Six Tips for the Best Taste of Sydney Experience in 2014

Next Thursday, March 13, will see the sixth annual, four-day Taste of Sydney festival set up shop in Centennial Park to deliver a foodie feast far more suited to our city’s more discerning palates.

This year’s a biggun, primed to serve up a whole heap of delicious treats. There'll be more than 60 selected food, wine and cocktail items, including recipes designed especially for you; 100+ bespoke artisan producers and providers; a plethora of demos and masterclasses for budding cooks, chefs, bloggers and beyond; plus music and entertainment throughout for those simply after a bite and a bevvy.

But before you get lost in a huge list of must-trys, it’s always important to remember that you don’t need a gastronomical portfolio rivalling Matt Preston’s cravat to know what’s good. All you need is this guide, an empty stomach and an open mind.

Come Hungry

An obvious tip but one to be taken seriously: there’s going to be a lot to choose from and the last thing you want to do is limit yourself because you lunched too late. For example, Surry Hills' fave Chur Burger will have you salivating over their bespoke 'Taste' burger, while the folks behind Newtown’s Bloodwood will be making their presence known. Other standouts include Popolo, Biota, 4Fourteen, Four in Hand, Jonah’s, Porteno and Longrain.

Prepare for a Hangover

We’re not telling you to binge drink yourself into oblivion, but the 'taste' element at Taste ain’t just solids. The Gourmet Traveller WINE Pop Up Bar by Rushcutters, for example, will be the place to sip and savour a host of selected drops. Or, if wine’s not your thing, try the new apple and guava flavour among the usual refreshingly sweet combinations at the Rekorderlig Cider Bar. The Sail & Anchor Beer Hall have hops and barley sorted through interactive sessions and tastings from Australia’s best home-grown and imported labels, while Cointreau and Galliano will be whipping up a cocktail or two.

Learning is Fun!

This year will see the launch of the brand new Lurpak Cookery School teaching how to best use said Danish butter, while the Plumm Wine Theatre presented by Gourmet Traveller WINE asks you to pop in and lift your wine knowledge alongside prestigious sommeliers and critics. Others not to be missed are the food and beverage matching masterclasses by Celebrity Cruises, the always popular Country Kitchen for the eco-minded among us, and Sensology’s The Art of Cocktail Making. Of course, the Taste Kitchen is back again with Sydney’s top chefs sharing the secrets of their favourite dishes, and the Dilmah Chef's Skillery in association with Australian Gourmet Traveller is the place to have all those burning questions answered.

Warm Up Your Bowling Arm

2014’s Taste of Sydney has a pretty nifty little attraction brought to us by Galliano in the form of a two-lane Bocce area upon entrance, allowing multiple players the chance to enjoy a game of this boules-related funtime while sipping a cocktail or three. Look out for picket fencing and seating, or simply listen out for the laughter as pissed-up people attempt to give this a go.

Tassie is Trending

Not only is the Tasmanian Pavilion returning this year with its focus on all the best produce to ever grace our fair shores from the Apple Isle (we’re talking seafood, bakeries, wineries, distilleries and butchers all showcasing their gourmet delicacies), there’s also the opportunity to win a holiday for two including flights, accommodation and car hire to, you guessed it, Tassie.

It Doesn't Hurt to Spoil Yourself

With so much going on, it never hurts to treat yourself to a little luxury, and the Taste of Sydney VIP Lounge includes two complimentary drinks, unlimited access to the lounge and $30 worth of Crowns (festival currency) to use at any of the vendors you desire. VIP tickets also come with $20 GoodFood Gift card and a $50 UBERblack ride. After all, this festival comes but once a year and we all deserve a little extra sparkle now and again.

Taste of Sydney will run from Thursday, March 13, to Sunday, March 17, 2014. Tickets start from $25 and are on sale now from Ticketek. Take advantage of the special ticket offer and book two general entry tickets for $40. Just enter the word FEAST into the promotional code box when booking. This offer is valid on advance purchase tickets only and applies to general entry tickets. Crowns (the official Taste currency) can be pre-purchased in denominations of 30 or 50 Crowns through Ticketek.