The South Coast is transforming into a hub of creativity and culinary adventure over the next seven weeks as the Autumn Celebration of Food offers more than 80 events. These are our picks for the hot tickets this week.
Coastal Creatives Exhibition – 3 May-14 June
Art lovers, prepare to be inspired. The Coastal Creatives Art Exhibition opens across various venues on 3 May, running through to14 June. This multi-venue showcase highlights the talents of South Coast artists, offering a stunning range of visual works that capture the region’s raw beauty and artistic spirit. Expect intimate gallery spaces, coastal landscapes reimagined, and plenty of chances to meet the artist behind the easel.
Coastal Creatives Exhibition Info »
Grazing @ the Growers – Bottomless Lunch, Sunday 4 May
Set among the lush park-like grounds of the Growers Shoalhaven, this bottomless lunch experience is a celebration of local produce and relaxed dining. With an ever-flowing menu crafted from farm-fresh ingredients over six courses, plus a selection of fine wine and beer, it’s the perfect way to soak up the autumn sun with friends and family. Tickets are $100.
Filipino Feast at Bud’s Tavern, Monday 5 May
Take a culinary trip to the Philippines via Bud’s Tavern in Huskisson, where the team will be dishing up bold, hearty flavours – think crispy lechon, rich adobo, and sweet halo-halo. A true comfort-food celebration you won’t want to miss. Tickets $70.
Thali Nights (Vegan Edition) at Taj Indian, Thursday 8 May
For plant-based foodies and spice lovers, Taj Indian in Huskisson presents a vegan thali night packed with aromatic, balanced dishes served on traditional platters. Chef Aaron is serving soulful dining experience rooted in tradition and bursting with flavour. Your meal includes a drink.
The South Coast region this May and June is your passport to creativity and cuisine. For more events on the Autumn Celebration of Food calendar, visit the Shoalhaven Food Network’s website. You can also read last week’s Hot Tickets story, and the previous week’s Hot Tickets story.
Industry Launch Kicks Off Shoalhaven’s Autumn Celebration of Food
Shoalhaven Food Network officially launched its 2025 Autumn Celebration of Food on Tuesday 29 April with a vibrant hospitality industry event at The Growers by Ponte. Hosted by Thiago and Sharon Menezes, the evening was MCed by Simon Marnie, welcomed by Uncle Gerry Moore OAM, and officially launched by MP Gareth Ward, with strong support from DNSW’s Shannon Perry-Hall.
Around 160 guests enjoyed exquisite local wine, spirits, boutique beers, and innovative canapés from top regional chefs. This lively launch marks the start of seven delicious weeks, with over 80 events showcasing the Shoalhaven’s finest food and drink.
A long table was laden with Jervis Bay Mussels and Oysters and grazing board by Flavours Shoalhaven, then a seemingly never-ending stream of canapes were served by students of the TAFE Gaining Through Training program.
Brooke Taylor, The Rutledge Bar & Eats, Berry: Tomato Bruschetta on Avocado with Truffle Cream & Glazed Balsamic
Sam Smith, The Growers by Ponte, Worrigee: Sashimi Local Tuna with Sesame & Avocado
Jason Wilkinson, Sandbar, Huskisson: Pukka Spiced Roast Scallop with Roe
Egi Bekhbat, Blue Nami Japanese, Sanctuary Point: Sushi, three ways – Rainbow Roll with Tuna, Cucumber and Kingfish; Spicy Salmon & Avocado Roll; and Avocado, Cucumber & Pickled Vegetable Roll
Doug Innes-Will, Ramox Café, Bundanon, Illaroo: Koshihikari Rice Cake, Yuzu Miso Gel, Shichimi Togarashi
Matt Fleming, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra: Pork Tenderloin en croûte with Onion Marmalade & Salsa Verde
Arron Singh Sodhi, Taj Indian, Huskisson: Butter Chicken encased in a Deep Fried Puri, drizzled with Butter Chicken Sauce
Troy Weigall & Cameron Ayrton, The Berry Chocolatier, Berry – Handcrafted Truffles, filled with luscious, velvety ganache
Beverages from Tara Distillery, Old Salt Distillery, Stone Cottage Vineyard, Coolangatta Estate, Dangerous Ales and Jervis Bay Brewing Co.
