More than food: The La Toosh food and entertainment carriage will set up in Parramatta for the Crave International Food Festival.
PARRAMATTA'S Darcy Lane will be a campsite for bohemians and foodies alike this week, with the gypsy-esque La Toosh carriage setting up shop.
Peter Cassey and his hand-made replica of a 19th Century Parisian tram will join an eclectic array of food vendors and entertainers in Parramatta.
Coffee and crepes will be served from the carriage, but it is more than just a cafe on wheels, it is also a stage.
"My idea was to try to introduce a way of tying a performance to a cafe in a way that was mobile, for a much more intimate relationship between the performers and the public," he said.
"And the vibe of the tram is about looking at that sort of art nouveau and transforming that into art and food."
Mr Cassey worked in design and built furniture before he set the tram up as a travelling business. The tram is now a regular feature at festivals, including Peats Ridge, Sydney Blues and Jazz and Harvest.
Tonight La Toosh will open in Parramatta as part of the Crave Sydney International Food Festival's foray into the city's laneways. "In Parramatta laneways we will have a bohemian, gypsy-type music venue," Mr Cassey said. "It'll be as authentic as we can get it to that European gypsy sound and style."
Darcy, Red Cow and Batman lanes as well as Erby Place will all host food vendors and entertainers for the food festival from 4pm to 9.30pm today and tomorrow. The festival resumes at the same times next Thursday and Friday.
Details: Parramattasun.com.au.