Sydney’s pioneering arts, music and culture event, Vivid Sydney, will return in 2023 from May 26 to June 17 – but not as you know it. For the first time ever, the festival is bringing together local and international chefs for Vivid Food, a series of multi-sensory culinary experiences.
The stacked program of pop-ups and collaborations is headlined by one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, Daniel Humm, plus other international culinary superstars including Jeremy Fox, Rishi Naleendra, Jess Pryles, Sterling Smith, Mmabatho Molefe, and Jackson Boxer. The line-up also features trailblazing local chefs such as Mitch Orr, Lennox Hastie, Danielle Alvarez, Luke Mangan, Matt Stone, Tara Chua, Fernando Sanchez and many more. Expect a huge range of events, from fireside suppers to late-night markets to fine-dining experiences. And a big spotlight on NSW’s incredible produce, in celebration of this year’s festival theme, ‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally’.
Here’s what we’ll be checking out.
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SIGN UPInternationally-revered chef Daniel Humm is set to bring his three Michelin-starred restaurant Eleven Madison Park from New York, to Sydney for two weeks. Working alongside Matt Moran’s Aria team, Humm will be serving up a creative multi-course tasting menu showcasing his passion for diverse flavours – all set against the backdrop of Vivid Sydney’s enchanting Light Walk (an 8.5-kilometre stretch of free installations and projections from Sydney Opera House to Central Station). Each course will utilise the best in local produce and ingredients as Humm brings combines his plant-based approach with fine dining at Aria.
The takeover will run from June 6 to 17, with both a nine-course tasting menu for dinner and a shorter tasting menu on offer for lunch. Vivid Residence is set to “transcend cultural heritage and champion cultural discovery” under the helm of one of the world’s biggest hospitality heavyweights. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
Vivid Sydney Dinner is returning to the Ivy Ballroom on Saturday June 3 this year after a sell-out event in 2022, with a special feast by Merivale executive chef, Ben Greeno, and powerhouse chef Danielle Alvarez (ex-head chef at Fred’s).
Australian singer and actor Eddie Perfect will be hosting the festivities, which include live music performances by Perfect, alternative pop singer Montaigne, African fusion artist Julian Belbachir and beloved singer-songwriter Christine Anu. DJ Kate Monroe will also be spinning tunes throughout the night. While you eat, a mesmerising light installation inspired by nature will be in play.
Before dinner, stop by Sydney Town Hall to catch groundbreaking British author Jeanette Winterson’s energetic in-conversation, Life and Mars: The Future of Human. Winterson will chat about her latest collection of essays exploring the evolution of humanity, the impact of AI and the meaning of nature, as part of Vivid Sydney’s Global Storytellers series.
Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Cutaway, Barangaroo, is sure to be a highlight this year: a hub for flame-powered dining and inventive drinks. Take a seat at the cosy firepit and watch on as global pitmasters cook up next-level barbeque dishes (alongside live demos). Running every night from 6pm between May 26 and June 17, entry is free at Vivid Fire Kitchen, featuring a variety of street food pop-ups and unique restaurant concepts.
After you’re suitably full, stop at the 360-degree multi-sensory experience at Vivid House, taking over the rear of the Cutaway. Be surrounded by floor-to-ceiling light projections of natural landscapes, including a seven-minute psychedelic journey through Sydney’s hidden coves; a dive through deep Australian waters with award-winning photographer Craig Parry; and a traverse through towering eucalyptus forests inhabited by koalas. More kaleidoscopic displays await outside, including a sea of massive floating lilies, an installation paying tribute to Antarctica’s sublime beauty, and a giant glowing lightbulb filled with fluttering bogong moths.
As part of the Vivid Chef Series, top Sydney restaurants and chefs will be matched up with an exciting international chef for a series of one-off collaborative dinners. A totally different menu will be on offer each night, from a range of different cuisines - so don’t be afraid to book several nights for a totally different experience on each night.
With an award and accolade-heavy line-up, the chef duos will develop bespoke menus that reflect their shared creativity and passion, while celebrating their individual heritage. Expect to try new and exciting flavour combinations and dish pairings. The collaborations include Fred’s x Jackson Boxer between June 4 to 7, Yellow x Rishi Naleendra between June 6 to 9, Kiln x Jeremy Fox on June 13 and 14 and Bar Morris x Mmabatho Molefe between June 14 to 17.
Australia’s largest contemporary multi-arts precinct is bringing back its popular market for one night only on June 16 from 5pm, showcasing more than 50 Sydney restaurants, bars and makers. It’s been curated by zero-waste chef Matt Stone (Ciao, Mate!, ex Oakridge) with a focus on sustainable food practices and Australian produce. Expect plenty of live music and cooking demonstrations to keep you entertained.
And plenty more
There are so many other Vivid Food experiences to pack into your itinerary.
On June 14 and 15, Carriageworks will host The Warakirri Dining Experience, presenting a five-course menu by Ngemba Weilwan woman and renowned chef Sharon Winsor, including after-hours exhibition access.
From May 26, Barangaroo House will transform into the House of Naturalia for a night of sustainably made cocktails and nature-inspired plates by Tara Chua, and on June 11, drinks writer Mike Bennie and restaurateur Palisa Anderson will join forces with Mary’s to take over Macquarie Place for day-to-night party HERE NOW.
From Thursday to Sunday, you can head to Sydney Harbour Bridge’s south-east pylon for Light Up Your Senses at the Pylon - a gourmet cheese and wine experience by Luke Mangan with an unmatched view of light projections over the harbour.
Throughout the festival, harbourside restaurant 6Head will play host to light and soundscapes; Opera Bar will be serving up a produce-driven menu themed around the sea and the gardens; 32nd- floor rooftop bar Aster will offer a spectacular three-course menu. And both Aster and Opera Bar will have front row seats for Vivid Sydney’s drone show Written in the Stars.
See the full program and plan your visit now.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Vivid Sydney.
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