All posts tagged: melbourne

A Forking Good Time at Taste of Melbourne

Last Thursday saw the kick-off of the annual restaurant festival Taste of Melbourne and we were there to sample the delights from Melbourne’s finest, as well as some notable chefs from abroad. Armed with empty stomachs, we headed straight to the South African Garden for a Masterclass with chef Benny Masekwameng, known not only for his culinary skills as Executive Chef for the Tsogo Sun Group, but as one of the judges on the popular MasterChef South Africa. Chef Benny’s chosen recipe was a melting pot, borrowing flavours from across the globe. We were surprised to find that the hero of the dish was not the lamb chops or ratatouille, but a tie between the creamed spinach (the addition of peanut butter being key) and the crisp, deep fried mielepap cubes. Mielepap is Afrikaans for maize porridge, similar to polenta, and is a staple food of many South Africans. Next stop was Circa, the Prince for Cape Brim Ox Cheek, which (while being a bit on the small side of things) was cooked to perfection, …

Opera in the Bowl

Published by We Know Melbourne

There’s no better way to spend a balmy summer’s evening than with a picnic in hand and live music in the Myer Music Bowl. Join the most‐loved opera chorus and arias from four leading soloists, the Opera Australia Chorus and Orchestra Victoria, this Saturday as they present Mazda Opera in the Bowl. Brought to you by Opera Australia’s Principal Partner Mazda Australia, this free concert celebrates the magic and memorable moments in opera. The 2015 line-up features dazzling soprano Eva Kong, gorgeous mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley; tender-hearted tenor Diego Torre; and commanding baritone Luke Gabbedy, with Orchestra Victoria conducted by Anthony Legge with the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Christopher Lawrence. Bring the kids, this event is family-friendly and free! So, whether you’re an opera aficionado or opera novice (like us), this is the perfect way to spend a chilled Saturday night. When: Saturday, 14 November Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl Visit the website here. We Know Melbourne tip: You can’t book your seat, so be sure to be sure to arrive early as capacity is limited to 10,000.

Rizky’s Hip Hop High tea

Published by We Know Melbourne

Baby got back! Melbourne DJ and Radio Host, MzRizk is bringing her Hip Hop High Tea to Belleville this November. You may recognise the name MzRizk all the way back from 2013, when she had previously sold out two events of a similar kind and you may ask why wait another two years if she knew it was so good? Well, MzRizk has been traipsing the world in some far away places such as Turkey and Vietnam, looking for the cream of the crop, top teas and she’s going to share them all with you this Saturday, November 21 from 4pm – 6pm. Alongside MzRizk, Executive Chef for Office of Public Works (Section 8, Ferdydurke, The B.East and Belleville) Jarrod Moore and Belleville’s Head Chef Slash Vala have designed a delicious menu that puts a spin on traditional High Tea cuisine, including dishes such as Wizz Fizz Khalifa Donut with Blackberry Jam, F$@k Da Police Twice Cooked Pork Belly plus more. So set next Saturday aside and get ready to experience a blinging new take on high …

Vegans Unite – Smith & Deli

Published by We Know Melbourne

Vegetarian restaurants aren’t hard to come by if you know where to look in Melbourne, but if you’re searching for vegan restaurants it may be more like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter Smith and Deli! From the same people that brought you Smith & Daughters, Smith and Deli offers up vegan eats that even the most hardcore carnivores will love. Get in line for a sandwich such as the Buffalo the Vampire Slayer sandwich (buffalo tofu on a roll with celery, ranch), Godfather (a spicy pressed sandwich with pepperocini) Parmageddon, and Hail Seitan. Don’t be confused when your read meat on the menu, it’s not real meat, but instead faux meat made with seitan. Not up for a sandwich? The food doesn’t just stop there. Choose from a selection of bagels, sweet treats, fresh produce and Noisette baked goods to take away. Open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 7pm, this New York Style deli brings in the crowds every lunch time and just goes to show that vegan food can be loved by …

Melbourne’s very first Gin festival

Published by We Know Melbourne

Did you know there are more classic cocktails made with gin than with any other spirit? To celebrate this fine spirit, Pilgrim and Riverland have joined forces with The West Winds Gin to bring to Melbourne, Melbourne first gin festival, Juniperlooza. Launching the summer season at Federation Wharf, Junipeplooza’s program is filled with gin tastings, ‘meet the maker’ sessions, pop up bars and gin inspired food stalls from some of Melbourne’s favourite and freshest establishments as well as plenty of live entertainment across. When: 28 November – 29 November Where: Federation Wharf Visit the website here. Want to find out more about what’s happening in Melbourne? Sign up to the We Know Melbourne mailing list here to stay in the loop.

Time Out Melbourne Bar Awards are back

Published by We Know Melbourne

Where do you go in Melbourne for the best bar food? Where’s the best new bar? How about the Bar of the Year? Find out all the city’s hottest watering-holes and most skilled bartenders, as the annual Time Out Melbourne Bar Awards returns once again at the brand new host venue, The Mill House. Now in their fourth year, the Time Out Bar Awards are the only consumer-based bar awards to celebrate the best of Melbourne’s bar scene, with the city’s top venues battling it out for the coveted awards. When past bar winners include Everleigh, Le Bon Ton, Black Pearl, Bar Americano and Harry & Frankie, you know that they are all over the hottest spots. In addition to great music, snacks and all the excitement of the awards ceremony, partygoers will be treated to White Rabbit beers, Maker’s Mark bourbon whisky and hangover cures from Hydrodol. The 2016 edition of the Time Out Bar Guide will also be launched at the event. Early bird tickets are now on sale for Melbourne here and the full list of nominations …

What’s On in November

Published by We Know Melbourne

November is a big month in Melbourne. Spring Carnival is in full swing, Good Food Month brings over 200 culinary events to the table and we’re edging just that tiny bit closer to summer. Here’s our pick of events you can’t miss this month. Good Food Month, November A month long celebration of the tastiest and most flavoursome foods from Melbourne’s hottest chefs! From fine-dining, to one-off dinners and hawker night markets, Good Food Month is sure to put a dent in that pre-summer diet! Melbourne Cup Day, November 3 Celebrate the race that stops a nation, and this year Melbourne even gets a day off to fully enjoy the show! Stop by The Swanston Hotel for their Breakfast and Bubbles, with unlimited sparkling wine for $30 (part proceeds go to Mission Australia). Melbourne Design Market, November 5 Design lovers, this market is for you! Held in the Federation Square Carpark, and now in it’s 10th year, this has market has set off a flood of design markets around Australia. Start your Christmas shopping early! Taste …

Winner’s Circle’ Spring Racing After Parties at Circa

Published by We Know Melbourne

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is upon us and The Deck at Circa are hosting exclusive ‘Winner’s Circle’ Spring Racing after parties on Derby, Cup and Oaks days to celebrate! Open to VIP guests, race day attendees and the general public, The Deck will be perfect place to continue the daytime festivities well into the night. Drinks will be flowing courtesy of Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Belvedere,and Aperol; and guests will have unbridled access to the striking ‘Aperol Spritz Bar’, serving up this summer’s must drink beverage, as well as the decadent ‘Moet & Chandon Gold Lounge’. Well known local DJs including DJ Prequel, Edd Fisher and friends will set the tone for the after parties and tempting post-race food offerings will meet all guests needs to continue their carnival experience. In addition to the Winner’s Circle’s after parties, The Deck at Circa will play host to MYER’s Official Derby Day after party which will see the likes of MYER brand ambassadors Jennifer Hawkins, Kris Smith & Rachael Finch enjoying this premium events space. Mix …

Battle of the Pans

Published by We Know Melbourne

This November, two of the top Melbourne Foodie giants will battle it out for the ultimate foodie showdown for The Age Good Food Month. The two chefs will fire up the stoves and prepare their pans for the ultimate cook off at Melbourne’s Ms Collins with Daniel Wilson (Huxtable) on the Pan Asian flavours and Daniel Poyner cooking up the modern Australian flavours. Who will be your vote for the top dog? Snap up a ticket before they’re all gone. Get your tickets for $125 per person which includes 6 plates (2 mains + 1 dessert from each chef) plus matching wines! When: Tuesday 10 November Where: Ms Collins. Visit the website (and buy tickets here).

The Village Festival

Published by We Know Melbourne

Celebrating it’s 10th birthday, The Village Festival returns to Edinburgh Gardens this October. Part old-school circus, part village carnival, and part edgy arts festival, the festival is the perfect one to welcome in the summer festival season. The birthday festivities will feature four days and nights of creativity, curiosity and craziness. With a program full of interpretive dance, theatre, and kids performances, this is truly an event with something for everyone (and their dog!). When: 29 October – 1 November 2015 Where: Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North Visit the website here.