Top Picks from the Autumn Celebration of Food from an Insider
Ben Weldon has trawled through the calendar to make some top recommendations, from kids’ events to burger competitions to home barista classes. Read on to be inspired by the incredible range of foodie events on offer.
This year, the Shoalhaven Food Network proudly presents over 70 enticing events as part of our Autumn Celebration, set to captivate food lovers from both near and far.
These events offer a unique opportunity to delve into the local hospitality scene, showcasing the dedication and creativity of the Shoalhaven’s chefs and behind-the-scenes heroes.
A full list of events is available on the Shoalhaven Food Network website. With events catering to every budget and taste, the Shoalhaven Food Network team believe that everyone can enjoy the Autumn Celebration of Food in some capacity.
We were fortunate to partner with the Nowra Fresh Food Market on Anzac Day for our public launch and showcase, with well over 1000 people passing through the market stalls sprawled across Harry Sawkins Park in Nowra, enjoying just a small taste of what the Shoalhaven has to offer for its food lovers. This was a great opportunity for the public to find out about our events and enjoy food from our members including gelato from Bumpy Road Catering, Chips on a Stick from Twisty Boy, delicious chocolate creations from Berry Chocolatier and unique smoked relishes created by yours truly, from White Feather Designs.
With a good number of the 70 events already sold out, where does one begin? These are some of my personal highlights on the calendar.
Saturday 4 May
Cake Decorating for Kids at Husky Bakery. For just $15 kids can get creative and make cupcakes and gingerbread friends. Starting with out younger generations we may find the next Shoalhaven Food Network Hero as a baker!
Cinco De Mayo at Husky Sports hosted by La Cocina! Inspired by the Mexican holiday of Cinco De Mayo, you will be treated to Mexican food and lively music sure to be fun for the whole family. $79 gets you a full 4-course meal with my pick, the Churro Bowl for dessert. Not the only traditional thing on the menu, with delicious empanadas and a slow-cooked goat stew that promises to be packed full of flavour.
Sunday 5 May
James’ Kitchen Asian Fusion 10 course long lunch, on Owen Street Huskisson. Start with a glass of bubbles on arrival and be treated to the amazing flavours of the specifically curated meal for the Autumn Celebration of Food. Chef James trained at Guangzhou Restaurant in Chinatown Haymarket but has returned to Huskisson so we can enjoy his regional specific Asian cuisine. $95 per person for 10 courses with bubbles represents excellent value and a great way to spend a lazy Sunday.
James’ Kitchen is offering a 10 course long lunch on Sunday 5 May.
Saturday 11 May
Bearded Brewer in Nowra is hosting two Home Barista Workshops. Bring your own machine from home to learn on, makes sense! Learn how to correctly prepare beans, milk steaming, coffee styles and techniques as well as latte art. Impress your friends with your new-found skills. Plus the Bearded Brewer has an amazing selection of coffee beans you can purchase on the day. $100 for this event, either the beginner course or the advanced course depending on your skill set already. Either way you will leave feeling more confident of making café quality coffee at home.
Master your home coffee machine with expert tuition at the Bearded Brewer.
Paint and Graze. Once you have perfected your coffee skills, book yourself in to the Paint and Graze hosted by Neck of the Woods in Nowra. This is certainly a group event, so gather some friends and participate in the popular paint and sip that is popping up all over. Step by step guide to create your own masterpiece whilst you are treated to a delicious grazing table and cocktail, followed by canapes at the end of the painting. Have a laugh with your friends in a relaxed atmosphere. $95 for a masterpiece to take home and grazing board, great value and promises to be a fun, light-hearted afternoon.
Graze away while you paint a masterpiece at Neck of the Woods.
Sunday 12 May – Mothers Day
I love my mum and I am having trouble picking what event to take her to because there are no less than 10 events that are a part of our Autumn Celebration of Food.
If you are looking for the perfect idea for your mum, the best way is to jump on the website and ask a few questions of mum to get a hint of where to take her.
I have landed on the Prickly Pear Seafood Feast. Allison from Prickly Pear promises me that we won’t go hungry, nor will you if you book in. $165 for a seafood long lunch, with beautiful table service. I am looking forward to finding out what is freshly brought in for the event, the potential menu has so many delicious options, mum is looking forward to the Balmain Bugs and since dad has to come along too, he is keen on the wood grilled-in-shell Shark Bay scallops! Did you know they make their own sorbet in house too? I am one of those people who look at the menu before going to a venue and know what I want to eat before we even get there. Sorbet, yes please!
Sunday 19 May
Your writer is co-hosting Battle of the Burgers at Husky Sports, 11am to 4pm. This should be plenty of time to visit our different burger makers and decide who makes the best burger. There will be plenty of options along with market stalls and activities for kids and big kids alike. Grab a burger, meet some of the amazing market stall holders from the Shoalhaven, play some barefoot bowls or mini golf and help us decide who makes the best burger. They will be crowned the champion and have bragging rights for the next 12 months. Don’t forget a cheeky beer from Jervis Bay Brewing Co can bar. Prices will vary but the best way to join is to buy a few burgers and share with your friends and family.
Vote for your favourite in this ultimate burger battle.
Sunday 2 June
Sunday is for roasts! Nikki and Gerald at Farmgate Nowra use their stunning copper oven to make a Sunday roast beef that will transport you back to memories of the delicious roast your mum cooked, filling the house with beautiful smells. It comes with all the sides you would expect and is elevated due to the copper oven. $45 for a full roast served family style and dessert. I am booked in for this event and suggest you do too as places will fill up fast.
Book in for a classic Sunday roast at Farmgate.
Monday 10 June
Pizza and Pasta Party at Club Jervis Bay. This is our final event on the calendar, right on the Bay. Take your pick of pizza from the Cheesy Grin or pasta served from the bistro, this is sure to please all ages. Enjoy a drink and the hospitality of the kind staff at Club JB!
The Shoalhaven Food Network is a not-for-profit group that is run by local Jervis Bay legend Di Laver and supported by a group of passionate volunteers. The aim of the network is to be an outlet for local restaurants, cafés, breweries, distilleries, bakeries, venues and anything else you can think of in hospitality. This outlet is to promote to the wider public all the amazing things happening in the hospitality industry, and also to partner different businesses together for unique and creative collaborations. We keep our ear to the ground and try to facilitate partnerships that are beneficial for everyone, most of all the people who visit a hospitality venue. We are all united by a passion for food and flair for hospitality.
As the season continues, remember that there are many, many more stunning events lined up. For more details and to join the exciting Shoalhaven Foodies community, visit the Shoalhaven Food Network’s website. Here, you can sign up to “join our tables” and gain insider access to all things food in the Shoalhaven. Join us, and let’s make every meal an adventure!
