Food Curator Kane Pollard shares his festival must-dos

FOOD CURATOR KANE POLLARD SHARES A FEW PERSONAL FAVOURITES FROM THE 2026 PROGRAM.

These are the experiences that capture the spirit of the festival: afternoons that stretch into evenings, conversations that flow as easily as the wine and those rare, 'you had to be there' moments. If you’re wondering where to pull up a chair this year, these are the ones Kane is clearing his own calendar for.

FOR A MIDWEEK LUNCH  

A quick bite never looked better. Stop by Good Neighbour – Town Square’s newest dining destination – for lunches where chef and producer each have their moment in the sun. This is collaboration at its authentic best, with seasonal ingredients and stories that speak to time and place. Carve out an hour for a weekday meal with your work crew and return to the office with fresh inspo.  

FOR A LONG LUNCH?

Spitz & Spritz at Lot.100 is a relaxed, fire-fuelled food festival set in the heart of the Adelaide Hills and proudly part of Tasting Australia. This one-day event brings together live-fire cooking, local produce and exceptional hospitality led by Head Chef Jack Winfield. Expect four fire-based food stations showcasing South Australian meats and flavours, including live spit-roasted favourites of beef, lamb, chicken and porchetta, all cooked over flame and served hot.

FOR SOMETHING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

We’ll drive. You relax. Forget your to-do list on three all-inclusive new journeys for Tasting Australia by Road. Hosting them are local chefs and beverage producers inspired by regional nuance: vegetables grown only on a certain farm; vineyards whose stories are told in the glass.  If air travel is more your thing, a dream seafood-driven adventure on the Eyre Peninsula awaits on board Tasting Australia Airlines. Go to the source in all its wild glory, exploring ocean and the salt-swept landscapes beyond. 

FOR A BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE?

You already know it as one of the world’s most remarkable rail journeys. Now we go further. A new edition of Tasting Australia by Train is set to unfold between Darwin and Adelaide, with stellar fare, coveted beverages, and time to discover ancient landscapes. Four days. Three nights. Welcome aboard.   

FOR DATE NIGHT?

Good Neighbour is Town Square dining reimagined – welcoming and relaxed in the way of all brilliant bistros, with community at its heart and top chefs in charge. Long tables, signature South Australian warmth and time to honour the ritual of dining. Take a seat. 

FOR A NIGHT OUT WITH FRIENDS?

Big Grape Energy is a wine party shaped for Saturday night. And just so we’re clear: this is not a masterclass. Think fun wine rather than fine wine – drops best enjoyed on the dance floor. Chayse Bertoncello will host the revelry. He’s sommelier and maître d’hôtel at the two-hatted O.My in Victoria, run with his brother Blayne and offering the kind of produce-driven tasting menu and drinks list dreams are made of.  

FOR A TASTING AUSTRALIA FIRST TIMER?

If you're new here, Town Square is a great place to start. Tasting Australia’s Town Square is the festival hub and home to deliciously diverse eating and drinking experiences. Fun, free and perfect for families, this is the place to meet for a drink, stay for a meal and explore. To dip your toes in a little further, Aperitivo Hour is eating and drinking at its convivial best.