Article by Samantha Newsam, courtesy of The Northern Daily Leader
03.04.2025
It’s the event that tantalises the tastebuds. And it’s back bigger and better from this weekend.
Tamworth’s annual 10-day celebration of the best local produce, food and wine – Taste Tamworth Festival – plates up from April 4-13.
The 2025 program will serve up over 25 events, ranging from the flagship Sweet Street and Taste in the Park festivities to markets, hands-on experiences and unique tasting offerings.
“Following the success of the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival, Taste is designed to give locals another opportunity to experience new events and local flavours, while also drawing in visitors from across the state and beyond,” Tamworth Regional Council events manager Barry Harley said.
Some events such as the Greek Bottomless Lunch at the Tudor Hotel on Saturday, April 5, and Harmony and High Tea at the Chapel Theatre, also on Saturday, have already sold out.
But here’s five new events you can still take a bite into.
Canapés and Cocktails – Ibis Styles, Friday, April 4
Channel your inner Bond to help kick-off the festivities.
From 5-8pm dine on a tasty selection of canapes including croquettes, beetroot taretlette, peppered steak crostini and zucchini flowers while enjoying the sounds of local soul, pop funk acoustic duo, Jo & Kym.
The first time the hotel has hosted an event as part of the festival, it has been driven by new chef, Coen Lawrence – or Chef 007 in this instance – and ties in with the launch of the restaurant’s new menu.
In line with the Bond theme there will be a red carpet for guests to enter along, complimentary cocktail upon arrival and prizes for the best dressed.
It isn’t a requirement to get dressed up but conference events and groups manager Liz Haskard said from what they can tell a lot of people are excited to.
Wine and Cheese Pairing – Luna Frank, Saturday, April 5
Another new event on the menu for 2025 will offer something a little bit different, combining wine, cheese and shopping.
From 3-5pm or 5-7pm – guests can peruse the Peel Street giftware store while savouring a curated selection of wines and cheeses.
The first time owner Tori Brickell has been involved in Taste in this capacity, the idea of a wine and cheese night came from seeing how much those who attended enjoyed the launch night to celebrate the rebrand to Luna Frank late last year.
She reached out to the owners of Muswellbrook-based cheesery Hunter Belle, whom she has known for about 15 years, and they, in turn, put her in touch with De Iuliis winery, who they have a close relationship with.
Together they have paired nine cheeses and three wines to sample.
Guests will also receive a goodie bag valued at $100 and, as part of their $50 ticket, will receive a $25 gift voucher to spend on the night.
Sourdough and pasta class at Carroll Gap Farmhouse – April 8 and 9
The events don’t stop during the week, and for those interested in learning about how to make sourdough or pasta, Carroll Gap Farmhouse owner Jan Dircks is offering classes on Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9.
The Tuesday workshop will guide participants through the art of making their own pasta from scratch. Together they will also prepare sauces, salads and desserts for the group to enjoy for lunch.
On Wednesday, it’s all about sourdough breadmaking.
Another Taste debutant, Ms Dircks said she likes the idea of “providing good food, especially using regional produce”.
Carroll Gap Farmhouse is situated on Rushes Creek Road, Somerton, opposite the entrance to Lake Keepit.
Comfort Food Cabaret – Tamworth Town Hall Saturday, April 12
One of the more unique experiences over the 10 days this new event blends musical comedy cabaret with a cooking class.
Described by The Sunday Mail as “part cabaret, part cooking lesson, part feast, and all party”, Australia’s singing cook – as she is known – Michelle Pearson will perform a mix of jazz, rock and pop, accompanied by a live band, whilst creating a three-course tasting menu.
The audience will have the opportunity to taste each dish, which draw on Ms Pearson’s culture and experiences.
Smoke and Wagyu – Bison Smokehouse, The Oasis Hotel, Thursday, 10 April
Ever wanted to sample one of the most sought-after Waygu brands in the world, then you can at this one-off dining experience.
Presented by Bison Smokehouse in conjunction with Savage International, guests can experience the rich, buttery texture of 2GR Wagyu, which is renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and depth of flavour, over a three-course menu designed by Bison owner and chef Nader Shayeb.
Showcasing four different cuts and low-and-slow smoking techniques, the menu includes satay skewers, a share platter featuring smoked brisket, beef cheek and tri-tip, complimented by a range of sides, and bookings are essential.
Culminating with Taste in the Park, in Bicentennial Park from 10am-4pm on Sunday, April 13, the festival will also offer plenty for the little ones with Taste for Tots at The Deck Cafe at Viaduct Park on Thursday, April 10 (10am-2pm) and a cupcake/art workshop at Sweet Petites and The Tiny Studio on Saturday, April 12 (2pm-3.30pm).
