Presented in partnership with StoryFest

On Saturday 21 June, we're honoured to welcome one of Australia’s most respected and beloved voices in food, Stephanie Alexander AO, to Cupitt’s Estate for a sold-out evening of stories, flavour, and community celebration.

Stephanie’s contribution to Australia’s food culture is unparalleled. From her era-defining Melbourne restaurantStephanie’sto her authorship of more than 20 influential books, includingThe Cook’s Companion, Australia’s most treasured kitchen reference—her career has shaped the way Australians think about cooking, ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal.

In 2001, she founded the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, a groundbreaking initiative that’s now in over 1000 schools and early learning centres around the country. Through this program, Stephanie has helped generations of children discover the pleasures of growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh seasonal food. Her work has earned her both the Medal of the Order of Australia and the title of Officer of the Order of Australia—honours that reflect her transformative impact on the nation’s culinary and educational landscape.

A Feast to Remember

This special event—Three Decades at the Dinner Table, marks a critical moment in the lead-up toThe Cook’s Companion's 30th anniversaryin early 2026. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated shared menu designed by Cupitt’s Executive Chef Jonathan Pryor and inspired by the principles and recipes Stephanie has championed throughout her life: seasonal produce, regional flavours, and heartfelt hospitality.

The menu, prepared by the Cupitt’s Estate kitchen team, draws on the best of our local growers and gardens including our own kitchen garden. Every course is a nod to Stephanie’s legacy and the spirit of cooking that brings people together.

Guests will be welcomed with a drink on arrival from 6:00pm, before being seated at 6:15pm for the shared long-table feast. Following the dinner, Stephanie will host a book signing, a chance for attendees to connect personally and take home a piece of Australian culinary history.

Event Details

Date:Saturday 15 June 2024

Time:

6:00pm – Welcome Drink

6:15pm – Guests Seated for Dinner

Post-dinner – Book Signing

Location:Cupitt’s Estate, Ulladulla NSW

Tickets:Sold Out

This collaboration withStoryFestbrings together two things we love deeply: food and storytelling. We’re incredibly proud to host this evening and celebrate the legacy of someone who has changed the way we cook, eat, and think about food in Australia.

Whether you’ve been cooking fromThe Cook’s Companionfor years or are just discovering Stephanie’s world, this night promises to be an unforgettable chapter in our own story here at Cupitt’s.

A Shared Table - Menu  

Inspired by the philosophy of Stephanie Alexander

Entrée – To Share

• Kitchen Garden Herb Marinated ‘Alto’ Olives - House-marinated using herbs from our garden
• House Made Sourdough Bread, Whipped Ricotta & Garden Citrus
• ‘Martins Ridge’ Capocollo, Pickled Cucumber, Peppers & Fennel Seed Grissini
• Fried Jerusalem Artichokes, Mittagong Mushrooms & Meredith Goat’s Cheese
• Smoked & Pickled Jervis Bay Blue Mussels, Pickled Fennel & Capers

Main – Shared Feast

• 12-Hour Braised ‘Gundagai’ Lamb Shoulder with Anchovy & Garlic
• Roasted ‘Hazeldene’ Free Range Chicken with Grapes & Verjuice

Sides – For the Table

• Garden Leaf Salad with Fresh & Pickled Vegetables
• Crispy Potatoes with Rosemary Salt

Dessert – Single Drop

• Hunter Valley Olive Oil & Botrytis Viognier Cake