Immerse Yourself in South Coast Culture and Food at Bundanon’s Long Lunch
A long lunch showcasing native ingredients from a world-class chef, immersion in both ancient culture and a state-of-the-art museum are all included in this drawcard event at Bundanon and Ramox Cafe on Sunday 2 June – part of the Autumn Celebration of Food organised by the Shoalhaven Food Network.
Immerse yourself in the food and culture of the south coast. Photo: Bundanon
In Dharrawal language, Bundanon means deep valley. This is an apt description of the riverside properties that are priceless cultural and environmental assets gifted to the Australian people by the artist Arthur Boyd and his family. There is something new to see at every turn, something to catch the eye and something to inspire. It is little wonder that Doug Innes-Will is inspired as a chef by the location of his Ramox Café.
The three courses that Doug has designed for this lunch highlight seasonal native ingredients that pair seamlessly with the natural environment.
Doug is an extraordinary home-grown Shoalhaven chef. He completed an apprenticeship at Bomaderry TAFE, and honed his knowledge and skills at Paperbark Camp’s Gunyah Restaurant and Hungry Duck in Berry. A move to Queensland put Doug on the map as executive chef at Spicers Peak Lodge & Restaurant where he and his team were awarded two Australian Good Food Guide Hats. It’s a career aspiration for most chefs to win one hat, Doug doesn’t do things in half measures!
Chef Doug Innes-Will has designed three courses featuring native ingredients. Photo: Bundanon
He was executive chef at 6-star resort Qualia on Hamilton Island with another Shoalhaven home-grown chef Sam Smith (who just placed top 4 in the Australian Chef of the Year Competition) before moving on to The Gallery of Modern Art Brisbane and then ultimately a move back home to take the executive position at Ramox.
With a resume as distinguished as Doug’s, we are lucky to have such a delicious, expertly curated, world-class long lunch right here in the Shoalhaven. You are guaranteed to be treated to exceptional food served from the heart from one of the best chefs not only in our region but in the country.
The event starts with a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Corroboree conducted by local Indigenous cultural custodians, Gadhungal Marring.
Indigenous custodians Gadhungal Marring hold smoking ceremonies on Bundanon. Photo: Narrell Tabone
I was fortunate enough to speak to Raymond Timbery, the owner of Gadhungal Marring to further understand the significance of a Smoking Ceremony. I now have a deeper understanding of how important and sacred a smoking ceremony is in Indigenous culture.
“The smoking ceremony is a cultural practice that gives the living the ability to connect to their ancestors. It is used at the beginning of life, end of life and special occasions,” Ray shared with me.
His mob believes that the Boolmah, which translates to sky camp, is a place for afterlife.
“Our ancestors live there in the sky camp and we use smoking ceremonies to communicate, when we are connected to our ancestors they help to provide guidance. They communicate to us through falling stars that travel with the wind and walk beside you.”
Your ticket also grants entry to the art museum with the latest exhibit, Tales of Land & Sea, which brings together three distinct projects exploring storytelling, mythological narratives, migration and the diasporic experience.
“Together, the exhibitions explore cross-generational experiences of migration and the movement of people and goods across the sea. Drawing from both personal narratives and Eastern mythologies, these works highlight age-old themes of longing, displacement, cultural connection and belonging,” according to the Bundanon website.
This is truly an event that cannot be missed on many levels. Bundanon itself is a world class facility providing inspiration, relaxation and education to foodies, art lovers and everyone in between.
Tickets are $130 including wine and beer, available online.
