This year saw a large amount of chilli lovers descending on the small town of Sawtell, on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast. A mecca of magnificence for surfers and lovers of beauty alike, Sawtell is home to fine food, fine beaches, fine accommodation and access to Australia’s gorgeous coastline. A tourist brochure writer I will never be…
However, First Avenue came alive with the sound of music, the smell of nachos and the heat of the almighty chilli.
The Byron Bay Chilli Company, Noosa Chilli, The Chilli Factory, Seatonfire Chilli, and others were present in their vibrancy and colour to show the visitors how good chilli can be. Plants, seeds, sauces, meals, drinks, jams and other goodies were available for tasting and buying on the day, along with the visual pleasures of circus, musicians, and very crazy people giving up all their tastebuds to be champion chilli eater.
I finally met Mr Hippy Seed, famous worldwide (or at least on youtube) as the chilli taster.
By 4pm, the crowds had petered out, and by seven pm the street was as it usually is – calm and peaceful. The only hint of chilli came from the lingering window displays, and Mick’s ever present home made chilli powder that comes on demand at Sawtell Pizza.