Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

A Wonderland Of White On Whitehaven

A decadent long white table, a stunning silica sand beach, the rich tones of a lively marching band and cool water beneath your feet as you disembark the vessel and are instantly handed a glass of chilled French Champagne.

This was the scene presented to over 500 people on the three-day White On Whitehaven Long Table Lunch held over the weekend – a pop-up restaurant set on one of the world’s best beaches, two hours from civilisation.

Arriving on a three-level air-conditioned SeaLink ferry, guests are treated with five-star comfort from the moment the day begins.

With a dress-theme of elegant white – ivory dresses flowed, hats were wide-brimmed, and feet were bare to create a striking luncheon that embodied luxury yet was deliciously casual in approach.

Chef, event organiser and co-owner of Fish D’vine, Kev Collins, said that long-term he wanted the White on Whitehaven to become the Whitsunday’s iconic food and beverage event.

“We’re a company that’s run by the motto of – loving making people happy!” he said.

“We’ve knocked the house down this year, it’s been absolutely fabulous, and people have loved it! I wouldn’t want to change a thing!”

Guests were treated to welcome canapes of salmon sashimi and freshly shucked oysters, followed by a buffet of the finest local cuisine, including prawns, Morton Bay Bugs and local barramundi fillets accompanied by tender meats and tangy salads.

This years’ event was moved from May to September, which Mr Collins said certainly showcased the best the Whitsundays had to offer and numbers were capped at 200 per sitting to create a more intimate feel.

Aided by the weather, Mr Collins coined this year ‘the redemption lunch’ following a rainy, windy and chilly Sunday last year that unfortunately made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“We were heartbroken – but you can’t help the weather,” said co-organiser Katelyn Aslett.

“One of the best outcomes is that several people were here for the bad day last year and returned this year for one of the best days!

“The last three days have been the best you can ever get in the Whitsundays – the wind has been below five knots the whole time!”

“We’ve had fabulous weather, happy people - everything has just gone perfectly!” said event coordinator Stacy Harvey.

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