carpark shared by Project Salubrious and Absorbent Minds - the neighbouring Montessori early education centre run by Kurt’s wife, Anita, and her sisters (also celebrating its first year). There’s something for the whole family, with a face-painter for the kids, and the cafe itself serving coffee, treats and breakfast.
“I love it when our guests ask where we got our salad or a particular vegetable from because they can taste the difference, and being able to put them onto the farmer or business.”
Project Salubrious opened its doors on 25 July 2022, to the excitement of not only locals but foodies from as far as Hervey Bay and northern New South Wales. It’s best known for the impressive flavours of its modern Australian menu while being completely free of gluten, grains, dairy and refined-sugar - even taking out the Australian Good Food Guide’s people’s choice award for gluten-free dining after just 7 months of business.
Connection to food and to community has always been at its heart. With Project Salubrious’ seasonal menus inspired by what’s available locally, Kurt is a champion of local growers and businesses - not only using their produce in the cafe, but encouraging diners to ask questions, know their farmers and learn more about their food. This is reflected in the venue’s design, with an open kitchen and communal tables inviting interaction with the team and other patrons.
“We have access to some of the best spray-free produce you’ll find, grown just around the corner,” Kurt says. “The fewer k’s something has travelled, the better it tastes, and the better it is for you.”
“I love it when our guests ask where we got our salad or a particular vegetable from because they can taste the difference, and being able to put them onto the farmer or business. These growers and providores deserve to be celebrated. They’re not just suppliers - our menu wouldn’t be what it is without them, and we’re proud to be putting them front and centre for our market day.”
Market-goers will be able to meet and buy direct from small family farms like Narangba’s Plot4504 Market Garden and Mount Mee’s Blue Dog Farm, as well as organic fruit and veg delivery company, Our Farmacy. All share Project Salubrious’ commitment to community and long term collaboration.
“We cherish the opportunity to collaborate with Project Salubrious, and we look forward to a future filled with shared success, meaningful connections, and a joint effort to make the world a better place, one delicious and healthy meal at a time,” said Dan from Our Farmacy.
Blue Dog Farm’s Jacki Hinchey also shared the excitement, saying “This is such a good idea - how many chefs organise a farmers market in their car park? I’m really excited to be coming to Rowley Road Market Day to meet the Project Salubrious Community.”
Other local goodies available on the day include flowers from White Blossom Studio (run by Project Salubrious cafe supervisor, Dinah), artisan chilli sauces from cult favourites The Village Pickle, healthy meals and treats from Keto Loco, and German pastries from Mari’s Delights.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and great feedback in our first year, from coeliacs happy to find somewhere they can order anything on the menu, to real ‘blokey’ types who’ve told us we’ve changed their minds on what ‘gluten free’ can be,” Kurt said. “We’re looking forward to giving back and celebrating with everyone, and to many more great events in future.”
A week after Rowley Road Market Day, Project Salubrious will be continuing the celebrations with a ‘classics’ menu - $38 for two courses and a selection of best-selling dishes from their first year, just in time for Father’s Day.
Rowley Road Market Day will take place 8am to 12pm, Sunday 27 August in the Project Salubrious car park, 143 Rowley Road.
Cafe bookings and a full list of vendors is available at www.projectsalubrious.com.au
Please note that while Project Salubrious follows gluten-free and dairy-free principles, not all the stallholders do. Guests with specific dietary concerns are encouraged to inquire with the respective vendors.