28 May 2025
POWERHOUSE CELEBRATES WESTERN SYDNEY FOOD PRODUCERS
Producers returns for its highly anticipated second series, bringing audiences behind the scenes of Western Sydney’s most dynamic food and beverage creators. From Arabic grocers and banh mi bakers to Fijian chefs and master gelato makers, the year-long program delivers exclusive tours, live demonstrations and immersive conversations that celebrate culture, tradition and innovation in local food production.
Curated by Powerhouse Food Program Manager Xinyi Lim, the series starts on 30 July 2025, inviting you to experience the stories, heritage, and craftsmanship behind Western Sydney’s beloved food artisans.
Step inside the eye-catching pink storefront of Art of Gelato Michelangelo for a hands-on workshop with father-son duo Martino and Vince Piccolo. With nearly 40 years of experience, Martino’s expertise has earned accolades at the Gelato World Cup and gold medals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show from 2002 to 2017.
Explore the legacy of banh mi at Cabramatta’s Vinata’s Hot Bread, run by one of the first Vietnamese families to settle in the area. Community ambassador Peter Nguyen will guide guests on a journey into the rich history of one of Vietnam’s most iconic street foods.
Join Chef Karima Hazim to discover how culturally specific ingredients shape home cooking and top restaurant menus when she leads an exclusive tour of the beloved Western Sydney supermarket Abu Salim in Greenacre followed by a communal meal celebrating Arabic cuisine.
With monthly events running throughout the year, Powerhouse Food: Producers continues to spotlight the diverse, rich, and evolving food culture of Western Sydney.
Powerhouse Food Program Manager Xinyi Lim said, ‘Powerhouse Food: Producers celebrates the diversity, innovation and resilience of Western Sydney’s food communities, connecting audiences with the stories, cultures and traditions that define our region. Following on from the success of its first year, I am thrilled to be a part of this program that continues to spotlight the people and industry underpinning Sydney’s incredible food landscape.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘Powerhouse is proud to champion Western Sydney food producers — people whose work sustains communities, preserves traditions and enriches our cultural landscape. This series connects audiences with the technological innovation and cultural traditions that drive culinary excellence across Western Sydney.’
To reserve your spot on a Powerhouse: Food Producers tour visit: https://ph.au/3SYysfb. 2025 prorgam tickets will be released 28 May 2025, 2026 program tickets will be released 26 November 2025.
PRESS INFORMATION
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POWERHOUSE FOOD: PRODUCERS PROGRAM
Italian Cheese | Monte Fresco Cheese
Wednesday 30 July 2025, 10am – 11.30am
Monte Fresco Cheese, 753 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield
Tickets: $10
Visit: https://ph.au/4jpQ6U5
Experience the artistry of Italian cheesemaking with founder Sam Montalto in this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Monte Fresco Cheese. Watch a live cheesemaking demonstration, uncover the secrets behind their time-honoured techniques and taste their freshest creations.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 28 May.
Tea | Tea Craft
Fri 29 August 2025, 10.30am - 12pm
Sat 30 August 2025, 10.30am - 12pm, 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Tea Craft, 2/130A Platform Street, Lidcombe
Tickets: $20
Visit: https://ph.au/3SS5q0N
Step into the world of specialty tea with Arthur Tong, founder of Tea Craft, for an immersive tasting experience at the Tea Craft warehouse. Discover the origins of Tea Craft, explore the meticulous art of sourcing and blending and gain a deeper understanding of the global tea trade.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 28 May.
Banh Mi | Vinata’s Hot Bread
Thursday 11 September 2025, 10am - 12pm
Vinata’s Hot Bread, Shop 13-14, Cabramatta Plaza, 1 Hughes St, Cabramatta
Tickets: $20
Visit: https://ph.au/3FrB4iC
Join host Peter Nguyen for a deep dive into the banh mi at Vinata’s Hot Bread, a longstanding favourite of Cabramatta’s bustling community since 1989. Listen to stories of migration, food culture and artisanship within the rich context of the Vietnamese community of Cabramatta while tasting some of Sydney’s best banh mi.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 28 May.
Spirits | Karu Distillery
Saturday 25 October 2025, 2pm - 4.30pm
Karu Distillery, 296 Cabbage Tree Rd, Grose Vale
Ticket price: $30
Visit: https://ph.au/3Fqqf0f
Join Karu Distillery founders Ally and Nick Ayers for a tour and demonstration of the distillation process, followed by a tasting of their range of signature spirits, along with snacks prepared by local artisans.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 28 May.
Gelato | Art of Gelato Michelangelo
Saturday 15 November 2025, 9am - 12pm
Art of Gelato Michelangelo, 30 The Horsley Dr, Carramar
Ticket price: $30
Visit: https://ph.au/4kDvg4M
Step into the world of artisanal gelato with Martino and Vince Piccolo, the father-and-son duo behind Art of Gelato Michelangelo. This hands-on experience invites you to witness the craft of gelato-making firsthand, from selecting the finest ingredients to perfecting the velvety texture that defines their creations.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 28 May.
Local Grocers | Abu Salim
Tuesday 9 December 2025, 9am – 11.30am
Abu Salim, 151 Waterloo Rd, Greenacre
Ticket price: $30
Visit: https://ph.au/4kbWoYH
Renowned chef, Karima Hazim Chatila leads a personal tour of beloved Western Sydney supermarket Abu Salim, followed by a hands-on cooking demonstration and a communal meal prepared using the freshest Arabic ingredients.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 28 May.
Fijian Cuisine | Lomani Vale
Thursday 29 January 2026, 6pm – 8.30pm
Lomani Vale, 26A Smart Street, Fairfield
Ticket price: $60
Visit: https://ph.au/3SlafzG
Enjoy a multi-course feast celebrating the bold, fresh flavours of Fijian seafood at Lomani Vale, where chef and owner Melaia Ravatudei brings tradition to life. Experience Fijian specialties as host Arrnott Olssen guides you through the vibrant customs of Fijian food culture, unveiling the story of Lomani Vale, its close-knit network of local suppliers, and the devoted diners who help keep its legacy alive.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 26 November.
Market Gardeners
Sunday 28 February 2026, 10am – 11.30am
Auburn Friendship Garden, Auburn Community Centre, 44A Macquarie Rd, Auburn
Ticket price: $10
Visit: https://ph.au/3SofQFn
Join local growers and gardeners at Auburn Friendship Garden for a discussion on the deep connections between market gardening, cultural heritage, and community. Through personal stories and shared experiences, the panellists will explore how gardening sustains traditions, strengthens local ties and serves as a vital practice for diverse communities in Western Sydney.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 26 November.
Coffee | Goliath Coffee Roasters
Sunday 29 March 2026, 10am - 12pm
Goliath Coffee Roasters, 6/1199 The Horsley Dr, Wetherill Park
Ticket price: $20
Visit: https://ph.au/4dAQVIj
Unlock the secrets of specialty coffee with David and Clarissa Di Pietrantonio, the duo behind Goliath Coffee Roasters. This exclusive behind-the-scenes experience offers a deep dive into the art and science of coffee production, from sourcing the finest green beans to the expert roasting techniques that bring out their rich and complex flavours. Finish with a coffee tasting featuring expertly brewed selections, paired with local artisanal pastries.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 26 November.
Kimchi | Paldo Kimchi
Thursday 16 April 2026, 10am - 12pm
Paldo Kimchi, 502 Punchbowl Rd, Lakemba
Ticket price: $25
Visit: https://ph.au/3ZtOAco
Experience traditional kimchi making with Abraham Choi, Director of Paldo Kimchi, in this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Watch as vibrant, freshly prepared ingredients transform into Korea’s beloved dish in a live demonstration that captures the artistry and precision behind every batch.
Enjoy a tasting of Paldo Kimchi’s signature varieties with a light lunch featuring classic Korean ingredients. This is a unique opportunity to connect with tradition, craftsmanship, and the bold flavours that make kimchi an essential part of Korean cuisine.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 26 November.
Beer | Mountain Culture
Saturday 16 May 2026, 2pm - 4pm
Mountain Culture Brewery, 35 David Rd, Emu Plains
Ticket price: $30
Visit: https://ph.au/4kb3i07
Learn about craft brewing with an exclusive tour of Mountain Culture’s state-of-the-art brewhouse, set at the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Discover the precision and creativity behind every batch as you are guided through the beer-making process, from raw ingredients to the final pour. Then experience the full spectrum of flavour with a guided tasting of Mountain Culture’s signature and seasonal beers, each crafted with innovation and passion.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 26 November.
Lebanese Sweets | El Sweetie
Saturday 20 June 2026, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
El Sweetie, 73/75 South St, Granville
Ticket price: $30
Visit: https://ph.au/3Z3Jq6J
The team at El Sweetie, makers of traditional Lebanese sweets and pastries, welcome you to a workshop connecting you with age-old pastry techniques. You will be guided by the El Sweetie pastry team to roll, shape, and craft their most beloved delicacies, discovering the artistry behind every layer and texture. Indulge in a tasting of signature sweets, perfectly paired with freshly brewed coffee and tea.
Tickets for this event will be released at 10am Wednesday 26 November.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Michelle Lollo | Powerhouse
michelle.lollo@powerhouse.com.au | 0419 523 753
Erin Finn | Powerhouse
erin.finn@powerhouse.com.au | 0413 538 276
About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.3 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.