The fish, produced off Hawks Nest, will be the star of the Signature Dinner at The Greenhouse Eatery, Medowie.

Up first is a ceviche of kingfish, with tomato gazpacho, water green tomato dressing, saffron, radishes, olive, nasturtium and chervil.

And for the third course the kingfish is flame grilled with avocado puree, compressed cucumber, Celtic mustard, shiso dressing, fried shallots and dill.

“It’s a nice, clean, oily textured sort of fish that isn’t overpowering,” head chef Ben Leslie said.

The real test for the kingfish was the ceviche that required subtle flavours paired well. He said the recipe fell together with logical ease between the acidity of the tomato and and the oiliness of the fish and other subtle flourishes like the radish with a bite of pepper.

“It’s a very consistent fish that Huon has produced and it proved a lot easier balancing the flavours than it would have with a different fish,” Mr Leslie said.

The Signature Dinner coincides with the Love Seaford Fun & Fish expo weekend, August 26 and 27 at D’ALBORA Marinas, Nelson Bay, from 10am.

This weekend participants can indulge in seafood demonstrations and masterclasses, informative talks, seafood tastings and live entertainment.

Nearby there’s also the Sacred Tree Markets and a Kids Fun Zone of interactive displays, touch tanks and fish feeding.

“We’re absolutely passionate about our seafood at Port Stephens and August is when our producers and foodies rally together to offer an authentic taste of our vibrant local seafood culture,” Danny Eather, Destination Port Stephens said.

The Love Seafood festival is a partnership between Huon Aquaculture, The Commercial Fisherman’s Cooperative, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Council, D’ALBORA Marinas and Destination NSW.

Full Event Program: www.portstephens.org.au/loveseafood

Still curious about how big a deal seafood and fishing is to Port Stephens, click here.