Dream Feast – Vivid Food
Prepare to be indulged at Dream Feast, part of Vivid Food 2026. This multisensory communal dining experience will embrace nostalgia to transport you through time with music and visuals.
In partnership with Museums of History NSW, Sydney-born, New York–based dining collective ARLO Communal, led by Tobi Fox and Cal Fernie, will create an unforgettable five-course feast with paired drinks that offers a contemporary take on how our tastes have changed and developed from the 19th century through to the present.
This special dining event takes creative inspiration from the Caroline Simpson Library Collection, an incredible archive of Australian design and domestic life spanning more than two centuries. ARLO Communal draw on stories of migration and changing food trends captured in the eclectic range of menus and recipes held in the archive, and featuring long-gone restaurants as well as those existing in more recent memory.
Guests will experience a delectable contemporary feast that reflects how we have eaten, gathered and entertained over time. An elevated menu will transform familiar favourites into a refined offering using locally sourced produce – such as bone marrow toast, oysters, and a fine-dining spin on the mixed grill.
With an impressive pedigree in the world of fine dining – ranging from Michelin-starred Estela in New York to Sydney’s Cafe Paci, Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William Street – Fox leads the culinary vision for the evening. The creative direction is shaped by Fernie, whose portfolio includes collaborations with iconic fashion brands such as Schiaparelli, Paco Rabanne and Helmut Lang.
A hidden gem in the city, The Mint will be the backdrop for this exclusive event. Built in 1816, the historic site will be transformed into an immersive dining space. Outdoor animated projections will illuminate the sandstone walls, drawing on patterns and textures from the library collection, while a newly commissioned trip hop–inspired soundtrack will be live-mixed by Munasib, an Australian-born Bengali DJ, radio host and curator.
Be inspired by the past and activate your senses at Dream Feast.
Members get more: Museums of History NSW's Members enjoy a 20% discount on tickets.
Food
Tobi Fox, Head Chef / Culinary Director, ARLO Communal
Tobi Fox began his culinary journey in Sydney’s top restaurants, including Café Paci, Fratelli Paradiso and 10 William Street, before refining his skills in New York City’s dynamic food scene at the Michelin-starred Estela under renowned chef Ignacio Mattos.
Tobi now leads a series of global pop-ups, bringing his expertise to kitchens worldwide. His collaborations include prestigious venues such as Early June in Paris, Numeroventi in Florence, Tasca Pete in Lisbon, and Bar Buci in Sydney.
Cal Fernie, Creative Director / Executive Producer, ARLO Communal
Cal Fernie brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the fashion industry and creative arts.
With expertise in event management and styling, he’s instrumental in curating ARLO’s visual and experiential identity. His diverse portfolio includes collaborations with iconic fashion names such as Laila Gohar, Schiaparelli, Paco Rabanne, Haider Ackermann, Helmut Lang, and the CFDA Fashion Awards.
Music
DJ
Munasib
Australian-born Bengali DJ, radio host and curator Munasib has curated performances at the Ace Hotel Sydney, SXSW Sydney and Powerhouse Lanes, and has taken the stage at Splendour in the Grass, Sydney Opera House, Australian Fashion Week and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A previous member of tastemakers Astral People and current member of South Asian creative collective Kerfew, Munasib was the host of House party on Triple J and a past resident of Mixup, their long-running dance music show. She is also the brains behind Spice Trail, a performance night that debuted last year at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Live.
Composers
We eat with all our senses, and for Dream Feast, a range of musicians will come together to create a soundtrack that will be the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Some of the country’s most exciting artists will compose new music inspired by the Caroline Simpson Library Collection, which holds a premier archive of 19th-century Australian and British sheet music with a focus on music-making in the home.
Expect the unexpected as the artists add their own style and interpretation to new sounds that defy genre.
Each night, DJ Munasib will live-mix the new compositions, matching the changing vibe of each course.
Fatshaudi
JW Paton
Jacob Turl
Hinano Fujisaki
