WORDS: Mandy Hall, Food Editor
Chefs, to me, are more than very talented people who understand food and flavours and create plating masterpieces – they’re storytellers too. And not necessarily in the traditional sense. Some tell stories through their dishes or the ingredients. For others, it’s the inspiration behind their food journey or an anecdote about a local fisherman.
And that’s one of the things I love most about Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel. This glittering event brings local and international favourite culinary maestros to our gorgeous city for 10 delicious days to showcase their craft. There will be full plates, full glasses and full-bodied stories. And that’s what we all love, right? A good story. So get ready. Because behind every cook, every chef, every dish, every ingredient and every special dining and drinking experience, you’ll find one.
It is a privilege to be hosting The Storytellers series in Tasting Australia Town Square this year. And frankly, I can’t wait for them (and me) to swap out the pressures of the kitchen and bring to life their unique tales. Warm and casual conversations they’ll be, that give rise to inspiring tales of their often very personal journeys. Each of them has achieved success in their own way, and as you’ll see, no two stories are ever the same.
Storytellers will allow us to hear on an intimate level the personalities and methodologies that have shaped the careers of these masters of the art of cooking. We’ll hear about their triumphs and kitchen disasters, gain an insight into their habits, rituals and ingredients they can’t live without. They’ll tell us about their first dishes, favourite childhood meals and the lessons they learned the hard way. We might even receive the invaluable gift of a kitchen tip or two!
And true fans of food will enjoy some celebrity spotting at this year’s event. Some of the culinary legends who’ll be in attendance include James Lowe – London-based head chef of Michelin star restaurant Lyle’s, and international talent and household name, Karen Martini. Korean cuisine, fermentation specialist and recent two-hat awarded, Chae.
Also taking a seat at the conversation table will be the heartwarming Ayubi Family from the unforgettable Parwana restaurant. Revered international chef and now Adelaide’s very own Justin James of Restaurant Botanic. Along with multi-award winning duo Paul Carmichael & Kylie Javier of Momofuku Seiobo, and world-renowned, Michelin starred (and a Michelin Star for sustainability too) Heidi Bjerkan of Credo in Norway.
Cook, food curator, sustainable living advocate and author Rebecca Sullivan will be there. And so will cook, baker and two time MasterChef Alumni, Rose Adam, co-owner of one of Adelaide’s favourite Middle Eastern inspired cafes – The Middle Store.
The Storytellers series will be held in Town Square’s new The Dining Room space. So, bring your glass (maybe a tissue too) and grab a seat. The sessions are free to attend and you can reserve your place by registering online. But hurry. Spots are limited!
Storytellers Series – Tasting Australia
29 April – 6 May 2023
Victoria Square North/ Tarntanyangga
