From culinary workshops to boozy long lunches, Tomato Festival Sydney is back for 2020.
The humble tomato is the base for some of Sydney’s favourite dishes. Whether we love diving into a bowl of classic tomato spaghetti or adore whipping up a fresh Caprese salad, tomatoes are the small but mighty ingredient that can elevate any dish. And for those who are looking for a fun way to secure their dose of tomato-ey goodness, this next event will tick all your boxes.
Now in its seventh year, Tomato Festival Sydney returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens this weekend for two jam-packed days from February 15th to 16th 2020. Boasting extended opening hours on Saturday, the festival is set to be bigger and better than ever in 2020 with a calendar of events including everything from twilight drinks to cooking masterclasses and so much more. The best bit? Entry to the festival is FREE, with some ticketed events running throughout the weekend.
The grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens will come alive with stalls and workshop spaces overlooking the harbour foreshore beyond. Head for the Festival Village and kick back as day turns to night with live music, pop-up bars, delicious street food and drinks. Make sure to nab a cold Italian beer or a Seedlip blend, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit! In fitting with this year’s theme of ‘the joy of the kitchen garden’ make sure to visit the Community Greening Cooking and Learning Hub, set to host live cooking demonstrations, tips on creating kitchen gardens, how to grow healthy plants and so much more.
One of the key events from the Tomato Festival will be the annual Longest Tomato Lunch, running across both days this weekend. Hosted at the picturesque Botanic House grounds, this oh-so-popular ticketed event invites guests to take a seat at the venue’s 70m long table before diving into a feast of tomato flavours. The Italian share-style menu, is curated by award-wnning chef Luca Ciano (decorated with 2 Michelin Stars), with diners treated to everything from heirloom tomato focaccia with rosemary garlic and balsamic reduction to a warmed pasta salad of handmade conchiglie with tomato and caramelized onion sauce, Vannella Cheese stracciatella, dried black olives and parsley dust. To wash it all down, diners will be able to purchase a selection of premium beers, wines and spirits at the event to accompany this tomato feast.
Tomato Festival Sydney will be running on Saturday, February 15th and Sunday, February 16th at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Entry to the festival is free, with some ticketed events happening acros the weekend. To find out more, click here.