Six of the best events to get to at this year’s Tasting Australia festival

It’s a smorgasbord of events over 10 days – but what are the hottest tickets at Tasting Australia to tantalise your tastebuds? Here’s six that foodies won’t want to miss.

Paul Carmichael, head chef of Momofuku Seiobo, is coming to Tasting Australia. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The 2024 course of Tasting Australia kicks off this week, with a smorgasbord of events around the state over a 10-day program from May 3.

If you’re feeling a bit hungry and parched, or simply keen to get around delicious fare prepared by some of the country’s best chefs, we’ve taken a look at six must-see events on offer at this year’s festival.

PAUL CARMICHAEL 2KW TAKEOVER

Paul Carmichael takes over 2KW alongside its executive chef and his mate Sam Christopher.

Carmichael began working for the Momofuku group in 2010, starting at New York City’s Má Pêche and landing in Sydney five years later to take over the executive chef position at Momofuku Seiobo. He cooked at Seiobo until the restaurant’s closure in 2021, honouring his Caribbean heritage across its menus. Now, for one night, Carmichael and Christopher will cross over menus and vibes with matched beverages from 2KW sommelier Dan McEvoy.

Where, when: 2KW Bar & Restaurant, 2 King William Street, CBD, Thursday, May 9, 6.30pm

Paul Carmichael, head chef of Momofuku Seiobo, who is coming to Tasting Australia. Picture: Jonathan Ng

ULTIMATE LOT. 100 PARTY

Get a group together for an afternoon of food, beverages and entertainment set in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Venture through a tasting experience from across multiple kitchens, with guest chefs set to highlight local produce through wood oven pizza, open-fire meats and vegetables, local cheeses, South Australian seafood and locally foraged delights – all to be paired with beer, gin and juices produced on site.

Where, when: LOT. 100, 68 Chambers Rd, Hay Valley, Adelaide Hills, Saturday, May 11, 12pm

Craft Beer at Lot. 100. Picture: Supplied

KURRANGK/COORONG LONG LUNCH: KUTI SHACK X THE JOINERY X PIPI CO

Explore the Kurrangk/Coorong – Ngarrindjeri country – and be immersed in a culinary and cultural experience. Guests will begin with a cruise on the Kuti Co barge, then fish and forage for pipis with guidance from a Ngarrindjeri elder. Next is a long lunch prepared by the Kuti Shack team with matched wines from 2021 Young Gun of Wine winner Charlotte Dalton and Ben Cooke of Port Elliot cellar door The Joinery. Return coach transfers from Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga (departing at 9am and returning at 5pm) are included.

Where, when: Coorong National Park, 100m SE Barkers Knoll, Fleurieu Peninsula, Tuesday, May 7, 9am

One of the many delicious dishes from Kuti Shack (this is a prawn curry). Picture: Supplied

MASTERCLASS – SHIRAZ GIN MAKER SESSION WITH AMBLESIDE DISTILLERS X THE LANE

Learn how to make your own shiraz gin with two of the Adelaide Hills’ finest drink makers: Ambleside Distillers and The Lane Vineyard. Enjoy a demonstration of the distilling process from the team at Ambleside Distillers and hear from a winemaker at The Lane while you sip a gin and tonic. Then it’s your turn. Using freshly harvested shiraz grapes from The Lane Vineyard, you’ll crush and steep the fruit into the gin, calling on your new-found knowledge to complete the challenge. Your handcrafted bottle of shiraz gin will be finished off at Ambleside’s distillery and posted to you once the distilling process is complete.

Where, when: The University of Adelaide Masterclass Pavilion, Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Saturday, May 4, 8pm

The view from the restaurant at The Lane Vineyard. Picture: Duy Dash

DINING GALLERIES – SUNDAY BEST

Darren Purchese, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, Alex Crawford and Tom Robinson will prepare a menu of culinary indulgence. Drinks will be served by Adelaide’s Jasmin Ryan, Press Food & Wine’s head sommelier. This experience also coincides with Mother’s Day.

Where, when: Dining Galleries (Town Square), Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Sunday, May 12, 12pm

Julia Busuttil Nishimura. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A-Z OF WINE: THE GRAPE-A-BET

Producers share a full grape-a-bet of wares at one very special stand-up session, which involves 26 tastings. Everything from arneis to zinfandel is on offer and this will be a chance to try a huge variety of local, national and international wine. Spirits and other options will be on offer too. Featured wine producers include Alpha Box & Dice, Ministry of Clouds, Unico Zelo, Rippon, Alkina and Seppeltsfield. Spirit producers include Lobo, Senjo and 23rd Street Distillery.

Where, when: The University of Adelaide Masterclass Pavilion, Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Saturday, May 11, 8.30pm

Young Henrys' latest collaboration with McLaren Vale-based winemakers Alpha Box + Dice for two new sours, Semillon Sour + Pinot Noir Sour. Picture: supplied

The Advertiser is a partner of Tasting Australia. This column is prepared in partnership with the festival organisers.