Taste adds an extra 640 seats for diners

THE perennial problem of seating at the Taste will be lessened by the addition of an extra 640 seats.

2009 Taste Festival in Hobart, the large lunchtime crowd inside the Princes Wharf No.1 shed

THE Hobart City Council has addressed the perennial problem about seating at the Taste of Tasmania by adding an extra 640 seats this year.

The iconic event is set to inject about $40 million into the Tasmanian economy, with about 300,000 people expected to pass through the gates during the seven days of the festival.

There has been much debate about introducing an entrance fee to the free event and co-chairman of the council’s festivals and tourism special committee Marti Zucco said recovering council costs would be seriously looked at from early next year.

“The reality is council has to go through a cost recovery process and we’re going to go down that track,” Ald. Zucco said at the event launch yesterday.

“What that’s going to be is yet to be determined, but by next year’s Taste there will be a cost recovery. There are a number of ideas council is looking at and out of those ideas we will come up with a solution that is the best for the Taste.”

The prime waterfront seating will be extended this year through reconfiguration of the paddock area near the IMAS building.

Besides the traditional food and beverage stalls, there are eight new stalls, more shaded seats, more than 70 bands and DJs plus a variety of free and ticketed events showcasing the state’s best produce.

Some of this year’s new stalls include a collaboration between Goaty Hill Wines and Casa Paella, The Oyster Twist, Bath Tub Gin Company, Harmony Modern Chinese Cuisine and Pie-O-Matic.

Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said there would be something for everyone. “The Taste of Tasmania has become a destination for visitors due to its stunning location and fabulous food and beverages connecting consumers with Tasmanian produce,” she said.

TASTE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Kids In the Park: Featuring performances, crafts, face painting, rides, food stalls, jumping castle and twilight cinema from 6.30pm. Every day from 11am-6pm.

Hartz Race to the Taste: 3km and 6km run and walk from Domain Athletics Centre to gates of the Taste. Sunday December 28.

Pier River Swim: A 1.2km dip in the Derwent as part of the Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series. Sunday December 28.

Taste Tasmania Theatre: Be entertained by chefs and producers. Appearances by Ben Milbourne, of Masterchef fame, Sally Wise and dude food specialist Daniel Churchill. Varies daily.

Riverside Club: Every evening, the Taste Tasmania Theatre transforms into the Riverside Club, featuring live music from 7pm (except NYE and January 1).

Taste food tours: Enjoy tastings of food and/or beverages as local producers share their knowledge. Special final-day tour of Salamanca Market’s top food stalls.

Tasting Table: Join Phil Laing and special presenters to taste Tassie’s finest alcoholic beverages.

New Year’s Eve: Featuring The Basics, DJ Grotesque, Owen Campbell and two fireworks sessions.