The Currarong Bowling Club Dish That’s the Talk of the Town

Visitors have made the journey from as far as Wollongong to sample the Club’s award-winning fare at The Peninsula Brasserie, and the buzz shows no signs of slowing.

Chef Ben Quiqq, the creative force behind the Brasserie’s menu, says the Club’s now-famous 2024 lamb dish made a lasting impression. 

“We left it on the menu for a little bit after [the awards]. I could’ve left it on all year — everyone talked about it. But meat prices blew up for a bit — lamb went above $60 a kilo,” Ben explains. 

“Still, all year we had people come down because we won that award.”

In 2025, Ben and the team returned with a fresh trio of dishes for this year’s competition, showcasing a blend of bold technique and local flavours:

• Stuffed Pork Tenderloin – Local free-range pork tenderloin with pinenut and mushroom stuffing, smoked feta and pumpkin purée.
• Wagyu Surf and Turf Pizza – A rich garlic cream base topped with 7+ Wagyu steak, prawns, spinach, shallots and a squeeze of lemon.
• Housemade Apple Crumble Cheesecake – A comforting, creative twist on the classic dessert.

Ben says the new dishes continue his core philosophy: letting high-quality ingredients shine. 

“This year, the dish I’ve picked — if it goes well, I can keep it around. With my dishes, I try to let the flavour of the foods stay rather than tamper with them. I think that’s what worked so well last year,” he says.

“We didn’t do too much with the lamb, just salt and pepper — no spices. Just letting the product work for itself.”

In 2025, the response has been even stronger. 

“This year I’ve had even better feedback, and that’s great considering last year was really good,” he says.

To celebrate their culinary success and give back to the community, the Club is planning a Charity Gala Dinner in the hope of raising $10,000 for a local community association. 

The funds are needed after the local council withdrew support for the much-loved Currarong new year’s fireworks, an annual tradition that has brought the community together for years.

The Gala Dinner will feature a showcase of both the 2024 and 2025 Perfect Plate dishes, including the featured dessert, in what promises to be a night of local pride, community spirit and exceptional dining.

From a small-town bowling club to a regional food destination, Currarong Bowling Club is proving that you don’t need a big city address to create big flavour — just fresh ingredients, honest cooking and a whole lot of heart.

Winners of the 2025 Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards will be announced on 15 July at the Western Sydney Convention Centre at Panthers Penrith.