FIVE GO TO EVENTS FOR GOOD FOOD MONTH

It’s that time of year again. Prepare to gorge, graze and guzzle Melbourne, The Age Good Food Month is kicking off. Following the success of last year’s gastronomic venture, November will see a month-long celebration that showcases the top shelf of city and regional restaurants, cafes, bars and producers. Gourmet-hunters and oenophiles alike can indulge in everything from masterclasses and markets to tastings and food trails; take a peek at the full program here.

To whet your appetites, here are five events sure to leave your bellies rumbling in anticipation. Best leave your belts and tight trousers at home.

Night Noodle Markets.

The sounds, smells and tastes of Asia return to the banks of the Yarra for the Night Noodle Markets. This year, the markets move from Alexandra Gardens to Birrarung Mar, and you’d be bang-on for thinking that a bigger space means more tasty offerings. Over 17 nights, the market welcomes back favourites Chin Chin, Mamak and Longrain; new kids on the block include Kong, Red Spice Road, Charlie Dumpling and Mr Miyagi. This food market meets outdoor festival hybrid represents every corner of Asia; expect cuisines from Korea, China and Vietnam to Nepal, Burma and Malaysia.

The market has dessert and coffee covered too, Gelato Messina will be serving up indulgent icy delights and St Ali’s pop-up will be on hand for those coveting a caffeine fix. Think you might want to hang around all night? With such a feast on offer, we’d be surprised if you didn’t.

WHERE: Birrarung Marr (near Fed Square), Melbourne
WHEN: Nov 14 – 30, times vary
COST: FREE, dishes $5-$15.
VISIT: http://melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com/noodlemarkets

Block Party @ UWS
Food meets design at MADE by Melbourne. A design collective curated by the Melbourne Design Market, MADE by Melbourne will feature design specialisations and installations from bespoke furniture and knitted jewellery to men’s leather accessories and ethically sourced homewares. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 3pm, MADE will see New York-style food trucks roll into Water Tank Way. For three days during Good Food Month, a pop-up food precinct will occupy the Upper West Side space including representatives from soon-to-be permanent tenants Top Paddock and Gumbo Kitchen. Our advice? Bring your appetite.

WHERE: Water Tank Way, Upper West Side, Corner of Spencer & Little Bourke
WHEN: Nov 21 -23, 11am – 10pm
COST: Free
VISIT: http://www.upperwestside.com.au

The Global Market Graze

For those that have ever had trouble hohumming between menu options, breathe a sigh of relief. And make for the Global Market Graze, a moveable feast that snakes its way through South Melbourne market restaurants indulging in dishes from Koy, Simply Spanish, Claypots Evening Star and Paco y Lola. Expect to devour slow-cooked beef cheek, red mole with mussels, a seafood cocktail, boregi and gozleme. This culinary jaunt through the continents offers diners the chance to visit all four restaurants; choose from a 6.30pm, 7.15pm or 8.00pm start.

WHERE: 322 – 326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
WHEN: Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 6.30pm – 9.45pm
COST: $88; beverages included with matched wines.
VISIT: http://www.southmelbournemarket.com.au/whats-new/global-market-graze/

Young Chefs Dinner

Keen to get a glimpse into the future of food in Melbourne? Book your seat at the Young Chefs Dinner. This sitdown do will see five up-and-coming kitchen talents prepare a five-course tasting menu with each chef running the pass for one course. Who will be sizzling and sautéing their way into your stomach? The Age Good Food Guide 2015’s Young Chef of the Year Josh Pelham is set to play host for the evening, and will be cooking alongside Vanessa Mateus (Pope Joan), Daniel Rahilly (Saint Crispin), George Tomlin (Town Mouse) and Jake Kellie (The Commoner). Get in quick, this one’s sure to sell out fast.

WHERE: 243 High Street, Northcote
WHEN: November 5 at 7pm.
COST: $150 including matched wine. Bookings essential.

Taste of Melbourne

If you’re in the mood for a garden party brimming with gastronomic goodies, make for the Taste of Melbourne – or simply follow your nose. Lakeside Albert Park will play host to more than 15 of Melbourne’s acclaimed restaurants, who will be taking part in traditional-style lunch and dinner services. Who can you expect at this foodie heaven? Think Mamasita, MoVida, Pope Joan, Burch & Purchese, Huxtable and Huxtaburger. Over four days and six sessions, each service offers up smattering of bite-sized dishes for discerning diners to sample. Session tickets are valid for four to five hours and include time to browse the artisan produce stalls. As if that wasn’t enough, Taste of Melbourne also boasts cooking classes at the Lurpak Cookery School, steins from the Munich Brauhaus Beer Hall and demonstrations at the Taste Kitchen.

WHERE: Pelican Lawns, Albert Park
WHEN: 13 – 16 November,
COST: From $25.49
VISIT: http://www.tasteofmelbourne.com.au