It was time for the Fairy Long Lunch.
When we arrived the dish washing had already begun.
Around 30 Margaret River locals were kitted out in bright, red Fairy hats, Fairy t-shirts and oh-so-stylish yellow washing gloves.
They stayed in their special plate washing tent for the entire duration of the long lunch, diligently washing dirty dish after dirty dish to discover just how many dishes could be washed with a single bottle of Fairy dish-washing liquid.
As more than 500 locals streamed through the entrance to the brewery they took a stab at just how many dishes could be washed in this record-setting feat. And as it was later revealed, upon the conclusion of the epic dish-washing the correct guesser would win that amount of dishes in cash. A collective gasp and rumblings of excitement rolled across the crowd as this was announced. Someone was going to walk away with a giant cheque!
A huge marquee was set up to seat the 500 plus Margaret River locals and VIPs attending the Fairy Long Lunch.Long trestle tables stretching the length of the massive tent were adorned with bright, red table clothes and decorated with stunning, crisp white flowers and fresh, green blooms. Simple centrepieces of bowls of lemons added extra colour and a welcoming, homely feel to the lunch.
Our bellies grumbled as we read the menu, especially designed by the Fairy Long Lunch host, celeb chef, Ben O'Donoghue.
While Ben continued filming the Fairy television commercial, we devoured our delicious entrée.
Sharing plates of delicious cured meats topped with fresh Parmesan cheese and a mouth-watering balsamic glaze appeased our hunger pains and was the perfect accompaniment to the wines and beers that had started flowing.
Soon enough, huge servings of Ben's own recipe of Spaghetti Bolognaise were brought out for the main course.
It was a more-ish recipe, packed with delicious tinned tomatoes, tasty herbs and diced carrots just like I'd eat at home. Somehow I managed to devour my man-sized serving. I would have licked my plate if I could have! Ben's spag bol was delish.
But of course I managed to save a little room for dessert.I couldn't help but salivate as a divine white chocolate Panna Cotta with vincotto strawberries was plated up in front of me.
Of course I didn't demolish it straight away. I had to photograph it and Instagram it first to share the amazing food porn. Because if there's not a photo, it didn't happen, right? And I can assure you that the evidence didn't last long!
After more drinks and merriment with the drinks still flowing freely for the relaxed bunch of locals, the marquee was starting to buzz with anticipation as the dish washers concluded their washing up.
Everyone was starting to wonder just how many dirty dishes they managed to washed with a single bottle of Fairy dish washing liquid.
One lucky person was going to walk away with that amount in cash and a giant novelty cheque.
To end the suspense, after more commercial filming, Ben addressed the Fairy Long Lunch again and was able to reveal to an excited crowd that one, single bottle of Fairy could wash 9,600 dishes. Who would have thought?!
He then presented a very merry (read 'intoxicated') Oliver, a young holidaying Irishman, with a huge cheque of $9,600.
It didn't take Oliver's mates long to start asking him for a share in his winnings.
The whole Fairy Long Lunch proceeded seamlessly and ended with some very satisfied locals with full bellies, and possibly some sore heads.
It was an amazing feat and a wonderful community event to be part of, even if it did mean flying across the country in a whirlwind trip to be there.
