Tanabata at Masu

Overview

Inner-city eatery Masu is celebrating the Japanese festival of Tanabata this winter, and you're invited to join in the party. Over six weeks, Nic Watt's Federal Street restaurant will be decked out with beautiful light displays, fukinagashi streamers and traditional Tanabata bamboo "wishing trees". These live bamboo trees hold the long thin strips of colourful paper known as tanzaku, ready to to be inscribed with guests' wishes.

Ready to elevate the whole experience is a brand new winter menu, along with a series of seriously delicious-sounding bespoke vodka cocktails, like cherry blossom mirin, strawberry and vanilla infused Orihime, and a tropical-sounding Kintsugi with banana, pineapple and coconut — topped with gold garnish.

The best part? Those who attend go in the draw to win a six-night trip to Tokyo — including a tour of a Suntory Distillery — valued at almost $10,000. The popup runs from July 1 until August 13, so start thinking of your wish now before heading in to check it out. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Masu website.