Taste the difference

This month’s Tastes of Central Geelong festival may look a little different but it has lost none of its unique flavour.

Event organisers have thought outside the box to dish up a tempting ‘lite’ version of Tastes which caters to virtual events enjoyed from the comfort of home or smaller in-person activities hosted in Central Geelong venues.

Central Geelong Marketing Committee chair, Cr Peter Murrihy, said the month-long feast of food and fun had evolved as restrictions eased and the packed program still offered something for everyone.

He said the popular annual event continued to grow each year with more businesses getting on board with events or special offers.

“It’s more important than ever to support local restaurants and cafes in Central Geelong if you are able,” he said.

“The community response has been great so far with many excited to see a full month of activity on offer in Central Geelong to support local restaurants and cafes.

“We have also built on the offering of the events delivered by Central Geelong Marketing including on street activities and guided tours.”

Cr Murrihy said there were numerous ways people could show their support.

These include participating in a Tastes event or offer, booking ahead of time, giving plenty of notice if you need to cancel bookings, adding something extra to your meal – such as entrée or dessert, following your favourites on social media and leaving a review.

“Plus, making sure you are following social distancing guidelines and hygiene requirements when required so everyone can stay safe,” he said.

To find out more and to download the Tastes program go to centralgeelong.com.au/tastes

Tastes of Central Geelong highlights:

• Pick & Mix Tastings – Customise your own self-guided tasting experience to explore and sample some of Central Geelong’s eateries. $15 for five small tastings, $35 for five large tastings.
• Cook the Dish & Win – Make one of four recipes delicious at home and enter your photo. Recipes by ALMA Restaurant (Salted Baked Pumpkin), Cakesmith (Peanut Butter & Jelly Brownie Cake), Twisted Dessert Bar (No Bake Snickers Cheesecake) and Westend (Lamb Backstrap). Find recipes and enter here: centralgeelong.com.au/news/cook-the-dish
• Eating Out – Enjoy dinner events, high teas and tasting experiences held in Central Geelong venues with limited numbers.
• Rug Up – Alfresco dine at heated alfresco areas in Central Geelong.
• Learn & Master – Food and drink lessons including cooking classes, couples cocktails and tea workshops.
• Build Your Own – Choose from a variety of DIY kits or build-your-own menu items including make your own pizza, pasta or ramen and a DIY Southern Breakfast.
• Central Geelong Dessert Wars – Vote for your favourite dessert from a list of participating eateries.
• Kids’ Activities – Central Geelong Kids Treat Hunt, donut decorating and more.
• Special Offers – Enjoy limited time special offers during Tastes of Central Geelong.