Indulge your senses at Tastes of Central Geelong 2020, a month-long festival of food, flavours and fun.
This year, it’s more important than ever to support local restaurants and cafes and the recently released 2020 Tastes program showcases the fantastic food on offer in Central Geelong during July.
You can enjoy Tastes from the comfort of your own home and learn tricks of the trade from local chefs, try exclusive recipes, dine at home or build your own menu items. Or you can make your way into Central Geelong to sample gourmet food and drink and participate in food-themed activities and offers from restaurants and cafes who need your support.
An initiative of Central Geelong Marketing, there’s something for everyone at Tastes of Central Geelong and it’s a great way to help Central Geelong eateries get back on their feet.
Here’s a little selection of what will be on offer to whet your appetite.
Pick & mix
Discover the incredible food offering in Central Geelong. Pick and Mix five participating venues throughout the Tastes festival to create your own tasting experience. Do it all in one day or take your time and pop in when it suits – different days or times – in July. Choose from Pick & Mix – Bite size (5 tastings valued at $5 each) for just $15 and receive more than $25 in value or choose the Pick & Mix – Little Bigger (5 tastings valued at $10 each) for just $35.
Dessert wars
Central Geelong Marketing has compiled a list of Central Geelong desserts you need to try. Try one or try them all and then vote for your favourite in the Central Geelong Dessert Wars.
Restaurants and cafes will be battling it out to be crowned Central Geelong’s favourite dessert in the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice categories. You can help decide the People’s Choice award and just for voting, you’ll have the chance to win a $200 voucher to The Beach House Geelong. To cast your vote visit facebook.com/centralgeelongmarketing between July 1 and 31. Terms and conditions apply.
Learn & master
Join a virtual food or beverage-related class or workshop from the comfort of your own kitchen. Learn the tricks of the trade and discover some handy tips to take you to the next level.
Join Little Green Corner host Madeleine Dobbins live on Instagram each Sunday at 2pm throughout July for a series of cooking classes. Pop aside 30 minutes to cook along with Madeleine as she takes you through something different each week. Tune in via: Instagram @littlegreencorner
Experience a virtual tea tasting with speciality green teas from China, Korea, Japan and Nepal. On July 2, Sharyn Johnston, a world-renowned Tea Master, will take you through the origin, profile and taste of specialty green teas from four different producers and countries. She will explain how to best prepare each green tea and discuss the health benefits. Participants will receive a small pack of each green tea prior to the event so they can join in during the presentation. This event will be delivered via Zoom. Bookings $25 (essential): www.australianteamasters.com.au/tocg2020
Eating out
Get out of the house with these dinners, high teas and tastings held inside Central Geelong venues. Strictly limited places, so get in early and book your place. On Sunday, July 26, join Caruggi Italian Restaurant in Lt Malop Street for ‘A Wine journey through Italy’. Discover Italy’s indigenous grape varieties with matching snacks. Let the experts at Caruggi take you through a range of wines while you sip and enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon. Just $50 per person. Bookings are essential.
The popular Empire Winter High Tea Series is returning. Join Empire Grill for an afternoon of sweets, treats, bubbles and tea. Saturday, July 4, 11 and 18, cost $50. Bookings essential on 5223 2132.
Eat Like a King (Maharajah Thali) – it’s a royal feast fit for a King. Let Dosa Hut in Ryrie Street do all the work with its set menu feast featuring 15 delicious items, all served on one big feasting plate. Saturday, July 4, 11, 18 and 25. Cost $24.95. Bookings essential on 5200 7444.
Dine at home
Bringing the traditional dining out experience into your home with a collection of dinner, lunch and afternoon tea packages and takeaway offers. Whether you’re due for a date night, celebrating a special occasion or just feel like treating yourself, you can order in a package from participating venues to enjoy during Tastes. Dine at Home packages and offers will be available to order from July 1 to July 31 during businesses operating hours. A list of participating venues and packages will be available from July 1 at www.centralgeelong.com.au/dineathome. Selections will include a sharing feast and lunch order from BB Chicken, while Rook Sri Lankan Fusion is offering heat-at-home curry packs.
Build your own
Take things into your own hands and get creative with a range of venues offering DIY kits or build-your-own menu items. Have your kit or selected ingredients delivered to your door where you can become the chef to put it all together.
Build Your Own kits will be available to order from July 1 to July 31. A list of participating venues and kits will be available from July 1 at www.centralgeelong.com.au/buildyourown and will include Black Bull Tapas Bar & Restaurant tacos, Shinya Ramen Geelong’s Japanese Ramen kit, a southern breakfast from Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues and the kids will enjoy a donut decorating kit from P&G Bakery.
Restaurants and cafes need your help to recover as they start to open their doors. There are lots of ways you can show your support – from participating in a Tastes event or offer, to booking ahead at your favourite eatery.
For the full Tastes of Central Geelong program, to book into Tastes activities and for more information visit www.centralgeelong.com.au/tastes
