Ulladulla's HarbourFeast Food and Wine Festival delivered plenty of good food, wine and laughs, however Sunday's giant slide delays and over-crowing put a dampener of the event for some.
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Festival coordinator Leonie Smith said Sunday’s slide hiccup did not take the shine off the three-day festival, with families soaking up a range of events on offer.
She said people were “absolutely raving” about Friday night’s opening Locavore dinner with six courses created by chef Jonny Staples using only ingredients sourced from between the Shoalhaven and Clyde Rivers.
“Jonny not only rose to the strict Locavore challenge, he far exceeded all expectations and delivered a dynamite menu, that was absolutely divine,” she said.
“On the night he spoke of the challenges in putting together the extensive menu and guests were informed of where each ingredient in every course, was sourced from.”
“The Guest Speakers were another highlight and a source of much interest and information, with all guests listening intently as they spoke from the heart of their personal trials and tribulations, as well as production processes and sustainability practices.
“The atmosphere was bubbling, with wine and beer tasting from Cupitts Winery and smooth tunes from local Dave Nolan.”
Saturday’s boutique festival on the civic centre lawn attracted hundreds of foodies who soaked up the sun and local flavours from 30 businesses on offer.
Leonie said the Waiters’ Race was “absolutely crazy”, with contestants Hayden Bridger, Jodie Gumley and Charanjit Kaur running, dodging and elbowing their way through an obstacle course carrying trays of glasses.
“After a bit of silliness, Jodie Gumley of Driftwood Café took out the trophy,” she said.
Wine Of The Day, as voted by festival patrons, went to Bawley Vale Estate, for the second consecutive festival with new owner, Chris Watt accepting the trophy and crediting the award to the previous owners.
Plate of the Day was awarded to the Harvest Bar with chef Jonny Staples shining with his tapas platter.
The seafood barbecue cook-off was popular, with three teams competing for the title.
Trudy Bidewell and Joanne West-Field took out first place as judged by visiting Wollongong Chef, Taryce Cahill, pipping Grant Schultz and Roger Gillespie and Alison Salafia and Denise McDonald at the post.
“The live entertainment was a hit, with many people relaxing on picnic rugs and in the shade of the large marquees,” Leonie said.
“Rachel Summerell, Phil and Friends, Richard and The Lionhearts and Chris Rulewski, were definite crowd pleasers, enhancing the already relaxed and contented vibe of the festival.”
Sunday’s giant slide was highly anticipated, however a two-hour wait caused many of the first group to leave, demanding their money back.
Leonie said Slide City Australia “experienced operational problems” and the 10am session had to be cancelled.
“Refunds were promised by Slide City Australia and all names were recorded,” Leonie said.
“Slide goers were given the opportunity to wait for the 12 noon session, and were then given an all day pass.
“There were a lot of happy faces in the afternoon sessions, with slide goers enjoying themselves until closing, at 5.45pm.”
Leonie praised the efforts of volunteers from Rotary and other local organisations who assisted on the day.
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