Local kitchens and producers are joining forces to bring you flavour combinations you won’t find on a regular menu. From authentic Italian pairings in Vincentia to a Deep South graze in Kioloa, these limited-capacity events celebrate the creative spirit of our regional food community. Gather your friends and secure your seats to make the most of these exciting events in the Shoalhaven Food Network’s Autumn Celebration of Food.
Wine + Authentic Italian Hospitality—a perfect pairing
Thursday 11 June, 6pm-9pm at La Vespa Italian Restaurant Vincentia, tickets $70
Expand your wine knowledge by tasting a premium range from the Shoalhaven’s award-winning Silos Estate while enjoying the warm hospitality and authentic flavours created in the kitchen of La Vespa—two of our region’s favourite members of the Shoalhaven Food Network.
Pick up tasting and pairing tips from the wine maker, compare notes with your fellow food lovers at the table, and enjoy the company of old friends and new. This collaboration between the restaurant and the winery has been designed to ensure every single dish seamlessly matches the unique profile of the wines (gf options available).
On arrival, guests will be treated to mini arancini, mini meatballs, and marinated warm olives to set the tone for a relaxed evening.
For the entree, diners can choose between a chicken and cream rigatoni pasta with parmigiano, or a crispy misto fritto of calamari, prawns, and whitebait. Both entree choices are accompanied by a shared table salad of fresh bocconcini, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
The main course offers another exceptional choice between scaloppini pizzaiola in a savoury Napoli sauce, lightly topped with mozzarella, cooked to perfection in the pizza oven, and served with baked potatoes and vegetables.
Alternatively, guests can opt for the chicken cottoletta infused with prosciutto, egg, panko crumbs, and a rich Gorgonzola mushroom sauce, served with a choice of baked potatoes or chips.
The entire feast concludes with a spectacular dessert of café mousse-filled cannolo.
This promises to be an unforgettable night of great food, excellent wine, and community spirit. Come alone or with friends, into a welcoming and inclusive event.
Cocktail Dinner Party—Old Salt+Ponte Style
Thursday, 28 May, 6pm-9pm at The Growers by Ponte, Worrigee Sports on Greenwell Point Road, tickets $110 (18+ only)
Flavours spanning delicate to bold paired with inventive cocktails add up to an off-the-charts foodie experience designed by two local fine-dining veterans, Old Salt Distillery from South Nowra and the team from Ponte—including a deconstructed dessert with a matched cocktail.
These exceptional local favourites are joining forces to collaborate on this intriguing cocktail dinner party at The Growers, Worrigee Sports, where guests will enjoy four courses highlighting the freshest local produce and intriguing flavour combinations. Your palette can expect the memorable creations that both of these teams are famous for; think, infusions, dustings, fragrances and botanicals in a glass and on the plate.
On arrival, guests will be treated to canapés paired with a refreshing Limoncello spritz to set the tone for a relaxed evening.
The first course features a delicate tuna crostini with lemon oil, chili and chives, perfectly matched with a classic Old Salt margarita cocktail featuring their own citrus-based infusion.
Next, diners will enjoy a rich king prawn pasta tossed with tomato, garlic, parmesan and basil, served alongside a unique herbal botanical blend balanced with a tart citrus, and artisanal spirits.
The main course is a premium wagyu steak accompanied by a smooth artichoke puree, burnt onion and rich jus, paired with a bold, fruit-forward specialty concoction.
The feast concludes with a deconstructed lemon meringue, perfectly complemented by a fragrant floral and fruit cocktail.
Please note this is an 18+ event.
Deep South—Soul Food from Merry Street + Season & Savour
Sunday 14 June, midday-4pm at Merry Street Restaurant Kioloa, tickets $95.
It’s a collision of South Coast and Southern soul food at this collaboration between two passionate foodie couples from the southern region of the Shoalhaven, restaurateurs Luke and Brooke Bow from Merry Street and caterers Liz Dalton & Sean McCarthy of Season & Savour.
The afternoon will feature curated food stations that guests will roam between with a cocktail in hand and ready to graze; think, Louisiana heat, Carolina smoke, Georgia sweetness and a little Tennessee slow burn.
If you love your food layered with spice, infused with smoke and complemented by fresh bursts of flavours, this is the special event for you. From oyster roast to shrimp boil, fire pit to pickles, this is the epitome of southern hospitality whether you’re from the southern or northern hemisphere.
Ticket includes a welcome drink and entertainment. Kids tickets $15 and dogs are free, outside.
