Good Food and Wine Show

Last Saturday Keith and I went to the Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Tickets were priced at $25 per person. It was very crowded but we got to do some food and wine tasting. Lunch at the venue was pretty impressive and affordable.

We were entertained to live cooking shows in the celebrity theatre. I managed to catch 3 shows lasting about 45 minutes each. The chefs were Tobie Puttock head chef of Fifteen Melbourne (started by Jamie Oliver), Peter Evans and Matt Moran head chef of Aria.

I also had my first taste of chilli wine! It certainly cleared my sore throat and flu that afternoon and warmed my stomach instantly. It makes a good winter warmer drink! Do not attempt this if chilli's not your cup of tea as it is really spicy.

Some of the booths
Could not resist taking a photo of the lovely cupcakes
More cakes
The lunch we had - Beef Wellington by Ben O'Donoghue served with Lindemans Reserve Shiraz
12 hour braised lamb, tarragon gnocchi "bubble & squeak" by Gary Mehigan
Rice pudding trifle with fresh raspberries, amaretting & baby meringues
Inside the celebrity theatre with Matt Moran
One of the meals prepared by Matt Moran - Veal with cheese and bacon
Grilled salmon

Banana Fritters

Matt Moran signing his cookbook at the end of the show

Later that evening, we crossed over to Crown complex for dinner. We chose Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons an Italian restaurant which opened recently. I was impressed with the bread section as it was very fresh and authentic.

We went straight to our mains as we were still quite full from the afternoon. I ordered a risotto of wild pork and chorizo. I thought that the risotto was a bit undercooked as it was rather grainy but the overall taste was good. Keith ordered the sea urchin pasta. I had a taste of the sea urchin but did not fancy it. Maybe it is an acquired taste I need to hone my taste buds to

We did not stay for dessert as we could not fit in anymore and the waiters were looking rather busy. We were lucky to be in and out of the restaurant in 40 minutes. The table next to us that came in at the same time did not have their orders taken until 30 minutes later! They were completely forgotten. They even had to wave the waiter over so I guess service is a bit of a hit and miss. I don't blame them as the restaurant was fully packed. Price wise it was quite reasonable.