Helping Melbourne Restaurant Hospo During COVID-19
Helping hospo during this COVID-19 challenging time is imperative. We all love the Melbourne restaurant and hospo scene and we want to help local business continue to be strong and viable. As you are aware, restaurants and cafes have already taken a huge hit due to the increase of self-isolation. Here are some Melbourne restaurants and companies who have adapted new strategies to try and get through this crisis that we can support. I wish I could include everyone as we are getting alerted to about 30 initiatives a day (check your favourite restaurants and their intiatives).
KING AND GODFREE - SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1884
King and Godfree is doing a delivery service on UberEats and Deliveroo which will include take-home lasagnas, half-cooked cryovaced pizzas (to then be finished off in the oven at home), and a range of deli and pantry items including dried pasta, sauces, pickles, eggs, milk etc. Additionally, customers can order a wide range of drinks and mixers from the Agostino wine shop including Aquilani Sangiovese (Toscana, Italia) & pinot grigio (Friuli grave) for only $22 each (this comes into effect on Monday and will be direct via K&G).
BABAJAN
Another place I love to visit. Babajan owner Kirsty Chiaplias from today will also be providing 10 x meals a day to the Red Cross to help those in an already vulnerable position during this crisis.
MAKER & MONGER
As deemed by the Federal Government, market places are considered essential and will stay open if cafes & restaurants are to close. Maker & Monger have put in strict hygiene practices and will only be accepting card payments. Alternatively, Maker & Monger will now deliver their retail product through Sherpa within a 15km radius, with free delivery on orders over $100.
YOUNG GUN OF WINE AWARDS 2020
For the first time, Young Gun of Wine will be hosting a series of virtual events in May to showcase the Top 50 winemakers. The interactive video events will feature the Top 50 winemakers and other experts, where participants can ask questions live. Beyond interactive, the event will be experiential, whereby people can (if they wish) purchase the wines to be featured in advance of the tasting. Tickets are free – but bookings are essential, as the events will be a private broadcast. Bookings via the events link.
CAPI
Although it can be a scary and stressful time for many, a wave of good news stories have been circulating the internet how people around the world are dealing with more time at home; whether it be yoga, baking, dancing, or simply finally getting around to that book you never finished reading. CAPI is delivering as usual and has a strong supply of all its products. They are offering free shipping on all orders through their online store and can assure safety through the production and delivery process.
CAPI will also soon introduce CAPI Hour. Daily at 5 pm, users can enjoy a tipple with people from across the country without leaving the comfort of their own home.
To lighten the mood, CAPI’s head of innovation, Thurman Wise, has also created four fun and easy cocktail recipes that will serve as a nice break whilst locked in. ‘I wanted to create recipes that only require your favourite Aussie gin, CAPI, and a few ingredients that you most likely already have lying around the house. They are totally manageable, and the hope is that they bring a little joy at 5 pm when you clock off from your sofa/desk situation’ says Thurman.
ARBORY BAR & EATERY / ARBORY AFLOAT
Both popular destinations are open for business with upgraded measures in place to ensure the safety of its customers and staff.
Arbory Afloat has also installed a plasma screen to give AFL footy fans the chance to catch the 2020 season, starting tonight with Richmond vs Carlton at 7.40 pm.
LUCAS Restaurants - CHIN CHIN MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY, GO GO BAR, BABY, HAWKER HALL AND KONG
All venues remain open with updated systems in place to ensure the safety of staff and guests and ensuring below 100 people. Chin Chin Melbourne and Sydney now taking bookings for the first time in its history.
Other initiatives include a free bottle of wine with every takeaway orders placed directly with select venues (Baby, Hawker Hall and Kong) that are over the value of $50,guests that dine in at any LUCAS venue will receive the first drink free, Children aged 12 and under, accompanied by a parent who is dining in-venue, will receive a free meal up to the value of $40 per child.