Kensington CommUNITY Festival

Sunday 20th March

JJ Holland Park

Kensington Vic

9am to 5pm

There will be a load of gourmet treats and local produce at the annual Kensington CommUNITY Festival this Sunday. This fab free event includes community stalls, a barbeque and food trucks, jumping castles, treasure hunts, African drumming, juggling, hula hoops, as well as a heap more entertainment and activities. Don’t miss out on purchasing a jar of sensational local honey too! An exciting new addition this year will be the Sustainable Living Festival with backyard chickens, edible gardens, and a local community multicultural recipe book. Plus sports lovers can check out the Unity Cup, an AFL initiative involving culturally diverse youth.

Kensington is a multiculturally rich community and they sure know how to turn on a fun-packed festival!

http://www.kencommfest.org

4th to 13th March

Melbourne Food and Wine

“It’s no secret that Melbourne loves a good event”.

Yes it’s that time of the year again, where ‘Lady Melbourne’ shines at her glorious best, as foodies in cities and regions around the state prepare for a dose of ‘tastebud dancing’. The program is inspiring, promising a range of dazzling food and beverage experiences for all ages.

Here is just a sample of the fine offerings of this much anticipated annual festival which starts TODAY…

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Once the most popular spirit in the world, Irish whiskey has recently had a huge resurgence both in the Emerald Isle and globally. So much that it is now the fastest growing spirit category in the world (TheIWSR.com).

The dynamic Teeling Whiskey is a young, multi award-winning, unconventionally independent whiskey producer with deep Dublin roots.

In just three years, Teeling has grown to be available in 46 countries, with their entire range launching in Australia in 2015 and the new limited edition, The Revival 15 Year Old Single Malt, becoming available in time for St Patrick’s Day 2016.

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Sunday 21st February

 10am to 4pm

Edendale Community Farm Eltham

www.melbournetomatofestival.com

Information & Image Courtesy of Melbourne Tomato Festival

On the back of a sell out event in its inaugural year, The Melbourne Tomato Festival 2016 will be a gathering of local farmers selling their produce, speakers, agriculturalists, cooking demonstrations, Italian food, artisan producers, special guests, history, workshops, entertainment, and of course passata making, celebrating ‘National Italian Day’.

Even though the tomato is not native to Italy or Australia, for generations it has come to typify Italian Culture through its use in cooking, customs and festivals. Passata making is an Italian tradition aimed at preserving tomatoes for their use throughout the year. The Melbourne Tomato Festival is the key event of the ‘Melbournese Movement’ and is committed to this preservation of food, authentic cooking, customs and traditions, in what is now our new territory.

Buona giornata!

The perfect way to spend a summer’s eve with friends and family, or head out for a memorable solitary experience…

Images & Information Courtesy of Mona/Megan Reeder Hope

Collated by Connie Lambeth

Every Wednesday & Thursday at 6.45pm

Mona Wine Bar

655 Main Rd

Berriedale TAS 7011

03 6277 9900

Website: www.mona.net.au

Social Media:

Facebook: @monamuseum

Twitter: @monamuseum

Instagram: @monamuseumwww.mona.net.au

#monamuseum

$79 set three-course menu (add $50 for matched wine)

Mona presents The Golden Hour: soak up sunset courtesy of James Turrell – kind of what God would do if he decided to build a gazebo. Whet your appetite with a tasty tidbit and a glass of sparkling, while Turrell’s 45-minute sunset sequence, Amarna (2015), turns the sky supernatural colours. Then retire to the Wine Bar for a communal dining experience.

The tucker: Vince Trim fires up his Heavy Metal Kitchen to deliver a rotating menu of roasted whole meats, wood-fired vegetables, smoked seafood and char-grilled goodness. Made with high-quality Tasmanian and Australian fresh ingredients, the delectable offering includes a taster, entree, main, sides and dessert. Vegetarians and those with dietary requirements are catered for too; please notify on booking.

With an emphasis on intimate dining, it’s a curated dinner party that will have you sharing top-notch tucker and flirty banter with the stranger on your left.  Bookings essential. Groups or singles welcome. Blankets provided for cooler evenings.

MONA: Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art is situated on the Berriedale Peninsula in Hobart, Tasmania. The art museum sits within the Moorilla Winery and is the largest privately funded museum in Australia, featuring Ancient, Modern and Contemporary Art. There are also Bars, a cafe, restaurant and cinema. The museum is owned by David Walsh and was opened in January 2011. MONA also plays host to the MOFO and Dark Mofo festivals held each year.

It’s not just roast turkey and mince pies filling our supermarket trolleys this festive season, Australian cheese sales are set to climb in the countdown to Christmas.

National supermarket sales data reveals sales of specialty cheeses brie and camembert jump a staggering 941 per cent during the week of Christmas Day and enjoy a 342 per cent sales uplift across the summer months.

Speciality cheddar follows closely behind with a 923 per cent sales increase in the week of Christmas, while feta experiences the most extended sales spike and a 404 per cent uplift across the summer entertaining and ‘barbeque’ season, compared with the winter months.

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Announcing “a cracking new Outdoor Cinema” at QV Melbourne

 

Summer screenings Thursday – Sunday nights December 2015 to February 2016 at QV

Melbourne, QV Square Level 2, corner Lonsdale and Swanston Streets.

Melbourne Bookings and Full Program available via www.qvcinema.com.au

 

Opening Night Tuesday 1st December is FREE – all other screenings $12.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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12th to 15th November

ALBERT PARK

 

It’s all happening over several glorious days…

’Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux returns to the beautiful lakeside location of Albert Park to serve up Melbourne’s ultimate garden party’.

 

The best in restaurants, gastronomic experiences, and live music entertainment…assured to excite the palates and nurture the souls of Melburnians and visitors alike!

 

Thursday 12th Nov – Dinner 5.30pm – 10.00pm

Friday 13th Nov/Saturday 14th – Lunch 12.00pm – 4.00pm/Dinner 5.30pm – 10.00pm

Sunday 15th Nov – Lunch – 12.00pm – 5.00pm

 

Tickets: www.tasteofmelbourne.com.au/tickets-info/

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Darren Thomas, CEO of Thomas Food International has announced the launch of Thomas Farms Kitchen, a new direct-to-consumer meal kit delivery service that is 100% Australian owned.

Thomas said their model aims to change the category by offering flexibility to their customers and delivering truly, fresh produce with less food miles from farm to plate.

“Given our substantial network here in Australia, we are able to draw on the best produce in each state and deliver it direct to the consumer. If you live in Sydney, your produce comes from NSW,” he said.

The new service also allows customers choice for the first time.

“There are no mystery boxes in this model. Choice is king and it’s what consumers want, therefore it’s a leading part of our strategy to market. The venture leads the category in that customers have the freedom to come and go as they please, as well as a greater number of dishes to choose from each week.”

Find out more information at Thomas Farms.

Information provided by Lynda Buckley/Fuller PR

Image provided by Southgate

Collated by Connie Lambeth

 

It seems that Spring at Southgate still holds much anticipation and joy for food lovers, where ‘flowers will transform food and drink into edible art’.

 

A cascade of edible flowers will transform Southgate’s precinct of 13 restaurants and bars, during Spring Racing’s Melbourne Cup week, from 31 October until 8 November.

 

3 Southgate Avenue

Southbank

Melbourne Vic 3006

Full Menu & Bookings: www.southgatemelbourne.com.au

 

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23rd to 25th October 2015
Melbourne’s Sweetest Day Out!

The biggest live event in Australia for cake decorators, home bakers and food lovers. If you have a passion for baking, cake decorating, or just love cakes, breads and other delicious temptations, then you’ll love the Cake Bake & Sweets Show. It’s the ultimate foodie’s experience…a three-day live event devoted to the world of baking and the art of cake decorating.

This one-of-a-kind event is packed with celebrity demos, classes, and interactive workshops. Learn new skills and techniques, get top tips and baking advice, sample and buy tasty treats, stock up on the latest supplies, attend book signings with your favourite baking stars, and much more. Suitable for everyone, it’s a great day out with family and friends!

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From Festivals to Food Shows, to Fabulous Feasts Across the Country, TAT Gourmet have you covered over coming weeks…

 

QLD

2015 Good Food and Wine Show

30th Oct – 1st Nov

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

goodfoodshow.com.au

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The Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival returns with it’s first screening in Spring! The festival brings back your favourite food trucks and films over two consecutive days; Wednesday, September 23 & Thursday, September 24.

This month, some of Melbourne’s greatest kitchens on wheels include Kurbside Kravings, Beatbox, Those Guys Food, Nuoc Mama’s Food Truck, Greek Street Food, Mr Burger, Senor Churros, Toasta, Manny’s Donut Café, Tasty Tasters, A Salted Squid, Pasta Face, Happy Camper Pizza & Bibimbap.

September screenings: Everest & Pan

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.villagecinemas.com.au/events/food-truck-festival

 

Dates: Wednesday, September 23, and Thursday, September 24

Time: Gates open at 5pm

Where: Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In, 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg

Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/VillageCinemas and share your experience of the Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival with #foodtruckflicks.

Matt Moran, Neil Perry, Donna Hay, Kylie Kwong, Adriano Zumbo and Gabriel Gaté all agree: this is the best biscuit you’ll ever eat.

However, its list of ingredients and how it’s made have nothing to do with what makes this biscuit so special.

It has everything to do with the fact this is the biscuit you receive after you’ve donated blood at an Australian Red Cross Blood Service Donor Centre.

This is the best biscuit because it symbolises that you’ve just saved three lives, so no wonder it feels so good.

As Neil Perry says, “Whether it is your first or 50th time, the positive feeling you experience after giving blood is just so satisfying. This is what makes this biscuit so special, it’s literally helped save three Australians in need.”

Donna Hay adds, “This is one sweet treat you can definitely feel good about enjoying! What could be better than a delicious biscuit that also helps save someone’s life?”

This impressive list of Australian celebrity chefs aren’t the only ones lining up to try the best biscuit you’ll ever eat. News of it has even reached the world’s foremost authority on the subject, The Cookie Monster.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service together with our leading chefs and the Cookie Monster are now urging Australia to make a reservation to try the Best Biscuit and #save3lives by visiting www.donateblood.com.au or calling 13 14 95.

By Connie Lambeth

There’s lots happening as  we count down the last weeks of winter and welcome Spring, a favourite season among the TAT Gourmet crew. So check out these little ‘food-lovin’ beauties’ to put a real spring in your step!

 

The Good Food & Wine Show (Sydney)

Frid 7th/Sat 8th/Sun 9th August

THIS WEEKEND!!!

goodfoodshow.com.au

 

Madame Brussels Lane European Night Market (Melbourne)

Madame Brussels Lane

50 Lonsdale st

Frid 7th August &Frid 14th August

5pm-10pm

FREE!!!

www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

 

Vegan High Tea & Dessert Masterclass (Melbourne)

Jules Galloway Workshop

Sunday 13th September 2pm

Street Organics

streetorganics.com

 

Mexican Festival (Melbourne)

Sunday 13th September/11.30am-8pm

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: volunteers@mexfest.com.au

www.mexfest.com.au

 

Image Courtesy of Linda Buckley, Fuller PR

Australia’s queen of gluten free, Rowie Dillon is urging us all to go gluten free for this year’s Red Cross Big Cake Bake. The official Red Cross Big Cake Bake Day is Monday, 31st August but Big Cake Bake events can be organised anywhere, anytime in August.

 

Rowie Dillon is a passionate crusader for gluten free cooking.  “I was never an avid fan of desserts so I am always on the look-out for new cake recipes that taste great, but don’t  affect my body’s digestive intolerances. “

 

“For this year’s Big Cake Bake try my gluten free melting moments. They’re not just for the non-yeastie and non-wheaties, they’re for everyone! Indulge, enjoy and stay healthy” says Rowie.

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From Festivals, to Food Shows, to Fabulous Feasts…TAT Gourmet have you covered over coming weeks…

 

Connie Lambeth

 

N.S.W.

Aroma Festival

1st – 31st July 2015

The Rocks Sydney

The biggest coffee festival in the Southern Hemisphere!

www.therocks.com/whats-on/aroma-festival

 

The Good Food & Wine Show (Sydney)

7th – 9th August 2015

Sydney Showgrounds

 

N.T.

The Darwin Festival

6-23rd August 2015

Book Flights Early

Plenty of food/arts/culture and sunshine!

 

W.A.

The Good Food & Wine Show (Perth)

10th – 12th July 2015

Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre

goodfoodshow.com.au

 

 S.A.

Winter Red Cellar Door Weekend

26th -27th July 2015

www.adelaidehills.org.au

 

A.C.T.

The Truffle Festival

21st June – late August 2015

festival.com.au

18 days of food/arts/culture

 

VIC

The Finders Keepers 2015 Markets

Royal Exhibition Buildings Melbourne

17th/18th/19th July

Food/Music/Design/Art

 

Christmas in July at the Cuckoo

Mt. Dandenong Tourist Rd

Olinda Vic 3788

1st to 31st July 2015

ph: (03) 9751 1003

www.cuckoorestaurant.com.au

Carols, decorations and delicious Christmas fare all month

 

TAS

Chocolate Winterfest

9th August 2015

Gilbert St, Latrobe

www.chocolatewinterfest.com.au

 

Image with Kind Permission of Darwin Festival/Photographer Elise Derwin

By Kristie Giblin

Nutella, you’ve got some competition! There’s a new deliciously nutty chocolate spread in town and it’s vying for your crown of ‘most addictive spread to eat straight out of the jar with a spoon’.

World, meet Macabella choc-macadamia spread crunch ‘a cocoa & macadamia taste affair’.

A delicious chocolatey spread with just the right amount of crunch. Perfect for spreading on your toast, or of course eating straight from the jar (as I am right now).

Many would argue that Nutella is so damned good that you just couldn’t beat it, but Macabella is pretty much on par in the nutty-goodness-which-I-am-now-addicted-to stakes.

Read the full review and a recipe using Macabella, in the June issue of Gourmet Magazine, coming soon!

You’ve probably eaten a chocolate spread before, and you most likely enjoyed it, but the Mac Farms team at the Buderim Ginger Group has just launched a product set to revolutionise the taste of choc-condiments, Macabella.

The first of its kind in Australia, Macabella is a macadamia nut infused chocolate spread made with only the highest quality ingredients. The creamy Belgian recipe delivers a luxurious cocoa blend that, when paired with the crunch of the finest roasted macadamias, creates a premium taste affair.

Not only does the quality and flavour supersede other spreads available on the market, but the inclusion of macadamias makes Macabella an indulgence you will feel good about.

Macadamias are a nutrition powerhouse and contain many nutrients including heart-friendly monounsaturated fatty acids.

Offering much more than just a simple breakfast spread, the range of ways you can enjoy this taste sensation are endless. Whether it’s spread generously on croissants or crepes, drizzled over fruit, or as an ingredient in your favourite dessert, the versatility of Macabella means you can treat yourself to this delicate and delicious offering no matter the occasion.

With all key ingredients sustainably sourced and guaranteed to be of the highest of quality, Macabella promises a premium spread, at an affordable price.  RRP $5.29.

Macabella is now available from Woolworth’s and Coles stores nationally.
For more information visit www.macabella.com

Melbourne’s winter dining adventure is back for another season, following a well-received launch last year. Southgate Moveable Feastsoffers three courses at three riverside restaurants on Sundays and Mondays from 14 June – 3 August.

 

The program of Sunday lunches and Monday dinners will take food lovers on a meandering journey experiencing each course at a different eatery along the banks of the Yarra River in the heart of Melbourne. Tickets are on sale from today via www.southgatemelbourne.com.au

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By Connie Lambeth

It’s hard work dashing here and there when there’s an overzealous passion for Autumnal splendour. However as long as there’s a choice of good food at the end of the trail, all is well!

What do Gardens and Galloping Gourmands have in common one might ask, before leaving the comfort of their cafe-laden suburb? In the experience of this GG there is usually a good hot beverage and tempting baked treat to enjoy after a bit of garden exploration. Sometimes there are some unexpected and inspirational moments, such as a recent expedition to stunning Linden Garden in Melbourne’s Alphington. After a quick run around the greenscape, all eyes (and legs) headed in the direction of the food and beverage stall. Here we discovered that this particular stall was supported by the Inner North Community Foundation in Carlton, and through the Charity Mission Australia, who operate the Charcoal Lane Culture Program, Koorie youth are engaged in hospitality training and employment as part of a Social Enterprise Cafe.

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National Food Delivery Business Calls On Industry to Do More To Address Food Wastage 

Melbourne, April 21 2015 – In Australia, Food To Go businesses are estimated to throw away 15% of their stock daily according to a member survey from a leading national foodservice association.*

Graeme McCormack, Director of the Food To Go Association (FTGA, formerly the Australian Sandwich Association) says that the issue of food wastage was not just impacting on the bottom line of foodservice businesses, but was also a wider community issue.

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By Connie Lambeth.

There’s a whole lot happening on the food lover’s scene this Autumn, with just an appetiser of events mentioned below to wet your appetite. If there’s a food event happening in your city, town or state, we’d love to hear about it!

connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

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“All around the world, International Women’s Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality”.

2015 Theme: #MakeItHappen

By Connie Lambeth

• At TAT Gourmet our celebration of International Women’s Day is bound to be linked in some way with food! Here we take a look at Italy’s celebratory cake to mark the occasion: The Mimosa Cake.

 

Recently we’ve been out and about on the gourmet trail and discovered just how magnificently Italians celebrate the importance of women at this special time of the year. In Italy, International Women’s Day is called Festa Della Donna, and women are celebrated in many beautiful ways. They are the recipients of flowers, gifts and cakes, bestowed upon them by the men in their lives. Even shops and restaurants are into gift giving on this day, usually of a small bouquet! A tradition which may well live on in some communities today, is for boys to bring little yellow flowers (Mimosa blossom) to their female classmates and teachers…what a lovely idea to foster respect for and appreciation of girls and women.  Female friendships are particularly valued on International Women’s Day, with women encouraged to dine out with their girlfriends, while men care for the kids.

 

Best of all there’s a cake…not just any cake but a stunning little number begging to be devoured in the name of celebration: Torte Mimosa is aptly named because of the sweet Mimosa blossoms in bloom around parts of Italy at this time of the year. The liqueur moistened cake is dome shaped and layered with rich, velvety pastry cream, then covered in tiny squares of sponge cake for decorative effect. While usually coloured yellow to replicate its blossom namesake, there are many variations on the Mimosa cake and we found a beauty at Fleischer Continental Cakes in Melbourne.

 

There are all kind of ways to celebrate International Women’s Day in 2015, whether lunching out with besties, attending a charity dinner, participating in community events, creating art, a film, or poem, or simply wearing purple…a colour which has long symbolised justice and dignity.

 

Or perhaps we could bake a Torte Mimosa…or have one baked for us!

(Torte Mimosa Recipe/Epicurios.com)

Whatever we do…Let’s Make It Happen this Sunday 8^th March.

• Support International Women’s Day ONLINE

Use your voice via social media:

-#MakeItHappen

-#womensday

-#IWD2015

-#internationalwomensday

-#PaintItPurple

 

Interact with womensday on:

-Twitter www.twitter.com/womensday – follow#womensday

-Facebook

-Youtube

-Linkedin

-Pinterest

 

• Thanks to Fleischer Continental Cakes for allowing an image of one of their stunning Cakes on sale to mark International Women’s Day.

Fleischer Continental Cakes

96 Glenferrie Rd

Malvern Vic 3144

(03) 9509 3699

By Connie Lambeth

Melbourne’s sitting pretty with a taste of things to come at this year’s 23rd Food & Wine Festival, Friday 27^th February to Sunday 15^th March. Marvellous Melbourne is not the only shining star during this gourmet extravaganza, as more than 300 events will be staged throughout the CBD and suburbs, as well as regional areas around the state. Several big ticket events are already sold out, however there’s heaps more, so jump on the website to plan a menu of culinary adventures with friends and family.

A huge platter of goodies includes: World’s Longest Lunches, master classes with chefs of inspirational status, wine tastings, multicultural food experiences, cooking workshops, barbeques, ‘in conversation with chefs’, global chef and wine dinners, pop up kitchens, food trucks, bio dynamic and fresh food events, picnics, high teas, artisan bakers, markets, regional food and wine festivals, and of course desserts…all kinds of sweet indulgences, including chocolate and gelato!

There’s an appetising selection of events for everyone in the 2015 line-up. TAT Foodies took a sneaky peep at the program to share just a few of the hundreds of taste encounters available. Let’s hope the weather dishes up as many fair offerings as the Festival Calendar promises! So plate up at the upcoming Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and have a sensational time.

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However you’re spending the Australia Day long weekend, Wine Australia is encouraging everyone to make sure that if there’s wine on the table, it’s an Aussie wine from one of our 65 diverse wine regions.

Australia produces world-class wines so when better to enjoy a glass of local wine than on Australia Day, which has become synonymous with celebrating all that’s great about the Aussie way of life.
TOP THREE AUSSIE WINE FAST FACTS

• Australia has 65 wine regions, more than any other country in the world
• Australia produces wines using more than 100 different grape varieties meaning no matter what your taste, there’s an Aussie wine that you’ll love
• Around 30 million glasses of Australian wine are consumed each day across the globe.*

TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN AUSSIE WINE THIS AUSTRALIA DAY

If you’re not quite sure what Aussie wine to match with your Australia Day lunch or BBQ, follow these tips and you might just discover a new favourite in the process.

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By Siahna Forward

It seems there is an influx of burger places around these days, with the battle for Melbourne’s best burger hitting soaring heights. Enter Grand Trailer Park Taverna, the latest contender in the fight for the coveted title of ‘Melbourne’s best burger’. Grand Trailer Park Traverna, is taking on heavyweights of the burger world like Huxtaburger, 8bit and Merrywell, and is packing a punch.

Located on the corner of Exhibition and Bourke streets, Grand Trailer Park Taverna has playfully gone for a spirited retro décor, and the indoor caravans, or rather trailers, provide some unconventional seating opportunities. This first visual phenomena provides a hint to the future experiences within the Grand Trailer Park Taverna. The entire experience is tongue in cheek with constant pop culture references popping up all over the place. With burgers named The Chunk (in reference to The Goonies) and Francis Underwood (a nod to House of Cards character Frank Underwood), while desserts have similarly idiosyncratic names like Bananarama (an obvious ode to the 80’s band).  The food is all served on a mental dinner tray to top off the entire niche appeal they have going on. But the food is the real hero.

All the burgers are served on a Brioche bun, which is already a good start. Who could say no to a deliciously buttery roll? No one, that’s who. The burgers varied from the classic KSA burger, with the traditional pattie, cheese, lettuce and tomato, to the more extravagant Francis Underwood, which consisted of a beef pattie, lettuce, cheese as well as a potato mac and cheese croquette. Not your average addition to a burger, the croquette is just another example of Grand Trailer Park Taverna quirk and personality shining through in all aspects of the dining experience.

To read the rest of the article, check out the December issue of TAT Gourmet. Out soon.

By Kristie Giblin.

We are into the last week of the Night Noodle Markets at Birrarung Marr celebrating Good Food Month.

If you’re yet to check out the delicious food on offer then you had better get in quick.

You’ll see many walking around with the giant skewers from Hoy Pinoy, buckets of fried chicken deemed ‘MFC’ from Mr Miyagi, a delicious range of Baos not just from Wonderbao, giant pots of ice cream topped with biscuits from Gelato Messina and so much more.

Keep an eye out for the Watson’s Bay Hotel waiters and waitresses who are eager to serve drinks to your table and the roaming chinese dragon which brings the festivity.

On daily Tue 5pm-9pm, Wed 5pm-10pm, Thur-Fri 5pm-11pm and Sat 4pm-10pm, Sun 4pm-9pm get in early to avoid the crowds.

Noodle Markets

“dine out… help out” from 10^th Nov – 31^st Dec

For the six weeks in the lead-up to Christmas, StreetSmart partners with restaurants to ask diners to make a small donation to StreetSmart on their bill. Every table is asked to add $2 or more to their bill, not even the price of a coffee or mineral water. It’s a simple idea that adds up to a big impact on the lives of people who are homeless.

So when you are planning a night out think about taking a simple action and book at a StreetSmart participating restaurant. While you are there encourage your fellow diners to dig deep and leave your donation on your bill. Be it meeting up with friends, family or an office or business function we need you to get involved.

Tipping:
Please remember that your donation should not replace any tip you would usually leave, we want you to consider any donation over and above your tip and support the staff and restaurants who are supporting us.

FAQs about DineSmart 

Taste of Melbourne 13 – 16 November

Melbourne’s ultimate restaurant festival, Taste of Melbourne returns to Pelican Lawn, Albert Park Lake with the city’s most sought after restaurants and the finest food and beverage producers. This year promises a new wave of premium food experiences; with the country’s best chefs conducting unique masterclasses and demonstrations, a traditional Bavarian Brauhaus, a sprawling French-quarter and stellar live music acts; all in the one lively alfresco locale where patrons can relax, socialise and soak up the unique flavours of Taste.

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Saturday 20th September – Sunday 5th October

Bavarian beer hall Hophaus Mid level overlooking the Yarra River, Southgate
www.hophaus.com.au

 

Hophaus, one of Melbourne’s hottest new watering holes, is excited to announce the inaugural HOPTOBERFEST, a celebration of the world’s largest funfair Oktoberfest. Up to 5,600 Melbournites will converge on the Bavarian beer hall throughout the 16-day festival, at the same time over 6 million beer lovers from around the globe clash steins in Munich. Official Oktoberfest and rare wheat FestBier Erdinger HefeWeizen will be served each day, flown in especially from Bavaria, Germany.

Executive chef Marc Brown has been busy readying his stock room for countless sausages, in preparation for HOPTOBERFEST’s inaugural Sausage Eating Competition, as well as perfecting the special HOPTOBERFEST menu.

Hophaus’ Oktoberfest specials include Rotisserie Suckling Pig (including Nose and Tail delicacies), grilled fish sticks, smoked salt beef, German salt bread pickle and Cobbler’s Hot Pot with potato, pear and mustard cream.

Festively dressed Hophaus staff will serve up steins to beer-­‐swilling Bavarians and locals alike, many of them sporting lavish lederhosen in competition to win Best Dressed. Other prizes and giveaways will feature throughout the day, with live German music entertainment.

On Sunday 21 September, the whole family are encouraged to hop to HOPTOBERFEST for live German music and entertainment with Munich-­‐inspired face painting and fun.

Saturday 20 August

12:00pm – Tapping of the Keg Sausage Eating Competition

1:00pm – First Heat
2:00pm – Second Heat

4:00pm – Frankfurter Final!

Live music & entertainment from 2:00pm-­‐ 11:00pm

Sunday 21 August

Face painting fro 1:00pm-­‐3:00pm

Live music from 2:00pm-­‐5:00pm

Lunch and Dinner will be available every day.

Bookings are advised via 03 9682 5900.

Trailer Park is once again returning to Village Melbourne for one weekend only this month.

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th August from 12-8 at Ormond Hall.

This weekend’s line up features White Guy Cooks Thai, Pizza Wagon Taco truck Melbourne and WaffleWorks

For more info check out Trailer Park on Facebook

Have never been to Trailer Park? Check out this round up from TAT Gourmet.

The Good Food and Wine Show will be travelling to Perth over the weekend of the 11^th – 13^th of July at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Celebrate wines from around Australia at the Riedel A+ Australian Wine Bar, rub shoulders with famed sommeliers and vintners at the Riedel Wine Theatre or relax with a cold one in the Grazing Garden with famed food trucks.

Get up-close and personal with your favourite iconic chefs at LifeStyle FOOD Chef’s Table; and impress your friends with your newly found culinary skills after taking part in Zumbarons Masterclass with Adriano Zumbo.

Find out more about The Good Food and Wine Show on their website and in the latest TAT Gourmet.