Foraged with Love – The Noosa Forager
Jodie Cameron chats to Noosa’s favourite forager about food, flavour, and a passion for connecting community – one platter at a time….
They say if you want something done, ask a busy person – and Dannielle Young aka ‘Dee’ from The Noosa Forager is the definition of that. The founder, chef, and creative behind Noosa’s most drool-worthy grazing platters, Dee is known for her artistic eye, culinary skill, and heartfelt commitment to celebrating Sunshine Coast produce.
Her in-home dining experiences and almost-too-pretty-to-eat grazing boxes are a feast for the senses. Once you’ve tried one, or attended one of her thoughtfully catered events, you’ll be hooked too. Dee has turned a lifelong passion for food into a business that nourishes more than just appetites; it feeds community and connection.
Her journey has been anything but ordinary, she’s done it all – from filleting fish at 14 years of age with ‘Old Ray’ to a career spanning top kitchens across Europe and Australia. But her key ingredients? Heart, honesty, and passion for bringing people together through food sourced from local producers.
A proud single mum, Dee balances motherhood and her growing business with grit and grace, also volunteering at local food advocacy group Slow Food Noosa. Her son Gene sharing her foodie DNA as the youngest committee member in Slow Food Noosa and is in the Slow Food Kids program. Dee is also an active member of the Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) and Tourism Noosa, championing local producers every step of the way. When she’s not making mouths water, you’ll find her on the river with Gene, platter in one hand, fishing rod in the other.
“Noosa is my favourite place in the world, and I adore showcasing our abundant food bowl to locals and visitors,” Dee says. “My food tells a story through experiences.”
From surprise grazing box deliveries (often received with happy tears), to co-curating events with top chefs at The Curated Plate, Meet the Makers, Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry and Noosa Alive, Dee shows up with style, and substance in everything she does – showcasing the real flavours of the region in every bite. Her passion for the region has also seen her featured on Weekender, Sunrise, and local radio – always with a foraged find or foodie tale to share.
“I love working alongside the passionate chefs who call Noosa home,” she smiled. “Kitchen banter is another language – it never leaves you.”
So, whether you’re planning an event or simply want to savour the flavours of the Sunshine Coast in one unforgettable bite – The Noosa Forager brings all the taste, heart, and local know-how to make it happen deliciously!
Follow Dee’s adventures to discover the flavours of the region @thenoosaforager
