Dark Mofo’s iconic Winter Feast is set to transform Hobart’s waterfront for eight nights this June, featuring more than 70 food stalls showcasing Tasmania’s finest produce alongside international guest chefs.
The feast will run across both festival weekends, from June 5-8 and June 12-15 at Salamanca Lawns and Princes Wharf Shed 1.
“The Winter Feast is the warm, beating heart of Dark Mofo. Gathered around fires and feasting by candlelight, it’s where we come in from the cold to share stories of where we’ve been and what we’ve seen,” said Chris Twite, Dark Mofo Artistic Director.
This year’s event features Mumbai chef Niyati Rao from acclaimed restaurant Ekaa, who will collaborate with Tasmanian chefs to create dishes including wallaby wing glazed in gochujang and sea urchin in spiced broth.
Other highlights include Melbourne chef Thi Le partnering with Fat Pig Farm, Analiese Gregory’s return with skewers of baby abalone, and Mona executive chef Vince Trim offering fire-charred camel as part of his “feral feast”.
New stallholders include Dark Dogs, South wine bar presenting slow-cooked possum bao, and Bass Strait Seafood & Co, alongside returning favourites like Queen Sheba and Formosa Bites.
Winter Feast curator Amanda Vallis said the Tassie food community “is one of the best things this island has to offer”.
“Nowhere is it more pronounced than when everyone comes together to feast around the fires in the depths of winter.”
The event will also feature over 100 live music acts, including The Gathering, a First Nations-led program on opening night.
“For me, The Gathering is an evening of celebration. Celebration of culture, community, country and connection,” said DarkLab Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural advisor Caleb Nichols-Mansell.
Free admission will be offered on Sunday, June 15, supported by the City of Hobart, with a private sensory-friendly session for people with disability and their families from 3-4pm that day.
All stallholders will use compostable serviceware, with reusable cups available for beverages in the cash-free event.
