Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
March 16-25
It’s almost time to loosen our belts and let the bellies out as the highly anticipated Melbourne Food and Wine Festival rockets toward us.
And so, to help you get the best out of your gastronomical experience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most notable events happening during the show:
(Image: Supplied)Disco Amalfi
Experience a true taste of the Mediterranean at Windsor’s newest local, Neptune. Snack on Crudo while sipping on Campari orange granitas and let your hair down to disco tunes that will transport you to summer on the Amalfi. Cocktails and fizz will be flowing from 7:30 pm, with canapés roaming throughout the night. Tantalise your taste buds before hitting the dance floor and welcome the weekend in style.
(Image: Supplied)The Golden Triangle
Having established Windsor as one of Melbourne’s culinary hotspots, famous foodie destinations Hanoi Hannah, Tokyo Tina and BKK will host a progressive dinner where guests can experience the best of the three venues in one evening. It’ll be an oriental battle between Taiwanese and Japanese, all mixed together in a trendy neighborhood.
(Image: Supplied)Employees Only
Be treated like royalty as you gain express access to three unique eateries. Taste some classic Mexican at Mamasita, a local favourite; indulge in groovy vibes at Uncle, a fresh and spicy Vietnamese restaurant; and dine on tender outback tucker at Fancy Hanks, the place where barbecues are considered parallel to a painters easel.
(Image: Supplied)For The Love Of Honey
Treat your sweet tooth to a fresh concoction of honey-inspired dishes at Eureka 89. Executive Chef Renee Martillano, in collaboration with Melbourne Rooftop Honey, will bring you five delicious dishes, with the key ingredient being honey. Eureka 89 has its very own community of bees – in the giant logo taking pride of place on the side of Eureka Tower. Creating a community in the construction of their hives, bees are renowned social creatures. Eureka 89 has kept that in mind.
(Image: Supplied)Truly, Madly, Deeply Melbourne
Expect a culinary feast like no other – four contemporary courses presented by award-winning and hatted Executive Chef David Ricardo, with matched wines from multi-award-winning Fowles Wine and beer from Two Birds Brewing. The Plaza Ballroom, where the event takes place, only opens its doors once a year to the public, so it’s a rare chance to enjoy a magnificent evening at one of Melbourne’s most iconic venues.
(Image: Supplied)Pastuso Meets Gippsland
Pastuso’s Alejandra Saravia will once again celebrate the heart of Gippsland with a six-course menu inspired by the region’s producers and wine makers. Saravia shares his personal approach incorporating the distinct flavours of the region with techniques he’s learnt over the years working in Europe together with his Latin American heritage. This exciting event also coincides with the reveal of a new graffiti mural in ACDC Lane.
(Image: Supplied)Changing The Perception
Albert Park’s contemporary Indian restaurant Atta will host a special event to explore all the colour, vibrancy and flavours of India. This event will feature eight divine courses with matched wines also available. An evolution of the Atta ethos, diners are invited to experience Indian cuisine in a way they haven’t before. Think coriander and carrot infused oil, smoked meats and liquid nitrogen.
(Image: Supplied)Janette DeNeefe Brings Bali to Tolarno
Melbourne expat Janet DeNeefe and owner of Ubud’s Casa Luna, will present her famous Balinese home-style cooking for a two-night feast at Tolarno Eating House & Bar in St Kilda. Janet will dish up her Balinese favourites, Babi Guling, suckling pig, with braised leaves and crispy trimmings and Betutu ayam. In between bites, Janet will also share her secrets, with images of her favourite Warungs along with performances of traditional Indonesian music.
