A taste of the sea

Where better to enjoy the fruits of the Australian west coast than cruising on its pristine waters in Audi style. Guests at this year’s Margaret River Gourmet Escape (MRGE) did just that as they enjoyed a leisurely cruise on board the luxury vessel, Kimberley Quest II and dined on a veritable feast of local seafood prepared by the celebrated team from Shorehouse. 

Taking in a picture perfect afternoon on Geographe Bay, Oliver Gould and his team from Shorehouse – a restaurant by the beach in Western Australia’s Swanbourne – created a collection of epicurean delicacies for guests. 

Southern Aloya oysters with cob and Nannygai crude were impossible to resist. Shark Bay blue swimmer crab with corn and almond gazpacho the perfect foil for the warm WA afternoon and Albany mussels drizzled with thousand island dressing proved a popular choice.

The delicacies continued, with Manjimup rainbow trout rillettes with dill pickles and lavosh, Kimberly prawns with pumpkin caponata, nori and vincotto.

Desert was a delicate dulce de leche, passionfruit, almond milk pannacotta and coconut crumble just to send taste buds into overdrive.

Oliver’s approach to the superb epicurean fare was one of complete respect – the produce here very much does the talking. Small wonder that Oliver was awarded the coveted Young Chef of the Year award in the 2014 by The Age Good Food Guide. 

An irresistible taste of the sea, perfectly accompanied by premium Evans & Tate wines, made for the ultimate, relaxed WA evening.

A bird’s eye view of the coast was afforded those who decided to break the relaxing spell and venture skyward, the Kimberley Quest II’s chopper taking guests for a scenic flight to cap off a perfect afternoon.