All New Gourmet Adventures to Head the Line-Up at Taste of Melbourne 2017

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Summer in Melbourne means many things — outdoor cinemas, rooftop bars and balmy evening walks with gelato in hand. It also means it's time for the city's epic four-day celebration of food, drink, art and entertainment: Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux. The much-loved festival will return this December, transforming Yarra Park into a playground for all ages.

With a host of new events, including collaborations between some of Melbourne's best chefs and artists, and masterclasses galore, you'll want to add this summer food festival to your calendar. During the day, meander through the marketplace and stop for a chat with one of the artisan producers — there are more than 100 to choose from. Later, meet up with friends for a gourmet picnic in the park to savour some street food, indulge in a drink or two and admire the glowing canopy of trees as the sun sets.

If choosing from this year's line-up seems like too much — let us help.
We've collated our top picks of the festival's new and exciting experiences, so you can relax and enjoy the full extent of what Taste has to offer.

AFTER DARK PARTY

While Taste is known for its daytime activities, workshops and masterclasses, this year's event won't stop there. In fact, on Friday and Saturday night, festival goers will be able to wine, dine and boogie well into the evening. The canopy of trees high above Yarra Park will sparkle with glittering neon lights while a killer line-up of musicians and DJs — including electronic duo GL and Melbourne soul singer Fraser A. Gorman — will come together to transform the festival into a late-night party destination below. Once you've worked up an appetite on the dance floor, you'll be able to dig into sophisticated snacks and sip on creative concoctions — including a complimentary welcome drink from Archie Rose.

ARCHIE ROSE GIN BLENDING CLASS

If you don't mind a cheeky G&T, head along to a blending class hosted by one of Archie Rose Distilling Co.'s gin wizards. Offering masterclasses across the four days, this is your chance to learn a little more about the history of the well-loved spirit and to blend your very own 200ml bottle from a range of botanical distillates. Archie Rose was founded in Sydney just three years ago as the city's first working distillery since 1853, as well as a cocktail bar. But what the young brand lacks in age, it makes up for in excellently handcrafted gin, vodka and whisky. Whether you're new to the gin scene, dabble in home distilling or simply want to expand your knowledge of the spirit, the Archie Rose team are keen to share a gin-spirational class with you.

CREATIVE COLABS

This exclusive collaboration project will unite local chefs and artists in arguably the most exciting new event to grace Taste 2017. Four of Melbourne's top chefs will team up with graffiti artists, designers and sculptors to create an iconic dish and limited edition artwork exclusively for the festival. Mamasita's Michael Smith is one of the four. He's pairing up with street artist Josh Muir (you might have seen his work at White Night 2016) to concoct offerings inspired by Mexico. Shadowboxer head chef Liz Contini will also take part, collaborating with illustrator and photographer Evie Cahir, while celebrity chef Scott Pickett, of ESP and Estelle Bistro, and artist Geoff Nees will share their love of minimalism to create something truly special. The Press Club's superstar owner and chef George Calombaris will also grace the festival, working with artist Ash Keating (pictured) on a creative passion project.

OPENING NIGHT TENTH BIRTHDAY BASH

Don't miss the chance to celebrate a decade of Taste at the Opening Night Birthday Bash. Both a celebration of Melbourne's food scene and a reflection of what it has produced over the past ten years — food trends, signature dishes and drink concoctions — the party will see some of the city's best chefs, bartenders and musicians come together for a night of fun. The celebration will be held in a boho sanctuary with Persian rugs, comfy couches and a spacious dance floor (so you can show off all your best moves). Alongside snacks and and free-flowing wine, there'll be sweets created by Glace's Christy Tania. Tania will be creating the dessert in collaboration with a clothing designer so assume it'll be equally wearable and edible.

TASTE TIPIS

For a more glamorous Taste experience, book a session at one of the festival's new Taste Tipis. These luxurious tents are arguably the most indulgent way to sample all the festival has to offer. Each tipi can fit up to ten people and each comes with a personal host to deliver drinks to your group. Savour the moment as you sit back and relax in your little piece of paradise overlooking the rest of the festival.

BAKING CLASSES AT THE LURPAK BAKERY

Want to know the secret to perfect pastry? Keen to refine your tart-making skills but don't know where to start? Book in for a class at Taste's Lurpak Bakery, and master the art of baking. At the intimate 30-minute sessions, you'll quickly learn that great baked goods start with premium quality ingredients — especially when it comes to butter. Instructed by professional bakers and pastry chefs, participants will have the chance to get hands-on in the kitchen and try out their new skills, then enjoy their freshly baked, buttery creations.

Keen to taste more? Visit Taste of Melbourne from Thursday, November 30 to Sunday, December 3 at Yarra Park. Find tickets to these events and more on here.