Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel will celebrate some of the state’s best regional dining experiences and the people who shape them at the new Town Square Canteen series.
The series is on sale today, along with a host of other exciting events.
Town Square Canteen, in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, will bring six beloved venues into the heart of the CBD including Prairie Hotel (Flinders Ranges & 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).
For just $49, Town Square Canteen guests will enjoy a main dish, shared side, bread, a glass of wine and authentic hospitality and storytelling from the venue chefs and front of house staff.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the Canteen series showcases the diversity of South Australia’s dining scene and extends the benefits of the always-popular Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel into the regions.
“South Australia is known for its abundant produce and world-class producers – not just in Adelaide but right across the state,” Minister Bettison said.
“The Town Square Canteen series will shine a light on some of the state’s finest regional dining experiences and will make festival goers hungry to discover more of regional South Australia’s warm hospitality and world-class produce.
“Tasting Australia is all about getting out and exploring what we have to offer – the Canteen series makes this even more accessible and spreads the benefits of this premier food festival across regional South Australia.”
Winner of multiple awards, including Best Hotel Restaurant in the World 2023, Watervale Hotel has captured attention from local and international critics through its premier experience – the Penobscot Farm tour and six course degustation dinner matched with iconic Clare Valley wines.
“I take inspiration from the Watervale’s seasonal farm produce to create this ever-changing menu,” said executive chef, Nicola Palmer.
“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.”
Other events on sale today include new MAKE: Gnocchi with Mitolo Family Farms headlined by ex-Masterchef 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.
There’s even more to enjoy in the beverage space with a Spritz Disco at city hot spot Paloma and new masterclasses including a stand-up, 26 varietal wine tasting from Arneis to Zinfandel at the A – Z of Wine: The Grape-a-Bet and Pioneering Pinot, featuring international winemakers Helen Masters from Ata Rangi (New Zealand) and Nick Mills from Rippon (New Zealand).
Co-drinks curator, Banjo Harris Plane says this year’s beverage program is as fun and inclusive as ever.
“Meira (co-drinks 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,” said Harris Plane.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said Town Square truly catered for everyone and he couldn’t wait to welcome members back to the RAA Lounge again this year.
“As South Australia’s most trusted brand, we’re proud to throw our support behind Tasting Australia – an incredible event that helps showcase so many local chefs, businesses and food producers on the national and international stage,” said Mr Reade.
Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel new event highlights:
- Town Square Canteen – Prairie Hotel, The Farm Eatery, Sunset Food and Wine, Watervale Hotel, Lost Phoenix Farm and The Line and Label
- Koomo Dumpling Masterclass
- Spritz Disco at Paloma
- Ultimate Lot 100 Party
- Transcend by Penfolds Magill Estate
- Venture Beyond at Penfolds Magill Estate
- Masterclass – A-Z of Wine: The Grape-a-Bet
- Masterclass – Pioneering Pinot
- Masterclass – Shiraz Gin Maker Session with Ambleside Distillers x The Lane
- Masterclass – Pirate Life – for the Love of Beer
- Make – Gnocchi with Mitolo Family Farms
- Tasting Table – Mills & Masters – Prolific Pinot
Fifteen food vendors will feature in Town Square including ten NEW options: Africola, The Thai Guy, Spread Deli, Braising Boys, Sassi Ice-cream, Pearla Tuckshop, Ong Vietnamese, Olive, Cheekies on Pirie, BBQ at Yours, alongside returning favourites One Sneeky Cheetah, Peel St, Victoria Park Social Club, Kuti Shack and Crepe Bar.
