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2019 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival: the best of the south east

A tedious commute is off the menu for south east foodies looking for a seat at Melborne’s biggest culinary event.

100 Mile Foodie Marlene Hoff is holding a gourmet lunch featuring MP produce and wine aboard a heritage steam train.
100 Mile Foodie Marlene Hoff is holding a gourmet lunch featuring MP produce and wine aboard a heritage steam train.

From a free global street party to a gourmet lunch served on a heritage steam train the best of the south east will be showcased at a range of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival events.

After the runaway success of her inaugural Mornington Express Wine and Dine Train in 2018 100 Mile Foodie Marlene Hoff is back on board.

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But this year she is planning a different journey for guests.

“I’ll still be showcasing the very best Mornington Peninsula produce, but I’ll also be sharing some new collaborations,” Ms Hoff said.

“There will be a stronger focus on wine, and I’m also talking to some Peninsula distillers about using spirits in the desserts — I’m planning a limoncello tart and pinot noir cupcakes.”

Ms Hoff said the good times would start at 12.30pm on March 16 with sparkling wine and canapes on the platform of Moorooduc Station before guests got on the train with bento boxes filled with local produce.

After a wine pit stop at Mornington Station, guests will return to Moorooduc for dessert and more wine.

Mornington Express Wine and Dine Train event begins at Mornington Railway, Moorooduc on March 16 at 12.30pm.

Jimmy Rum will host tasting afternoon.jpg
Jimmy Rum will host tasting afternoon.jpg

Those wanting to make a weekend of it can check out the Mornington Peninsula craft spirit scene the following day on March 17.

Jimmy Rum Distillery at Dromana will host an afternoon of whisky, rum and gin tastings from 12.30-3.30pm.

A Spirited Peninsula will feature seven distilleries along with a food truck and music.

Melbourne Food Wine Festival Dandenong World Fare.
Melbourne Food Wine Festival Dandenong World Fare.

For a spin around the globe try Dandenong Market’s street food party.

Try everything from burek to banh mi and kibbi to kottu with a soundtrack of live world music and dance performances.

The Dandenong World Fare starts at 10am on Sunday, March 24.

Montalto is joining forces with Jackalope for a long lunch.jpg
Montalto is joining forces with Jackalope for a long lunch.jpg

There are also four World’s Longest Lunches being held in the region on Friday, March 15.

They include a collaboration between Montalto chef Gerald Phelan and Jackalope Hotel executive chef Guy Stanaway at Red Hill South and a garden party presented by garden designer and artist Colin Highett with Event and Flavour and Finesse Catering Group at Langwarrin South.

For guilt-free indulgence, you can book a seat at the Sorrento Baths for a four-course lunch prepared in partnership with Loquat.

All proceeds form that event will be donated to local charities.

For more details and bookings for any Melbourne Food and Wine Festival events, visit melbournefoodandwine.com.au

lucy.callander@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/2019-melbourne-food-and-wine-festival-the-best-of-the-south-east/news-story/26a05d6140cd075dfa8de0bb091331e7