WHAT’S ON THIS SPRING
Afloat Capri
September – November
Over in Melbourne, Afloat’s ninth iteration is returning with spring, this time inspired by Italian beach clubs. The on-water venue has undergone a dramatic Capri-style makeover, so expect striped umbrellas with valances, a plethora of lemon trees in hand-painted ceramic planters and sorbet-coloured walls. And what’s an afternoon in Capri without an aperitif? Afloat’s renovation extends to its menu, with the new drinks list expected to be citrus-driven, easy drinking Italian cocktails. For foods, think classic Italiana: pizza, pasta and antipasto. Bravo!
The Piccolina Gelato Project
2 October – 26 November
Melbourne’s favourite gelateria, Piccolina Gelateria, invites gelato lovers to rediscover cherished childhood memories with the highly anticipated the Piccolina Gelato Project returns for its fourth season in October. To sweeten the deal further, Melburnians are invited to sample flavours created by some of Australia’s best chefs. Among the flavour visionaries are Jacqui Challinor, (ex-Rein & La Rue) Stephen Nairn (Yugen Dining & Omnia Bistro), Philippa Sibley (Pinottã), Simon Ball-Smith (Brico) and Jerry Mai (Pho Nom), each bringing to your cup or cone a creative (and sometimes whacky) unique flavour inspired by the classic Australian milk bar. Think gelato inspired by everything from raspberry cloud lollies to crunchy, nostalgic Nerds.
Cantina OK! x Above Board
14 October
Excellent, tiny mezcal-centric Sydney laneway bar Cantina OK! has been honoured on the World’s 50-100 Best Bars list, coming in at lucky number 96. The announcement comes at an exciting time for the bar, with a collaboration with Melbourne micro bar Above Board (very, very lucky 100 on the World’s 50-100 Best Bars list) planned for 14 October. Lucky, tequila-loving guests can expect a mezcal masterclass from the Cantina OK! team over three tight seatings. That’s three turnovers in a tiny bar, so tickets are essential.
Sculpture by the Sea
18 October – 4 November
Save the date, Sculpture by the Sea has officially announced its return to Sydney’s coastline this spring. The ultra-popular outdoor exhibition will show over 100 striking works along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. It kicks off just in time for daylight savings, ushering in sunny days in the lead-up to summer.
Lucky Dumpling Market
24 October – 10 November
From noodles and bao, to salads, curries and dumplings – the flavours of Asia are set to return to Elder Park in Adelaide’s CBD when Lucky Dumpling Market returns for its eight year this spring. More than 20 vendors will set up in open-air stalls across two and a half weeks in October and November, slinging everything from dumplings of every styling (gyoza, dim sum, xiaolong bao) to Asian-style burgers and heaping plates of noodles.
W Brisbane x Charlotte Ree Supper Club
24 October
W Brisbane will host its first ever supper club at flagship restaurant The Lex, collaborating with creative force Charlotte Ree (of Heartbreak Bites) in an evening very aptly titled Food & Feeling, promising shared stories, fine food, and connection. The menu, served, of course, in a sharing-style format, promises Ree’s signature ricotta and pesto ravioli as well as the Lex’s must-try rib-eye steak, with many a plate before, in between, and after. And to make this dinner even more special, guests will be presented with an arrival Martini and matched wines to complement their dinner.
Ovata House
26 – 27 October
Sydneysiders, it’s time to toast. Premier Yarra Valley sparkling Oakridge by Ovata will take over Darling Point’s Gatsby House (AKA prime Sydney real estate) for one weekend full of fizzy fun in October. Ticket holders should expect to enjoy an afternoon of sparkling wine, alive DJ, and moreish bites from Aplenty.
Ovata House will run on Saturday, October 26 from 3pm to 6pm and on Sunday, October 27 from 2pm to 5pm at Gatsby House, Darling Point, NSW. Shuttle transport to and from the venue via Edgecliff Train Station is included in the ticket price. Tickets are $95 per person.
Savour the Tweed
30 October – 3 November
Along the meandering sunny Queensland coast lies a little cluster of towns, dipping just into the New South Wales border. Home to lush gullies dense with tropical rainforest and long stretches of yellow-sand beaches, the Tweed is well known for its abundance of natural drawcards. But thinking its appeal ends here would be folly – Tweed is also home to some seriously impressive homegrown hospitality heroes.
Take fresh and funky Husk Distillery, producers of the world’s first-ever colour changing ink gin; or award-winning restaurant Pipit just around the corner, whose intensely creative “use everything” hyper-local methodology puts big city-style sustainability practices to shame.
To spread the good word, celebrated chef-author Christine Manfield has partnered with industry expert and Tweed local Amy Colli to launch the region’s first-ever food and drink festival, Savour The Tweed. Over five days, the Tweed region’s best restaurants and bars will play host to over 20 distinctive events showcasing The Tweed’s diverse offerings. Think everything between an intimate six-course Producer’s Dinner at acclaimed Bistro Livi, a Champagne-led lunch at relaxed and refined Tweed River House, and a bound-to-be-rowdy closing night party at No 35 Kitchen and Bar.
Tickets for Savour the Tweed are on sale now.
Taste of the House
The last Sunday of every month until November.
Get to know the Opera House on a whole new level with this delicious and extensive tour of the iconic landmark’s culinary offerings. The experience starts at Opera Bar, where a bartender will guide guests to craft a Sydney Sling cocktail, before moving onto House Canteen, where guests will learn how to make hand-rolled sushi with an experienced chef. Enjoy lunch at the Opera House’s newest venue, Midden, where chef-owner Mark Olive will be serving up slow-braised wallaby shank with matching wine, of course, accompanied by some of Sydney’s best harbour views. Next, be ushered through the Stage Door and onto the Boardroom balcony, where a boozy palate cleanser of Sgroppino will be waiting for you.
Effervescence Tasmania
8 – 10 November
Food, fire and fizz is on the cards as sparkling wine festival, Effervescence, returns to Tasmania. Hosted by pioneering sparkling winery, Josef Chromy Wines, the festival will bring together 13 of the region’s most esteemed sparkling wine houses for three days of fun and fizz. The hosts are pulling out all the stops this year, with a black tie gala dinner hosted at their hatted Josef Chromy Restaurant, but other events will include sparkling wine masterclasses featuring both local and international producers, a tasting picnic hosted lakeside at Jose Chromy Wines, and a very funky bubbles and beats after party. Cheers!
Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Markets
Sydney 22-24 November; Melbourne 6-8 November
Christmas is fast approaching, and the Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Markets are back in Sydney and Melbourne, making it easier than ever to get your festive ducks in order. Over 150 local producers ranging from artisans crafting perfect holiday gifts to chefs slinging expert cooking advice will set up their stalls. Catch Masterchef alum Emilia Jackson in Melbourne dolling out baking advice to stop your pavlova cracking in its tracks, and Smelly Cheese Co. founder Valerie Henbest’s advice on putting together the perfect grazing board is a festive-season entertaining must-watch.
Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Markets in Sydney will run from 22-24 November
goodfoodshow.com.au/christmas-market-sydney
Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Markets in Melbourne will run from 6-8 November
goodfoodshow.com.au/christmas-market-melbourne
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