SA chefs Karena Armstrong and Emma McCaskill join Tasting Australia festival team

Simon Bryant is stepping aside from next year’s Tasting Australia festival – and a pair of acclaimed SA chefs is set to take the reins.

Acclaimed SA chefs Karena Armstrong and Emma McCaskill will take the reins of next year’s Tasting Australia festival, promising a program filled with “gastronomic greats”.

With Simon Bryant stepping aside as director of SA’s biggest food and drink event, Armstrong – owner and chef at award-winning McLaren Vale restaurant Salopian Inn – will join this year’s food curator, Sydney’s Darren Robertson, as new co-directors of the 2022 festival.

Former Magill Estate Restaurant and Sparkke at the Whitmore chef McCaskill will fill the vacant food curator position for the April 29 – May 8 event.

This is the first time a woman has been either a director or food curator of the annual festival.

A regular contributor at Tasting Australia since 2014, Armstrong said people can expect a program filled with “gastronomic greats alongside up and coming rising stars”.

“The program in 2022 will be as unique and compelling as ever and I am thrilled to help bring it to life,” she said.

Salopian Inn owner and chef Karena Armstrong (right) has joined Sydney's Darren Robertson as Tasting Australia's new festival co-directors, with chef Emma McCaskill (centre) as food curator. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Local chef Emma McCaskill. Picture: Mike Burton.

Karena Armstrong and Sebastian, 11, at her restaurant, the Salopian Inn in McLaren Vale. Picture: Matt Loxton

McCaskill said she would be looking to showcase the state’s best produce in her new role.

“As a passionate South Australian, I know just how amazing and high quality the produce is here in our state. I want people to be able to connect with this through our festival,” she said.

Completing the team is Nick Stock, who returns as the event’s drinks curator.

More than 50,000 people, including thousands from interstate, visited Town Square in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga for this year’s event.

Last month, Bryant announced he was departing as festival director after eight years at the helm, with the time right to “pass the baton on”.

“I am so proud to have led the festival team for the past eight years,” said Bryant, who will continue on as event patron.

“We have attracted many great chefs to the state and ­really shone a light on the SA food and beverage industry.”

Tasting Australia’s Darren Robertson with wife and TV presenter Magdelena Roze in Victoria Square. Picture Matt Turner.

Tasting Australia chefs Simon Bryant, Maggie Beer, and Paul Baker holding SA Produce Gumeracha Figs, Porcini Mushrooms and West Coast Mussles in Town Square Kitchen. Picture Mark Brake.

Originally from the UK, Three Blue Ducks restaurant owner Robertson said he couldn’t wait to “carry on the legacy” left by Bryant.

“I’ve been involved in TA for the past three years and it is truly one of the highlights of my year,” he said.

Former festival patron, legendary chef Cheong Liew, will now become a Legend of Tasting Australia, joining SA food icon Maggie Beer.

The 2022 program will be released early next month.