Melbourne Cup Day at Criniti's

Overview

If the gang is due for a catch-up, or you're just looking for an excuse to get out of the office, put a big red circle around Tuesday, November 6. In case you've forgotten, it's Melbourne Cup Day — otherwise known as the only weekday you can (maybe) get away with not doing much work. And, if you're going to skive off work, consider Criniti's Italian Restaurant as your retreat for the day.

The restaurant is offering a selection of three-hour packages featuring free-flowing drinks and a selection of Italian bites. Your first step is to pick which option is more your style: if you're imagining a sit-down meal, the three-course banquet on offer at Darling Harbour and Parramatta will fill the brief. Start with arancini, mozzarella sticks or juicy garlic prawns, before tucking into three-meat rigatoni, vegetable pizza or mixed skewers. For dessert, you have a choice of tiramisu, pannacotta and ricotta cheesecake. 

Or, for a more social waterside affair, opt for the Woolloomooloo venue, which will be serving up a free-flowing canapé menu — think tomato bruschetta, popcorn prawns, mini sliders and assorted slices of woodfired pizza. And for dessert, you can take a pick from chocolate tiramisu cups, lemon curd tarts and coconut pannacotta. Both packages cost $129 per person and include three hours of Chandon, wine and beer.

Don't think it's all just food and drink, though. There'll be prizes for the most dapper and best dressed including Champagne magnums, food hampers and restaurant vouchers. Plus there'll be live screenings of the action happening in Melbourne on the day, too. 

Gather your gang and book your spot now through Criniti's website.