Perth chef Scott Bridger returns to Geraldton’s Shore Leave festival with Abrolhos long table lunch

Renowned Perth chef Scott Bridger will return to the Mid West this week for three Shore Leave culinary events.

Along with the former head chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Noma, Ben Ing, Mr Bridger will cater at two sold-out Abrolhos Long Table lunches on East Wallabi Island as well as the popular Mid West Paddock to Plate event held at Yanget Farm in the Chapman Valley.

”It’s like the yin and yang, one at the beach and one out bush on a farm,” Mr Bridger said.

Now in its fifth year and held on the pristine sands of the remote island group, the long-table lunch has been expanded across two days for the first time to cater for high demand.

Mr Bridger, co-owner of North Fremantle’s Bib and Tucker, is excited to be back for his second year.

“Last year was the highlight of my culinary escapades so I jumped at the opportunity when they asked me back,” he said.

His cooking style blends seasonal, foraged and locally sourced produce with traditional smoking, pickling and wood-fired techniques focusing on the best seafood, meat and native ingredients that WA has to offer.

This year is an exclusively seafood event and guests can expect a feast of Abrolhos fare, with scallops, flame-grilled octopus, pink snapper and, of course, western rock lobster on the menu.

“We’ve redesigned the barbecue this year, so we’re going to be hanging fish and octopus over the flames,” Mr Bridger said.

“It’s a pretty special place, not only for the guests but also for the chefs, cooking over flames, metres from the ocean.

“We’re doing two days this year, so I’m hoping to get a little time off, put on a mask and get amongst some of the most pristine waters in WA.”

Tickets are available for the Paddock to Plate on Saturday, April 26. Return bus transfers from Geraldton are available.

Visit shoreleavefestival.com.au