Use your noodle this week

The week just past began with Ben and Dan's Excellent Adventure last Monday night in Ripponlea, where San Francisco-based chef Daniel Patterson collaborated with Ben Shewry to cook a booked-out dinner at Attica. Collaboration was something of a hallmark of the week, with Greg Malouf and Raymond Capaldi joining the team at Matteo's for a decadent Rat Pack evening, and three former The Age Good Food Guide Young Chefs of the Year teaming up with current title-holder Oliver Gould at Stokehouse to cook a course each.

It was a big week for lavish Hats Off dinners, with Pei Modern packed last Tuesday night for an eight-course menu from Mark Best's acclaimed Sydney restaurant Marque, but it hasn't all been grown-up stuff. Early sittings and special menus at restaurants participating in the Family Table series are giving families the chance to sample everything from Greek taverna favourites at Hellenic Republic to dumplings at Oriental Teahouse. Street-food lovers of any age will find something for everyone at the Night Noodle Markets, which launched last night at Alexandra Gardens. Coming up in the week ahead:

1. Ever wondered what a professional chef could do with your balcony herbs or backyard vegetables and eggs? Urban farmers find out this Sunday evening at Queen Victoria Market. Chef Adrian Borg of Artistic Catering is collecting produce from registered patches all over town. The goodies are to be dropped off on Saturday, and the cooking team will have less than 24 hours to bring them together in a menu including rooftop honey from Richmond, Koo Wee Rup asparagus, Main Ridge strawberries and heritage pigs from Woodend. Volunteers from Fare Share will staff this one-off community dinner, with profits supporting their work. Even if you're a would-be grower you can still come for dinner.
The Local Growers Supper, November 24, corner Elizabeth & Victoria streets, bookings at growitlocalmelbourne.eventbrite.com.au

Also try Food Know-How: Avoiding Food Waste Workshops, November 24, Atherton Gardens Community Kitchen & Garden, Fitzroy, bookings jodi@cultivating community.org.au

2. St Kilda's favourite new Uncle is normally a no-bookings prospect unless you're a party of six or more, hence the crowds queuing for lively Vietnamese food and keenly sought rooftop tables. But for Good Food Month you can jump the queue and reserve a berth on a casual culinary cruise through Vietnam. The $50 banquet promises to combine new and familiar flavours and includes a glass of house wine or beer.
Vietnam From North to South, St Kilda, November 20 (& November 27), bookings 0405 479 641

Also try Gingerboy Chef's Table, Saturday, Melbourne, November 23, bookings 9662 4200

3. ''Remember, gentlemen: it is not just France we are fighting for - it's champagne!'' We are indebted to Sir Winston Churchill for these stirring words; toast him tomorrow evening at Comme, where Van Haandel Group sommelier Lincoln Riley has hand-picked 20 champagnes to sample with canapes. Expect a mix of big-name marques and sought-after small producers; if your experience of champagne is largely limited to the best-known brands, here's a chance to get to know some superb smaller houses and distinctive grower-producers.
Champagne Tasting, Comme, Melbourne, November 20, bookings 9631 4000

Also try Good Pub Grub: beer-inspired mains paired with Coopers Pale Ale for $25, various venues until month's end; melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com/goodpubgrub

4. One-hat Albert St Food & Wine hosts its final Sunday Family Roast this weekend. So far, Philippa Sibley's Good Food Month spin on the traditional roast has included Western Plains porchetta, and chicken with braised fennel from her just-launched cookbook, New Classics. Stand by to be surprised by Sibley's final roast for the month - it is sure to be something different again.
Sunday Roast at Albert St Food & Wine, Brunswick, November 24, bookings 8354 6600

Also try Family Table meals at eight terrific The Age Good Food Guide-rated restaurants with special prices for groups, adults and children, until month's end; melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com/familytable

5. Stokehouse, Grossi Florentino, Mister Bianco, Press Club, Flower Drum, Circa and Number 8 By John Lawson are among 10 Melbourne restaurants each hosting a table for the fundraising Dine For Life event next Monday night, supporting the Somaly Mam Foundation. After dinner, guests can take a chauffeur-driven ride to an after-party at a surprise venue to mingle with participating chefs and restaurateurs.
Dine For Life, various locations, November 25, bookings 08 9481 6919; dineforlife.com/dinner-2013-melbourne/

Also try Is Fine Dining Finished? With Justin Wise of The Point and Luke Croston of Gazi, The Point, Albert Park, November 26, bookings 9682 5566

Good Food Month is presented by Citi. Melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com