HOUSE OF OZ GOURMET FEASTS AT THE FRINGE
4/8/22
THE GREATEST AUSTRALIAN DINNER PARTY…IN EDINBURGH FROM 8 AUGUST 2022
A gourmet taste of Oz in the heart of the capital
So, what’s the John Dory?
Southside’s King’s Hall has been transformed into the spectacular House of Oz for 25 days only, as part of the UK/Australia Season of Culture.
On three Mondays in August, Taste Australia will introduce 60 very lucky diners to a unique modern-Australian 5-course degustation (tasting) menu prepared by one of Australia’s most inventive chefs, David Lee. This is an unmissable opportunity for curious foodies to get up close and personal with Australian artists at a sumptuous feast with exquisite styling, tablescapes and soundscaping.
Chef-In-Residence - David Lee
All the way from Sydney and with nearly 30 years’ experience in some of the finest restaurants, super-chef David Lee is among the pioneers of modern Australian cuisine and includes French, Italian, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian influences in his cooking. His dishes favour sustainable and ethically-produced meat and fish and organically-grown fruit and veg. He has cooked all over the world in world-class restaurants, exclusive private villas and residences, and for many other private clients. Taste Australia provides a rare opportunity for diners to try incredible and usually inaccessible native ingredients like Alpine Pepper, Bush Tomato, Finger Lime and Lemon Myrtle. There is even Cumbrian-produced native Australian Wattleseed grown by Simon Rogan’s farm near Cartmel.
Each Taste Australia dinner is hosted by an acclaimed artist and performer from the Australia who will share compelling stories of their family’s cultural heritage in a unique and genuinely immersive dining experience. Cabaret icon Reuben Kaye (Russian-Jewish descent), Australian-Egyptian musician Joseph Tawadros, and Michaela Burger (Greek father) have collaborated with David between rehearsals to translate their foodie heritage into dishes that incorporate native Australian ingredients. Expect music, song, humour, wit and perhaps a side order of dance.
The Line Up
Ancient and Modern
Multiple award-winning oud virtuoso and master storyteller Joseph Tawadros celebrates his Egyptian heritage through food and music that will transport guests through vast deserts to the bustling streets of Cairo. This is a story of immigration and displacement, suffused with song, laughter, wine and dancing.
Tawadros’ witty banter and story-telling breaks down cultural barriers, engaging his audiences with his inimitable larger-than-life character. Diners will experience Chef David Lee’s brilliant flavour combinations that evoke both ancient and modern Egypt and present-day Australia.
Taste Australia with Joseph Tawadros, Monday 8 August, 8-10pm – book here.
Joseph Tawadros is also performing a solo show entitled The Art of the Oud at House of Oz on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 Aug.
Style and Wit
Charismatic cabaret star and comedian Reuben Kaye celebrates his Russian-Jewish roots, with it should be said, great style and wit in the soaring space of The Great Indoors. Chef David Lee’s flavours help bring back memories of past times and reclaimed culture. Guests will be guided by Reuben and enjoy a unique opportunity to taste dishes designed to bring together native Australian ingredients with Russian-Jewish tradition. Expect the unexpected.
Taste Australia with Reuben Kaye, Monday 15 August, 8-10pm – book here.
Reuben Kaye is bringing two shows to this year’s Fringe: The Butch is Back and The Kaye Hole.
Laughter and Pathos
An outstanding opportunity for the epicurious to explore another time and place with musical powerhouse Michaela Burger. Michaela celebrates her Greek heritage with stories of immigration and upheaval sprinkled with moving and thoughtful songs that guests can both hear and taste. Guests will be served a unique modern Australian menu interpreting native Australian ingredients with a striking Greek accent, co-curated with Sydney chef-in-residence David Lee.
Taste Australia with Michaela Burger, Monday 22 August, 8-10pm – book here.
Michaela is the star performer in Rouge at the Assembly Hall (Main Hall) throughout August.
The Great Indoors
Each Taste Australia dinner will be hosted in The Great Indoors, a spectacular theatre space that’s being re-imagined especially for these three unique dining experiences. After a welcome cocktail at the bar, guests are seated at two long feasting tables under the glimmer of crystal chandeliers and the sparkle of stage lights. The host performers will introduce each course, playing the part of congenial host, ensuring this dinner party for sixty feels both intimate and memorable. There will be an opportunity to meet Chef at the end of the experience.
Let’s Go Outback
Not content with producing some of the festival’s finest tasting menus, David has also created Outback, a pop-up extraordinaire in a secret garden behind House of Oz. The all-day outdoor BBQ and bar oozes Aussie charm and serves up gourmet tucker: think kangaroo burgers, prawn & rocket pizza with finger-lime dressing, jaffles, house-baked wattleseed damper (bread), BBQ skewers, meat pies and David’s stand-out Pavlova Smash. Hungry festival-goers can also tuck into healthy salads, and there are plenty of veggie and vegan options.
Drinks Outback are out of the ordinary, with Aussie brand beers, wines, spirits and cocktails starring alongside a bespoke low-miles House of Oz IPA, brewed especially for the venue by Freedom in Staffordhire, using citrussy Australian hops.
The stellar line-up of Australian tipples also includes Mr. Black coffee liqueur and Starward whisky (the most awarded distillery of the year, scoring twelve double golds at the World Spirits competition), as well as couture slushies and regional wines.
Coffee & Lamingtons
If there’s one thing us Aussies are passionate about, it’s great coffee. That’s why House of Oz has teamed up with London’s top Aussie café chain Daisy Green and Radio Lamington (the fundraising branch of Daisy Green) to bring together a stimulating offering from a cute coffee stall at the venue’s Southside terrace. It’s the perfect pit-stop between shows with space to sit and enjoy a brew and four yummy lamington cake flavours made exclusively for House of Oz’s residence at the Fringe. Coffee-fans can also pick up one of their limited-edition House of Oz ‘Can of Beans’ to take home.
House of Oz
King’s Hall
41A South Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9NZ
Instagram: @houseofoz2022
Taste Australia Ticket Info
All tickets are available from https://tickets.edfringe.com/venues/house-of-oz
Monday 8 August: Joseph Tawadros
Monday 15 August: Reuben Kaye
Monday 22 August: Michaela Burger
Full price: £75 / Carer: £35
Tickets include a welcome cocktail and degustation menu co-curated with Sydney chef-in-residence David Lee. Wine flight and bar available at additional cost.
Outback Garden Kitchen & Bar
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 10pm. Sunday, 12:30pm - 10pm
Last food orders: 9:30pm
Click here to see the menu. Please note, a shorter version of this menu with a few specials will be served each day - not this menu in its entirety.
Southside: Coffee & Lamingtons
The terrace is open 10am - 6pm daily, except Thursdays and Sundays.
About House of Oz
House of Oz is at King’s Hall from Friday 5th – Monday 29th August hosting live performances and cultural experiences, with a special focus on the culinary arts. Drama, live music, comedy, cabaret, circus, art, film, poetry, family shows & kids’ workshops; all authentically and unmistakably Australian, with a fun tone of voice. House of Oz welcomes artists and audiences alike, promoting entertainment, dialogue, learning and of course an intense desire to visit Australia. This all-Australian showcase for the creative arts in all forms is part of the important UK/Australia Season 2021-22, the largest ever cultural exchange between the UK and Australia.
UK/Australia Season
The UK/Australia Season is landmark cultural exchange, a joint initiative by the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Season highlights the breadth of partnership between Australia and the UK and aims to deepen and extend cultural connections. The Season started in September 2021 and concluded in March 2022 in Australia and will conclude in December 2022 in the UK. The theme ‘Who Are We Now?’ reflects on our history, explores our current relationship, and imagines our future together. The Season features programming for all ages, celebrating the diversity of cultures and languages in both countries. It emphasises Australia’s First Nations voices, enables cultural exchange with Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, and the diverse societies that have emerged in both Australia and the UK through migration.
www.ukaustraliaseason.com
