Tasting Australia serves up more events as final program drops

Australia’s best beverages, food expert classes and surprising venues are all on the menu for this year’s Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel, with more exciting events announced when the final printed program drops Saturday 8 February.

New program highlights include the Starward Whisky Planetarium experience, the Paroo Kangaroo Food Expert Class hosted by Ray Borda and the first ever Love Potions event at the Grand Lodge of Freemasons, bringing together 30 of Australia’s best beverage brands for a pumping night of music, drinks and catering by Morgan McGlone of Belles Fried Chicken.

With a program of more than 140 events across South Australia, Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel is where foodies come to discover what’s new on the menu. Festival Director Simon Bryant said this year’s program has so much to explore including hands-on workshops, free family days and immersive dining experiences across Adelaide and regions.

“The calibre of talent involved with the festival increases year on year. This year’s festival sees an extensive lineup of international, national and local culinary stars and many new events and collaborations,” says Simon Bryant.

“From the first fashion runway event, Australian Fashion Labels Colours of Pol, to iconic chef Marco Pierre White’s Q&A session, Unplugged and Personal, to Starward Whisky Planetarium, a special stargazing educational expereince held at the Adelaide Planetarium, there really is something for everyone.

“Our iconic Glasshouse Kitchens are back for 2020 with an exciting lineup of talent including Norway’s Heidi Bjerkan, Sat Bains from the UK, iconic Australian chef Matt Moran and Shohei Yasuda from Japan among many others.

“The lineup has been curated by our Guest Programmers Emma McCaskill, Paul Baker, Cheong Liew, Adam Liston, Karena Armstrong and Morgan McGlone. We asked who inspired them, who taught them, who fostered their passion for great cooking? Calling on their networks and selecting those remarkable chefs who have guided their cooking journeys means we have meaningful and cohesive collaborations which deliver sublime dining experiences for their guests.”

Beverage Director Nick Stock says that the beverage program truly stands out this year, with more beverage focused events than ever before, featuring some key highlights for wine enthusiasts.

“Chardonnay lovers will rejoice in the addition of the Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne masterclass to the 2020 program, which features special guest Thibault Jacquet, General Manager of the Domaine for a once in a lifetime vertical tasting of this much admired and iconic white Burgundy Grand Cru.

“We have introduced new beverage events in this year’s program as part of the East End Cellars Masterclass series including the first ever wine options guessing competition at the World Series Wine Options and a grand scale Nebbiolo tasting event at Forza Nebbiolo! Symposium and Grand Tasting featuring six visiting Italian winemakers leading the epic tasting event.

“Also, for the first time is Love Potions, an exciting event featuring 30 of the hottest Australian craft beers, fine wines and specialty spirits all complemented with canapes by Belles Hot Chicken including Nashville chicken wings, ribs, spicy chicken sliders and more. Think a Saturday night party for those who appreciate the best in beverage.”

This year’s much anticipated lineup of vendors for Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel’s Town Square have also been confirmed, featuring exciting new offerings and collaborations. For the first time in 2020, Town Square welcomes 2KW2, FIRE x SOI38, Hoy Pinoy, Hubba Bubba Hummus, guest programmer Adam Liston’s JoyBird and Ragazzi in collaboration with Adam Swanson and Electra House.  Some Town Square favourites return for another year including Boston Bay Smallgoods and The Smokin’ Grillers, GANG GANG, Gelista Premium Gelati, La Popular Taqueria, Shibui Dessert Bar, Soza’s Sri Lankan Street Food and with their famous Naanchos, Ragini’s Spice.

Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel runs across Adelaide and regions from 27 March to
5 April 2020. Tickets are available from www.tastingaustralia.com.au.

TASTING AUSTRALIA PRESENTED BY RAA TRAVEL SECOND RELEASE SNAPSHOT:

• Bonneau du Martray Masterclass with special guest Thibault Jacquet, Friday 3rd April, Town Square. 
• Love Potions, Saturday 28 March, Freemason Lodge, North Terrace. Sample from 30 of Australia’s best beverage brands. 
• Starward Whisky Planetarium Experience, Friday 27 March, Adelaide Planetarium. A out-of-this-world whisky experience. 
• Paroo Kangaroo Food Expert Class, Saturday 28 March, Town Square. Learn the art of preparing and cooking kangaroo with roo expert Ray Borda. 
• Butchers Block presented by Australian Good Meat, Tuesday 31 March, Town Square. A masterclass celebrating locally produced beef and lamb.
• Speed Dating with Seafood, Saturday 4 April, Town Square – how to think, prepare and enjoy seafood you’ve only just met.
• Town Square, free entry in Victoria Square from Friday March 27 until Sunday 5 April.