A 10-day annual food event is set to open its 2026 program with a Sri Lanka-inspired cultural dining experience bringing together food, fire and performance for the winter festival’s launch.
Titled Island Fire, The Curated Plate’s opening event will take place at Alsahwa Estate, Palmwoods, on July 24.
Inspired by the Sri Lankan concepts of Gini (fire) and Gewa (rhythm), the event is designed as an immersive experience of flavour, shared dining, storytelling and performance.
Chef and festival culinary director Peter Kuruvita will return from Sri Lanka, where he is currently serving as head juudge on MasterChef Sri Lanka, to lead the event.
He will collaborate with Alsahwa Estate head chef Mal Meiers, whom he has previously worked with. The event will also launch Alsahwa Estate’s Feast Chef Series.
Held in the estate’s gardens from 11.30am to 4pm, Island Fire will host 150 guests for an immersive afternoon experience.
Proceedings will begin with a live kottu demonstration by Mr Kuruvita and Mr Meiers, showcasing the traditional Sri Lankan street dish cooked on a hot plate with rhythmic chopping and flame, followed by performances from Sri Lankan drummers and dancers.
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Guests will then gather at long shared tables in the garden hut area for a menu inspired by Sri Lanka’s spice trails, with dishes emerging from the hearth throughout the afternoon.
Mr Kuruvita said the event would reflect the cultural traditions surrounding food in Sri Lanka.
“Food in Sri Lanka is closely tied to rhythm, fire and community,” he said.
“It’s about gathering people together, cooking over flame and sharing dishes that carry generations of tradition.
“Island Fire is a way of bringing that experience to the Sunshine Coast and opening The Curated Plate with something that celebrates both culture and connection.”
The Curated Plate will run from July 24 to August 2 across the Sunshine Coast, showcasing local chefs, producers and venues through a program of events highlighting regional ingredients and culinary talent.
Tickets for Island Fire will be released as part of the festival’s early ticket release in April.
The Curated Plate is delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland, alongside industry and community collaborators.
