Visitors propose a toast to Taste
FESTIVAL director Brooke Webb is declaring the Taste of Tasmania a success, but has signalled her intent to further shake up the program for next year’s 30th anniversary.
After copping criticism over the past few years, the new-look Taste, with Ms Webb at the helm for the first time, was generally viewed positively by stallholders and patrons.
Ms Webb came into the role with a 12-week window to turn things around and says the extra lead-up time this year will enable her to bring in more significant changes.
“It’s been amazing,” she said of the Taste, which finished its run on the Hobart waterfront last night.
“I do have a really clear sketch [of the next Taste] but having been through a festival you also get a lot more information having seen it all play out. We have a year to work on the big 30th. I can promise you it will be a completely different program.
“Not because this year’s hasn’t worked but because as a person I’m against routine, so I want to present something that is completely different next year.”
Ms Webb said a lot of work would go into the food and alcohol program.
Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said she received strong positive feedback on the new layout and decorations at the Taste, with the balance of food to alcohol swinging back to 63-35.
“I think it has been absolutely superb and, considering what Brooke has been able to achieve in just 12 weeks, I cannot imagine just how huge next year will be,” Ald Hickey said yesterday.
Hobart alderman and former Taste of Tasmania organising committee chairman Marti Zucco said consideration had to be given to whether the ban on street performers at the event should be continued past this year.
“I was very impressed that the council has realised that it was the Taste of Tasmania and food was the basis of it,” he said.
“But I felt after a number of comments made to me by stallholders, I felt that the event was clinical.
“The roaming entertainment and buskers have been taken away and made it more clinical.
“I’m very interested to see what the bottom dollar will be for the Hobart City Council, especially when we have made a point of trying to be cost-neutral and that hasn’t worked.”
Ceri McCutcheon, of Liggabuff desserts, said this year’s Taste had been a success.
“We have loved it this year,” she said.
“Especially in the Atrium, it has been such a lovely change from the Paddock.
“We have had excellent feedback, not just for our product but for the Taste overall, people are really liking the new style.”
Sydney’s Mitch Parsell and his daughter Ella, 8, come down to the Taste most years.
He said he had noticed a change in the event.
“I think it’s better,” he said. “There’s more food variety, better seating, everything is spread out.”
Eliza Revell, of Ghost Rock Tasmania wines, right, said it had been a busy week.
“But it’s really good for us,” she said. “This New Year’s Eve was massive.”
Xavier Dyble, of T-Bone Brewing, said it would take a few days to recover.