These chefs will be in Melbourne for the 25th Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, a massive annual state-wide fete that attracts 250,000 visitors over 10 days. This year, it will be held from 31 March to 9 April 2017 and at a quarter of a century old, it's gearing up for a gourmet bash that's bigger than ever.
This is already on top of the impressive slate of restaurants, bars and cafes that call Melbourne home. "It is exciting, cultural, vibrant, and has a fantastic diversity of restaurants," once wrote Heston Blumenthal in UK paper The Telegraph.
Well-loved highlights will make a return as well as collaborations with the world’s best chefs. Other culinary luminaries to note includes the likes of Jorge Vallejo from Mexico City’s Quintonil, David Thompson of Bangkok’s Nahm and Michelin Guide Singapore-listed Long Chim as well Mehmet Gürs from Istanbul’s Mikla Restaurant.
One particular feature not to be missed is the World’s Longest Lunch that will see over 1,600 diners sit at a 580-metre-long table on Carlton’s Lygon Street – Melbourne’s iconic dining strip. There, they will tuck into a hearty communal meal by Peter Rowland Catering matched with wines from Tahbilk, a historic family-owned winery established in 1860.
Back in the city, look out for the House of Food & Wine which is debuting this year. It’s a space that will hold an array of events from the thought provoking wine panel discussion centred around The Future of Tradition to casual affairs like the Burger Block Party. Those feeling peckish can check out the bar which will be serving up small plates inspired by chefs who took part in previous editions as well as Victorian wines from artisanal producers.
Meanwhile if you’re trying to get close to the famed chef trio from Michelin-starred restaurants, be sure not to miss Carlo Cracco’s masterclass on 1 April 2017 followed by a dinner on 2 April 2017 in collaboration with chef Guy Grossi. Ashley Palmer-Watts and Grant Achatz will each be helming their own masterclasses on 2 April.
Visit melbournefoodandwine.com.au and visitmelbourne.com for more information.
