Chefs, winemakers, beverage experts, hosts and more are poised to create unforgettable food and beverage experiences this autumn.
Discover some of the local, national and international chefs crafting your Tasting Australia menus in 2022.
Ben Devlin
Chef and co-owner Pipit, NSW
Where you'll find Ben at Tasting Australia in 2022: Pie Life, Wasted
Describe your cooking ethos.
"I like to use sustainable methods, traditional techniques and unique produce to tell a re-imagined story about the region that I’m from."
What do you love about your career?
"I love the connection that my career has gifted me to the people that are living their lives through food around the world. I have been lucky enough to have experiences that are amazingly unique that would have been otherwise out of my reach."
South Australian produce is…
"Wild and free."
Favourite South Australian region to travel to?
"I've been to the Eyre Peninsula before, that was absolutely amazing."
Give us a sneak insight into your Tasting Australia dishes.
"We are doing a by-produce inspired dinner: Wasted. I'll be spit roasting wild boar."
What are you looking forward to most about Tasting Australia?
"Just being a part of the festival atmosphere and seeing some of Australia’s best chefs!"
Dave Pynt
Chef/Owner Burnt Ends Hospitality Group, Singapore
Where you'll find Dave at Tasting Australia in 2022: Express Lunch, Great Shiraz Dinner
Describe your cooking ethos.
"Simple, fun and tasty."
What do you love about your career?"
I really like food and wine, the people and the interaction with staff and the guests."
South Australian produce is...
"Amazing."
Favourite South Australian region to travel to?
"Barossa Valley."
Give us a sneak insight into your Tasting Australia dishes.
"We are going to be cooking some grilled seafood and a spit roasted Australian classic."
What are you looking forward to most about Tasting Australia?
"I am really looking forward to cooking with some amazing produce for a great bunch of people!"
Fabian Lehmann
Head chef Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale
Where you'll find Fabian at Tasting Australia in 2022: Great Shiraz Dinner, L Plates: Fleurieu Finesse, SA Producer Showcase Dinner
Describe your cooking ethos.
"We are using local and seasonal produce, small producers with passion and love for what they do. We are always trying to use all parts of the product/animal and working with minimal waste."
What do you love about your career?
"Getting to work with passionate people and creating creative dishes and menus."
South Australian produce is…
"Second to none!!!"
Favourite South Australian region to travel to?
"The Eyre Peninsula. Super fresh oysters and seafood straight from the ocean. A beautiful coastline and plenty of amazing outdoor adventures."
Give us a sneak insight into your Tasting Australia dishes.
"It will include a burned chilli emulsion."
What are you looking forward to most about Tasting Australia?
"Collaborating with some of Australia's best chefs, doing what we love to do and showcasing south Australian produce."
Shannon Fleming
Head chef LOT.100, Adelaide Hills
Where you'll find Shannon at Tasting Australia in 2022: Seasonal Sojourn, LOBO Orchard Feast
Describe your cooking ethos.
"I have a pretty simple ethos. Use what's around us. That means seasonal food, local produce, no waste and using other 'waste' products to make delicious food. Food should be fun but also deliver a message and story at the same time."
What do you love about your career?
"I like that every day I get to introduce people to my food and my ethos on food. I get to change minds, deliver new experiences and challenge people to at better and think more about the places they eat and the food and beverage choices they are making."
South Australian produce is…
"Far more diverse than people expect!"
Favourite South Australian region to travel to?
"Flinders Ranges (and of course the Adelaide Hills)"
Give us a sneak insight into your Tasting Australia dishes.
"A couple of classic flavour combos in my opinion and to be honest I will most likely change my mind on the day! See what the day brings."
What are you looking forward to most about Tasting Australia?
"Catching up with a few chefs from interstate, showing everyone what we can do in South Australia!"
Jacqui Challinor
Executive chef NOMAD Group, Sydney
Where you'll find Jacqui at Tasting Australia in 2022: Sparkling Red Brunch
Describe your cooking ethos.
"Food to me should be honest, real and full of flavour; this is what shapes the way we cook at NOMAD."
What do you love about your career?
"I love food and eating so what better career could I ask for? I love the opportunities this job has given to travel and meet new people, try new flavours and see new places."
South Australian produce is…
"Bloody amazing!"
Favourite South Australian region to travel to?
"I'm a diver and a beach bum so I love Port Lincoln, the beaches are amazing and the great white cage diving is next level exciting!"
Give us a sneak insight into your Tasting Australia dishes.
"I'll be doing a NOMAD signature dessert."
What are you looking forward to most about Tasting Australia?
"Very much looking forward to enjoying the fun stuff again after two years of cancelled events and closed restaurants! Long overdue catch ups with industry friends and visiting all the restaurants I've only been able to drool over on Instagram."
