THIS WEEK IN FOOD

I HEART MELBOURNE: As part of Melbourne Day celebrations on Wednesday August 30 Grill’d are partnering with Melbourne City Mission, the Salvos & St Vinnies by ‘paying it forward’ – every Mighty Melbourne Burger sold that day will be paid forward and Grill’d will close the doors of their Southern Cross Station restaurant that night, inviting those sleeping rough to come in for dinner. www.grilld.com.au/melbourneday

DRINKING WITH DAD: How about something a bit indulgent for Dad for Father’s Day? Shout him to a Whisky Tasting at the very stylish QT Hotel in the city! The hour and a half event will run from 6pm on Thursday, 31 August, Friday, 1 September, and Saturday, 2 September, $60 per person inclusive of five fabulous food pairings – and you can still do the traditional roast on Sunday. That’s bloody good value! Bookings – (03) 8636 8808

CRAFTY IDEA: Also for the Fathers – The Craft & Co is hosting a lunch featuring delicious cheese, lamb and of course some beer! This ‘temple of artisan craft’ is serving up three courses including mains options of flounder with Crystal Bay prawns or lamb shoulder. It’s $55 per adult and $15 for kids – and every table gets a FREE jug of award-winning house-brewed beer!

WINE NOT? One of my favourite local establishments is expanding. Seddon Wine Store is loved by locals in the inner west, a tremendous array of wine, beer and spirits with cheese, charcuterie and tinned fish to accompany it in store. Well, congrats Ascot Vale – you’ve earned yourself your very own. Union Wine Store is nearly a twin sister to the original and it’s jam packed with unique, curates wines and you can enjoy a cocktail, craft beer, or charcuterie board in store. https://www.facebook.com/unionwinestore/

ADVANCE AN EMPIRE FAIR: Empire Steak, home of the humble steak sanga, is opening its second on Wednesday at 592 Chapel Street, South Yarra. New menu items include ‘The Smoko’ (Porterhouse steak, cheese, bacon, mayonnaise and smokey BBQ sauce), and believe it or not, ‘The Scorcher’ (Porterhouse steak, jalapeños, pickles, aioli and Sriracha). To celebrate the launch the team will be giving away FREE ‘The Opener’ sandwiches from 12PM* on Wednesday, 6th September at 592 Chapel Street, South Yarra. But there’s a catch – you have to sing or state the first verse of ‘Advance Australia Fair’. (One sandwich per person. 150 to giveaway until sold out). 592 Chapel Street, South Yarra www.empiresteak.com.au