The program for Tasting Australia 2024 is nothing if not ambitious. With private planes flying people out to the Eyre Peninsula and the Limestone Coast, and even a 10-hour train journey from Melbourne to Adelaide with on-board catering from a trio of big-name chefs, the event is as far-reaching as it is dedicated to culinary innovation. But if you’re looking to spend a little less cash and keep your feet firmly on the ground, the Town Square Canteen should be at the top of your list.
This year, six beloved regional venues will set up shop in Victoria Square as part of the series at Town Square Canteen: Flinders Ranges outback pub the Prairie Hotel; Maggie Beer’s Barossa restaurant The Farm Eatery; Sunset Food and Wine, who have come all the way from Kangaroo Island; Fleurieu’s Lost Phoenix Farm (which serves Masterchef’s Callum Hann’s favourite long lunch) and The Line & Label from the Eyre Peninsula.
Also joining them is chef Nicola Palmer from Clare Valley’s Watervale Hotel. Palmer is creating an adapted version of a dish from the six-course degustation that earned Watervale Hotel the title of best culinary experience in the world from Lux Life’s tourism awards in 2023.
Tickets ring in at $49 per person and include a main dish, a shared side, bread and a glass of wine – making this one of the most accessible and affordable ways to taste the dishes that put these regional diners on the map.
Other vendors bringing their flavourful feeds to Town Square include the newly opened The Thai Guy from Soi 38’s Terry Intarakhamhaeng; Spread Deli; Olive from Callum Hann; pizza provedores One Sneaky Cheetah and 11 other venues.
Town Square Canteen – The Prairie Hotel – Friday May 3
Town Square Canteen – Sunset Food & Wine – Monday May 6
Town Square Canteen – The Farm Eatery – Tuesday May 7
Town Square Canteen – Watervale Hotel – Wednesday May 8
Town Square Canteen – Lost Phoenix Farm – Thursday May 9
Town Square Canteen – Line and Label – Friday May 10
Head here to see the full program and for tickets to all Tasting Australia events.
