STORIES TO SHINE AS TASTING AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES NEW SERIES

Culinary stars will share stories from the kitchen and beyond in a fresh new series launching at next month’s Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel festival.

The festival’s debut Storytellers Series will feature guests including Jake Kellie from Adelaide’s arkhé, Gourmet Traveller 2022 Restaurant Personality of the Year Sharon Romeo (Fino Vino and Fino Seppeltsfield) and the legendary Annie Smithers of Du Fermier in regional Victoria.

First dishes, lessons learned the hard way, favourite childhood meals and career inspiration are all on the table, with South Australian food identity and MasterChef alumna Mandy Hall to host each session in Town Square (Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga). The sessions will be free for all, taking place across both weekends of the festival.

Town Square will also come to life with spectacular barrel charring demonstrations thanks to Master Cask.

As well as hearing stories and memories from festival stars, three ticketed food masterclasses will be on offer as part of the Storytellers Series. Each masterclass includes snacks and a glass of wine and are priced at $50 per person.

• Pickle Mob with Sharon Flynn on Tuesday 3 May:
  Flynn – a fermentation maestro – will delve into the magic of wild fermentation.
• Talk Curdy to Me with Woodside Cheese Wrights’ Kris Lloyd and food blogger Amanda McInerney on Friday 6 May:
  Explore the history and delicious diversity of cheese with two passionate advocates.
• A Taste of Regenerative Agriculture with Nomad Farms on Sunday 8 May:
  Join the award-winning Fleurieu Peninsula farmer to discover his innovative production methods.

The driving force behind the new series and Tasting Australia co-festival director Karena Armstrong, says the series would offer insights and inspiration.

“Behind every special eating and drinking experience there’s a story, and Town Square is a wonderful place to celebrate them,” Ms Armstrong said.

“These sessions will delve into the soul of what the festival is about – highlighting the industry, producers and produce – giving us the opportunity to talk about our story beyond what’s on the plate.”

The new series is also set to feature a special lineup for Mother’s Day on Sunday 8 May: Tasting Australia Co-Festival Directors Darren Robertson and Karena Armstrong – along with the festival’s Food Curator Emma McCaskill – will share the stage with their children for a wide-ranging chat.

Host Mandy Hall encouraged Town Square visitors to stop by to enjoy a free chat or attend a masterclass with some best in the industry.

“What a lineup – I’m so excited to delve into these conversations. Each is a star, but no two paths in this industry are the same,” Ms Hall said.

“These sessions promise to be warm, intimate and plenty of fun – a chance to learn from true trailblazers. Bring your meal and drink, sit with us and be immersed.”

Other guests appearing in the Storytellers Series include Kane Pollard (Topiary), Emily Salkeld (Small World Bakery), Alanna Sapwell (Beach Byron Bay), Paul Baker of Adelaide’s Chefs on Wheels and La Popular Taqueria chef Daniella Guevara Munoz.

Please visit tastingaustralia.com.au for more information and to purchase tickets to food masterclasses. Bookings are not required for the free conversations or Master Cask barrel charring demonstrations.

Tasting Australia will run from Friday 29 April – Sunday 8 May across Adelaide and regional South Australia.