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CAN you tell your tequilas from your mezcals? Know the difference between braising, broasting and broiling? Take our food quiz to find out if you’re as big a foodie as you think.
Melb Food & Wine Festival
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THESE days, everyone’s a critic.
Thanks to programs the likes of MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules, anyone who has ever been out for brunch, hosted a dinner party, Instagram humble-bragged about their #canbake success, or even so much as slapped together some two-minute mi goreng noodles fancies themselves a bit of a foodie. A self-appointed critic.
And, as Melburnians, we wear that badge with pride.
Want to put your foodie knowledge to the test? Take our quiz to find out if you can outfoodie a food critic.
We live in the restaurant and cafe capital of the country (and, if we’re being honest, probably the world) so being fussy about what we spend our hard-earned on is practically a birth rite. Or at least comes with the territory of living here.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of fresh new eateries to provide us with our much-adored foodie fodder.
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AFL might be our national game, but brunching is our favourite sport and we spend as much time dissecting its deliciousness as we do enjoying the fruits of its labour.
Like football fanatics who obsess over player statistics, foodies pour over the latest restaurant openings, brunch trends, kitchen appointments, cafe collaborations and cookbook releases.
We are fluent with restaurantisms and chef speak and, the more daring the dish, the more intrigued we are to try it.
And if we can’t scroll through pretty pictures of your menu on Instagram — forget about it. We need to be able to mentally prepare ourselves so that when the waiter arrives to take our order, we don’t get struck down with a crippling case of analysis paralysis that sees us choose something we might come to later regret.
#foodenvy is literally our worst nightmare.
You should probably be thanking us, really. (And the internet in general.)
It’s the foodies of this fine city that have helped it become the culinary masterpiece that is it today.
We hold the industry to account, our incessant online commentary and feedback helping drive a standard of service that is unparalleled.
Cafe owners, chefs and restaurateurs know that, in these competitive gastronomic times, it’s not enough to simply create delicious tasting food. We eat as much with our eyes as we do our mouths so — from first sip to last bite — going out for a meal has to be a complete sensory experience.
We want, nay expect, the food — and service — to woo us.
Because eating isn’t just about food; it’s an art.
It is over food that many of our best memories are made, friendships are formed and broken hearts are mended.
And if you wouldn’t buy a painting you didn’t love, why would you eat food that doesn’t excite you?
SEVEN FOODIE HIGHLIGHTS AT MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
Sharing fine food, wine and discussion — and movies, of course — brings people together. Meet like-minded foodies, celebrate your love of fine food and wine, taste dishes from renowned Chef Andreas Papadakis (Osteria Ilaria, Tipo 00 — Chef of the Year: Time Out Food Awards 2017) and have your say. Wednesday, March 21 from 8pm. $80-$180, Cinema Nova, Carlton.
In the modern world where everyone is busy and no one has time, it’s increasingly hard to bring communities together. Let MFWF redefine your perception of when to dine. Inspired by the Brutally Early Club, this breakfast series offers a unique way to start the day. Enjoy a three course breakfast with expertly matched morning beverages as the city wakes up. Bloody Mary anyone? Friday, March 23 from 6:30am $68, Congress, Collingwood.
Mothers and grandmothers have traditionally been the heart of Spanish communities. What better way to celebrate this year’s theme of community than to indulge in a long Sunday lunch with the team at Añada, inspired by the warm balmy afternoons and home cooked meals in our grandmothers’ kitchens. Take a moment to celebrate your origins with the ones closest to you and give back to the local community. Ten per cent of the cost of each ticket sale will be donated to local charity Sacred Heart Mission. Sunday, March 25 from 12pm. $73, Anada, Fitzroy.
SMOKEHOUSE BBQ AND URBAN WINERY BANQUET COLLABORATION
Treat yourself to a multi-course feast paired with a celebration of all things wine, live music and fun. Each evening begins with a seated banquet showcasing live Le Bon Ton pit smoking with dishes matched to Noisy Ritual’s wines. Then party with a winemaking demonstration, grape stomping, live music and late night festivities. The Noisy Ritual winemaking team will be there to answer any questions about the Urban Winery movement. March 23 and 24, from 7:30pm. $122, Noisy Ritual, Brunswick East.
There is no cutlery needed to enjoy this Ethiopian feast the traditional way. Sit at a communal table with complete strangers in a relaxed atmosphere and be sure to build new friendships. Share homemade honey and barley drinks, traditionally served at family gatherings. Dishes are all scooped up using a spongy sourdough flat bread. Finish off with the traditional coffee ceremony. March 22 and 23, from 6:30pm. $45, Conjo Cafe, Footscray.
Like speed dating but with wine, this event will have you getting to know our favourite wine folk, fast. You’ll have three minutes to talk, taste and learn as much as you can from one wine expert before moving onto the next. Short, fast and loud, Vino Rapido will be the most dynamic group date you’ll ever go on. Thursday, March 22 from 6:30pm. 455, White Lane, Melbourne.
THE ART OF GRAFFITI: GRAZING TABLE
Inspired by the vibrant laneway art of Melbourne, comes a completely unique and very Melbourne dining event. Combining two of our cities great loves, art and food, The Art of Graffiti Grazing Table is a culinary nod to the eclectic art seen and also testament to why Melbourne’s avant-garde food scene is world renown. March 22, from 6:30pm. $98, Platform 270, City.