Food festival shines spotlight on Geelong’s growing hospitality scene

FOR 15 years, Tastes of Greater Geelong has celebrated the region’s hospitality gems, and organisers say there is still more to be discovered.

Event ambassadors Cath Claringbold and Darren Purchese said the region’s culinary scene grows each year. Purchese, who moved to the region with Claringbold last year “on a whim”, said he is continually surprised by the standard of hospitality on offer.

From casual dining to fine dining, across the city and coast, he said there is something for everyone.

“Tastes of Geelong celebrates all the things that we love: great food, great hospitality and meeting people,” Purchese said.

“There are 70 events. They range from budget friendly, kid friendly, family orientated to fine dining events.

“You’ll not only be experiencing something for the first time, but you’re also supporting local businesses and putting money into the economy down here.”

Meanwhile, Claringbold encouraged people to be adventurous and try new cuisines during the festival.

She said restaurant deals, set menus and event collaborations are a great way to explore the region’s food and beverage scene.

Speaking to Geelong’s hospitality industry on Tuesday evening, she encouraged them to step into the spotlight.

“Collaborating with a winemaker or another chef is a great opportunity for us to share our database and to expose yourself to a new market,” Claringbold said.

“If someone puts on a great event together, that event will be remembered forever.”

Tastes of Geelong showcases the region’s diverse flavours and aims to boost local hospitality during the winter season.

Chef and market operator Simon Toohey, who moved to Geelong four years ago, said he is still discovering new places to eat.

After working in some of the world’s best-known food destinations, he said Geelong remains at the top of his must-visit list.

“I keep coming back to this region. It’s so close to the ocean and the fertile land, which is conducive to amazing produce,” he said.

“This event inspires me and it inspires lots of people to come up with something really creative and world-class and groundbreaking.”

Tastes of Greater Geelong begins with the Geelong City Night Market on 19 June and runs until 19 July.

Full program details are available via the City of Greater Geelong website.