Foodies planning a trip to Darwin should pencil in a potential visit in August.
This year’s Darwin Festival, to run from August 7-24) will feature its biggest Taste of Darwin program ever with the return of chef Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman restaurant after four years, and the festival debut of the city’s hottest new eatery: Flora’s Temper Mexicantina.
The Festival’s Taste of Darwin program will double in size to feature six events, with two announced today: a City Cocktail Experience, where guests can choose between a glitzy 1920s-style bar hop or a wild Tropical bar adventure; and a Gloom and Gourmet Dinner, a dark feast that transforms Parap Fine Foods into a red-lit, moody banquet hall complete with roving performers belting out eerie murder ballads.
“Last year’s Taste of Darwin events were a huge hit and sold out fast, so we’re excited to not only bring them back but double the offering with truly unique experiences that showcase the spirit of Darwin,” said Darwin Festival artistic director Kate Fell.
Each Taste of Darwin event will offer something unexpected and exclusive, Taste of Darwin curator Neville Pantazis promises.
“Darwin’s food and bar scene is vibrant, diverse and truly multicultural," he says. "We’re serving up fresh, fun, and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the essence of Australia’s northernmost capital.”
The return of Hanuman, arguably the Territory’s most celebrated restaurant, to the line-up of exceptional food offerings at Festival Park, is great news for foodies, added Fell.
“Hanuman’s long-anticipated return brings an iconic flavour back to the Festival, while Flora’s Temper Mexicantina adds an exciting new layer to our culinary landscape. With more reasons than ever for food lovers to head to Festival Park during Darwin Festival, it’s set to be a true celebration of Territory flavours.”
The festival has also announced that its key beverage suppliers this year are local to the Northern Territory, with new partner Alice Springs Brewing Co. joining Darwin’s Willing Distillery.
Darwin Festival, 2024 Gold Winner at the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, will release its full program of cabaret, theatre, comedy, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts under the stars, and fun family events next month.
