A mycologist, a chef and a winemaker wandered into a forest.

And a truly authentic dining experience was created.

One night only, and dining in a venue of the Botanic Gardens never open to the general public, join us on a culinary journey as Chef Kane Pollard, Mycologist (Mushroom Scientist) Dr Teresa Lebel and Coriole Vineyards bring to life the wonderful (and dangerous) world of fungi.

Book before Thursday 18 August and go in the draw to win a foray with Teresa (4 people).

About

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation Signature Series brings together botanical experts with the very best South Australian chefs, wineries and creatives to host a unique dining experience curated specifically to the themes and stories from the botanical world, conservation and environmental consciousness.

This is a small and exclusive event for food and nature lovers. There are a total of 40 places available and you have been chosen to attend. Please book promptly to secure your place.

On the menu

Inspired by a commitment to sustainability and love of foraging, you will enjoy a three-course menu prepared by Kane Pollard.

Enjoy dishes that respond to and celebrate Dr Lebel’s knowledge of the fungi-world, accompanied by a selection of fine wine paired by Coriole (and non-alcoholic botanical aperitivo from Three foxes Distillery).

About Kane Pollard

Kane is the Executive Chef at Topiary. Growing up as part of a prominent Adelaide Hills market gardening family, Pollard spent his school holidays with rhubarb-stained hands and an early appreciation for brisk air and sustainability. The desire to translate his high-end restaurant training, passion for unique produce, traditional methods and sustainability all came to fruition at Topiary. Unusual botanic patterns, edible weeds and the finer details of nature became inspiration for the menu. Set in a unique garden nursery surrounded by pocket-sized micro climates, the menu will never be quite the same on any given day. His tea house, now turned restaurant, is a creative hub. Century-old techniques of culturing, churning, curing and smoking are present, but food is plated and paired with a contemporary feel reflecting the surrounds. 

About Dr Teresa Lebel

The senior botanist and mycologist at the State Herbarium. Teresa admits to having a slightly skewed view of the world. On a walk in the bush, park or garden her focus is on a group of organisms that many people walk on, step over, kick, note fleetingly something colourful or try to eradicate. The wonderful but sometimes weird world of macrofungi, lichens, mosses and liverworts. Teresa's primary research is on the taxonomy, systematics and biogeography of Australasian macrofungi (particularly truffle-like fungi), but lichen diversity and ecology, and interactions between fungi, animals, humans, and plants are also of interest.

Dinner location

The Goodman Building was the ‘crown jewel’ of the former Hackney tram depot complex. The State Heritage Listed Building was built in 1908 as the administration base of the Municipal Tramways Trust for Adelaide’s new electrified tram network. An imposing landmark on Hackney Road, it is of architectural significance as a fine example of Edwardian architecture with Arts and Crafts influences.

Thank you to our supporters

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Foundation Signature Series is only made possible thanks to the generosity of fabulous people and businesses. A big shout out to Mark Kamleh, Charlotte Debenham, Coriole Vineyards, Billie Justice Thompson for her creativity and Three Foxes Distillery.

Groups

If you are purchasing tickets as a group, please email through the guest you would like to be seated next to: abgfoundation@sa.gov.au

Dietary requirements

If you have dietary requirements, please email them through to: abgfoundation@sa.gov.au

Acknowledgement

We work and live on the stolen lands of the Peramangk and Kaurna people and pay our respects to the traditional custodians, to elders past and present. We recognise their great knowledge and care of the lands and waterways we live on.

Goodman Building from the First Creek Wetlands 2023