Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music and curated local-ingredient canapes by Bay Fusion Food Design at the upcoming Sunset Serenade at the Rusty Gates event for Taste Bundaberg Festival.
See what Operations Manager Joanne Fordham had to say about the event below:
What is the name of your event and how would you describe it in a sentence or two?
Sunset Serenade at Rusty Gate – an evening of mouth-watering canapes and live music with Tahli Thomas Music.
What inspired you to create this event for Taste Bundaberg Festival?
Bay Fusion Food Design is the inhouse catering and management team at Rusty Gate Grove Bar & Winery has been a part of the Taste Bundaberg Festival for many years.
Last year we catered that Mayor’s Ball at Jayteens Park under the Sperry Tents.
Bay Fusion was also the caterer for the 2021 Taste Festival Bridge Dinner that was a stand out event people are still talking about today.
What can guests expect when they attend? Any standout experiences or surprises?
Delicious deluxe canapes and great music by local artist Tahli Thomas.
Tell us about the food and drink on offer – what makes it special or uniquely Bundaberg?
Bay Fusion prioritises sourcing local fresh ingredients in all our catered events, weddings or functions.
We utilise local farms SSS Strawberries, Rosengal beans, Macadamia Australia, Giles Herbs, Simply Organic Farming and use our own fresh produce from the paddock to plate from Rusty Gates grove of avocados and fruit trees.
We purchase from local supplies Rum City Foods, Bidfood.
Are you working with any local producers, chefs or artisans? Who are they and what do they bring to the table?
Bay Fusion has a team of highly trained and experienced chefs with Russell Czinege as Executive Chef.
Our team can create delicious menus to suit any function or event from canapes to fine dining our team are international trained with on job experience in some of the finest restaurants in the world.
What’s the story behind your venue or location – why did you choose it?
Rusty Gate Grove Bar & Winery is a rustic country function venue on ten acres in Childers hinterland that hosts weddings, birthdays and events for private hire.
We want to highlight this hidden gem to the public to bring awareness to our venue and the Childers region.
Who is this event perfect for – families, foodies, adventurers, locals, visitors?
Sunset Serenate at Rusty Gate is for foodies, couples, friend groups, anyone that want a fun night with great music and delicious food in a stunning location.
Kids are welcome too.
What do you love most about being part of the Taste Bundaberg Festival?
We love being part of Taste Bundaberg Festival to highlight the variety of fresh produce the region produces and experiences visitors and locals can enjoy.
How do you think your event contributes to the region’s food and drink story?
It brings awareness to the finest fresh produce and experiences our region has to offer.
Do you have a favourite local ingredient or dish that features in your event?
I can not choose all of the food is amazing and a dining experience to enjoy
What’s one thing you hope every guest walks away with after attending your event?
We hope our guests enjoy the Rusty Gate’s lush gardens and groves while enjoying music by local artist Tahli Thomas and delicious and service by Bay Fusion Food Design.
Date: Saturday 13 September
Time: 4.45 – 7 pm
Cost: $89
Location: Rusty Gate Grove Bar & Winery, 1 Cottonwood Close, Doolbi
About Taste Bundaberg Festival
The 2025 Taste Bundaberg Festival will showcase the Bundaberg Region food bowl from 5 – 14 September.
View the full program here.
