Dees fan and Lagoon Dining head chef Ned Trumble shares his posh grand final platter

The die-hard Dees fan who became a social media hit with his posh footy platter is stepping up his game for the grand final. Here’s what’s on the menu.

A die-hard Dees fan whose posh footy platter went viral in 2017 has revealed how to make the ultimate grand final day grazing board.

Ned Trumble became a social media sensation after being snapped at the MCG tucking into a lavish lunch of smashed avocado, fancy cheese and deli goods four years ago.

This weekend, the Melbourne chef will take his platter game to new heights at home, with a whole roast duck and Sydney rock oysters.

“I don’t think the duck would have fit on that cheeseboard at the footy, but at home there’s plenty of space to spread my wings,” he said.

Demons fan Ned Trumble has stepped up his platter game for the Dees v Doggies grand final clash. Picture: Tony Gough

“I want to minimise effort on my side, in terms of cooking, so it’ll be more arranging things to look pretty on a plate.”

Trumble is one of Carlton’s Lagoon Dining head chefs and used the restaurant’s Chinese and Southeast Asian flavours as a muse for his game day board.

There will be cold seafood and charcuterie, alongside the restaurant’s spicy condiments, with roast duck and lots of cold drinks in the fridge.

Ned Trumble’s 2017 platter went viral on social media. Picture: Reddit/KrumDiddly

Smashed avocado, cheese and charcuterie made Ned’s 2017 game-day platter. Picture: Reddit/PrinceOfCups

But like most in the hospo game, Trumble will be working during the grand final.

“Hopefully I’ll be home by 7.30pm or 8pm. I may be flipping out the phone at work, though,” he said.

As for whether Trumble thinks his beloved Dees will take home the flag?

“I’m a bit nervous — but hopeful. I feel good about it, especially coming off that last incredible game,” he said.

“You should never underestimate your opponent but (Melbourne) will play excellently and bring home the flag.”

TRUMBLE’S GAME DAY MENU

• Sydney rock oysters with Lagoon hot sauce

• Chilled king prawns in lemon juice with a kewpie and hot sauce dip

• Ora King smoked salmon

• White anchovies

• Phuoc Thanh Bakery chicken pate, pork puffs

• Half or whole roast duck

• Pork and pistachio terrine

• Sicilian green olives

• Baker Bleu baguette

• Three cheeses: Berry’s Creek Riverine Blue, Prom Country Moyarra Reserve and Butterfly Factory chamela

• Celery and carrots sticks with Lagoon “strange flavour” dressing

IS THIS MELBOURNE’S BEST BARISTA?

Saki Samarathunga, who has a reputation as one of Melbourne’s best and friendliest baristas, has opened Coffee Ministry in Malvern East. Picture: Josie Hayden

In this coffee-loving city Melburnians share a special bond with their barista.

Saki Samarathunga knows it’s not enough to just remember coffee orders but it’s vital to also know the people behind the lattes and flat whites. This skill has earned the jovial 32-year-old a reputation as one of the city’s cherished baristas.

After a 14-year career, Saki has opened a new cafe in Malvern East, called Coffee Ministry.

“Once I opened Coffee Ministry, there was a line at the door. It got chock-a-block,” he said.

Perhaps Saki’s customers love his incredible work ethic, showcased by him driving from Glen Waverley to open his East Malvern cafe at 5am every day.

“I am a workaholic. Even though I’m working 11-hour shifts, I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day in my life,” he said.

Another drawcard must be the coffee, which is a favourite of former MasterChef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan.

“My coffee is very consistent. I’m a people person and I feel like the love from the people makes this a great community,” he said.

Saki credits his staff for his success.

Coffee Ministry is at 1828 Malvern Rd, East Malvern.

Steve Franklin and Rommel Canoy from Lake Tyers Beach General Store.

NEW OPENINGS

Royal Stacks will open its new Moorabbin store when lockdown lifts, but this Friday and Saturday it will offer locals a taste of things to come with a pop-up at the Cochranes Rd venue.

Between 12pm and 8.30pm, AFL packs will be on sale for $49.50, each comprised of two burgers, two portions of fries and one six-pack of Stomping Ground lager. Pre-orders are encouraged.

Further afield, The General at Lakes Tyers Beach in East Gippsland will officially open on Wednesday after a successful weekend pop-up.

Owners Steve Franklin and Rommel Canoy have revamped the town’s old general store, transforming it into a cafe and providoor, selling homewares, tackle and bait.

There’s an appetite for NON in the US.

NON plans to make its mark on Europe in 2022.

GLOBE TROTTER

NON, Melbourne’s no-booze wine, is now being quaffed in New York and Los Angeles restaurants after the company widened its international distribution.

Alongside Japan and Singapore, NON now exports to New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and the US, with plans to move into the UK and EU next year.

Bia Hoi chef owner Jerry Mai. Picture: Rebecca Michael

PICNIC SEASON

Dust off the picnic rug because the fully jabbed can now eat alfresco in groups of five in Melbourne and Ballarat.

Mister Bianco’s ready-to-eat picnic packs costs $42 per person and include Mt Zero olives, a Campari roasted duck and panzanella salad, brioche rolls, sweets and a four-pack of Italian beer for $20 extra. Pick-up from Kew or delivery.

Glen Waverley’s Bia Hoi has all the trimmings for the ultimate Vietnamese barbecue, complete with instant barbecue grill for $120. Packs include chicken wingettes, octopus, crab, fish and wagyu scotch fillet steak, with lettuce, herbs, buns and rice paper rolls.

In the west, Houston’s Barbecue, Fancy Hanks and Bluebonnet BBQ will join forces to create a meatlovers takeaway box on October 10. Think brisket, pork ribs, beef short rib, sausages,

cornbread, mac and cheese with all the fixings for $120. Pick-up from Keilor East.