Alive Fest, the state’s premiere plant-based festival, returns to Gosford on December 3, offering artisanal wares, clothing and an international array of food offerings with stallholders and visitors from as far as Wollongong and the Blue Mountains.
Ratha Sharma of Woy Woy is just one of the chefs who will be offering exotic food on the day.
She has been exciting tastebuds with her food since she was just 13.
“We were back home in my native Sri Lanka and my mum was sick one day,” she said.
“So, without the family knowing, I had to step up and cook the family dinner that night.
“I was so nervous, but my older brothers were crazy for it and my dad was so proud, I think he told the whole street.”
Now with four children of her own, Sharma has been inspired by her supportive husband Athi to take her cooking on the road.
Her Sangee’s Indian Food and Vegan Treats is now a mainstay on the Peninsula.
“Indian food is definitely growing in popularity on the Central Coast,” she said.
“I’ve been here 12 years now and though I know the public is drawn in by the scents, some are thinking it’s going to be too spicy.
“I always keep some toothpicks handy.
“Once they sample it, their eyes light up and they want to try everything.
“Indian food is so much more than just curries and it’s my job to show Coasties how diverse and tasty vegan Indian food can be, not to mention ending the meal with vegan cupcakes.”
At Alive Fest, Sharma will serve an assortment of treats to attract children and adults alike including doughnuts, waffles sticks, fairy floss, slushies and hot chips.
Festival organiser Glenn Fraser is excited that many local brands are serving their plant-based specialties and that foodies from Sydney and Newcastle are making the trip to Gosford.
“It’s a fantastically diverse and family-friendly event – right next to a wonderful kids’ park on the waterfront,” he said.
“It’s also the perfect place to find those unique Christmas presents in the artisanal lanes of the festival.
“This festival will see vegan fare from Venezuela, China, Turkey, Thailand, Palestine and Japan among others – we’re really reaching around the globe to invite the most sensationally tasty fare right to our amazing region’s doorstep.
“We can’t wait for the locals to try some new things.”
Alive Fest will be held from 9am-4pm at Gosford’s Leagues Club Park on Saturday, December 3.
Source:
Media release, Nov 21
Glenn Fraser, Alive Fest