Overnight experiences to unexpected places, a Town Square Kitchen dinner that embraces sustainability and reduced food wastage, an ode to the humble instant noodles and an open-flame progressive dinner at Adelaide's hottest new restaurant arkhé are just some of the curious and unique events on the menu when Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel returns next year.
The 2022 event features the most diverse program yet, showcasing the best that South Australia has to offer across more than 200 events and 11 regions for 10 delicious days from 29 April - 8 May. The first release of programming is on sale from today.
Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall recognises the importance of Tasting Australia to the state.
"South Australia is known for its abundant produce, acclaimed producers and thriving wine and spirits industry - all of which are key factors of visitation and expenditure," says Premier Marshall.
"I look forward to welcoming visitors to the state for Tasting Australia in 2022 for 10 days of eating and drinking the very best our state has to offer. The event is a strong driver of economic growth and job creation across Adelaide and regional South Australia, and it is wonderful to see the program continue to grow year on year."
Some event highlights of Tasting Australia 2022 include:
- Tasting Australia Airlines: this festival favourite is back in 2022, flying to Coffin Bay as well as two new regions: Flinders Rangers for an exclusive 16-person overnight charter with accommodation at Rawnsley Park's luxury eco villas and food by Tasting Australia Patron, Simon Bryant, or head outback to Coober Pedy for an overnight bucket list travel experience hosted by Ben Shewry, Duncan Welgemoed, Daniel Motlop and John Carty
- Kingsford: The Experience: indulge with a long lunch prepared by legendary Peter Gilmore and Brisbane's Alanna Sapwell alongside local favourite Paul Baker or upgrade to add a decadent two night stay at one of Australia's most exclusive retreats - Kingsford the Barossa
- Seasonal Sojourn: experience the Adelaide Hills in all their autumn glory with a tour of biodynamic vineyard Ngeringa, followed by dinner and a unique alfresco performance at UKARIA Cultural Centre
- Bubbles Brunch: honour the mothers in your lives with a decadent bubbles brunch led by Festival Co-Director Darren Robertson in Town Square Kitchen presented by TheFork
- Chin Chin at Yalumba: Melbourne's Chin Chin will host their first South Australian pop-up at iconic winery Yalumba for a riotous collision of casual Southeast Asian cuisine, contemporary art, local Barossa wine and culture
- Legends Dinners: Maggie Beer and Cheong Liew will each headline their own dinner in Town Square Kitchen for a celebration of two legends not only of Tasting Australia but the Australian culinary landscape
The festival's new Co-Directors, Karena Armstrong (The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale) and Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks and Rocker, Bondi) together with Drinks Curator Nick Stock and Food Curator Emma McCaskill have sought out fresh ideas and exciting talent to take Tasting Australia to the next level in 2022.
"The breadth of the program next year is one of the biggest to date for Tasting Australia - we have designed a program that highlights the uniqueness of our regions and shines a light on our produce and suppliers," says Ms Armstrong.
"Tasting Australia is a great meeting point for the industry, as well as being a haven for food and drink lovers alike. The event creates lasting memories through authentic eating and drinking opportunities only South Australia can offer."
Darren Robertson is excited to welcome a talented suite of top chefs to Adelaide and to experience the best of the state.
"Hideki Ii of Tokyo's Shirosaka, renowned for his attention to detail and creative flair will be cooking in Town Square Kitchen next year," says Mr Robertson.
"Some of Australia's best chefs including Ben Shewry of Melbourne's famed Attica and legendary Peter Gilmore of Sydney's Quay will cook alongside a great line-up established and emerging chefs including Ben Devlin (Pipit, New South Wales), Kane Pollard (Sol, SkyCity), Lauren Eldridge (Berowra Waters Inn, New South Wales), Justin James (Gourmet Traveller 2022 South Australian Restaurant of the Year, Restaurant Botanic) and Amy Hamilton (Liberte Albany, Western Australia)."
Drinks Curator, Nick Stock has made sure the beverage program is as strong as ever, with wine, beer and spirits showcased - including dining events where beverage is front and centre.
"We've got plenty in store for beverage next festival - the Great Shiraz Dinner in Town Square Kitchen pays homage to some of South Australia's best reds while Pink Fizz Saturday will celebrate this most romantic of beverages over a lavish lunch," says Mr Stock.
"We are also bringing back the Tasting Table series to iconic CBD venues and for the first time in 2022, we are teaming up with some of the city's best bartenders who will share their signature beverages for the intimate Behind the Bar series."
The Tasting Australia festival hub, Town Square will be back in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga and for the first time in 2022 visitors will be able to book an Express Lunch experience in Town Square Kitchen for $40. The price includes a dish prepared by one of the festival's top chefs and a drink. Express Lunch bookings, full list of vendors and activations will be announced next year.
RAA General Manager Travel and Distribution, Gina Norman is pleased to support Tasting Australia in 2022.
"RAA Travel is a huge advocate for South Australia and everything that promotes food and wine tourism in this great state," says Ms Norman.
"The program is second to none, celebrating central Adelaide as well as our regions and the local produce and wine that put us on the map - not just nationally but around the world."
Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel runs from Friday 29 April until Sunday 8 May 2022, across Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Tasting Australia has a responsibility to provide the safest environment possible for staff, event holders and patrons. As such, Town Square and all events within Town Square will require patrons aged 12 and over to be fully vaccinated, as will a number of events held outside of Town Square. This will be clearly marked on the individual event pages on the Tasting Australia website.
Tickets to Tasting Australia events are now available at tastingaustralia.com.au. Further programming will be released in February 2022.
