● Lyndon Kubis of Milton Wine Room and Toorak Cellars has just opened the Alps Wine Shop and Bar at 64 Commercial Road, Prahran. A shiny new meat slicer was delivered last week – expect charcuterie, terrines and cheeses alongside 20 wines by the glass and a selection of 400 bottles to take home.
● By-the-slice pizza joint, Pizza Pizza Pizza, has taken over the Mr Big Stuff site at 16 Meyers Place. It's open until 3am on weekends (prime pizza eating time); $4 a slice including a classic margherita and a cheesy bocconcini and mozzarella number.
● There are changes afoot at Argentinian-Peruvian restaurant Piqueos. Or should we say, Piqueos Asadero. Same owners, same chef but a more accessible and affordable South American style. Think egg-stuffed arepas, anticucho de corazon (chargrilled beef heart) and ceviche. Still at 298 Rathdowne, Carlton North.
● Get down to Melbourne's inaugural Chilli Festival this Saturday for chilli-themed eats by Dos Diablos, Billy van Creamy (a chilli chocolate flavour, pictured), Hobba and Soul Kitchen Pizza. A gold coin donation raises funds for Prahran Mission. 6pm-10pm at 424 Malvern Road.
● While we much prefer to write about restaurant openings, sadly, Clifton Hill restaurant Charlie's has closed. Owner and head chef Andy Bedford (ex-Charcoal Lane) plans to take a step back and reassess before his next project.
● Not content to twiddle their thumbs during the refurbishment of Southgate's Pure South (due to reopen later this year) exec chef David Hall and team will temporarily set up camp in the old Artusi site with pop-up restaurant 7000 by Pure South Dining. 7000 is the Hobart postcode. From June 7, 03 9699 4600.
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