Wow, if any of you headed down to the festival this year it truly felt bigger than ever! It’s no wonder with a line up from some of Melbourne’s most respected restaurants – here’s just a sample of the calibre: Albert St Food & Wine, Burch & Purchese, Huxtable and Huxtaburger, Longrain, Mamasita, Mo Vida, Chin Chin, Tonka, The Smith and so many more.
Not only is the festival a great way to sample the best dishes from Melbourne’s food scene, it is a great way to discover producers and distributors of some amazing products – alcohol, wine ware, coconut water, chocolate makers, yoghurts; this year there was even a dedicated tent called ‘Tasmania’ showcasing produce from across the Bass Strait.
And to make it all go down a treat, there’s music and a great little lawn to relax and have a rest between samples. Here’s some images from our time at the festival.
(Tonka’s Butter Chicken Curry)
(The Burch & Purchese Royal Choc Salted Caramel Tart)
(The relaxation lawn)
(Chin Chin Chicken Wings and Tom Yum Poached Prawn salad)
Tips for next year’s festival:
Food – download the Taste Menu before you go to the festival. Familiarise yourself with what’s on offer so when you get there you have a clear idea of which stands to go to. This way you can sample your shortlisted dishes and start exploring the other stands. If you can, pre-purchase your Crowns – generally cheaper before the festival starts.
Parking – is challenging to say the least so if you can hop on your bike, take public transport or park offsite – there are some free parks on the weekends nearby on Albert Road.
Sunscreen – although the sun took a while to come out the Festival really heated up at the weekend. Being alfresco means you’re completely unprotected. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunnies and a hat – your skin will thank you for it, and maybe your head too if you plan on sampling some of the alcoholic beverages.
