 
Coffs Coast Long Lunch is an annual event on the Coffs Coast food lovers' calendar. Since moving to the Coffs Coast, it has been a passion project for food lover, food tour guide, and now event creator Awia Markey.
"Our first Long Lunch was held in April 2023 at Wylde Oak Cafe in Sapphire Beach, and I was so grateful that our inaugural event sold out.
Chef-owners Scott Tarlinton and Ben Wilson (pictured) were an integral part of bringing my vision to life, for a long lunch featuring local produce.
With salad leaves supplied from New Life Farm across the road 'food miles' were measured in metres!"
Rows of tables were set up, framed by potted palms borrowed from the nursery next door.
Diners ate delicious food and sipped wine - only just, as the cafe's Liquor License had only been approved only days before the event!
Speakers at the inaugural event included these local food producers and growers: Alice Williams and Darren Smith from New Life Farm; Zarin Asady from Silk Road Afghan Supermarket; Dave Rickets the Chocolate Dr; and Catherine Scarborough of Catherine's Black Garlic.
At this event we gained a reputation for Lucky Door prizes of premium locally sourced produce.
Since then our line-up of guest speakers has included: Juliana Pelmore of Balhyoso; Alicia Bailey, the flower Alkemist; Leeharne Hawley of Orara Valley produce; Loic Prouin, head chef and owner of 99 On Park restaurant; Jodie Nancarrow's homegrown herbal remedies; Dianne Knobloch from Raleigh Coffee & Eats; Charelle Harkins of Painted Blue Coffee; and Laura Gonzales of Peach & Wolf bakery.
We heard incredible food stories - the highs, the challenges, and the laughs. We learned about traditional Korean fermenting; some shocking insights into the flower industry; boozy homemade jams; the French love of food and butter; home grown herbal remedies; ethically sourced Award winning coffee; and a baker with a passion for using premium ingredients. We also tasted most of their products.
In 2024 I collaborated with Adam Hawke, previous owner of Shearwater Restaurant, to host two Long Lunch events at his event space overlooking the natural beauty of Coffs Creek.
It was here the tradition of an exclusive signature Coffs Coast Long Lunch cocktail began.
Guests sipped gin-based Spring Goddess cocktails at our 2024 Spring event; and in Autumn, the 'CC' was created using Brookies Turkish Delight Gin.
Our latest French-inspired cocktail creation The French Affair will be available at our Fabulous French Long Lunch.
Always welcoming and inclusive, a Coffs Coast Long Lunch is about connecting people - local food lovers, food producers and growers - and celebrating our local food scene. We can't wait to welcome you at our Fabulous French Long Lunch on Saturday, MAY 31.
Coffs Coast Fabulous French Long Lunch is on MAY 31 at 99 On Park restaurant in Coffs Harbour.
Enjoy a sparkling wine and canapés on arrival, a shared 2-course banquet of mains and dessert, and a glass of wine with your meal, while chatting with like-minded food lovers. Our event features two French food producers as guest speakers.
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