Surely Melbourne is the Food Capital of the World! A Premier Event in a Foodie Capital!

I was privileged recently to be at The Age Good Food Guide Awards (stand in and loving it!). I could be a complete dork and go through a blow by blow description on the night. But that wouldn't be cool. Suffice to say it was a night of celebration and pride - surely Melbourne is the food capital of the planet!!! If not, who else can be? I've run this question past many an international foodie and no-one can suggest a winner over Melbourne.

Just to see the collection of culinary genius in one room, and a large one at that being the iconic NGV Great Hall, was awesome! This industry is like one big happy family! In fact this year saw several chefs combine in incredible culinary collectives!

I loved the ambience of the event, an eclectic atmosphere almost like a club more than say a restaurant. Walking the red carpet were some of the country's best chefs and food identities, such as the likes of Shannon Bennett, George Calombaris, Neil Perry, Dan Hunter, Jacques Reymond, Phillipe Mouchel - dare I go on...

It was great to chat with a few chefs and food identities and breathe in that passion for amazing food! Genius! Creativity! Redefine the landscape and live your dreams!

Melbourne food identities are treated like rock stars but don't act like them.

I'm sure the caterers felt the pressure to deliver at such a salubrious event! The canapes were amazing as you would expect. And the oyster bar wasn't too shabby...

This year was a great year for food in Melbourne according to the Guide - a year for "dude food", buns (last year dumplings), local ingredients, amazing South East Asian influences, lots of share plates, less booking of tables, and sweets referencing baby boomer childhoods!

In it's 32 year, it's harder to get a hat in the Guide than to win the Ashes in cricket. The bar is high and there is so much competition in Melbourne!

That's why it's awesome that four restaurants have achieved three hats - Attica, Jacques Reymond, Royal Mail Hotel and Vue De Monde!

Janne Applegren does a great job as Editor and has a tremendous team of reviewer's who do a thorough (and enviable) job!

The Age Good Food Guide is huge in Melbourne. I think it's great for the industry as it wonderfully informs the cafe and restaurant crazy (and savvy) public. It reviews some 649 restaurants (you might not get to them all). The Guide recognises and celebrates exceptional achievement.