The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is inviting you to a gastronomical experience like no other. For one evening only, on Thursday 29 May 2025, Behind the Curtain puts you and four courses of delectable, French-inspired cuisine centre stage.
In this inspired special event—part of the Shoalhaven Food Network’s Autumn Celebration of Food—mise en place meets mise-en-scène. Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s Head Chef, Matt Fleming, and Events Coordinator, Leah Foley, are flipping your usual entertainment outing on its head and placing you (and your dinner) under the spotlight.
This is a wonderful chance to get the ‘talent treatment’, arriving at the stage door, getting an exclusive peak into the world backstage. Then, emerging from the wings, the scene (and table) will be set: dinner will be served on the auditorium stage.
For the foodies among you, you will know what an achievement it is to be a hatted chef. In his stellar international career, Matt Fleming has earned a two-hat rating. This will give you an idea of the gastronomic delights in store for you.
Combined with the stage lighting that Leah Foley is having created specially for the Behind the Curtain event the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre team is pulling out all the stops to give people a truly memorable experience.
Matt’s show stopping menu in four acts is inspired by his French culinary training and the flavours of fine local produce:
Opening Act Demi-tasse Jerusalem artichoke
Act 1 Chicken liver parfait, chicken epigram, mushroom panzanella and onion marmalade
Act 2 Barramundi with oyster mushrooms in a coconut broth and Roast pork scotch, romesco sauce, greens and garlic (served alternate drop)
Encore Caramel parfait glace, chocolate mousse & salted caramel
If your mouth is already watering and you’re ready to book, click here. In case you are wondering, Behind the Curtain diners can rest assured they are not part of a theatrical production, there isn’t an audience watching!
Matt Fleming and his approach to food
When I spoke to Matt and asked him about his philosophy of food he told me:
“As I have mellowed a bit in my old age, my approach has become more and more flavour-driven. Of course, I rely on the French influence that was drummed into me in the restaurants I have worked in over the years, but my emphasis is on flavour and making sure people have an enjoyable evening.”
Di Laver, Founder and President of Shoalhaven Food Network, says she is thrilled Matt is actively involved in the association:
“Matt’s stellar career at leading restaurants, his commitment to quality training, his passion and skills with seasonal, local ingredients, and the fact that he is held in such high esteem within the industry for his skills and his personable, humble nature makes him a great asset in the Shoalhaven.”
Part of Matt’s commitment to supporting the Shoalhaven Food Network, and the work it does in connecting local producers with chefs and cooks, is sourcing and prioritising ingredients supplied by other members. Diners at Behind the Curtain can expect the dishes on the menu to be featuring locally grown and produced ingredients.
Read more about Matt Fleming’s career on the Shoalhaven Food Network’s Hospitality Heroes web page and see three of his delicious, exquisitely presented dishes below.
Shoalhaven Food Network Autumn Celebration of Food
Behind the Curtain at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Thursday 29 May is part of Shoalhaven Food Network’s Autumn Celebration of Food running from 01 May to 15 June 2025—a culinary extravaganza that has something for everyone:
Farm Fresh Delights Explore the bountiful harvest of the region with farm-fresh produce, hand-picked and bursting with autumnal goodness.
Wine Tastings Savour the finest wines crafted by local wineries, perfectly paired with the seasonal fare to tantalise your taste buds.
Chef Demonstrations Learn from culinary masters as they share their secrets and techniques to create delectable dishes inspired by the flavours of autumn.
Live Music & Entertainment Set the mood with live music and entertainment, creating the perfect ambiance to enjoy delightful food and great company.
Artisanal Market Discover unique artisanal products and crafts that showcase the creativity and talent of local artisans, perfect for bringing a piece of Shoalhaven home with you.
Community Spirit Connect with fellow food enthusiasts and local producers, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the culinary treasures of the Shoalhaven region.
