Event: Sunset Long Table Dinner Cable Beach, 2019 Broome
People from across the world came together for an unforgettable sunset long table dinner under the stars at Broome, Western Australia during the annual Shinju Matsuri Festival. This exciting event happens in September and 350 revelers, many adorned in pearl necklaces or pearl strands attended this year. Tickets to this sought-after event rapidly sell like hot cakes. This year I was lucky enough to attend with my long-time pal Mr Bill Reed.
Bill was the Patron of the Shinju Festival this year, an honour well deserved as he has given generously to the Broome community for decades. It was a beautiful warm and calm afternoon with a large stir of excitement in the air. The timing of this event is of utmost importance because the event organisers only have a few hours to set up and pull down during low tide. There was a 9 metre tide that day and it was at its lowest at 5.30pm, perfect timing.
And you might be wondering if it is worth the $275 ticket? Yes!!! You pay for the sheer joy of a ‘once in a year’ dining experience right on the beach with a million-dollar view of the sunset and everything at your fingertips. Seeing the large-scale temporary kitchen first hand and being in amongst the hundreds who have traveled from near and far makes for a fabulous night out. Seating is allocated, everyone is friendly and the stars are free!
We were served delectable small dishes of pearl meat, pork belly, eye fillet and a fresh fruit sticky rice dessert.
Shinju Matsuri 2020 will be held from 28 August – 6 September and is set to be the biggest and best in the festival's history celebrating its 50th year, so start planning now!