Sometimes it’s hard to look past the Kings Cross reputation and see it for the stylish, up-and-coming food scene that it is. But after this weekend, that will all change. All it will take is a long street table, a whole lot of chefs, bottles of vino and great family day out to change your mind.

This Sunday, go where you rarely go and check out the 2014 Kings Cross Festival. Macleay Street will be closed off and replaced with the aroma of delicious food from some of the 20 local restaurants in the area. Local winemakers will be bringing the booze, star chefs like Dan Hong and Damien Pignolet will be hosting cooking demonstrations and signing cookbooks, and those that love to Instagram their whereabouts can go into the draw to win $500 just by capturing the vibrancy of Kings Cross and using the hashtag #kingscrosscolour.

All your favourite restaurants, yes that’s right, Kings Cross is full of them, like Chester White Diner, Popolo, Jimmy Liks, Kim Restaurant, Barrio Chino, Sweethearts BBQ, Café Dov, Harajuku Gyoza, Bottega Del Vino and Fei Jai (to name just a few) will all be there. Plus you’ll get a sneak preview at what’s to come from Potts Point Kazbah before they open later this month.

All cuisines are catered for, from Japanese to Mexican, and dishes cost just $6, $9 or $12. For example, Popolo are dishing up a Polpette di Melanzane ($6) of eggplant polpette, baby turnip tops pesto, slow cooked short pork ribs, tomato salsa, soft Costolette e Polenta ($9) and Fregola (Sardinian pebble shaped pasta, octopus ragu, bread and pistachio crumble) for $12.

If something more exclusive tickles your fancy, book your ticket to the Llankelly Laneway Degustation Dinner on Saturday night for an eight course showcase of over 10 restaurants and venues in the area.

Kings Cross Festival
Macleay Street, Potts Point 2011
October 12, 2014
10am-5pm
kingscrossfestival.com.au

Llankelly Laneway Degustation Dinner
Llankelly Place, Potts Point 2011
October 11, 2014,  6pm-10pm
$140, beverages included