THIS WEEK IN FOOD

FOOD AND FIRE
If you saw the video I did after attending Bente Grysbaek’s “Off the Grid” event, you’ll want to know about Food + Fire + Wine; a collaboration between Bente, the Lyons Will Estate and The Regional Wanderer that offers up a pretty special outdoor dining experience in a spectacular setting. There’ll be appetisers on arrival, a 3 course lunch of local produce cooked over an open fire, award-winning wines, and a guided winery experience … plus they’ll picked you up from your accommodation or the train station and drop you back afterwards. All the details: https://www.bentegrysbaek.com

PIGGING OUT ON PINOT
Australia’s biggest pinot noir festival returns to the Royal Exhibition Building on Saturday 6 October for its seventh and largest year yet. Of course there’ll be bucket-loads of that ravishing red – with more than 100 styles from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. But, there’s also be plenty of food to line your tummy with – Burn City Smokers will supply the protein; Mile End are bringing their signature bagel sandwiches; Maker and Monger have promised raclette, raclette, and even more raclette; and for those who really want to splurge; Yarra Valley Caviar will be on site too. More info: www.pinotpalooza.com.au

FUN FOR FOODIES
Looking for something fun for the kids over the school holidays? How about Park Street Dining’s school holiday program, perfect for mini-foodies. The neighbourhood favourite in Carlton North has activities for all age groups, from a Death to Nuggets four-course kids degustation, face painting, cookie decorating, pizza making, and ice-cream making using honey harvested from rooftop hives. https://www.parkstreetdining.com.au/school-holiday-program/

EARLY AFLOAT
How’s this for a sign of the times? Last year, Arbory Afloat opened in late November, serving up cocktails and tucker on a floating barge all Summer long, well this year, not only has it had a 19 metre extension, but they’re opening more than a month early. It’s a perfect spot to meet for a drink before events and gig, or to have a meal in the sunshine. It should all be up and running at 1 Flinders Walk by the end of September. http://arboryafloat.com.au/