Food & Drink

When it comes to Italian cooking, it's good to learn from the best. And who better to learn from, than one of the best in the business, Olimpia Bortolotto, matriarch of one of Melbourne's best Italian...

Bastille Day is France's National Day that marks the day since the end of the French revolution. Around the world people celebrate this day with a bounty of French delights including one of France's...

This weekend, Melbourne truffle lovers will descend on Caulfield Racecourse to celebrate all things truffle related at the inaugural Truffle Melbourne. The two day event will showcase Truffle providores as...

Lovers of oysters rejoice. The Albert Park Hotel's annual Oyster Frenzy is back by popular demand. Prime oyster season means now's the perfect time to challenge yourself to see how many oysters you can...

Melbourne! Get ready for another culinary destination with the launch of Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar! The new restaurant is the brainchild of chefs Michael Lambie (The Smith), Zac Cribbes and Scott Borg and will...

Truffles are hot in the world of food this Winter. Many of us aren't au fait with the intricacies of this delicacy so we sat down with Nigel Wood, the founder and creator of Truffle Melbourne, happening...

There is nothing better than a warm chocolate dessert or drink this Winter and you can get both a Australia's leading  chocolate-based café, Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. This Winter, Max Brenner is...

Champagne is one of life's true pleasures. The light and sparkling beverage is often the drink for celebration or just a nice and refreshing drink that you can just enjoy. But did you know that Champagne is...

Truffle lovers rejoice! No longer a decadent delicacy available to the rich, truffles are now being warmly embraced on our plates and our humble Aussie palate. To celebrate the increasing popularity of...

Melburnians, get ready to experience ice cream heaven with Magnum opening the Magnum Pleasure Store at Emporium Melbourne. The Pleasure Store is home to the 'Make My Magnum' where you can, in six steps,...

Hidden away on a little lane off Melbourne's iconic Smith Street in Collingwood, Bad Frankie is the new bar on the block. While this city is a melting pot of different cultures, with a some of the world's...

If you haven't heard about the latest foodie destination, Rue & Co, you have been seriously hiding under a rock (or maybe you've been out of town). The pop up eating quarter has been the latest and...

Olivia Bortolotto of Cecconi's Melbourne launched La Tavola Della Famiglia Cecconi's matriarch, Olimpia Bortolotto has launched her first cookbook, La Tavola Della Famiglia. A memoir of recipes and...

This recipe came about on Australia day - lamingtons are obviously an Australian staple and favourite for such occasions. My friend Dean has sever celiacs disease. It's so bad that one crumb of gluten can put...

This winter is all about Chai according to the wonderful team at T2. After all, they should know all there is about tea! The rich, spicy and worldly flavour of Chai has become a favourite winter brew and to...

Colourful cooking is easy with Le Creuset cookware; the brand launching its second stand alone store in Australia at Melbourne's Emporium. The cookware brand, a perennial favourite of professional and...

The English are known as a nation of tea drinkers (amongst other things) and that's particularly true of Yorkshire, England's largest county. Famous for its charming tea rooms and rolling countryside,...

Hosted annually in the Victorian region of Rutherglen, the winery walkabout attracts a large crowd from both Victoria and New South Wales, to taste a selection of wines and muscats from the wineries across...

Now that June is here, winter has truly set in. While this fills most Melbourians with joy as we grab our black coats, a little part of us longs for the warmer seasons. This is where QV Melbourne comes...

Meet your Maker. An apt name for the unique dining experience Hammer and Tong 412 hosted last month. Meet your maker provided an innovative dining experience where executive chef Simon Ward (previously of Vue...

The La Máscara Beverage range launches with Dan Murphy's nationwide with its collection of premium, all natural and ready to serve cocktails, bringing a touch of class to any occasion. La Máscara is...

The Roast Collection This weekend sees the launch of The Roast Collection, brought to you by the makers of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival presented by the Bank of Melbourne. With more than 100...

After teasing us with some of the delicious delights from the pop up at Rue & Co, Kong BBQ is opening this Friday night at 599 Church Street, Richmond. The much anticpated restaurant is brought to you...

Watch out Zumbo, there's a new name in the world of desserts and pastries! Christy Tania, Head Chef from Om Nom Restaurant at the Adelphi Hotel, showed why she's the hottest name in food with her Mango Alfonso...

There are times when you attend events you have the chance to rub shoulders with the stars. However, every now and then you meet someone unexpected who just inspires you. I met Penny, a retired food writer,...

Need some cooking inspiration this weekend? We asked the team at Vodka O to provide us with some inspirational recipes featuring not your usual cooking ingredients, Vodka! The versatile spirit can be enjoyed...

We're all so wrapped up with powering through the day that we don't take the time to enjoy a break and enjoy it with delicious delights. So reinvigorate your tea time by adding one of Bakers Delights' new...

Paul Louis. It's French and it's sparkling, and it's what Champagne offers without the heavy price tag, what else could you ask for? Paul Louis was launched this week at Chris Lucas' newest Melbourne...

Want a way to get your chocolate fix without the guilt? Well Naturally is a range of sugar-free, naturally sweetened alternative to full-sugar chocolate. The latest product to tempt your taste buds are...

What's happening in the world of food in Melbourne? Couturing brings you the latest food news this week. Kenobi Bar launches in Melbourne Kenobi Bar is Melbourne's newest addition to the CBD bar scene,...

With Mother's Day fast approaching and if you still don't have the clearest idea on what to get mum, it's not too late. Why not try and give mum the night off? If you can't cook, we've got you covered. But why...

Some proclaim, everyday should be ‘Mother’s Day’, as mothers and indeed grandmothers, and if you’re lucky enough great-grandmothers, are the matriarchs of so many families. They are tireless, selfless...

Still looking for a gift for Mother's Day? Look no further than these Gourmet Gift ideas we've found just for you! Fabulous French Bubbles Mum will be super happy with a bottle of Laurent-Perrier...

Pop in to the new dining experience featuring three of Melbourne's most exciting restaurants. Rue & Co is the new destination for Melbourne food lovers featuring Jimmy Grants, St Ali and Chris Lucas'...

Think Tequila and think salt and a wedge of lemon? Well think again! Did you know that Tequila can be used in a variety of recipes to make a dish taste extra special? We spoke with the makers of Tequila Blu to...

Cecconi's Flinders Lane Restaurant & Cellar Bar has re-launched with a new look but don't worry, the same great range of rustic Italian delights are still on offer from the kitchens. The restaurant...

Healthy eating has just got a whole lot better with Yo-Chi, the latest brand to jump on the emerging frozen yoghurt trend. 98% fat free and using only the finest natural ingredients, Yo-Chi provides...

Celebrate this Easter with Australia's favourite chocolate brand, Cadbury, with a range including some of our old favourites like Mini Eggs and Creme Egg, but also some new products from the Marvellous...

Carlton’s The Town Mouse may only seat 42 diners but it is far from meek. The restaurant, which opened in early 2013, was previously home to the award-winning Embrasse. Housed in a Victorian Terrace with a...

The most southern part of the United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixieland, or simply the South—is an area comprising of 16 states including Louisiana, Kentucky, North Carolina...

Founded in 1849 and still going strong, family owned business La Maison Cointreau is back on the scene with Cointreau Noir, a new variant of Cointreau – the iconic square-bottled orange liqueur. With...

Innovative. Interesting. Indulgent. Not often words you associate with a High Tea, as the thought of such a food event conjures up thoughts of cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam. Definitely not a...

The most fashionable place to be seen outside of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival is the Rekorderlig Fashion Lounge at Central Pier, Docklands from 17-23 March 2014. Drawing on...

Eau De Vie is quite frankly a place that can easily be mistaken for something other than a cocktail bar. With no sign to provide any hints or indications as to what it hides, it is subtly concealed behind...

It looks like Chapel Street is finally getting that much needed revamp with the new kid on the block, Zhou Zhou, an oriental drinking den with a difference. Situated in the heart of Chapel Street above the...

Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. - Ernestine Ulmer Summer isn't over just yet so with a few warm days to come there is still plenty of time to enjoy tasty delights from some of our favourite ice cream...

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (28 February to 16 March 2014) now in its twenty second year is considered the premier culinary event of the year with activities and events featuring some of...

On a warm summer’s evening, Couturing had the pleasure of experiencing an ice cream degustation event held by Helados Jauja.  Calling Jauja ice cream is a bit like calling Beluga caviar, fish eggs - it's...

Generally, when you exit Melbourne Central, the first thing that comes to sight is the spectacle that is the State Library of Victoria. But because of the library’s sheer size, you may have easily missed The...

Looking for something interesting to see over the weekend and combine it with a tipple or two? Then make sure you check out The Zoo every Sunday afternoon at Trunk until end of March. Why you say?...

Not all those who wander are lost - JRR Tolkien Not a truer phrase said by those attending Domaine Chandon's annual Secret Garden Party.  With bubbles a plenty and delicious epicurean food, in the lush...

So it’s that time of year again where boys and girls put their love to the test and try to impress their other halves. For those who are single, this is probably the worst day of the year. Trust me, trying...

Discover your new favourite Fever-Tree product at Top Shelf , the new Boutique Drinks Festival this weekend in Melbourne. Fever-Tree’s range of premium natural mixers will be presented at their very own...

Melbourne's iconic art gallery and Auction house, Mossgreen, has opened a stylish new eatery in its High Street location. The Tearooms are in a heritage space, formerly the old Armadale Picture Theatre, with...

Looking for different places to try this weekend for a drink or two? Couturing has three great ideas for you to try this weekend. The Zoo at Trunk This Sunday, 2 February 2014, Trunk is launching...

Since moving out, I have had the ‘odd’ Vietnamese Food craving and the one thing I’ve missed the most is mum’s ‘Goi Cuon’. So every time it’s on the menu for family dinner, I am more than excited...

Thursday saw the launch of Brown Brother's Summer of Prosecco pop-up bar in Richmond. Melbourne personalities such as Scherri-Lee Biggs, Jo Stanley and Byron Cook from FoxFM, designer Toni Maticevski and...

Texas BBQ and burgers seem to be the food du jour as of late with food trucks devoted to burgers, restaurants claiming to have the best ribs, but where can you find one place that has all these foods together...

Summer is well and truly here in Melbourne. With consecutive 40 degrees plus weather, Melburnians are all looking for the perfect place to escape the heat. Whether you are looking for somewhere to catch up...

In a city that prides itself on fine dining and exquisite cafes and bars, it’s always hard for the optimistic newcomers to make their mark on Melbourne’s vibrant lifestyle. Located in a hidden alleyway...

A method spurred by history. A business inspired by family. Melbourne is well known for its love of gelato, so lovers of this authentic Italian dessert will be pleased to hear of the arrival of...

Melbourne's latest hot spot, The Emerson, has been setting tongues wagging as the latest must-visit place on the social scene. The multi-level Emerson plays host to a club, cocktail bar & lounge, and an...

Super Bowl Challenge I The Super Bowl is one America’s greatest events, showcasing the finest athletes culminating in the most tactical, brutal, and bizarre (to a foreigner) sport that is American...

Looking for a great drinking venue by the Yarra? Look no further than Veuve Clicquot's Airstream pop up bar by the banks of the Yarra. Veuve Clicquot starts  its country wide tour in the glamorous...

If you own a pizza oven or have a pizza stone tucked away at the back of your cupboard, do yourself a favour and attend a Pizza Master Class taught by Master Pizza Maker (or Piazollo) Johnny Di Francesco at...

No matter what people say, the Macaron craze isn't over, especially when you have deliciously beautiful macarons from La Belle Miette. I've been a great fan of the macarons from this little bakery since I...

Get ready for Summer, with Rekorderlig's specially created pack this season which is perfect for sharing! Inspired by the desire of discovery by lovers of the cider, the Beautifully Swedish Collection,...

Christmas definitely came early for some lucky guests who were invited to a very special occasion. Three years ago pastry chef Bernard Chu and entrepreneur Yenn Yee started their new dessert adventure in South...

You’ve probably already heard that Gary Mehigan, co-host of Masterchef, has sold his highly successful Fenix Restaurant in the inner city suburb of Richmond to concentrate on other ventures. Under the...

Festival. Noun: An occasion for feasting or celebration, especially a day or time of religious significance that recurs at regular intervals. I’ve never been a religious person; however, I have always...

As far as launches go, the opening of Rice Workshop resembled something more of a cosplay convention than a restaurant opening. The spectacle of Harajuku Girls (and Boys) originates from Harajuku district of...

GALLIANO, the sophisticated Italian liqueur of choice, will be bringing a taste of Italy to the Taste of Melbourne this Thursday 14 November by giving visitors the chance to sample the world's first Ristretto...

Melbourne Cup Carnival is more than just fashion, frivolity and fun. It's also about the food, with many high profile Australian chefs putting on outstanding menus for guests in the various marquees in the...

Celebrate the last of 'A Touch Of...' High Tea with a twist, making this High Tea a very special one on Sunday 17 November at Abbotsford Convent. “A Touch Of…” by Bursaria is a uniquely new High Tea...

November in Melbourne is usually associated with fashion and horses as the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival kicks off Spring fun, or Movember is also when men begin their journey to groom fantastical...

In much the same way that you wouldn't expect a coffee liqueur and ginger beer to make much of a drink but end up pleasantly surprised, the re-branding of Tia Maria could be best described as a collaboration...

Absolut put the 'Art' into party last week as it transformed new Melbourne hot spot, The Manhattan Lounge, for an Australian first initiative called The Blue Room by Absolut. The Blue Room saw influential...

Schweppes is bringing a twist to the Birdcage during Melbourne Cup Carnival, with a unique marquee that will provide an experience reminiscent of the Melbourne's best bars and restaurants. The 2013...

In a city where the bar and restaurant culture is among the best in the world, it is hard for a new comer to stand out. State of Grace, Melbourne's latest entry into the food and drink scene, left a...

Lavazza is serving up some fantastic Italian fare in the Birdcage during Melbourne Cup Carnival with some of Australia's best Italian chefs on hand creating their signature dish over the Melbourne Cup...

Tea lovers rejoice! The opening of Theic Tea Bar in Collingwood has brought speciality tea to the fore of Melbourne's cafe scene, with an establishment dedicated to the wonders of tea. Opened by Nathan...

90 Secondi. 400 Gradi. These are Johnny Di Francesco’s two pizzeria e cucinas located in the Docklands and East Brunswick, respectively. However more significantly, they aptly represent di Francesco’s...

Dumplings have become an institution in Melbourne for the young and old – from the cheap and “dirty” dumplings of Shanghai Dumplings which caters for the masses of hungry uni students, to the elegant...

Iconic Melbourne bar, 1806, won two Bartender Magazine Bar Awards recently, after being nominated for an unprecedented 7 Bartender Magazine Bar Awards. Owner, Lisa Kelly, and the teams at 1806 and The...

Pinot-philes (defn: Those that love Pinot Noir wine) gathered en-masse on Saturday in Melbourne at the St Kilda Town Hall for the second annual Pinot Palooza, a celebration of all things Pinot Noir. The...

New York based Jewellery designer, Samantha Wills, joined race-goers trackside at Flemington on Saturday for the Turnbull Stakes, as curator and host of Yellowglen house, one of the only public marquees for...

An iconic cocktail that can be recreated at home, the signature Schweppes Flemington Fling is the perfect drink trackside this year during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Created by Dave Kerr of Melbourne's The...

The one place you need to visit during the 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival (aside from the betting arena) is the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar on Level 1 of the Hill Stand, which was launched on Saturday at...

There are two things you notice when you first walk into George Calombaris' new venture, Gazi. The first is the amazing ceiling - ceramic pots placed across the whole surface. The second are the aromas coming...

ULTIMAT VODKA, one of the world’s leading and ultra-premium vodkas, is giving away over $5,000 and exclusive prizes in the Ultimat Vodka Short Film Competition. The competition invites all aspiring and...

The first-ever EFTERSKI FESTIVAL in Thredbo went off with a bang last weekend, with the sold out Big Air Big Beats event featuring three days of music, sport and film extravaganza. Sponsored by Rekorderlig...

Think Wine tastings are stuffy and boring? Well, think again as Pinot Palooza hits Melbourne-town on Saturday 5 October at St Kilda Town Hall for a wine tasting with a twist. Event organiser, Dan Sims,...

    Let's start this Editor's Test, with the following: if you are looking for great Italian food with a great atmosphere and delightful staff, you must visit Pinocchio's. This...

Do you yearn for a simpler time when people swanned about drinking tea, eating sweet things and generally enjoying a luxuriously lazy Sunday afternoon?  Well then you have not yearned in vain good people,...

Navigating Melbourne with gluten intolerance in your back pocket can be tough to say the least. If you've got other intolerances or eating preferences then that just makes things all the more tricky. Never...

Like some sort of budding annual event the Queen Victoria Market's Luna 1878 Night Market is back again this year, and this time it’s personal.  Just when you thought there was absolutely no reason to go...

Although Melbourne is the coffee Mecca of the antipodes there seems to be a strong undercurrent of tea pulsing through the cities arteries.   It might be coffee that kick-starts Melbourne’s engine but tea...

When people think of winter they rarely think of going down to the beach, which is the exactly why you should consider it.  The Mornington Peninsular is a sprawling wonderland and now - when the swarming...

To the majority of Melbournians, Docklands might as well be antipodean to where they lay their heads. It is in fact a mere block away from the CBD and thanks to a few clever cooks, there's a new reason to...

If, like most warm-blooded mammals, you have been suffering through the recent icy blasts - so cold they could extinct a dinosaur - then it’s high time you warmed yourself up with a stiff drink.  However,...