Sun Kitchen is a revelation in Melbourne for its finery, exceptional Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, wine and beverage offerings, and stunning views by the lake (notably the city skyline). Not to mention top notch service. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to experience Sun Kitchen signature dishes from the a la carte menu. This was an intimate media dinner in a private room; another strength of Sun Kitchen is a selection of private rooms with views.
Hellenic Hotel in Williamstown has been transformed into a modern Argentinian bar, grill and wine cellar, Hotel Argentina. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along for the Argentinian experience near the sea. Hotel Argentina is a revelation with affordable dishes, a sense of fun, and lively menu featuring recipes of super talented head chef Dan Szwarc.
Omnia Bistro & Bar, a European restaurant of note (previously a successful pop up), has launched at the award winning luxury Capitol Grand development in South Yarra. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to enjoy a fabulous dinner and we were highly impressed with the bar, the chic setting and the extraordinary bistro dining experience.
Taco Bell has launched in Melbourne (December 7) and we attended a stunning launch event at their new store in 352 Chapel St South Yarra. A highlight of the event was the Taco Bell Tram which took us on an incredible ride up and down Chapel St with live music and tacos served fresh on board the tram. We were highly impressed with the food and beverage offerings, the price point, and the sense of fun and culture that makes Taco Bell a leader in the Tex-Mex space.
Harry's Ice Cream has launched attractive new refreshed labels on its tubs but with the same delicious ice cream flavours. Harry's Ice Cream has been an ice cream favourite in our household over the years as a premium but approachable indulgence. The World Loves Melbourne was recently given tubs of the indulgent flavours with the new labels to enjoy, and we were highly impressed. The good news is that this icon of Australian ice cream is available in the supermarkets. Harry’s Ice Cream Co products can be found in all Woolworths’ stores and selected IGAs and Foodland Stores.
Cherry season is here and we were invited to pick cherries and enjoy a long lunch at CherryHill Orchards in Wandin East (less than an hour from the city). The annual cherry season sees families, friends and fruit-lovers alike flock from near and afar to pick their own fresh cherries from Yarra Valley’s picturesque CherryHill Orchards.
Lunch at Fable Dining Room at Bianchet Winery in the Yarra Valley is a top notch dining experience of note. The World Loves Melbourne (David and Gary) was invited along to experience the degustation with matching wines, a joyous world class experience from a world class chef Paul Cooper. I feel that winery dining experiences can be on the dull side of generic (to appeal to the masses) but Paul Cooper brings the innovation, flair, passion and technique to Bianchet. For those that are looking for an exciting dining experience and to be taken on a journey, Bianchet delivers. This has now become one of my favourite dining experiences in the Yarra Valley.
Oster Eatery stands out as a stylish savvy authentic Italian restaurant that surprises with its class and pedigree. A world class chef Nicola Romano has been applying his craft in Melbourne in recent years after working in world top 50 restaurants, and is now shining as both chef and part owner bringing an exceptional Italian dining experience to Bridge Road Richmond. With a business partner strong in hospitality, Osvaldo Tognella and a superb sous chef, Oster Eatery is already being adopted by local foodies as a favourite. The fact that Oster means "host" in Italian is making a big call - implying that much rests on the quality of service. To this end we were wonderfully hosted for our lunch and we were impressed by the depth, little touches and foodie ability of this restaurant.
This November, Sun Kitchen presents an exquisite culinary experience in collaboration with Luzhou Laojiao, matching high quality spirits with extraordinary dishes. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to experience and preview this offering and we were highly impressed at every level.
Estrella Damm Gastronomy Congress is famous in the world and Melbourne is privileged to be one of only 17 cities to host such an event. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to this prestigious occasion exposed to some of the best chefs in the world cooking in live demonstrations as well as bringing their creativity, inspiration and philosophies.
It's champagne season (when is it not?) in Melbourne and The World Loves Melbourne was invited to a stunning luncheon at Garden Restaurant in the NGV for select media. Just in time for Spring Carnival and summer entertaining, Champagne Pommery has unveiled its newest Blanc de Blancs NV. We were treated with dishes to perfectly match the new Pommery champagne offering. Garden Restaurant has the perfect venue for the unveiling with its garden outlook and vibrancy.
Domenico De Marco (Dom) is working wonders at his Giro D'Italia restaurant in North Carlton and the World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience the new menu. Of course there are around 6 dishes that are signatures and remain on the menu (such as the Tiramisu and the Cotoletta), but Dom also likes to introduce new elements. We noticed improvements to the venue, new dishes, development of a "crack" team, an expanded wine menu and that Dom is now spending more time engaging with the customers.
After 10 years in the business, renowned Australian wine glass brand, Plumm has debuted its newest range; Plumm Three. A paired back, minimal range made from ultra-fine European Crystal designed with some of the country’s best sommeliers. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to an intimate tasting and unveiling of the new range at Agostino Cellar, starting with a champagne on the rooftop at Johnny's Green Room on a fabulous Melbourne Spring evening.
The Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup Racing Carnival is the place to be and 1 Oliver St has stamped it's mark as a destination of style. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to a sneak peak menu tasting at Half Acre of what racegoers will experience in the 1 Oliver St marquee.
QT Melbourne has launched the Secret Garden Bar, a hidden gem 11 stories up tucked behind QT Melbourne Rooftop Bar. Set to be the hottest bar of the summer QT Secret Garden Bar is open to the public but you may have to enquire of staff as to accessibility and finer details. Only a limited number of people can enter at any time for this unique Melbourne bar experience. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to the unveiling, a collaboration between QT Melbourne and Four Pillars Gin.
Elektra Dining Room has captured the attention of the Melbourne culinary world since its launch, largely due to the flair of Executive Chef Reuben Davis in the kitchen and an edgy modern dining approach.Elektra Dining Room, a relaxed and compelling oasis in the city, offers guests an approchable dining experience with European influences, whether a catch up with friends, family, office colleagues, pre-theatre or that romatic interlude. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience dinner at Elektra.
Cheese lovers can rejoice with Prahran Market’s Say Cheese Festival, taking over the Market on Sunday 20th October. A day that showcases the very best of local, Australian and international cheeses throughout Prahran Market and Elizabeth Street, with new places to explore and graze this year. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to the launch event.
The 2019 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival (October 12-19) is set to be another huge racing event (including Caulfield Guineas Day, Blue Sapphire Stakes day and Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day). The World Loves Melbourne was invited to the Caulfield Racecourse Media Preview to check out the stunning offerings and the New York inspired theme. The excitement of New York is here in Melbourne from Uptown, Downtown, Midtown , Central Park, Brooklyn to The Hamptons.
Yagiz Turkish restaurant on Toorak Rd has celebrated two years in service at a stunning special dinner where Head Chef Murat Ovaz was joined by longtime friend and mentor Colin Fassnidge.
Pran Central has welcomed Route 45, a nostalgic American diner dishing up mouth-watering burgers, wings, ribs, hot dogs and shakes for those after a little more than a regular burger house. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to check out this American diner experience.
Celebrating World Dumpling Day, the World Loves Melbourne was invited to wine and dine at a stunning event at Oriental Teahouse featuring a six-course degustation dinner with matching beverages. Being a dumpling aficionado, and with Oriental Teahouse having a reputation for standout dumplings, this was an event not to be missed.
Elektra Dining Room is an exciting new restaurant on the Melbourne dining scene and a new project by Reuben Davis on the original Press Club site. Elektra Dining Room, a beautiful, relaxed and alluring hideaway, allows guests to create the experience they want; a quick bite after work or before a show, a lingering dinner or a late-night assignation.
Italian food and culture is all the rage right now and Trunk has channelled its cacio e pepe with the advent of Pepe's Italian & Liquor. Now its "full throttle" Italian (in fact American Italian) and a more defined and refined concept that the previous Mediterranean offering (even though that was good this is better). The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience the new reimagined restaurant.
