The City of Greater Bendigo's vibrant destination program Fiesta Bendigo is in full swing with culinary experts crowning the best taco from three standout finalists in The Taco Trail.
Inspired by Bendigo Art Gallery's exclusive exhibition Frida Kahlo: In her own image, Fiesta Bendigo's Taco Trail is a highlight of the visitor campaign involving 23 unique taco creations served across 22 local hospitality businesses. They are all Bendigo Tourism members.
The finalists Percy and Percy, Mexican Kitchen, and The Dispensary Bar & Diner were shortlisted for the guest judges based on the popular votes so far (the winner from public votes will be announced on June 30 and votes are still open*).
Two esteemed culinary experts Dani Valent, a freelance journalist for Gourmet Traveller and host of the Dirty Linen podcast, and Mexican cook Elvira McIntosh de Orozco, a specialist in traditional Nahuatl (Aztec) cuisine, were the guest judges. They crowned the winner after visiting the top three venues to determine the tastiest taco.
Congratulations to The Dispensary Bar & Diner who won the judges over with its Xinjiang Lamb Taco. The winning taco wowed the judges with its bold, unexpected flavours and locally sourced ingredients for the dish - including locally made tortillas.
Judge Elvira McIntosh de Orozco praised the dish's originality.
"I was quite surprised that the flavour just changes a little and it adds to the quality of it," Elvira McIntosh de Orozco said.
Dani Valent was equally impressed with the taco's winning components.
"The meat is so succulent. The Dispensary's taco really seems to celebrate Australian multiculturalism. It has influences from all over, locally made which is very impressive, lamb shoulder - local lamb, spices, and gochujang. So, we are in northwestern China, we are in Korea, we are in Mexico, and we are definitely in Bendigo," Dani Valent said.
Finn Vedelsby said the win was fantastic.
"We're very excited, it's been wonderful for Bendigo to be able to have so many tacos around and we're honoured to win best taco in Bendigo. You beauty," Finn Vedelsby said.
City Acting Manager Economy & Experience Glenn Harvey said the Fiesta Bendigo program and the popular Taco Trail were inspired by Bendigo Art Gallery's exclusive exhibition Frida Kahlo: In her own image, which is open until Sunday July 13.
"The international exhibition is only open for one more month, closing Sunday July 13 so don't miss the chance to explore this extraordinary exhibition of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo, and enjoy Mexican-inspired experiences as part of the Fiesta Bendigo program, including The Taco Trail," Mr Harvey said
"The public vote for Greater Bendigo's most popular Taco remains open until June 30, with voters going into the draw to win a VIP weekend for two in Bendigo, valued at over $1,000 so I encourage you to explore the trail and vote for your favourite taco."
