Although I was slightly disappointed by Taste of Sydney last year, I shall be attending this year’s event not once but twice. My disappointment from last year’s event mainly stemmed from the bad weather and having to trudge through the damp and muddy grounds. Also, my expectation was that it would be like the Good Food and Wine Show. However I am willing to give Taste of Sydney another chance and will be attending this year’s event.
Taste of Sydney actually starts tomorrow Thursday 10 March and runs until Sunday 13 March. There are a range of sessions available, but I assume their busiest days will be Saturday and Sunday.
I like the idea of how restaurants are able to provide a sample (at a price) of some of their signature dishes at a much lower price than what would be expected at their restaurants. It not only gives the restaurants and chefs an opportunity to promote themselves, but give people a taste of what they have to offer. The samples of food range from $8-$12, which are purchased using ‘crowns’. ‘Crowns’ are used as currency in Taste of Sydney to avoid the unhygienic fumbling of cash whilst trying to serve food. Although this way they can guarantee the sale of ‘crowns’ even if they are not all used as you can only purchase them in books of 30 crowns.
There are also many demonstrations, Q & A sessions, cocktail making classes and coffee appreciation sessions. Also, if you’re a HSBC customer, HSBC has designed a premium VIP Lounge on-site at Taste of Sydney exclusively for HSBC Customers. Simply make your way to the HSBC VIP Lounge, show your HSBC Card at the HSBC Customer Entry and you and a friend can enjoy a complimentary beverage and a comfortable seating environment with live entertainment. I know where I’ll be when I get tired.
If you do plan on going I suggest you pre-purchase tickets as they are slightly cheaper than buying them at the door.
I will be attending this Friday’s noon-4pm session and this Saturday’s 5:30pm-9:30pm session. Hopefully I’ll see some of you guys there.
If you want to see the menus on offer, the restaurants participating or just more information, click here.
Happy nom nom nom-ing!
Happy nom nom nom-ing! 
Mar 09, 2011 @ 13:31:16
I too had mixed feelings last year about TOS, but will be going this year again with Josh. Sadly won’t run in to you as we are going to Thursday’s session. Hope your experience is much better than last years.
Mar 16, 2011 @ 15:40:35
How was Thursday’s session? Mine experience was slightly better than last years, how about yours?
Mar 11, 2011 @ 12:02:47
Twice? That’s keen 🙂
Taste and Good Food & Wine are very different, but I must say I thoroughly prefer Taste (even though it can end up being a lot pricier).
Mar 16, 2011 @ 15:44:42
Friday I had free tickets from my lecturer so I went with my friend from college. I personally prefer the Good Food and Wine Show probably because it’s indoors (so weather isn’t an issue) and there are a lot more stalls, but Taste of Sydney has its own positive notes. I like how you can try so many small dishes at Taste, you get a variety of different food.
Mar 14, 2011 @ 22:42:46
Hey how was it? I went on Sunday. I though the standard of food declined from last year. You tried all of the dishes right since you went twice :P?
Mar 16, 2011 @ 15:47:48
I wasn’t that happy on Friday due to the fact it was initially sprinkling (so I had an umbrella), then the rain stopped and it got really humid (so I was left juggling an umbrella and my purchases). That’s a reason I’m not a massive fan of Taste, weather plays too much of a role. I wish I tried all the dishes, but alas, my stomach isn’t that big. All the restaurants didn’t really have anything that were outstanding. My biggest issue that there was so much pork (I love pork but..) and no duck.