Desert Flavours After Dark

An intimate gathering of art lovers, food, talks and music at the Araluen Cultural Precinct awaits at Desert Mob After Dark this month.

^{By Betty Sweetlove}

YOU MAY HAVE seen the riot of colour that is Desert Mob taking over Mparntwe/Alice Springs calendars this spring. For one more evening, visitors can experience the exhibition after hours and enjoy an alfresco dinner under the stars.

Hosted by Desert Mob curators, Hetti Perkins and Aspen Beattie, get to know some magnificent stories behind this year’s exhibition selection. Featuring 185 works by 211 artists, this rare event offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the veteran Art Centres and emerging artists of the desert.

This exclusive evening delivers for both art and food lovers alike. Yaye’s Café teams up with award-winning chef Rayleen Brown, from Kungkas Can Cook, to present a two-course menu bursting with wild harvested bush foods.

“Our menu will be a tribute to the rich tradition of wild harvest, bringing bush foods straight from the land to your plate. From vibrant native herbs to locally sourced meats, every dish will connect diners to the essence of the desert,” Brown says.

On arrival, guests can enjoy an alfresco bar and appetisers in the Yaye’s Café courtyard. Soak up the atmosphere of this cosy local favourite, surrounded by blooming wildflowers and wattle trees.

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with Yaye’s to craft this dining experience… We can’t wait to share this special evening with everyone!” says Brown.

With each mouthful, experience the unique flavours of Central Australia, and the undeniable connection to the landscape celebrated across the Desert Mob program.

“Guests can look forward to indulging in a carefully curated selection of bush-inspired dishes, each one thoughtfully prepared to showcase the diversity and richness of the land’s natural bounty,” says Brown.

With the exhibition closing at the end of this month, what better way to appreciate the spectacular artworks and explore Desert Mob’s rich stories than from the curators themselves? All dietary requirements are catered for, but tickets are limited – don’t miss the chance to secure your seat at the Desert Mob After Dark table!

Desert Mob After Dark
WHEN WED 16 OCT | 6-7.30PM 
AT ARALUEN CULTURAL PRECINCT
COST $107 
INFO desertmob.com

^{Header, thumbnail & inset: Ivan Trigo Miras}