About
Justine & Scott’s Story
My love of food started as a young girl cooking with Mum in our Sydney home. I moved to Los Angeles in 1997 and met Scott shortly after. My passion for cooking grew and I attended culinary school from 1999 to 2000. Recognizing the need for a more personalized in-home service, I went to work building a catering and private chef travel business focusing on sustainable, quality ingredients, with friendly, professional service.
Scott grew up in Los Angeles and discovered Australia in 1991 when he travelled with friends up the eastern seaboard. His many decades working in development was key to building the perfect kitchen space, guest accommodation, and surrounding landscape, prioritizing personal connection for people gathering around good food in nature.
Cambewarra is a magic area we discovered after visiting the South Coast a few years ago. After 26 years of living in Los Angeles, the pull to move home to Australia and relocate was strong for Scott and I.
In 2020 the pandemic curved my creativity, and I began making cooking videos from my kitchen. My love of sharing recipes, cooking tips and unusual ingredients sparked the idea to offer joyful, immersive food experiences in a cozy home environment.
After 23 years of traveling and working in other kitchens, I was ready to focus on my own way of sharing my passion for cooking. We put into action a plan to relocate and find the perfect home to set up a small cooking school with the addition of cozy accommodation and a thriving vegetable garden.
Welcome to Carramar and we can’t wait to see you in the kitchen or our cottage stay!
Our Philosophy
Organic
Carramar Kitchen and Cottage embraces an organic philosophy, sourcing locally to create vibrant, flavorful dishes that celebrate nature’s bounty.
Gluten Free
At Carramar Kitchen and Cottage, we prioritise gluten-free options, sourcing ingredients carefully to ensure delicious, dietary-friendly meals without compromising taste or quality.
Sustainably Grown
Carramar Kitchen and Cottage supports sustainable agriculture, sourcing ingredients grown with eco-conscious practices to create delicious, thoughtful meals.
Local Produce
Carramar Kitchen and Cottage prioritises local produce, showcasing the freshest ingredients from the Shoalhaven in every delectable dish.
About Our Classes
Our kitchen is the heart of our home, and we love to share it with people. Our classes are small and hands on which allows us to spend time with each guest and provide a relaxed experience. We invite you to join us in our kitchen for an immersive food adventure.
We will welcome you at 9:30am over warm drinks and a bite from the kitchen. Recipes will be provided to each guest and a discussion of the ingredients in each dish. We will then move into the kitchen for a brief orientation before visiting the garden to harvest fresh herbs and vegetables (weather dependent).
As we cook together there will be snippets of scrumptious treats, demonstrations, and explanations of ingredients and their uses. Gathering around the table to break bread and feast will bring us all together at the end of the day. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Rustic Italian & Handmade Gnocchi
Celebrate rustic Italian recipes in our cozy country kitchen. Learn to make perfect pillowy pan seared gnocchi, and delicious sauces.
Street Tacos, Ceviche, and Salsas, Experience
Gathering with loved ones for meals is cherished. Street Tacos elevate our dining experience, making every moment around the table special and satisfying.
Seasonal Vegetarian Workshop
Who the Classes are For
Our classes cater to a diverse range of participants, from seasoned cooks to beginners. Join us as we dive into exciting recipes, experiment with fresh ingredients, and engage in discussions on sustainability. Whether you’re extending your culinary skills or refining your skills, our focus remains on creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Beginner
We provide a welcoming environment where you build confidence & discover the joy of creating delicious meals.
Traveller
We offer a unique opportunity to connect with the heart of Cambewarra, as you learn, cook, and dine alongside fellow adventurers.
Experienced Cook
We offer an opportunity to refine your culinary skills, experiment with new techniques and elevate your dishes.
Team Building
Our classes provide the perfect setting to come together, foster community, share recipes and celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Shoalhaven.
Local Produce
Nestled in The South Coast’s fertile lands, our journey to Carramar Kitchen and Cottage was guided by a deep appreciation. From the moment we set foot in this beautiful region, the allure of its fresh, seasonal offerings captivated our senses. We were eager to showcase the abundance of flavors.
Embracing the ethos of farm-to-table dining, we embarked on a quest to weave the essence of The Shoalhaven into our food.
At Carramar Kitchen and Cottage, we take pride in crafting culinary experiences that celebrate the richness of our own as well as local harvest. As we invite guests to join us around the table to share connection between food and community.
Our Ingredients
In the heart of The South Coast, our culinary journey intertwines with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, bringing a taste of the Southwest to the lush landscapes of Australia. At Carramar Kitchen and Cottage, our commitment to using local ingredients harmonizes perfectly with the bold, spicy essence of tacos, enchiladas and many delicious global recipes. Drawing inspiration from the diverse produce of the region, we elevate these classic dishes to new heights of flavor and freshness.
Our tacos burst with the colors and textures of The South Coast’s harvest. Freshly picked produce from our garden and from nearby farms, such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and chiles.
Locally sourced meats, marinated and grilled to perfection, add depth and richness, while homemade salsas crafted from ripe, sun kissed ingredients and fiery chili peppers infuse each taco with tantalising flavours.
Similarly, our enchiladas showcase the bounty of The South Coast’s land in every mouthful. Tender, slow-cooked meats, sourced from trusted local suppliers, mingle with earthy spices and fragrant herbs, creating a hearty filling that’s both comforting and robust. As we roll these flavorful fillings into soft handmade gluten free flour tortilla. Drizzled with sauces made from locally grown ingredients, our enchiladas are a testament to the harmonious marriage of flavors that defines our kitchen.