During the first two weeks of March, Melbourne will transform into a gastronomic playground showcasing the best of the city's eateries, bars, and markets with tastings, demonstrations, and indefinable but delicious events, as part of the 2013 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Don't be scared, the MFWF isn't all $300 masterclasses and 35-course degustation dinners with world-famous chefs. If your budget is feeling stressed just thinking about it, then our hip-pocket-friendly guide is for you. But get in quick as events are selling out fast.
Farm to Plate Lunch
The glorious Abbotsford Convent is hosting a farm-to-plate seasonal lunch on Sunday March 3, presented by Bursaria Fine Foods. Snack on canapes as you listen to chefs discuss the local produce on offer, all of which will be sourced from within the convent and its surrounding areas, before feasting on a two-course meal served with matching wines.
Chan's Dumpling Festival
Also on Sunday March 3, dumpling lovers will be united by their devotion to the delicious oriental delicacy, in one of Melbourne's most iconic garden settings, Treasury Gardens. Festivities will include a five-course yum cha, live lion dancing, dumpling demonstrations, and a take-home pack of goodies (hopefully not a steaming dumpling lolly bag, for food safety purposes), all for a meagre $20.
World Street Food Festival
On Sunday March 3 (this day is bound to end face down in a food coma) the Queen Victoria Market will host the vibrant World Street Food Festival, a tantalising mix of Asian, European, African, South American, and Aussie street food, cheap eats, and live entertainment. This one's a freebie so get there early for a paella, samosa, mimosa, or kebab.
Flesh and Bone
Flesh and Bone is a high-energy dance performance that is sure to set tongues wagging (and in the one-off MFWF edition on Saturday March 9, jaws chewing). Although a little on the exxy side, for $100 guests can expect pre-performance food and wine by Cumulus Inc and a show that will surprise, delight, and ignite passions, leaving the audience to sashay home to the kitchen.
Theatre of Ideas
If consuming copious amounts of food, beer, and wine starts to make you bloated, weary, and emotional, then take a short hiatus to hear about other people doing the same. On Sunday, March 10, three legendary food personalities will descend on Hamer Hall to discuss their thoughts on food traditions, preservation, and the concepts and inspiration behind their approaches to growing, cooking, and eating.
Images via melbournefoodandwine.com.au