Taste, See, Connect at House Canteen

Overview

Want to explore Vivid through a method that's brand new and a teeny bit unconventional? Then this sharing-focused event at House Canteen is calling your name.

This Vivid-exclusive pop-up is a six-night dinner and games event dubbed 'Taste, See, Connect' during the festival's 2024 run. Spontaneity is at the heart of the dinners, with the event runners hoping to keep those in attendance on their toes and engaged in the activities and food on offer, as well as their fellow participants and the accompanying light shows.

At House Canteen, you'll be able to tuck into a six-course sharing menu by Chef Fernando Sanchez while enjoying the company of fellow attendees and soaking up the stunning Sydney Harbour installations. Plus, you'll be subjected to icebreaker activities such as Jenga, conversation starter cards and communal tablecloths to doodle away on. You may even be prompted to do a seat switcheroo during your meal.

The aim of the game — and the entire evening — is to step outside your comfort zone by meeting new people in a similar setting and, through the activities, learn to appreciate the shared human experience.

As for the bites on offer, you'll be met with an Asian-leaning feast, with entrees like tuna tartare, sashimi and pork belly-stuffed bao buns, followed by a glazed beef short rib with rice, stir-fried greens, edamame and papaya salad to pair. To round out the meal, you'll sink your teeth into a yuzu meringue tart.

Take your pick from 6pm or 8pm slots on Monday, May 27; Tuesday, May 28; Monday, June 3; Tuesday, June 4; Tuesday, June 11; or Wednesday, June 12 during the dazzling festivities.

Tickets are priced at $49 per person, which is quite the steal. Drinks, however, are not included in the ticket price and will need to be purchased separately.

If you're onboard with the additional spending, House Canteen has curated four limited-edition cocktails themed around Vivid, starring Grey Goose vodka. Opt for a boozy hibiscus lemonade, a passionfruit-starring sip, a fruity Chambord and Lyres Italian Orange concoction or a riff on a coffee-charged espresso martini.