Town Square returns early next month with a fresh selection of food vendors, bars stocked with the best in beverages and a full entertainment lineup for the free entry hub as part of Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond.
Based on the northern side of Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga in the heart of Adelaide, Town Square opens at 11am on Friday 8 May. Highlights include a new-look bistro Good Neighbour, Seppeltsfield and Never Never bars, the Journey Beyond Lounge and the Indian Pacific Experience, with tickets to a range of Town Square events still available.
Nine South Australian food vendors will make their first Tasting Australia appearances this year:
- Dirty Doris - Thoughtful comfort food to be enjoyed and shared
- Patch Kitchen - Fresh pasta with a variety of delicious sauces
- Prahok - The intricate flavours of Cambodian fare across a range of hearty dishes
- Please Send Noods - Noodles and pasta made with traditional technique and modern flavours
- Baltic Fine Food - German street food at its best - think hotdogs, currywurst and pretzels
- Waffles and Jaffles - House-made Liège waffles paired with luscious toppings
- Thirsty Tiger Tacos - Fun flavour combinations across a range of house-made tacos
- Hokey Pokey - Small-batch ice cream made with fresh seasonal ingredients
- My Kingdom for a Horse - Locally roasted coffee, plus juices and snacks to start your day
Five Town Square favourites will be returning:
- Athena Greek Eats - A celebration of Mediterranean flavours with a focus on local seafood
- Peel St Popup - Simple, fresh and delicious fare bursting with robust flavours
- Francesca's Pizza and Sando - Wood-fired pizzas and garlic bread, plus focaccia sandos
- Africola 'Wild Harvest' - A regenerative and fisheries-supporting food activation
- Kuti Shack - South Australian seafood, from sashimi to crunchy fried mulloway wings
Festivalgoers will also benefit from the removal of card surcharges on all Town Square meal purchases - a Tasting Australia first launched ahead of the nation-wide ban taking effect in October.
Seppeltsfield's Town Square bar will offer wines and paired cheeses in a collaboration with local retailer Smelly Cheese Co., while McLaren Vale distillery Never Never is set to serve fresh oysters and a range of nightcap cocktails. A variety of local musicians will play live on Town Square's main stage during the festival, plus evening DJs and the ever-popular dance floor.
Ticketed Town Square drawcards include:
- The Book Café, where chefs and cookbook authors will share behind-the-scenes stories in conversation with host Sofia Levin.
- A new range of lunches featuring local stars such as Tasting Australia Patron Simon Bryant, Jessie Spiby, Callum Hann and Andy Ferrara.
- The return of Perfect Pair - an easy way of matching wine to your Town Square lunch.
Town Square's free programming includes:
- The new Homemade series, which will see chefs and South Australian producers showcase tips and techniques for home cooking success.
- The new Latte Art Smackdown, where expert baristas will compete to craft the most impressive micro-foam creations.
- The return of Tasting Australia's Waiters' Race, with entrants from local venues lining up to test their speed and agility on a lap of Town Square.
Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond would reinforce the importance of culinary tourism to South Australia.
"We know thousands of interstate and overseas visitors are drawn to Tasting Australia each year, supporting local businesses and delivering a massive boost to our world-class food and wine sector," she said.
"This year's event continues to evolve and offer audiences more of the eating and drinking experiences they love, helping to drive year-round demand for all our state offers."
Town Square vendor Nina Hadinata of Thirsty Tiger Tacos said anticipation for the festival was high.
"To be a part of the state's most exciting food festival is a real privilege and we can't wait to get started and showcase our delicious tacos. Town Square is always a celebration of South Australian food and beverages, so to have the chance to be there alongside so many other amazing venues is really special," she said.
Journey Beyond's Executive General Manager of Marketing Justine Lally said visitors could discover the story behind one of the country's most celebrated rail journeys as part of their time in Town Square.
"Designed to offer a glimpse of life on board the Indian Pacific, immersing visitors in the sights, sounds and scents of this iconic journey. Guests will learn about the remarkable South Australian Off Train Experiences, from the near-ghost town of Cook on the vast Nullarbor Plain to the rolling vineyards of the Barossa Valley," she said.
"The experience invites people to imagine a future journey picturing themselves on board, dreaming bigger, and taking the first step towards an experience that redefines how Australia can be explored by train. The Journey Beyond team will be on hand to answer questions and provide information for those considering a future journey."
The 19th edition of Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond will take place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 8 to 17 May.
Visit tastingaustralia.com.au
