From dinners to auctions, here are the best food and wine events raising money for bushfire relief
From once-in-a-lifetime private dinners, to an auction with on-the-spot tattoos of Australian Wildlife, here are some of the biggest events being hosted by SA’s restaurants, pubs and cellar doors.
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Some of South Australia’s biggest food and drink stars are hosting fundraising events for fire relief.
From lavish private dinners to auctions, these are unique opportunities to have fun for a cause, while mingling with the industry’s movers and shakers.
If you’re struggling to keep track, we’ve pulled together some of the biggest - though we’d love to hear of more. Email jessica.galletly@news.com.au to share your event.
PORT ADMIRAL HOTEL & FRIENDS
Auction on Sunday, January 19
Live entertainment, an auction with prizes exceeding $10,000 and on-the-spot tattoos are in store for those who join the Port Admiral Hotel’s fundraising effort on Sunday, January 19.
PA’s Angus Henderson is co-ordinating the event, along with Josh Baker and other partners who are involved in some of the city’s hottest venues - think Clever Little Tailor, Pink Moon Saloon, Part Time Lover and Whistle & Flute.
That’s along with Kelly and Amanda Mckinnon from Black Diamond Tattoo who, as well as offering prizes for auction, will have four resident artists conducting “flash tattoos” of Australian wildlife animals, with all proceeds going directly to the SA State Emergency Relief Fund; The SA CFS Foundation; The KI Mayoral Bushfire Fund; The Australian Red Cross and WIRES Emergency Relief Fund for Wildlife.
“The focus is on SA,” Angus says. “Every single dollar from every drink sold will be donated, not just profits.”
The event, upstairs of the hotel, will kick off at noon with a gold coin entry, while the fundraiser is at 3pm. There’ll be a sausage sizzle, although the regular hotel menu will still be available in the downstairs dining area.
Among the raft of companies throwing in prizes are Low & Slow American BBQ restaurant, the Kardachi group of restaurants, Pirate Life, Big Shed Brewing and F45 Training. Footy fans will also have a chance of winning signed gear from the Adelaide and Port Adelaide clubs.
Live music will kick on through the evening.
55 Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide, facebook.com/portadmiralhotel
MAXWELL WINES
Dinner on Saturday, January 25
Talented head chef Fabian Lehmann is putting an Aussie twist on his six-course degustation menu for this Australia Day weekend dinner, where all proceeds will be going to SAVEM (South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management) and St Vincent de Paul.
The dinner, for 70, is sure to be a memorable event, extending from the fine dining restaurant to the deck overlooking the property. Dishes include “shrimp on the barbie” and “Vegemite on toast” and for anyone who has previously dined at the delicious.100 restaurant, you know what arrives on the plate will be visual and technical feat.
Winery owner Mark Maxwell says his family has close ties with Kangaroo Island, “going back to when we would go there for holidays with the kids”.
“Since then, over the years we’ve been buying KI honey to make mead with, and also shiraz for our Maxwell Kangaroo Island Shiraz. We’ve had that since 2005,” he says. “Sadly, 2019 will be the last vintage. The vineyard on Stokes Bay has been wiped out.”
The six-course dinner costs $150 with matching Maxwell wines. Call to book.
19 Olivers Rd, McLaren Vale, 8323 8200,facebook.com/Maxwellwines
CHALK HILL WINES
Big Night Out on Saturday, February 1 - SOLD OUT
Chalk Hill is about a month away from opening their brand new cellar door in McLaren Vale, but they’re throwing a party early - to raise funds for their fellow winemakers in the Adelaide Hills.
Wineries from across the Vale have donated their drops, local breweries have thrown in beers and there’ll be food from Pizzateca and food trucks on the night.
There will also be entertainment from The Ambush (think Americana rock and blues) and DJ NU Jeans, and a live auction.
“The principal is mates helping mates,” says Chalk Hill’s Tom Harvey.
Be quick because tickets, $25, are selling fast.
56 Field St, McLaren Vale, facebook.com/chalkhillwines
DUNCAN WELGEMOED’S AUCTIONS
10 unforgettable events
Manu Feildel. Melissa Leong. Dave Pynt. They’re just some of the food royalty who reached out to Adelaide’s Duncan Welgemoed after he announced he’d put on a couple of once-in-a-lifetime dinners to raise funds for those who’d lost it all in the fires.
What followed that initial Instagram post in late December was an evolution. Two events became seven. Seven events became 10.
“Everyone approached me to do this thing - I didn’t call anybody,” says the Africola chef. “As soon as I announced I’m doing two dinners, everybody jumped on board, which is fantastic. We’re lucky enough to have support from celebs around the world.”
What Welgemoed has curated is 10 separate food and beverage experiences, which is now open for bidding.
They include “The Best of South Australia” - a private dining experience for 10 people in the winner’s home, or a venue if preferred, with Duncan himself along with Shannon Fleming (Lot 100), Quang Nguyen (Noi Vietnamese Eatery, Shibui, Devour) and James Brinklow (The Lane). Baker Emma Shearer is also involved while sommeliers Mark Reginato, Meira Harel and Nick Ryan are on the drinks.
New MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong is hosting “Friends with Benefits”, which brings together talent including Ben Cooper of Melbourne’s Chin Chin and Victor Liong of Lee Ho Fook. Another experience will fly eight lucky foodies to Singapore for a personal experience at Pynt’s famous Burnt Ends, while “Pardon Your French” will reunite Welgemoed with TV chef Fieldel to cook at Karrawatta Winery.
“Manu is a very old friend of mine,” Welgemoed says.
Bidding for the experiences, most of which are for 10 people, start at $5000. “That’s for all the food, the talent and the booze,” Welgemoed says. “It’s the perfect celebration. You’d be hard pressed to get that kind of thing in a general restaurant.”
All proceeds will be going to two of the hardest hit Adelaide Hills wineries - Tilbrook and Vinteloper, as well as the SA CFS, and Adelaide Hills Wine Region Fire Appeal.
“The big thing is you’ve got some of the most amazing producers that are the bread basket of Australia, and in particular in wine,” Welgemoed says. “We’re trying to create that buffer for the growers and particularly the winemakers to sustain themselves this year, because we want them to continue making fantastic products that will be sold throughout Australia.
“They are some of our greatest ambassadors throughout the world.”
Bid online now at app.galabid.com/sabushfires
MOUNT LOFTY HOUSE
Fire Relief Fund Raising Night on Saturday, February 9
Mt Lofty House’s first fundraising event on January 31 has sold out, so they’ve offered a second date. A $2000 per couple ticket will include a seven-course degustation dinner paired with Adelaide Hills wines, and overnight accommodation - along with a few treats. All proceeds go to the State Emergency Relief Fund.
1 Mawson Dr, Crafers, 8339 6777, mtloftyhouse.com.au
SA4SA GALA DINNER
January 31, Adelaide Convention Centre
More than 700 tickets are already sold for this bushfire appeal gala dinner, which aims to raise $100,000. Tickets cost $160, which includes a three-course dinner and drinks package, live entertainment and a silent and live auction, with profits going to the SA Bushfire Appeal.
events.humanitix.com.au/sabushfires
METTA SOL
Super Sol Sunday on Sunday, January 26
Celebrate Australia Day at this vegan diner, where chefs, musos and entertainers will come together for the cause. A $35 ticket will include a plate and drink, with all proceeds going to the CFS, WWF Australia and the State Emergency Relief Fund. 12pm-3pm.
98b Goodwood Rd, Goodwood, mettasol.com.au