Food brings communities together

AS AN AVID foodie and former chef, I cannot wait to explore all that our region’s fantastic food and beverage industry has to offer in this year’s Tastes of Greater Geelong program.

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to our hospitality venues and fresh produce in Greater Geelong, and this month-long event is the perfect opportunity to venture beyond your go-to spots and see all the delicious delights we have in the region.

Kicking off on 20 June, Tastes is bringing together some of my favourite eateries with more than 80 homegrown businesses taking part in this year’s program.

Not only does this event open the door to exclusive and conceptual dining experiences, but it also provides unparalleled access to some of the best in the industry through a range of workshops and demonstrations.

There are a vast range of educational masterclasses on offer, covering everything from choux pastry and sourdough baking, through to cheese and wine tastings where you can unleash your inner sommelier.

As a former chef, I believe that food is a fantastic way to bring our diverse community together.

We have so many cultures taking part in this year’s program with everything from Ukrainian to Mexican on the table.

This event really is a personal highlight of our events calendar, and it merges my love for our community with my passion for food.

I worked as a chef for two decades, training in classical French cuisine before working in Italian and Greek restaurants.

Food also opened a world of opportunities for me travel-wise; I have had the chance to work in kitchens in Lorne, Melbourne, the Victorian ski fields, and even did a stint in the UK.

My favourite cuisine is ever-changing. Vietnam is my happy place, and I can’t go past a solid cao lầu.

We are lucky in Geelong to have plenty of fantastic Vietnamese spots, with so many great banh mi places tucked in our laneways and alleys.

This is why Tastes of Greater Geelong is such a fantastic event – it showcases the cream of the crop and uncovers hidden gems from across our hospitality landscape.

For diners desiring a degustation, local institutions like Baah Lah!, Nautica, Woolstore Restaurant and Bar and Jack Rabbit Vineyard are hosting long dinners celebrating our fresh produce paired with the perfect drop.

Melbourne’s renowned Yakimono team are bringing fiery flair to Club Chin Chin for one night only, offering my favourite south-east Asian cuisine in a four-course menu celebrating food cooked over fire.

Fresh and sustainable produce is a common thread running through this year’s program.

Renowned chef and founder of Mabu Mabu, Nornie Bero, is hosting a hands-on workshop focused on regenerative farming, and organic produce in the Cooking on Country workshop.

Maestro Geelong’s Pomodoro and Wine Night to Remember is fresh for the picking, showcasing the Bellarine’s tomato producers in a celebration of freshness and flavour.

Immersive tasting trails for adults and kids are also on the table, with walking tours meandering through central Geelong offering a tasty adventure for the whole family.

Regardless of your palate, there is something for everyone in this year’s Tastes of Greater Geelong.

To view the full program, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/tastes