Melbourne is gearing up for one of its tastiest weeks of the year, with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival set to return from 20 to 29 March and dish up 200 events across the city and regional Victoria. The program highlights the state’s love of bold flavours, creative chefs and unforgettable dining experiences.
At the heart of the festival is the World’s Longest Lunch, a 600 metre table winding through Kings Domain and serving a menu shaped by Australia’s Greek culinary heritage. With 1,600 seats and dishes created by author Ella Mittas alongside chefs from Kafeneion and Tzaki, it is expected to be one of the fastest-selling events of the program.
International talent will once again play a big role. Chefs from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malta and the United Kingdom will cook side by side with some of Melbourne’s favourite restaurants, including Maha, Brico, Omnia, Osteria Ilaria and Farmer’s Daughters. Regional events also offer something special, with Trapeze Wines and Phillip Island Winery hosting exclusive festival-only dining experiences.
One of the quirkiest new additions is Cake Picnic, making its Southern Hemisphere debut. The rules are simple: no cake, no entry. Guests bring their own creation and then get to taste an impressive spread from fellow bakers.
This year’s program also expands its free offerings with three new city events: The Spicy Side of Collins Street, The Festival of Korean Fried Chicken and Something Saucy: The Pizza Party.
Tickets go on sale at 10:00am on Thursday, 27 November. More details are available at melbournefoodandwine.com.au.
