Sydney's glittering festival, Vivid, is back, with this year's incredible lineup packed with free activities, amazing light installations, a techno party on a train (really), and delicious food and drink. Speaking of food, my personal favourite on this year's programme is Vivid Fire Kitchen. Not sure what that is? Don't worry, Time Out Sydney caught up with us for a preview of this fire-powered street food extravaganza, and here's everything you need to know (plus five dishes you absolutely must try).
What is Vivid Fire Kitchen?
Part of Vivid Food, Vivid Fire Kitchen is a night food market and street packed with vendors, food stalls, bars and an outdoor kitchen with live cooking demos from some of the industry's top chefs. They all have one thing in common – all the food (except ice cream) is cooked over fire. Sydneysiders head here in the evening during Vivid Food to indulge in a delicious range of cuisines. Bring a few friends, order a variety of dishes and hit the town.
Where is Vivid Fire Kitchen located?
Vivid Fire Kitchen will be held along The Goods Line in Ultimo, just behind Darling Harbour, once an old railway line but now a public footpath.
How do I get to Vivid Fire Kitchen?
It's best to leave the car at home and get to Vivid Fire Kitchen by public transport (train or light rail). Vivid Fire Kitchen can be accessed from Central Station, which takes you through a long underground tunnel (the Devonshire Street Tunnel). As you continue through this tunnel into the city, the road briefly comes above ground, but if you keep walking underground you'll soon reach The Goods Line. Alternatively, you can take the light rail to the Chinatown Light Rail Stop, from where it's about a 10-minute walk to The Goods Line.
Who is cooking at Vivid Fire Kitchen?
Vivid Fire Kitchen It's an event that's all about the food – learn the art of cooking with fire and come away with a few tips to wow your next dinner guests. Vivid will feature live cooking demonstrations from Californian star Shalamar Lane, Australian culinary legend Christine Manfield, Indigenous chef and restaurateur Mindy Woods, Firedoor's Lennox Hastie, Texas-based Australian BBQ cook Jess Priles, Australian hospitality maestro John McFadden and Apollo Group's Oscar Solomon.
What are some must-try dishes at Vivid Fire Kitchen?
Glad you asked! I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Vivid Fire Kitchen before Vivid started, and I was impressed with the variety and quality of the food on offer. The lineup is meat-heavy, but vegetarians and pesto lovers will also leave full and satisfied. There are plenty of great food trucks and stands to choose from, but here are five dishes you definitely must try:
1. First, stop at Brazilian Flame to see traditional barbecue done right. The beef rump cap was charred and juicy, and was great with either chipotle smoked mayonnaise or a punchy chimichurri. As you can see, I had both.
2. Next, head straight to the Eat Lebanese truck. Owner-chef Tony is a legend, and is happy to explain the dishes on offer. I tried the roasted cauliflower in lemon tahini sauce, the hearty zoog, pomegranate, and pickled onion. Loaded with garlic? Yes, but who cares? You're not here to get it. Was it great? It was, too. (Eat Lebanese's shrimp rolls are also popular.)
3. Let's go to Mar's Kitchen and try the beef birria. and Chicken tacos. Both are easy to eat.
Four. Then, walk over to Smoky Sue's and order a portion of mac and cheese and burnt ends. Thank me later.
Five. Finally, we finish in Messina. I ordered the Wagon Wheel ice cream. The marshmallow, raspberry and chocolate swirl reminded me of my elementary school days when I wasn't allowed to eat sweets. Afterwards, lie down. Preferably at home.
Enjoy living and eating, Sydney!
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