COOKING UP Success

Alba Noosa first opened at Noosa in December, 2021. Penny Brand sits down with chef Peter Kuruvita and wife Karen to reflect on its success.

It’s been well over a year since Alba Noosa first swung open its doors to the public, with the now-famous venue proving it has what it takes to be one of the Coast’s premier foodie destinations. Not that we expected any less from local celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita, whose career in cooking has spanned a lifetime across many countries and countless kitchens.

Alba Noosa heralded a new dawn of one-stop gastronomical experiences as a hub of food and beverage offerings.

The beautifully-designed space promised to perfectly embody the essence of fine food and the natural elements of its coastal surrounds, and has since become so much more than a stunning restaurant and wedding venue. With a cocktail bar serving wood-fired pizza and bar snacks, takeaway and a Providore and bottle shop, Alba Noosa also offers a cooking school, private dining room and a wired kitchen film studio!

As an internationally-renowned chef, restaurateur, television presenter and author, Peter’s irrefutable passion for fresh produce was nurtured in his grandmother’s kitchen as a child growing up in Sri Lanka.

This has inspired the various restaurants, signature dishes, cookbooks and television series that followed throughout his career.

Peter first came to Noosa to open Noosa Beach House by Peter Kuruvita at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort (thenSheraton Noosa). And he never looked back, settling into our picturesque seaside village with wife Karen and their three sons.

During his eight years at the helm of Noosa Beach House, the restaurant received many accolades including Business of the Year at the 2019 Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

Peter’s said his time at Noosa Beach House was a truly memorable era with an incredible and hard-working team and strong community support.

“I thought I was done with restaurants, but the opportunity to do a restaurant alongside a cooking school really excited me,” he said.

“The potential of this site was too good to pass up.

Situated on Alba Close at Parkridge and tucked behind Noosa Springs, the venue was built on the original Noosa White sand quarry site in an enclave called Alba Close.

Fittingly, Alba is the Latin word for ‘white’; is Spanish for ‘sunrise’ and the highest grade of Ceylon cinnamon.

Since opening its doors, locals and visitors alike have lapped up laughs and meaningful conversations, combined with tantalising dining experiences and special celebrations.

Food and wine lovers have been particularly drawn to the thriving locale’s Chef’s Kitchen, which showcases state-of-the-art cooking classes and private chef’s tables.

This autumn guests can experience masterclasses in Sri Lankan curries, French classics, Mexican feasts, subcontinental vegetarian, and fresh seafood.

The hands-on classes are set in the venue’s stunning kitchen studio space, featuring Peter Kuruvita and offering a range of culinary delights and skills.

For a more intimate dining experience, private Chef’s Tables cater to small groups of up to 20 people, offering the ultimate dining experience to budding gourmands.

Karen Kuruvita says in this more intimate setting Peter can curate a bespoke menu tailored to any occasion and personally cook meals in front of patrons.

“Alba’s success has been dependent on working well with clients, and knowing just the right blend of environment and experience to allow guests to connect with one another,” she said.

“Peter speaks with clients to understand their preferences, looks at the beverage package they have chosen and curates to these guidelines, working with seasonally-available local produce.

“Our cooking classes are a four-hour session, including all ingredients and food to cook and enjoy, and usually includes three or four courses and sides, two glasses of wine or beer, and a take-home Chef’s Kitchen apron and recipe booklet.”

Classes are $210 each with private classes also available for groups accommodating up to 24 people. Head online to book or make an enquiry.

Also this year, Peter will share secret family recipes, as seen on his SBS Television series, My Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan 5-Pot Curry Lunches return with a delicious spread of traditional Sri Lankan curries and sambals changing every month.

Held on the first Saturday of each month, patrons can enjoy five totally unique curries, festive rice, pappadams and a range of sambals served in the traditional family- style.

Each curry focuses on a star ingredient, enhanced by the aromatic spices, fresh coconut and curry leaves that Peter’s island home is famous for.

The long lunches are complete with a traditional Sri Lankan dessert, and at just $65 a head, these shared feasts are the perfect way to catch up with family and friends.

If you prefer pairing your meals with the perfect vino, be sure to mark on your calendars the upcoming Cullen Winemaker Dinner on 18 May.

Nature trailblazer Vanya Cullen, who is at the helm of one of Margaret River’s founding wineries, Cullen Wines, has never been afraid to go her own way.

The highly decorated winemaker and businesswoman harvests and renews biodynamic soils to the solstices, stars and moons, Karen says.

To book a seat at the next cooking school, chef’s table or 5-Pot curry lunches; or for more information on the upcoming winemaker dinner and other events, visit www.albanoosa.com.au

Sink your toes into the sand, let the sun kiss your skin and settle in for a pleasure picnic IN Noosa with Carlie Wacker and the Bird.