Eighteen of the region’s best providores and restaurants have finalised their menus, building tasting plates around key local ingredients, and are preparing to feed the many foodies expected to arrive on the shores of Merimbula Lake from 10am.

Eat team member Anthony Osborne of Sapphire Coast Tourism said foodies can expect to be tantalized by the bounty of the sea, including kingfish ceviche, fish curry, squid salad, Eden mussels, smoked salmon, freshly shucked oysters and seafood paella.

Carnivores can also indulge in farm bred and grown pork, beef and lamb, crafted into gourmet snags, sliders and hot roast rolls.

“Start the day with a hot coffee, blended and roasted locally, as you browse the stalls on the picturesque shorefront then sample the local wines on offer as you feast,” he said.

“Throw a picnic blanket in the car, and your togs for a swim, and join our chefs in celebrating the fine produce that our region is becoming famous for.”

The festival, now in its second year, quickly established itself as a premier food event after about 3000 hungry festival goers enjoyed the banquet at last year’s event.

Mr Osborne said this year Merimbula Lake oyster farmers were pleased to present the oyster experience, an adventure held on the lake itself with a dozen take-away oysters thrown in for good measure.

Punters can don waders and stroll across Merimbula Lake with an oyster farmer to enjoy freshly shucked oysters and a fine local beverage over a floating table before heading home with a fresh harvest.

Bookings are now open, register online at Sapphire Coast NSW Facebook page (see Eat Festival event). Cost $45 online and $50 on the day.

The festival runs from 10am to 3pm, this Sunday, March 9.