Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel 2023 program a recipe for success

Intimate dinners with world-class chefs, adventures to some of the state’s most remote regions and a wine party in Town Square are all on offer when Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel returns in 2023.

International chef talent Heidi Bjerkan (Norway), James Lowe (UK) and Gill Meller (UK) will be heading to South Australia to collaborate with national and local culinary stars including Karen Martini, Paul Carmichael, Justin James and Jake Kellie.

From 28 April until 7 May, Tasting Australia will serve up 10 days of delicious programming, with over 150 events across all 12 regions of South Australia. The first release of the program is on sale from 9am today.

Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, recognises the significance of the festival to the South Australian economy.

“Tasting Australia is a strong driver of social and economic activity for the state, not only during the event but also year-round – Tasting Australia so wonderfully tells the story of South Australia’s abundant produce and outstanding producers,” Premier Malinauskas said.

“The fact that chefs, producers and drinks makers are coming together to put on events across every corner of the state demonstrates that businesses and producers are hungry for opportunities to showcase the very best that South Australia has to offer.”

A range of immersive and unique events will feature in the program including Yalumba X Chin Chin, Peel Street X Miznon Melbourne, a long lunch at Maxwell Wines: McLaren Vale Made and a five-day culinary adventure through the state’s Epicurean Way with RAA.

Some other highlights for the 2023 festival include:

• Chef’s Table: The new Chef’s Table series brings you closer to the stars of the kitchen and the brilliance of their craft in a purpose built 20-person space, The Dining Room in Town Square at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. Get up close and personal with the likes of Justin James (Restaurant Botanic), Simon Bryant (Festival Patron), Paul Carmichael (Momofuku Seiobo) and Chae Jung Eun (Chae).
• Tasting Australia Airlines: Take flight and lap up the opulence of a complete food adventure. By popular demand, TAA will return to the heart of the Flinders Ranges with an overnight stay including dinner curated by Duncan Welgemoed (Africola) and Mark Best (Marque), as well as a day on the pristine Kangaroo Island seeking out once off experiences with Mark Labrooy (Three Blue Ducks), Melissa Painkas (Young George Bar), Shannon Fleming (Lot 100), Dylan Pitallo (The Odd Plate) and Jan Ordway (Millie Mae Pantry).
• Wine! Wine! Party! Party! Begin your Tasting Australia experience the right way with an opening night wine party in the University of Adelaide Masterclass Pavilion in Town Square. Dance the night away whilst you enjoy wine tastings selected by the festival’s Drinks Curators as well as Pirate Life brews plus cocktails by Australia’s best bartender – Nick Tesar from Bar Liberty in Melbourne.
• A Taste of Streaky Bay: Guests will gather at the town’s beautiful foreshore, overlooking its historic jetty, for a four-course meal prepared by one of Australia’s most revered foodies, Lyndey Milan OAM. Expect a dining experience as unique and beautiful as Steaky Bay itself.

The festival’s Co-Directors, Karena Armstrong (The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale) and Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks, Byron Bay and Rocker, Bondi) together with Food Curator Emma McCaskill and the newly announced Drinks Curators Meira Harel and Banjo Harris Plane, have sought out fresh ideas and exciting talent for the 2023 event.

Karena Armstrong is excited to invite audiences to step beyond a standard food festival.

“Tasting Australia brings life to our city and regions, encouraging people to try something new and celebrate the world class food and beverage experiences on offer in our state,” Ms Armstrong said.

“We are proud to highlight every region of South Australia with this program, offering lots of opportunity to explore the regions as well as a range of exciting events to bring people into the CBD and surrounds.”

Darren Robertson said Tasting Australia offers authentic experiences patrons can’t get anywhere else in the world.

“Tasting Australia attracts some of the most talented chefs in the industry and we are thrilled to have an exciting line-up of international, national and local South Australian chefs in the program,” Mr Robertson said.

“The partnerships between local food producers and venues including working farms, breweries, drinks makers and tourism operators is what makes this event so special.”

The festival hub – Town Square – will return once again to Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga offering free entry and new food vendors and bars to explore and discover. The Storytellers Series will return featuring some of the festival’s top talent, as will the popular express lunch series for those looking for a world class lunch on a time limit.

RAA General Manager Travel and Distribution, Gina Norman said RAA Travel is pleased to continue to support Tasting Australia in 2023.

“Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel provides a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore the state and enjoy incredible food and beverages from our local producers,” Ms Norman said.

“Whether it’s your first time visiting South Australia, or you’ve been living here for years, everyone can learn something new, try a new place to eat or travel to a location they’ve never seen before."

Tickets to Tasting Australia events are now available at tastingaustralia.com.au.

Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel runs from Friday 28 April 2023 until Sunday 7 May 2023 across Adelaide and regional South Australia.