Category: MELBOURNE

Valentine’s Day at Stokehouse Melbourne

Lobster

This Valentine’s Day, embark on a gastronomic journey that will leave you and your loved one with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a fan of fresh, succulent seafood or you prefer a delightful Mediterranean feast, Stokehouse and Stokehouse Pasta & Bar at St Kilda have you covered. For just $200 per person, Stokehouse offers a four-course menu meticulously curated by Executive Chef Jason Staudt. Showcasing Australia’s finest seafood and seasonal produce, this menu features delectable delights such as a fig tart with oregano and buffalo curd, Yellowfin tuna bite with compressed melon and pickled rind, and Stokehouse’s iconic seafood platter. For those wanting to bring a touch of luxury to their dining experience, an additional whole Victorian Lobster is available, served with Ancho chilli butter, pickled biquinho chilli, steamed buns, and thick-cut chips for $190. Crafted for two, this show-stopping dish is perfect for those wanting to turn up the romance this Valentine’s Day. The options downstairs at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar are equally enticing. For $120 per person, enjoy a four-course Mediterranean feast and a welcome drink. Kick off your exquisite dining experience with a refreshing glass of King Valley Rosé Prosecco, followed by an array of antipasti including white anchovy and olive gilda’s and bresola with oregano may gnoccho frito. For mains, make your pick between dry aged club steak with salsa verde and garlic or locally sourced John Dory with peperonata. And to top it all off, Pastry Chef Ash Smith has concocted a heavenly Ferrero Rocher and red velvet cake parfait to… Read More

Unforgettable Valentine’s Day events around Melbourne

Valentine's Day dinner

Whoever you’re marking February 14th with this year, true romance is guaranteed across Chris Lucas’ eight Melbourne venues. From tableside flowers and fiery fun to summer strawberry pavlova and the finest champagne, wooing your loved one has never been easier. Just make the booking and leave the rest up to the team at Lucas Restaurants. Yakimono: Ignite the Flames of Love Yakimono is bringing the fire to Valentine’s Day with an exclusive flame-kissed Setto menu for $110pp, which includes a cheeky cocktail to kick things off. Expect a mix of classics and special additions to share against the backdrop of the neon-lit dining room. Think fresh, flavorful kingfish sashimi; umami negi chicken skewers; dynamite tuna hako with dragon’s fire sauce and much more. The sparks will be flying — and we don’t just mean from the kitchen. What’s more, Yakimono is teaming up with the flower maestros at Bush, transforming its downstairs foyer into a pop-up florist for one day only. Drop by from 10am to 7pm on 14 February to pick up some stunning seasonal blooms, including banksia stems from $25 a pop and lush bouquets from $85. Get in quick to reserve your February 14 booking now Society Dining Room: A Feast for All the Senses A spectacular setting for any romantic rendezvous, with exceptional Euro-accented fare to match, Society is the perfect choice for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day. Visit the esteemed Dining Room for an exclusive $245pp Chef’s Menu, set to include a very special edition of Society’s famed dessert trolley…. Read More

Midsumma Festival 2024 at Gasworks Arts Park

Midsumma cabaret

Gasworks Arts Park in Melbourne is gearing up for an extraordinary summer, featuring an impressive array of circus performances as part of Midsumma Festival 2024. This cherished creative hub will host two of the festival’s most anticipated shows: “Hot Summer Nights!” and “Rouge”. “Gasworks Arts Park is the place to go for live contemporary circus this Midsumma” says Tamara Jungwirth, CEO of Gasworks Arts Park. “Bring some friends to enjoy an adults-only night out of music, skill, glamour and pure athletic spectacle. Melbourne really knows how to do modern circus and this Midsumma we invite you to enjoy two cabaret shows that will put the sizzle into summer”. Midsumma Festival is an annual celebration of queer arts and cultural events, with a three-week long program that includes visual arts, theatre, cabaret, film, and live performances. Midsumma is not just an arts festival, it’s a celebration of cultural diversity and the ongoing pursuit of social equity. Gasworks’ Summer Circus package offers more fun for less. Save $20 when you book full price tickets for both “Hot Summer Nights!” and “Rouge”. Hot Summer Nights! “Hot Summer Nights!” returns this year with all new acts. The show offers a night of neon lights, incredible vocals, and mind-boggling feats of strength and skill. The show features a hand-picked cast of Australia’s top circus performers, hosted by the multi award winning cabaret star Tash York. Venue: Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park Vic, 3206 Date: 23 January–3 February 2024 Time: 23-27 Jan: 7pm–8pm, 30 Jan-3 Feb: 9pm-10pm, 3… Read More

Johnny’s Green Room rooftop in Melbourne

JGR Jan2024 AriannaLeggiero 379 scaled

Johnny’s Green Room has recently reopened its doors, unveiling a stunning transformation that exudes Tuscan terrace vibes. This beloved rooftop watering hole, located at the corner of Lygon and Faraday Streets, has undergone a complete makeover under the guidance of award-winning designer Dion Hall. With a semi-retractable roof, patrons can now enjoy the captivating atmosphere of Johnny’s Green Room throughout the year. The venue’s new design showcases upgraded bar and kitchen facilities, as well as new bathrooms and furniture. The seating capacity has also been expanded to accommodate up to 260 guests. Drawing inspiration from the warmth and allure of Italian nuances, the venue boasts a palette of warm tones and incorporates materials such as Douglas Fir timber, terracotta tiles, tiled mosaic elements, and milled zinc. The result is a space that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with a vibrant and inviting ambiance. In addition to the physical transformation, Johnny’s Green Room has also undergone a brand refresh, masterfully executed by local branding studio Projects of Imagination. The iconic Johnny’s wolf symbol has been reimagined as a more nostalgic icon, while a secondary logo has been introduced to complement the original. The bar staff will sport custom-designed white waiter jackets, adding a touch of classic Italian style to the venue. When it comes to the culinary offerings, Johnny’s Green Room has enlisted the expertise of renowned chef and author Karen Martini as the Culinary Director. With a focus on pizza and a refreshed take on Mediterranean flavors, the menu features a delightful selection of Italian-style share… Read More

YAWYE new smoothie bar in Melbourne

Smoothie Yawye Melbourne

Melbourne’s Central Business District welcomes a new player to its bustling health food scene. ‘YAWYE’, located at 181 Little Collins St, is set to redefine smoothies and acai bowls, merging health benefits with unparalleled taste. YAWYE, Your Next Stop for Nourishment YAWYE stands out with a variety of unique, nutrient-packed smoothies designed meticulously by the acclaimed Chef and Food Consultant, Sarah Watson. Sarah brings her considerable expertise from working as a private chef for tennis superstar Roger Federer and developing recipes for wellness app Centr, founded by actor Chris Hemsworth. At YAWYE, Sarah’s unique concoctions aim to nourish the body while satisfying the taste buds, “We’re not preaching an agenda here, we’re offering delicious, nourishing smoothies and acai bowls that have the added bonus of being healthy and nutritious,” Sarah explains. The Menu, Beyond Delicious Each smoothie at YAWYE, served in clear 450ml PET cups, boasts up to twelve ingredients that cater to various health benefits, from boosting immunity to promoting gut health. The menu offers eight unique blends. The ‘Fountain of Youth’ is a unique take on a green smoothie, featuring matcha powder and marine collagen powder for skin benefits. The ‘Energiser’ is a caffeine-packed smoothie with espresso, banana, almond butter, and cacao powder, perfect for a morning boost. Vibrant Acai Bowls and Eye-Catching Branding In addition to smoothies, YAWYE offers a selection of acai bowls made with high-quality acai berry powder. Customers can customise their bowls with various toppings, from fresh fruits to homemade peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut spread. The brand’s identity,… Read More

Best Greek food at Australian Open

Screenshot 20240114 215512

Melbourne’s beloved Greek restaurant, Stalactites, is back at the Australian Open, partnering once again with Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas. This year, they are serving up a special menu that features Stalactites’ iconic dishes with a tennis twist, delighting all tennis enthusiasts. “This marks our fourth consecutive year collaborating with Stefanos Tsitsipas to celebrate the Australian Open. It’s always a joyous occasion where we get to combine our passion for Greek cuisine and the electrifying atmosphere of the tournament,” says Nicole Papasavas, owner of Stalactites. A Menu That Serves Up Winning Flavors Located at the Grand Slam Oval, the Stalactites pop-up will be serving a lineup of three delicious souvlaki and Greek dishes throughout the competition. Tennis fans can indulge in signature items such as ‘Stef’s Lamb Slam’, a souvlaki with roasted lamb shoulder giros, lettuce, tomato, onions, crumbled feta, parsley, hot chips, and Stalactites’ signature tzatziki, wrapped in warm pita bread. If chicken is your souvlaki filling of choice, ‘Chicken Kicker’ swaps out the lamb for marinated chicken gyros and spicy chili mayo. For those who are torn, the ‘Mixed Doubles’ souvlaki combines chicken and lamb for a delicious combo. Other delectable offerings include ‘The Net Game’ – a tasty duo of fried calamari and fries seasoned with Greek lemon oregano. Also not to be missed is Stalactites’ signature Greek oregano & feta fries, and a refreshing Greek garden salad – a staple to any Greek menu. A Partnership with Purpose “Stalactites has always had a strong place in my heart, serving the food… Read More

Queen & Collins: Redefining CBD Dining Experiences

Queens restaurant

The GPT Group, one of Australia’s leading property groups, has unveiled the final phase of its audacious redevelopment project at the illustrious Queen & Collins tower. The crown jewel of this project is a premium dining precinct encapsulated within the iconic gothic façade. Queen & Collins has evolved to shatter the conventional mould of CBD dining hubs, providing an architecturally designed space that intertwines the site’s rich history with a modern celebration of culinary diversity. This dynamic precinct serves a broad customer demographic, including business executives, local residents, and tourists. Each corner of Queen & Collins is meticulously crafted to reflect the vibrancy of Melbourne’s famed laneways. It thrives as a lively community hub, imbued with character and texture, set to make its mark as a distinctive destination for gatherings this social season. Fine Dining and Artisanal Cafes Reine & La Rue, the French bistro nestled within the historic Grand Cathedral Room, brings a touch of old-world New York opulence. Managed by the renowned NOMAD group, the bistro has quickly achieved ‘icon’ status, winning Good Food’s 2023 Best New Restaurant of the Year. The grandeur of its vaulted ceilings, granite columns, and stained-glass windows pairs elegantly with a menu that leaves patrons wanting more. Rustica, the artisanal café and bakery, offers a more laid-back dining option. It’s the perfect retreat from the city’s hustle, marking the café’s fourth location in the CBD. Exciting New Additions This December, food lovers can look forward to the launch of the subterranean bar, Purple Pit, by culinary maestro Maurice… Read More

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Melbourne in 2023

Melbourne New Years

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, and the anticipation of a brand new year is in the air, Melbourne transforms into a city of celebration! It’s famed for its spectacular fireworks display, bustling street parties, and glamorous soirees that light up New Year’s Eve. If you’re planning to bid farewell to 2023 amidst all the excitement, you’re in luck! Here’s our curated list of Melbourne’s finest venues where you can welcome the year 2024 in style, indulging in mouth-watering cuisine, sipping on premium beverages, and soaking in the electrifying ambiance. Let’s dive in, shall we? Mr Miyagi Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Mr. Miyagi, where a feast awaits you! Their exquisite ‘Feed Me Menu’ is bound to tantalise your taste buds. Available from 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM, this flavourful experience is priced at $99 per person. To make your celebration even more sparkling, opt for the premium free-flowing beverage package for an additional $29 per person. Reservations are open now. Check out their mouth-watering menu and the venue’s vibrant atmosphere here. Stella Restaurant and Bar Get ready to usher in the New Year in style at Stella Restaurant and Bar. They are offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve Dinner from 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM. Savour a sophisticated culinary journey for $225 per person, with the option of premium paired wines at an additional $75 per person. Book your spot here to enjoy the delectable menu in their elegant setting. Not to be missed is the Stella’s New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party. From… Read More