To mark the launch of our latest event menu we sat down with the Ranch’s talented chef to talk inspiration, ingredients, and the art of crafting memorable dining experiences.

From designing menus that elevate weddings and retreats to curating the recent styled shoot that brought the new dishes to life, the conversation offers a glimpse into the creativity that defines the Ranch kitchen.

The seasonal menu celebrates the rhythm of the South Coast: fresh, local, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from local provenance and coastal simplicity, working closely with regional producers to craft menus that feel both elevated and effortless. Each dish is designed to showcase the natural abundance of the region, paired seamlessly with the venue’s curated wine and beverage selection.

The Ranch hosts a variety of events, from intimate weddings to large-scale celebrations. How do you go about designing a menu that feels both elevated and flexible for different occasions?

For me, designing a menu that feels both elevated and flexible starts with understanding the rhythm of the place and the people we’re cooking for,” says the Chef at The Jackson Ranch. “Our location between the bush and the sea gives us this incredible palette, native herbs, coastal seafood, rich pastures, so every dish begins with what’s fresh, local and in season.”

“Elevation comes from restraint,” they continue. “We focus on letting ingredients speak for themselves, a perfectly grilled cut of fish with burnt lemon butter or slow-roasted lamb shoulder with foraged herbs. The finesse is in the detail, the smoke, the texture, the balance on the plate.”

Flexibility, they explain, comes from collaboration. “No two weddings or events are the same here. Some couples want a long-table feast that feels abundant and social; others prefer a more refined, plated experience. We build the menu around their vision, adapting our base seasonal offerings so the food feels personal but still distinctly ‘Ranch.’”

We always hear of certain colours or themes with wedding trends – does this translate into wedding menus & how do you react to this?

When we design a wedding menu here at The Jackson Ranch, we keep one eye on what’s happening in the wider world of catering, and one firmly on our own land, seasons and story. Right now, a number of clear trends such as fun late night snacks menus, interactive dining experiences, personalised touches are driving what couples expect, and we’re thinking about how to make those work seamlessly in our setting while still being true to ourselves.

Final thoughts

“At its heart, the menu is about connection, to the land, to flavour, and celebrating with the people gathered around the table.”