While your social life may be dead, there’s no need to cry ‘mayday’ just yet. There maybe just a few fun filled—okay, who are we kidding, a-may-zing—foodie events to fill your tum-may with. So here’s what’s on in Melbourne this May, from garden parties to Good Beer Week, come what… yeah you feel me..ay?
Good Beer Week – Back to the Moon at Meatmaiden
One of the Good Beer Week events in Melbourne that we’ve got our eyes on, is the ‘Back to the Moon’ Meatmaiden X Moon Dog collaboration. The Abbotsford brewing boys will be bringing back some of the golden oldies, and you can bet your bottom dollar there will be a strong booze element to the Melbourne restaurant, Meatmaiden. Brisket, beer, bonza. All this Saturday the 14th, from 12pm until 4pm. Tickets are $95 per person.
https://goodbeerweek.com.au/events/view/295/Champion+s+Lunch
Sally’s Garden Party for National Vegetarian Week
One of Melbourne’s best Vietnamese restaurants, Saigon Sally is hosting a meat-free, five-course degustation dinner, designed by talented Head Chef Adrian Li. On Monday the 16th of May, try the delicious spread for only $65 per person, with flavours such as grilled corn with spring onion and ginger, cauliflower with fermented tofu, chives, peanuts and Sichuan oil, and tempura pumpkin with persimmon and ginger sauce, pumpkin curry, watercress and silken tofu. These dishes are exclusive to the garden party, so make sure to book a sitting, which run at 6pm or 6:30, and 8pm or 8:30. Did we mention it’s not only meat-free, but gluten free too!?
Yelping for a Foodgasm
Yelp! Is hosting a Food Porn Festival at the Smart Artz Gallery in South Melbourne, on May 18th from 6pm. Forty of the best Food Porn snaps from Melburnians will be showcased, with prizes on offer for the winners. RSVP’s essential.
http://www.yelp.com.au/events/south-melbourne-melbourne-food-porn-festival-the-exhibition
Good Beer Week – White Rabbit Degustation at Austin’s
Austin’s at the Mt Erica Hotel in Prahran is serving up a sexy six-course Spanish and Mediterranean feast, set to match beers from White Rabbit Brewery. Happening on Thursday the 19th of May, from 7pm till late, don’t miss out on this tipsy tapas experience. $75 per person.
https://goodbeerweek.com.au/events/view/522/White-Rabbit-Degustation
Four Pilars Gin Tasting in Williamstown
Carter Smith Devlin & Co in Williamstown are hosting a gin tasting night on Friday the 20th of May. For $110, guests can experience some gorgeous gin cocktails, whilst finding out a bit more about the Four Pillars story, their processes and philsosophy. Cocktails and gin tastings will be matched with a four-course menu, courtesy of the Carter Smith Devlin & Co chef. The fun and lip-smacking frivolity kicks of at 7pm.
https://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=199682
Balvenie Whisky Masterclass at Loop Roof
High up on Melbourne rooftop, Loop Roof, you’ll be able to enjoy Highlands whisky, with matched cigars on Monday the 23rd of May at 8pm. This Balvenie Masterclass is where guests can try the hand crafted single malts, and some cheeky limited edition cocktails from some of Melbourne’s best bartenders. At only $40 a head, any Whisky-lover would be mad not to attend, as you’ll indulge in over $150 worth of value.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/balvenie-masterclass-tickets-25344839096
Domaine Gripa at Bar Nonno
Love fine wine and fancy fare? Head down to Bar Nonno on the 25th of May at 7pm, to enjoy their Domaine Gripa wine dinner. For $125, the menu starts with Champagne and fresh oysters, followed by a divine four-course menu with seven matched wines! We like the sound of those ratios. Bookings are essential, so call (03) 9486 3255 or email [email protected]
Melbourne Tea Festival
From 9am until 4pm on May 29th, Melbourne is hosting an interactive tea festival! Hoping to educate guests on specialty tea and providers, try a tisane at the tea market, or tip your hat at a ticketed workshop. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, tickets are only $12 for a tipple!
http://www.melbourneteafestival.com.au/buy-tickets/
Italian Wine and Food Festival
Mama Mia! You heard us, grab Mario and head down to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Sunday the 29th of May, from 11am until 9pm, for the Italian Wine and Food Festival. Pieces of pizza and piles of pasta await, with live entertainment, wine and even kids activities. Brought to you by Smeg, tickets range from $35 to $125, depending on how gourmet you want to go. We’ve got our sights set on the Italian wine masterclass!
Photo credit: Anson Smart