Starlight Five Chefs Dinner in Melbourne

The evening features a five-course degustation designed by Victoria’s leading chefs: Alla Wolf-Tasker AM (Lake House), Anthony Lui (Flower Drum), Guy Grossi (Grossi Florentino and proud Starlight ambassador), Benjamin Cooper (Chin Chin) and Lauren Eldridge (Stokehouse). This was an event of hope perfectly hosted by Jo Stanley and the people of Melbourne contributed to raise well over $500,000 for the children. As for the dinner, the standard of the food was simply sensational.

Drinks on arrival. What to choose!

Perusing the auction items before the dinner commenced. Generous sponsors and outstanding items and packages for the highest bidder. Technology is amazing these days with bids made from mini pads on the tables as well as from your phone.

Jo Stanley (much loved comedian and media personality) was an exceptional host.

Great vibe at our table (hosted by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre staff, thanks for the invite). Amazing wines from top wineries Brown Brothers, Pizzini, Crittenden, Debortoli and Domain Chandon were perfectly paired with the standout food.

Alla Wolf-Tasker from Lake House Daylesford on fire with Sher Wagyu Tartare Lake House style. So many delightful elements in this tartare dish.

Anthony Lui from Flower Drum serving it up with this delicious Baked Dragon Boat Prawn (not just prawn inside but also scallop).

One of the highlights on the Melbourne social and culinary calendar and for a great cause.

Auctioneer Stuart Gregor was highly entertaining as well as effective. 

Guy Grossi from Grossi Restaurants delivered with this rustic Ravioli, veal, mortadella, pecorino - a dish that sang on the palate with Italian flavours and textures.

Guy Grossi engaging with our table. The chefs were generous with their time as well as their talents.

Gilbert Lau and Anthony Lui from Flower Drum.

Extraordinary performance and testimony from singer songwriter Michael Morgan. Through adversity Michael has risen and finds inspiration and support from Starlight Foundation on his journey. And what an amazing voice and talent!

Benjamin Cooper from Chin Chin wowed the diners with this BBQ King salmon in banana leaf, red curry paste, fragrant herb salad and compressed coconut rice.

Prize the banana leaf open for the treasure inside.

Benjamin Cooper with Mel Brauer the Prosecco Queen.

Amazing and inspiring wishes fulfilled.

CEO Louise Baxter outlined the amazing achievements of Starlight Foundation, hopes and dreams, and wishes fulfilled, as well as future aims and acknowledgement of sponsors and supporters.

Lauren Eldridge from Stokehouse stepped up to the plate with this Poached desert lime, desert lime ice cream, lemon myrtle caramel, crushed macadamia. Delightful indigenous flavours of the desert lime and lemon myrtle made this an innovative and delicious dish.

Established in 1993, Starlight Five Chefs Dinners are Starlight’s signature fundraising events and are supported by some of Australia’s best chefs. Incredible degustation menus are created and matched with the finest wines, all peppered with stories of inspiration and hope in a beautifully themed room. It is a night that truly makes a lasting impact on guests and those Starlight children and families that the fundraising supports.Since 1988, Starlight has transformed the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families, throughout Australia.Based on the World Health Organisation's Social Model of Health, Starlight programs are designed to make children happy and lift their spirits when they need it most, building resilience so they are better able to cope with the challenges serious illness brings. The Five Chefs Dinner was truly an epic evening.