Counting down to Tasting Australia!

This year seems to be just flying by and quite suddenly it seems there is less than three weeks to go until it will be kick-off time here in Adelaide for one of our country’s most influential and popular culinary celebrations – Tasting Australia.  As I’ve mentioned before, this fantastic foodie week is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to indulge our cravings, network with others who are similarly obsessed and to get a little first hand experience or expert tuition.  Held in Adelaide from 26 April until 3 May, 2012, this is the place to be for all things food-related or for a chance to spy (or possibly even chat to) your favourite food personality.  Here’s a quick glimpse of a few of the exciting attractions – just to get you in the mood – however, many of these events are booking out quickly now so if something takes your fancy I’d suggest booking soon!

L Plates – Learn from the Masters

For those of you who enjoy a hands-on approach to learning TAFE SA’s Regency International Centre is presenting a series of classes featuring some of South Australia’s best known food personalities and chefs.  These will be practical and fun cooking classes with limited amounts of participants in each (about 15) allowing plenty of opportunity for everyone to make the most of their time.  Choose from a selection of 25 different classes over the course of the week covering everything from meat boning and preparation with Richard Gunner, to vegetarian treats with Simon Bryant – and all points in between.

Celebrity lunches and dinners

If you are more like me and prefer to take the opportunity to have your meal prepared for you then you might like to have a little wander down this list of dining options.  There is a remarkable selection here to choose from, not only in the diversity of local, national and international chefs and cuisines, but also in locations, giving regional food fans a chance to take part in the festivities and offering interstate and overseas visitors the option of enjoying a slightly bigger picture of South Australia.

Miele Chefs’ Showcase

Sit back and enjoy watching a cast of some of the finest Australian and overseas restaurant chefs take the best South Australian produce and turn it into tempting and delicious dishes right before your eyes in FREE demonstrations at BankSA’s Feast for the Senses at Elder Park.

BankSA Feast for the Senses at Elder Park

Selector Word of Mouth

This is one of my favourite events in the Tasting Australia calendar.  Selector Word of Mouth is a series of FREE debates, discussions and ‘In Conversation’ sessions with more than 50 national and international food, drink and travel authors and journalists, food personalities, producers and academics.  With participants which include Stephanie Alexander, Senator Nick Xenophon and Maeve O’Meara you can be assured of lively and informative discussion.

Tasting Australia is giving Taste.com.au readers the chance to win a VIP trip to Adelaide and enjoy exclusive seats as George Calombaris and Matt Moran cook up a storm at the Miele Chefs’ Showcase.

The prize includes return economy flights for two people from their closest capital city with Qantas, the official airline of Tasting Australia, and twin share accommodation at the InterContinental Adelaide on Saturday 28 April, 2012.

To win, simply describe in 100 words or less, your dream dinner party including location (within Australia), three-course menu and dinner guests. Entries will be judged on originality and creativity, so let your foodie dreams run wild.

Full competition details here.