All through May, chefs of the Shoalhaven are championing the best of local food and wine, for the inaugural Celebration of Food Month.
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It is set to be a feast for the senses: there will be long lunches, cooking classes, workshops, food trucks, hatted chef rivalry dinners, and even more unique events throughout May.
Shoalhaven Food Network Inc. is bringing hatted chefs including Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater), Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio at The Spit) and Peter Doyle (EST), to join the celebration.
They will collaborate with local resident chefs to design menus which highlight the Shoalhaven's freshest local fare.
As part of the celebration, foodies can also sample cool climate wines at cellar doors, try local handmade chocolates, buy organic fruits and vegetables at the farmers' markets and taste artisan made breads and cheeses.
Events are happening all over the Shoalhaven - from Kangaroo Valley, to Mollymook and beyond.
Here is your ultimate guide to dining during Shoalhaven Celebration of Food Month:
All month long...
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads
Hyper-local tasting menu
All month, Bangalay Dining's tasting menu will have extra Shoalhaven flavour, celebrating local produce and vineyards.
The tasting menu is available for lunch (Fri-Sun) and dinner (Mon, Tue, Thu-Sat).
Taj Indian Restaurant, Huskisson
Thali night
Sample a selection of authentic North Indian curries, rice and naan from one of Huskisson's beloved restaurants. They can even make it vegan-friendly.
Available each Friday in May, 5pm - 9pm.
The Emporium, Berry
Woodfire pizza night
Join the Emporium Gourmet Cafe and Deli in Berry for a wood fired pizza night every Friday and Saturday in May.
6pm - late.
Coolangatta Estate, Coolangatta
Walking tour and wine tasting
Wander the vineyard on an exclusive tour of the famous estate, learn a little about the winemaking process, and finish your day with an exclusive wine tasting in the cellar or wine garden.
Coolangatta Estate walking tours are offered every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10am.
Coolangatta Estate, Coolangatta
Un'Wine'd' estate picnics
Settle in with your best pals for a luxe picnic, fully set up and complete with Estate-grown wine, charcuterie, and the sprawling views of Coolangatta Estate.
Picnics are available on Sundays, public holidays, and school holidays.
Sunday, May 1
James Kitchen, Huskisson
Shanghai tasting menu
Kick off Celebration of Food Month with a long lunch.
James Kitchen in Huskisson is serving five courses of exquisite Chinese cuisine, with sparkling wine on arrival.
12pm - 3pm.
Tuesday, May 3
Bundanon, Nowra
Shoalhaven Celebration of Food official launch
The month-long celebration will be officially launched at a celebration featuring guest of honour Simon Marnie (ABC) and Mayor Amanda Findley.
5pm - 9pm.
Thursday, May 5
Paperbark Camp, Woolamia
Native fusion dinner
Inspired by the multicultural flavours of contemporary Australian cooking, the set menu will focus on local produce and combine with native bush ingredients for an indigenous twist.
6pm - 10pm.
Friday, May 6
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads
Special oyster menu
All weekend, Bangalay is featuring local oyster growers from three distinct farms.
Each oyster will be paired with a local ingredient garnish with an option to match wines with each.
Try the oysters during lunch, happy hour or dinner from this Friday, Saturday or Sunday (May 6-8).
Hampden Deli, Kangaroo Valley
Mum's night out
Shout Mum a multi-course degustation celebration.
She will not only appreciate the "Me" time, but will love this year's theme "Roses are Red".
This dinner includes a complimentary cocktail on arrival and a take home midnight treat.
6.30pm - 11.30pm
Sunday, May 8
Decadence Cakes, Gifts and Treats, Nowra
Mothers' Day high tea
Treat Mum this Mothers' Day with a decadent high tea experience, complete with exquisite handmade cakes, patisseries, treats, and more. High tea includes complimentary champagne on arrival.
10.30am - 12pm.
Wednesday, May 11
South on Albany, Berry
Chef's Menu
Chef John Evans is always championing the best produce from our region and on the 11th of May will highlight some of his favourite local wines too.
Sittings at 5.30pm and 7.45pm.
Thursday, May 12
Sandbar, Huskisson
Winter warmers beer degustation
Enjoy a five course flavours degustation, with matched beers, while overlooking the beautiful Huskisson Beach.
6pm - 9.30pm.
Friday, May 13
Terrara House, Terara
'Coast to Coast' with Ormeggio and Pilu
Terrara House is teaming up with Sydney's iconic Italian restaurants - Ormeggio and Pilu for a 'Coast to Coast' rivalry dinner.
Embark on a culinary adventure as chefs showcase South Coast produce with an Italian twist paired perfectly with wine, all in the heart of the Terrara House Estate.
5.30pm - 10pm.
Saturday, May 14
TAFE Ulladulla
Espresso coffee with TAFE NSW
Got the espresso coffee machine and don't know what to do with it? Or planning to get one?
Learn the skills associated with preparing a great cup of espresso coffee in a fun-filled environment.
1pm - 4pm.
Hampden Deli, Kangaroo Valley
Delicious dessert class
A high tea experience like no other.
This hands-on cooking class is packed full of baking tips for the dessert lover.
Complete the experience with high tea and champagne.
3pm - 6pm
Hungry Monkey, Berry
Burgers and Beers
The team is curating our best gourmet burgers, paired with our favourite local beers.
We'll take you through our delicious HM signature burgers, and why we've matched them with some of the South Coast's finest brews.
6.30pm - 8.30pm
Wendesday, May 18
TAFE Nowra
Espresso coffee with TAFE NSW
Got the espresso coffee machine and don't know what to do with it? Or planning to get one?
Learn the skills associated with preparing a great cup of espresso coffee in a fun-filled environment.
5.30pm - 9pm.
Jellybean Park, Nowra
Street eats and beats
Love food trucks and live music? The Shoalhaven's favourite mobile vendors will assemble for an evening of tasty treats and catchy tunes.
4pm - 7pm.
Saturday, May 21
Destiny's Cookery School, TAFE Nowra
The dumplings session
Learn to make your own dumplings and master different cooking techniques, while using the best of fresh seasonal local produce.
These skills are sure to impress at your next dinner party!
10.30am - 2pm.
Meroo Springs, Meroo Meadow
Slow food fire and smoke long lunch
Slow Food Berry to Jervis Bay are known for their ethical events. This time, local produce will be smoked and cooked over fire for a wonderful shared meal.
Experience the special atmosphere of Meroo Springs, the gardens, views to the escarpment and the iconic farm building where lunch will be held.
12pm - 5pm.
Jervis Bay Wild, Huskisson
For the love of mussels
Jervis Bay finally has its very own produce to call our own. Our Blue mussels are renowned for being the best in Australia.
Sail the bay on Port Venture and see for yourself, while enjoying a glass of bubbles and freshly shucked oysters, prawns, and mussels - courtesy of Jervis Bay Shellfish Market.
2pm - 4pm.
Salt Distillery, Nowra
Three chefs fermentation degustation
Chefs Nick Gardner, and Michelle and Terry Robinson, invite you on a journey into the wild world of fermentation, showcased through local ingredients from the Shoalhaven Region.
This six course dinner is paired with matching distillery drinks & local wines. Dine in an active distillery among stills, hops, grains & an open fire charcoal grill. Drink brews especially fermented for this night only.
5.30pm - 9.30pm.
Sunday, May 22
James Kitchen, Huskisson
Shanghai tasting menu
Did you miss out on the first sitting? Never fear!
James Kitchen in Huskisson is once again serving five courses of exquisite Chinese cuisine, with sparkling wine on arrival.
12pm - 3pm.
Tuesday, May 24
Husky Sports, Huskisson
Street eats and beats
Love food trucks and live music? The Shoalhaven's favourite mobile vendors are back for another evening of tasty treats and catchy tunes.
As a fun bonus, host venue Husky Sports is opening up the mini golf course and bowling greens to event patrons.
4pm - 7pm.
Ponte Bar and Dining, Nowra
Massimo Mele @ Ponte
Acclaimed Tasmanian-Italian chef Massimo Mele is bringing an exclusive menu to his celebrity chef dinner in Nowra.
This event will feature Oatley Wines.
6pm - 10.30pm.
Thursday, May 26
Milk Haus, Milton
Supper club with Max Dingle
An exhibition and conversation with Max Dingle exploring his thinking, enjoyment and pet hates to do with food, nutrition and lifestyle trends; thinking which seems to have migrated into his artworks along with influences by the Dada art movement.
Hampden Deli, Kangaroo Valley
Winemaker dinner with Tertini Wines
Hampden Wine Lounge welcomes Jonathon Holgate: Tertini's illustrious winemaker for a night of wining and dining.
Enjoy 5 courses cooked by chef Nick Gardner while relaxing in the hospitality of Michael Quirk. Experience the cool climate varietals of the Southern Highlands paired with local oysters & cheese and mouth watering duck & beef; this is a night best devoured with friends.
6.30pm - 10.30pm.
Saturday, May 28
Willinga Park, Bawley Point
Long table lunch experience
Enjoy a delicious lunch, featuring local produce and carefully selected wines by one of Sydney's greatest chefs, Peter Doyle and Willinga Park's talented head chef, Luke Bow.
Before settling in for a meal, enjoy a guided tour of the Wilinga Park facilities; this event also features an equestrian demonstration.
11am - 4pm.
Huskisson Hotel, Huskisson
Love locals lunch
Settle in for bottomless mussels and gin spritz, featuring local producers including Jervis Bay Mussels, Tara Distillery, Jervis Bay Brewing, Kraken Sourdough, and Vincentia Craft Butchery.
12pm - 2pm.
Wildwood, Kangaroo Valley
Terra Firma - a fire feast from land and sea
Enjoy the sights, smells and flavours of open-fire cooking in the lush surrounds of Kangaroo Valley.
Chat with your chefs and local producers by the fire while they finish preparing your meal. This experience not only features local food, but local musicians and floristry, and includes a tour of the Wildwood House.
May 28 and 29. 12pm - 4.30pm.
Sunday, May 29
Milton Hotel, Milton
Easy Love collaboration lunch
This epic lunch collaboration brings together old friends from Gwylo and The Milton Hotel.
Start with canapes in the brewery, followed by a long table lunch.
From 12.30pm.