On February 13, Koori Kulcha catered a cocktail party at Parliament House, hosted by the Prime Minister.

Koori Kulcha manager Marie Barbaric said it was a big surprise when they were offered the job.

The business was recruited by Sydney company 33 Creative.

“Somebody highly recommended us to their company,” Ms Barbaric said,

“That was just incredible, it just blew us away. I think it says something for the Highlands that they’ve looked for us here. Between Sydney and Canberra there are a million catering services.”

The event allowed Koori Kulcha to showcase its Indigenous cuisine.

There were a range of items on the menu including kangaroo kofta, vegetarian tartletts with Indigenous herbs, crocodile gyoza and seasoned prawn balls also with Indigenous herbs.

They also served a range of mocktails such as a lemon myrtle spritzer and a hibiscus spritzer, which were all topped with edible flowers.

“Koori Kulcha is all about Aboriginal culture and sharing our foods and our history,” Ms Barbaric said. 

“So when we got the opportunity to cater for the Prime Minister it was all about sharing and showing off and highlighting the beauty of our food.”

The day after the cocktail party, Koori Kulcha catered an event for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion.

“To have two such big events one day after the other was crazy for us,” Ms Barbaric said.

Koori Kulcha trains several young Indigenous people who are learning hospitality.

Some of the staff were lucky enough to meet the Prime Minister on the night.

Ms Barbaric thanked Simon’s Gourmet Butchery and Highlands Fresh for supplying them with “top quality produce”.

Koori Kulcha’s next dining experience will be on April 22 where a new menu will be launched.

Visit http://www.koorikulchaexperience.com.au/ for more details.