What's on: weekend one of Melbourne's Good Food Month 2014
This weekend sees the launch of The Age Good Food Month presented by Citi and there are no reasons to delay gratification. Get out amongst it from day one, we say! Festival Director Joanna Savill shares her picks:
Barbecue madness
The month kicks off with some serious sizzle as barbecuers across town get out the tongs. There's everything from Texas BBQ at The Gem Bar & Dining in Collingwood and Gasolina at South Wharf to an Argentinian asado at Corte in Port Melbourne. Plus lots more through the month.
MoVida Solera at MoVida Aqui
Get up close and personal with authors (and hosts) Frank Camorra and Richard Cornish as they launch their glorious new cookbook, MoVida Solera. Hear tales of their travels through Frank's native Andalucia over a five-course lunch, crafted to showcase the many flavours of southern Spain. Saturday November 1, $120.
The Fourth Emperor at Vue de Monde
A modernisation of the classic Three Emperors Dinner that Shannon Bennett orchestrated in 2002, based on a historic 19th century event. Current culinary techniques, ingredients and nous in the kitchen will provide 22 diners with a moment in time: think wallaby skewers brushed with truffle and mountain pepper honey, parson's nose caviar and crispy salmon wings. Multiple degustations and luxuriously matched wines are guided by executive chef Cory Campbell and wine director Rocco Esposito. Sunday, November 2, $650.
Sunday Family Lunch
Grab a gang and laze over a lovely long lunch. All these menus are well-priced to make it easy to share with a group. Here are some participating restaurants:
Are You Game? at Bistro 289, the Laurel Hotel A different game meat features each week, including wild turkey, rabbit, kangaroo, boar and deer. $27.
Little Collins St Kitchen A farm-to-plate buffet lunch with saltbush lamb shoulder and roasted fresh spring produce from Peninsula Organics. $85.
No35, Sofitel Melbourne A seafood feast of oysters and prawns, plus carvery, salads, desserts and French pastries. $85.
Good Food Month runs from November 1 - 30 in Melbourne and surrounds. For details see goodfoodmonth.com