First ever Tassie Scallop Fiesta at Bridport

More than 1000 seafood lovers from around Australia gathered at the Village Green to taste the best Tasmania has to offer.

It was the climax of a weekend’s worth of action at the seaside village, with a kayak ballet and bonfire held on Saturday night as a prelude to the fiesta.

Organiser Tony Scott said the crowds only confirmed the reputation of the Tasmanian Scallop.

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“The Tassie scallop is an iconic seafood,” he said.

“The fact it has been through booms and busts means it has developed a unique psyche.

“People also know how much scallops cost and are able to eat the whole lot, which you can’t do with other seafood like crayfish.” 

There may have been different sellers within the fiesta, but the produce was all Tasmanian. 

Craig Mostyn Group Tasmanian Seafood Division manager Andrew Rado said the event was an opportunity for the state’s seafood companies to focus on their branding.

“It’s a well-known product, but it’s not as renowned outside of Tasmania,” he said.

“These festivals are like a launching pad for getting the local produce out there.”

Visitors not only had the opportunity to buy scallops, but also learn the best way to cook them, with live demonstrations scheduled throughout the day.

First up was Launceston Masterchef contestant Amy Luttrell, who went through some scallop recipes from her cookbook. 

She said the fiesta was “very exciting”. 

“I love cooking with seafood because it is so versatile,” she said.