World Wide Nate and the tastes of South Australia
I couldn’t image a life without food, and it pretty much is the driving force that wakes me up everyday.
I couldn’t imagine a life without good eating! It’s pretty much the driving force that wakes me up everyday. When I heard South Australia was the food capital of Oz (Australia), I made my way “down unda” to attend Tasting Australia.
Adelaide is South Australia’s capital city, home to 1.2 million people and hub of the festival. Tasting Australia is more than a typical food and wine festival that happens in a convention hall for a few days. It takes place outside in the town square in the center of Adelaide’s central business district.
Prior to my visit, I researched food hashtags on Instagram and discovered the Grace Burger. After checking into the Hilton Adelaide, which overlooks Town Square, I took a 20-minute bus ride to the east side of town to dine at Grace the Establishment. The Grace burgers house made patties topped with gruyere cheese, onion jam, roasted garlic mayo, tomato and greens pressed between a seeded bun that made my 18-hour journey worthwhile. After devouring my mouth-watering burger and battling jet leg, my only option was to return to my comfortable hotel room to get some rest.
The unique concept of Tasting Australia includes various events across regions of the state. You can become a butcher, baker, fisherman, chef, winemaker or brewer. The following morning, I took an hour-and-a-half drive north to Barossa, Australia’s wine capital.
Barossa is home to over 80 cellars, spread across its picturesque topography of valleys and hills. Barossa’s reputation extends beyond its wine, also offering world-class food. The theme in the state is “eat local,” which you will see on a black sign with white print in a majority of the restaurants. I did come here to eat, so instead of doing a typical wine tour, I participated in a hands-on cooking class at Casa Carboni. Chef Matteo, an Italian from Emilia Romagna, relocated to the Barossa with his wife and teaches traditional recipes his grandma taught him. Matteo explained during the class that he loves Barossa because he is able to source fresh ingredients needed to prepare his Italian dishes. During the three-hour cooking class, I learned how to prepare a four-course meal consisting of Piadina Romagnola, Potato Gnocchi, Tortellini with pumpkin & bacon and tiramisu. The class was the easy part — now the challenge will be duplicating the same meal back home.
Wine and food is what South Australia is known for, but beer is making a name for itself as well. I hooked up with Off Piste for a craft beer adventure around the Fleurieu Peninsula. My charismatic guide, Benjamin Neville, picked me up, and we were off. He had to use his 4WD and took a few off-road routes on course to the breweries. The family-owned Goodiesons Brewery in McLaren Vale is nestled among the trees and has great backyard atmosphere to sample their perfectly balanced Pilsner and German-style Maibock.
My favorite brewery on the tour was the Smiling Samoyed. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by two beautiful white samoyed dogs. The inside is decorated with sarcastic commentary on metal signs, and the beer on tap is delicious. Benjamin is a great host, with wonderful stories and hilarious jokes about South Australia. He put his touch on the tour with a sunset view at Sellicks Beach. Tasting Australia was a brilliant mix of a savory cuisine and regional adventures.
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