Some of South Australia’s best regional dining experiences – and the people behind them – are heading to the city for Tasting Australia.
Town Square Canteen, in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, will bring six beloved venues into the heart of the CBD across six days, with the Prairie Hotel (Flinders Ranges and Outback), The Farm Eatery (Barossa), Sunset Food and Wine (Kangaroo Island), Watervale Hotel (Clare Valley), Lost Phoenix Farm (Fleurieu Peninsula), and The Line and Label (Eyre Peninsula) all featuring.
The series is on sale now, along with a host of other offerings adding to the 2024 festival program of more than 150 events across the state from 3 to 12 May.
With authentic hospitality and storytelling from the venues’ chefs and front of house staff on the menu, the series will showcase regional people and produce to inspire guests to travel across the state to taste more.
Adding to the already popular Tasting Australia 2024 program, other events now on sale include new MAKE: Gnocchi with Mitolo Family Farms headlined by ex-Masterchef contestant Callum Hann, a dumpling masterclass at Koomo and a sunset tasting – including a taste of the iconic Penfolds Grange – at Venture Beyond at Penfolds Magill Estate.
Some of the state’s best beverages and bars will also feature at the event, including a Spritz Disco at Paloma and new masterclasses including Masterclass - A – Z of Wine: The Grape-a-Bet and New World Pinot, featuring international winemakers Helen Masters from Ata Rangi (New Zealand) and Nick Mills from Rippon (New Zealand).
Fifteen food vendors representing some of the state’s finest hospitality venues will feature in Town Square including 10 new options such as Africola, Ong Vietnamese and Olive, alongside returning favourites including Peel St, Victoria Park Social Club and Kuti Shack.
In 2023, Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel saw more than 68,000 people visit the Town Square across the 10 days.
Watervale Hotel executive chef Nicola Palmer said she took inspiration from seasonal farm produce to create an ever-changing menu of dishes.
“I plan to create an adaptation of one of these dishes for Town Square Canteen at Tasting Australia, allowing people to savour organic and biodynamically grown fresh produce in the heart of the CBD,” Ms Palmer said.
Tasting Australia’s drinks co-curator Banjo Harris Plane said the festival’s beverage program was “as fun and inclusive as ever”.
“Meira (Harel, co-curator) and I are excited for people to get out and experience drinks and meet drinks makers that they might not be familiar with – it’s all about trying something new as well as honouring tradition,” Mr Harris Plane said.
More information and tickets are available at Tasting Australia.
