Belgium inspired street food featuring Hereford beef gets visitors salivating

Hereford beef proved a hit with visitors to Beef Australia 2024 with a Rockhampton based private chef collaborating with a Hereford breeder to offer a range of signature dishes.

Roel Van Camp worked with Jarrah Genetics, of Banana, to serve three beef inspired dishes at the popup, Frites by Amuse, in Beef Australia’s popular M’Eat St.

This year was third time Roel has participated at the event as either a celebrity chef, restauranteur and as a food vendor with Belgium inspired street food.

Born and raised in Belgium, Roel moved to Melbourne 14 years ago and has worked his way north to Rockhampton as a private chef.

“Frites is a street food focused concept I designed for Beef 2024 and features chips cooked in beef tallow matched with Hereford beef sourced from a local butcher,” he said.

“I am based in Rockhampton where I do the prepping in my own kitchen and provide meals of five to six courses for parties of eight to 15 people in private homes, and I’m booked out until September.

“I have worked in the hospitality industry all my life and now do private catering, pop-ups and collaborations with other catering businesses.”

Roel catered for a Christmas party for Sam and Sarah Becker, Jarrah Genetics, and collaborated with the couple and Herefords Australia to source Hereford beef for the major event.

“One of my signature dishes at Beef 2024 is a native inspired dish of slow cooked beef finished on a charcoal barbecue and served with a yoghurt, macadamia and finger lime dressing,” Roel said.

“At Beef we also offered a classic beef stew with chuck steak slow cooked in a dark Belgium beer served with chips cooked in beef tallow, and crumbed oyster blade steak served as croquettes with a pickle salad.”

Roel said happy customers had provided positive feedback on the Hereford dishes after receiving referrals from friends throughout the week.

“It’s been a pleasure to be part of it and thanks to Herefords Australia for their assistance.”