This April (27-30), Shore Leave Festival will feature an action-packed program of more than 30 food, music, art and performance events, including two iconic dining events, the Midwest Paddock to Plate featuring Australian culinary legend Matt Moran and the Albrolhos Long Table Lunch with guest chef Brendan Pratt.
Each menu will dive headfirst into showcasing the best produce of WA's Midwest region, seeking out the hidden gems rarely championed on the dinner table, with both Matt and Brendan taking a hyper local approach to their food sourcing.
With a unique and diverse ingredient list including, Baston Grove olives, Neptune's Weed Abrolhos Island Seaweed, Abrolhos Octopus, Scallops, and of course Western Rock Lobster – foodies who venture to the West are in for a treat like no other.
Returning to its roots, this year's Midwest Paddock to Plate will be located out at Yanget Farm, a homestead and station that has been rearing cattle since the early 1900's. Matt's menu will see Yanget Beef and Lamb take centre stage for a true celebration of the fantastic produce from our own West Australian backyard. Think open fires cooking delicious lamb shoulders and juicy rump steaks.
"I am so excited to be a part of Midwest Paddock to Plate, it's a philosophy that is very close to my heart. The connection between the land and produce is extremely important to me and having the opportunity to serve quality local produce on the land that it came from is a really special thing," Mr Moran said.
"We are so incredibly lucky in Australia with the variety of fantastic produce available to us, and the amazing landscapes and destinations we can all access through travel. I am thrilled to be part of the event, and I can't wait to get back to Western Australia this April," he finished.
Now in its third year, Shore Leave Festival takes place in the coastal city of Geraldton, positioned as the ultimate seafood festival that celebrates the rich maritime history and uniqueness of the region.
The region's freshest local produce will shine at The Abrolhos Long Table Lunch, presented by Western Rock Lobster. This once in a once in a lifetime dining experience is staged on the unspoilt Abrolhos Islands will see Chef Brendan Pratt curate a world class seafood menu paired with premium Vasse Felix wines. An exciting new development for 2023 is a Seaplane transfer ticket option out to East Wallabi Island which will see guests arrive in style by seaplane, touching down right in the middle Turtle Bay.
The Helm, the heart of the festival, welcomes an all-new Mid West Food Hall, with local favourites Burnt Barrel Skeetas as well as the Western Rock Lobster Back of Boats Lobster BBQ. Everyone can enjoy Barnacles best fish and chips or mouth-watering slow smoked ribs from Burnt Barrell while they enjoy a local Finlay's Pale Ale or an Abrolhos Gin & Tonic.
Visitors and locals alike will be treated to daily live music, free kids' workshops, sea shanty performances, and the inaugural 'Western Rock Lobster Cook Off' all at The Helm. 2023 will also see the return of the successful Beach Price Markets presented by Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative at Fishermans Wharf, with marine touch pools, educational workshops, family friendly activations, and cooking demonstrations at The Buy West Eat Best kitchen (including Matt Moran).
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