by Denéa Buckingham
Most people have heard this, as well as numerous foreboding numbers and weather forecasts pertaining to global warming, cooling, and the extreme changes occurring in the blue 70% of our planet.
We divers know this better than anyone. But do most people care? Really care, I mean care enough to switch off their lights when they leave for work or bring their own shopping bags? Although awareness is increasing every day, the ratio of people who have heard the consequences of our environmental actions and actually heed these warnings is a skewed proportion.
So how do we endear our oceans and explain their necessity to non-divers? One way, I propose, is through a shared passion, something by which the entire Earth’s populous is connected and the true way to our hearts – our stomachs.
On Saturday the 2nd of February 2013 the land above one of Sydney’s favourite dive sites will transform from a grassy knoll and our beloved La Perouse into a festival, raising awareness and offering a taste of all the oceans have to offer.
Welcome to Sea Flavour, a festival that brings together all the aspects of our water-life cycle, from the recreational to the salted and savoury.
Showcasing Kamay National Park at Sydney’s southern beachside suburb of La Perouse, all the beauty of Bare Island will be on display – both above and below the surface.
Divers, diners and foodies alike are encouraged to submit their favourite seafood recipes via the www.SeaFlavour.com.au website, the best 2 recipes will win their way to the BBQ stage and team up with celebrity chefs Massimo Mele (regular star of ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ and executive chef of the Hugo’s group of restaurants and bars) and Mark Jensen (author of ‘The Urban Cook’ and chef of Red Lantern and Red Lantern on Riley) to cook off. Fair-goers will taste the dishes and judge the winner who takes home a full PADI certified dive course of their choice from Sydney Dive Academy.
Peter Kuruvita (star of SBS Food’s ‘My Sri Lanka’ and ‘Island Feast’ and the executive chef of Flying Fish Restaurant) headlines the Sustainable Seafood School, cooking one of his signature recipes and explaining the importance of our oceans. Throughout the day the Seafood School stage will see a who’s-who of Sydney’s food scene offer their expertise and recipes for all to taste, and try at home.
The Wines and Fishes fairgrounds will exhibit some of the most exciting and delicious wines available in Australia including Ducks in a Row and the Winemakers Without Boarders cooperative of sustainable Australian wineries. Taste, try and learn about the best wines to serve with your seafood or to just enjoy on a beautiful day after a dive.
All things ocean-aware will set up shop in the Sea Flavour fairgrounds including environmental organizations, restaurants with a sustainable seafood focus, diving associations, green clothing and accessories designers and the household brands working to make a difference in our society.
As the Westpac Rescue Helicopter hovers on its fly-by the instructors of Sydney Dive Academy will take daring non-divers on their first PADI ‘Discover Scuba’ experience. Our friends at NSW Parks and Recreation are opening Bare Island’s fort for tours sure to delight Mum, Dad and the rest of the family.
And the best part…the entire experience is free, just bring yourself and a hunger for knowledge, excitement and change, and the world of Sea Flavour is your oyster.
A few exhibitor spots still remain so if you would like to have your business represented at Sydney’s largest festival of ocean awareness, contact us today.
Tickets are available NOW for free via the Sea Flavour website.
Recipe submissions for the Sea Stars Cook Off are open until January 2013 so send yours along, it doesn’t have to be complicated – just delicious!
For more information visit us at:
or call:
Denéa Buckingham 0404 616 070 or [email protected]
Amanda James-Pritchard 0413 44 55 34 or [email protected]
Jamie Illistom 0458 193 806 or [email protected]
