In another first for Tasting Australia, the festival is embarking on a rail journey that promises to redefine culinary travel. On May 10th, 2024, The Ghan’s dining and bar carriages will couple with The Overland, setting off from Melbourne to Adelaide. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a 10-hour gastronomic adventure featuring a trio of the world’s most renowned chefs: Asma Khan, Cheong Liew OAM, and Jae Bang.
It’s a day trip filled with curated experiences, where the joy of travel merges with the art of fine dining. The trip offers not just exceptional food and beverages but also the unique romance of rail travel – the joy of community and the contemplative beauty of ever-changing landscapes.
Asma Khan, a titan in the global hospitality scene, brings her passion for Indian cuisine to the journey. From her humble beginnings cooking in Oxford to running the celebrated Darjeeling Express in London, Khan’s story is one of culinary triumph.
Cheong Liew, a legend in fusion cuisine, has been a trailblazer long before it became a trend. Known for his iconic tenure at The Grange in the Hilton Adelaide, Liew is also a mentor to a new generation of chefs.
Jae Bang, the culinary mastermind behind Melbourne’s Freyja, brings a fusion of Nordic and Australian dining. With a rich international background, Bang believes in creating a multi-sensory dining experience that transcends borders.
This unique collaboration, exclusive to Tasting Australia, represents a new frontier for the festival, celebrating the transformative power of travel.
Inclusions of the Journey:
- A lavish breakfast and a multi-course lunch
- Afternoon aperitivo snacks
- A welcome glass of Bollinger, tea, and coffee
- All-inclusive premium beverages and wines paired with lunch
- An exclusive wine masterclass
Priced at $795 per person, the journey departs from Melbourne Southern Cross Station, offering an unparalleled experience.
About the Culinary Maestros:
Cheong Liew, a 2024 Tasting Australia Legend, is a true culinary icon. Originally from Malaysia, Liew moved to Australia in 1969, switching from engineering to the culinary arts. He first gained acclaim with his Adelaide restaurant Neddy’s and later with The Grange at the Adelaide Hilton Hotel. Liew’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “All food tastes better shared.”
Asma Khan shines as one of Tasting Australia’s Festival Stars for 2024. Her journey from a student in Oxford to an acclaimed chef and restaurateur is nothing short of inspiring. Khan’s accolades include being a UN World Food Programme’s Chef Advocate, an Honorary Fellow at Queen’s College, Oxford, and the first British chef on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Her restaurant Darjeeling Express is a London gem, and her cookbook Ammu has been celebrated globally.
Jae Bang, another Festival Star, brings his Michelin Star experience to Melbourne’s Freyja. His journey from Seoul to the world’s top kitchens, including the three-star Arzak and New York’s Daniel, reflects his dedication to haute cuisine. Under his leadership, Norway’s Re-naa Restaurant Group soared to new heights, earning two Michelin stars and numerous accolades.
This rail journey with Tasting Australia is more than a trip; it’s a celebration of culinary artistry, a meeting of cultures, and a testament to the transformative power of travel and food.
What: TASTING AUSTRALIA BY TRAIN – MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE
Where: Melbourne to Adelaide
When: May 10th, 2024
Cost: $795pp
More info: https://tastingaustralia.com.au/products/events/2024/tasting-australia-by-train-melbourne-to-adelaide