When MasterChef royalty Matt Moran describes your dish as, ‘20 out of 5,’ and calls your dessert, ‘one of the best sticky date puddings I’ve ever tasted,’ you know you’re doing something right. That’s exactly what happened recently at Ballina RSL, where the team is making waves in the ‘2025 Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards’ — and they’re doing it with heart, flavour, and a deep love for local.
Running until Sunday, 15 June, this NSW-wide competition puts the power in the hands of diners, who vote on dishes from club eateries across the state. Ballina RSL has entered two stunning creations into this year’s awards, both championing the region’s rich pantry.
The main course, a Ballina Prawn Star Curry, is a fragrant Balinese-style dish featuring freshly caught Ballina King Prawns from Michael’s Seafood, paired with turmeric, coconut, lime and a crisp papaya salad. ‘It’s coastal, it’s bold, and it tells a local story,’ says Head Chef Bradley Browning.
For dessert, Head Pastry Chef Kanako has crafted the Brookie’s Mac Sticky Date Puddy, a luscious take on a classic – complete with house-churned vanilla ice cream, brandy snap, crystallised ginger and a decadent drizzle of Brookie’s macadamia liqueur.
Both dishes are available now at Ballina RSL, with a strong call to the community to dine in, scan the table QR code, and cast a 5-star vote. Last year, over 170 club eateries competed for glory – and this year, Ballina is going all in.
‘We’re incredibly proud to showcase the flavours of our region — prawns, macadamias, Brookie’s Mac, and even Seven Mile Brewing Co. beer,’ says CEO Guy Diven. ‘This isn’t just about a competition. It’s about celebrating our producers, our chefs, our clubs and our community.’
With a visit from Matt Moran under their belt and glowing feedback still buzzing, Ballina RSL is proving that big things happen when you champion local.
So if you’re after a meal that feeds more than just your appetite – one that nourishes community and celebrates where we live – head to Ballina RSL before 15 June and discover your own perfect plate.
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