Melbourne Cup 2015: Where and what to eat
Saddle your horses and enjoy one of your last days off before the Christmas frenzy sets in. Victoria's only public holiday in November, the Melbourne Cup, is not to be taken lightly. Here are the best things to do on Cup Day.
Champagne breakfast
On a state-wide public holiday that condones downing bubbles from morning to night, breakfast has never been more important. South Yarra's Botanical offers a champagne breakfast for $25 per person, including a glass of Pommery NV and house-smoked salmon with a quinoa rosti, soft-boiled egg, cucumber salad, creme fraiche and almond bread. If you prefer beers at the crack of dawn, you can choose the Botanical's big breakfast with a pot of Colonial Kolsch. The champagne breakfast is available on Cup Day and Oaks day.
169 Domain Road, South Yarra, 03 9820 7888, thebotanical.com.au
Frock up in the city
Not a big fan of crowds, but a big fan of big hats? Don your best frock and fabulously extravagant headgear and head for Melbourne's favourite garden party rooftop bar. Madame Brussels is hosting a Melbourne Cup festival with a big screen for watching the race, endless bubbles and Cup Day cocktails. Themed drinks include the Kentucky iced tea with bourbon, peach schnapps, fresh lemon, mint and an English Breakfast tea base. Doors open at noon.
Level 3, 59 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 03 9662 2775, madamebrussels.com
The birdcage (if you can't get into the Birdcage)
South Wharf's waterfront Boatbuilders Yard bar is hosting its very own birdcage, if you're keen to experience VIP life. Exclusively for the Melbourne Cup, tables for four to six people are going at $100 a head. The Mumm champagne themed birdcage space will feature sweeps, roving entertainment and canapes throughout Melbourne Cup Day. Think mini tortillas with sherry onion jam and spinach polenta cakes. The birdcage will be open from 11am until the last race.
23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf, 03 9686 5088, theboatbuildersyard.com
BYO picnic hamper
The Melbourne Cup can be a pre-Christmas splurge for the average attendee. For those not invited to sup on freebie finger food in the Birdcage, there will be plenty of quick trackside options at Flemington including buttermilk fried chicken ($11) from Yum AZ, pulled pork burritos ($12) from Crave Catering and Moroccan lamb sliders ($8) from Baby Burgers.
But for a a cheaper and healthier option, why not pack a hamper?
Neil Perry's Turkish zucchini fritters with garlic yoghurt are perfect for vegetarians and transport well. Or for a classy take on deep-fried food try crisp sesame prawns with tangy mint chutney. For sweets, Karen Martini's date and cocoa nib bites will keep beautifully all day. Remember, you can't bring glass or alcohol into the racetrack.
Dining out
Fitzroy pub the Builders Arms is offering three options to celebrate the Melbourne Cup in foodie style for those wishing to laze the day away. Two-hatted Moon Under Water will offer their regular three- ($65), four- ($75) or six-course ($95) chef's menu on Cup Eve (Monday, November 2). Alternatively, the bistro will serve both a la carte and a special Melbourne Cup Day shared menu ($55 per person) with prawn toast, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and crushed strawberries with yoghurt cream. Or, if you're keen to celebrate pub-style, make a beeline for the Public Bar for a sparkling aperitif in front of the big screen.
211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, 03 9417 7700, buildersarmshotel.com.au
Keep on rocking on (Oaks Day)
Don't let those hours of effort go to waste. Why swipe that cake of makeup off when Spice Market is hosting an Oaks day afterparty? Entry is free at the door, or you can purchase a ticket that includes an express shuttle from Flemington in the afternoon. Tickets are $20 or $100 (includes VIP access to the upper deck) and both prices include drinks and priority entry. Doors open at 4pm.
Beaney Lane, Melbourne, 03 9660 3777, spicemarket.net.au
Out of town
Just over an hour away from Melbourne's CBD, Yarra Valley Racing will be hosting its own Melbourne Cup Day festival. There's a full schedule of local races, but for those with an eye on the big prize, the Melbourne Cup will be shown on a big screen. Rounding things out will be free children-friendly activities and live bands all day. BYO picnic basket or pre-book your food and drink. Options include local Yarra Valley wines (from $6 pre-order), or a giant shared picnic hamper ($350, serves 10 people). Food stalls will also be set up around the race club. Entry is $20 online, $25 on the day.
Yarra Valley Racing, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, 03 9730 1332, countryracing.com.au
For non-racing fans
Skip the race-day frenzy and make your day off a day out where the only accessory required is a sensibly-sized sun hat. Pack a feast and pick a sunny spot outside South Yarra's picturesque Como House. Alternatively, on-site cafe Stables of Como offers set picnic baskets for $45 per person, which include salad, sandwiches, drinks and dessert. Children's picnic baskets are $15 per child, with a ham and cheese sandwich, lolly bag and drink.
Como House and Garden, corner of Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra, 03 9656 9815, comohouse.com.au; Stables of Como, 03 9827 6886, thestablesofcomo.com.au
Host at home
If hosting the party is more your scene here are some tips from one of Melbourne's most-loved chefs. The Hotel Windsor's Philippa Sibley (ex-Prix Fixe, Albert St Food and Wine) recommends some fresh, seasonal finger food ideas.
"I always think of melons coming into spring, so something like pickled watermelon served with feta and pomegranate molasses is beautiful on spoons or as a salad," she says.
Sibley says finger sandwiches or prawn cocktails are always popular. Neil Perry's luxurious lobster finger sandwiches are a good start if you're looking for something simple and delicious. Hotel Windsor executive chef Joel Alderson shares his step-by-step finger sandwich pointers.
"I always like to put out a charcuterie board too, something which people can do themselves with nice salamis and cold meats," Sibley says.
For presentation, Sibley recommends working with the space and equipment you have, although white colour themes and wooden boards "always look good".
Just don't forget the napkins and champagne.
Melbourne Cup carnival dates
Derby day: Saturday, October 31
Cup Day: Tuesday, November 3
Oaks day: Thursday, November 5
Stakes day: Saturday, November 7
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