Piper Street, Kyneton evolves into Victoria's next hot gourmet destination

Piper Street, Kyneton is rapidly becoming a gourmand's dream destination, serving up some of the states some of the best eating and drinking experiences in regional Victoria.  While locals and savvy weekend trippers from Melbourne have been quick to catch on, Piper Street is still a fresh discovery for many. Two restaurants with an Age Good Food Guide One Chef Hat rating stand just a few doors away from each other (Annie Smithers' Bistrot and Royal George Hotel), while several exciting new eateries have opened their doors in recent times. It won't be a secret for much longer. 

Here are some highlights:

Slow Living, 37c Piper Street, Kyneton, Ph: (03) 5422 3818, www.slowliving.com.au

One of the unsung gems of the street, Slow Living's café and food store serves up tasty meals using locally grown organic and seasonal produce. The café has a rustic convivial atmosphere with a warming wood-fired stove, large communal tables and a wonderfully spacious veranda overlooking the historic streetscape.  Open seven days a week, the owners reduce food miles by continually scouring the region to feature the pick of local farmer's crops in their dishes, serving up a menu that changes to reflect the climate: in winter you may find handmade pork and fennel sausages served with creamy mash made from local organic potatoes, and in summer, a refreshing menu featuring vine ripened heirloom tomatoes, freshly picked greens, locally produced smallgoods, cheeses, olives, organic stonefruit and biodynamic berries.
Slow Living also sell their own range of certified organic drygoods including stone milled bread and cake flours, oats, spices, coffee beans, pasta, cereals, olive oil, dried fruit and honey, along with local, seasonal fresh produce.

Little Swallow Café, 58a Piper Street, Ph: (03) 5422 6241, www.littleswallowcafe.com.au

With a background working at high end places like Melbourne's Jacques Reymond (Melbourne) and Pierre Gaignaire (Paris), chef Steven Rogers and wife Sarah decided to go back to basics, opening this European-style café in late 2008. A diminutive space with dark wood furnishings, The Little Swallow serves up high quality, simple food using ingredients from local suppliers in the Macedon Ranges. Among the mouth-watering dishes on offer: warm istra chorizo with potato and lemon, Turkish spiced lamb flat read with roquette and yoghurt and traditional eggs benedict.


Royal George Hotel, 24 Piper St, Kyneton, Ph: (03) 54221390

Since taking over the Royal George Hotel earlier this year, new owners Neil Henson and Jim Lekakis have bought on a new global team on board in the kitchen headed up by chef Chris Wade. Most recently heading up the kitchen at Seagrass (Docklands), Wade was traditionally French trained and spent considerable time overseas working with some of the world's greats including Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White. Utilising his considerable international experience to give a contemporary flavour to regional produce from central Victoria, Wade's new winter menu - together with matching wines -  is now available for your culinary enjoyment.


Inner Biscuit, 34 Piper St, Kyneton, Ph: 5422 1129, website: www.innerbiscuit.com

Artisan baker and pastry cook, Mara Szoeke, formerly wored the ovens at Loafer Bread in Brunswick Street, North Fitzroy, before deciding on a ‘tree-change' and opened Inner Biscuit on Piper Street about two months ago. This small, funky café features a wonderful array of organic biscuits and European style baked pastries. Visit for lunch and enjoy borscht (Russian soup), followed by Sri Lankan spiced fruitcake - already a favourite with the locals.

 

 

 

Life's Sweet, 59 Piper Street, Kyneton, Ph: (03) 5422 6226, www.lifessweet.com.au

Cupcakes are the new black. Remember that. Although there would be some that might say the beloved miniature explosions of sugar, butter, flour and (sigh…) icing sugar have never really been ‘out', its clear that in the last few years they have enjoyed a major renaissance turning up not only at the best restaurants, gourmet cafes and several of Melbourne's hip bars. But there are cupcakes and there are cupcakes. Those who want to progress to the status of T.C.A. (True Cupcake Aficionado), you won't make the grade until you've headed out to Kyneton and sampled at least one of the outstanding designer cupcakes on offer at Life's Sweet - because they are really that good. Among the delectable 25+ cupcake combinations you can sample include traditional vanilla to the more contemporary variety with couverture chocolate, whole fruit, freshly roasted nuts as well as delicious gluten free and dairy free options.

Pizza Verde, 62 Pipe Street, Kyneton Ph: (03) 54227400, www.pizzaverde.com

Pizza Verde is known for its woodfired pizzas, made from 100 per cent organic flour and local ingredients. Try the roast pumpkin pizza with goats cheese, pine nuts, tomato and rocket; or the pork and fennel sausage pizza with cherry tomato, parmesan and oregano. The restaurant also offers special cooking classes for kids - see their website for the next session coming up in July. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annie Smithers' Bistrot, 72 Piper Street, Kyneton Ph: (03) 5422 2023, www.anniesmithers.com.au

Awarded a coveted One Chef's Hat rating in The Age Good Food Guide and Two Wine Glasses in The Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide, Annie Smithers' Bistrot is a small French Bistrot catering to the ‘food and wine savvy' of the Macedon Ranges. The dining area overflows into a wine and produce store packed full of Annie's seasonal preserves and the best local wines.

New Wining and Dining Hotspots

When it comes to new restaurants opening, Asian chic is all the rage. Check out these recently opened eateries that combine innovative cooking, be it Japanese, Chinese cuisine, south east Asian or Vietnamese fusion,  in stylish settings.

Pan Asian, 267 Chapel St, Prahran, Ph: (03) 9533 7022

Located in the bustling precinct of Chapel Street, Pan Asian serves top-end cuisine using Thai, Japanese, Indian Malaysian, Chinese and Indochinese influences with an emphasis on discovery, flavour and balance.

The menu is a playful and unique experience of delicious and modern concepts, prepared by executive chef Kin San (ex Taxi) with a well considered list of dishes integrating great delicacy and artistry.

Pan Asian marries food and drink seamlessly utilising cocktail specialists, 1806 cocktail bar. 1806 has created a cocktail list that unites the food and drink offering with a seductive, sophisticated menu inspired by classic Asian ingredients such as basil, limes and tropical fruits.

The food and cocktail concept is perfectly matched by the décor and ambience. The interior is vibrant and striking with bold graphics and a mural depicting the four deities of Pan Asian cuisine hung in the centre of the restaurant.

Pan Asian offers dining options for all occasions - from delicious fast fresh meals, cocktails, private corporate and special events.

Ichi Ni, 12 The Esplanade, St Kilda, Ph: (03) 9534 1212

Desire authentic, fresh and delicious Japanese food? Save the airfares and journey down to Ichi Ni to check out one of the newest residents to call the St Kilda Esplanade home.

As the newest project for the owners of The Espy, Ichi Ni is a dining experience that mixes genuine Japanese style with one of Melbourne's most iconic backdrops. Host to a picturesque view spanning across Port Phillip Bay, visitors can enjoy a selection of tapas style dishes such as sashimi or plump, oysters served with a ponzu and spring onion dressing.

Following in the footsteps of Nihonshu (CBD) and Maedaya (Richmond), Ichi Ni is one of several new places in Melbourne to operate as an Izakaya (a Japanese style pub with food).

Whether it is the view while sipping an asahi beer or sampling a saki - Ichi Ni is a little bit of Japan with a big impact on the tastebuds.

Kam Fook, Westfield Centre, Doncaster, Ph: (03) 9005 1888

Opened in April this year, Kam Fook is the slick and modern yum cha dining experience.   

Seating up to 220 people in a room, Kam Fook not only boasts fine food but a panoramic and commanding view of the outlying eastern suburbs and the Melbourne city skyline in the distance.

Kam Fook's food is fresh, flavoursome and fast. Choose from favourable yum cha dishes such as the Peking duck, prawn dumplings and barbeque pork buns. The restaurant also offers a  delectable  a la carte Chinese cuisine; snow crab cooked in mornay sauce or a whole supreme Kirin coral trout.

The interior follows an east meets west flavour accompanied by traditional and modern trimmings. Dark wood Chinese dining chairs interlace with the modern hawker bar. From black embossed wallpaper to the contrasting white pebbled walls, Kam Fook is a dining pleasure for intimate groups, large functions or families.

Man Bo, 361 Moorabool Street, Geelong, (03) 5221 7888

Owned by one of the Bellarine’s most prolific restaurateurs Rick Munday, Man Bo is the newest restaurants to ignite Geelong’s food scene.

Man Bo interweaves the region’s love of seafood into its menu, with such a delicious and unique result. Do not expect to be faced by a casual and typical Cantonese restaurant. The seafood selection is incredibly impressive as is the presentation. Try the steamed seafood parcels of scallops, prawns and fish tied at the top by a strand of spring onion. Translation: a scrumptious, little seafood package all in one.

Combining traditional elements of authentic Chinese décor with a twist of modern-retro fittings to the venue creates a genuinely enjoyable space while playing on the element of fun.

Get the tables turning and try one of Geelong’s most exciting restaurants to hit the city. 

Melbourne Specialist Cheese Show - and 300 handcrafted cheeses comes to Crown

Despite the ever growing array of diets and weight loss regimes out there, the highly anticipated arrival of the Melbourne Specialist Cheese show proves that, for most of us, life is a lot more fun with a bit of saturated fat.

Taking place at the Palladium Room at Crown on Sunday 23 August, turophiles (the official name for ‘cheese fancier') can sample more than 300 handcrafted cheeses from the nation's finest cheese makers, meet the artisans of the curd creations on show and even take part in a cheese and wine or cheese and beer matching tutorial.

The Victorian contingent in the show includes four highly respected artisan cheese producers that have built a reputation not only for their superior product but also for their wonderful farm-gate shops that have evolved into must-visit destinations for tourists. Sample their wares at the Melbourne Specialist Cheese Show to get a snapshot of the great ‘cheese tourism' offerings out there.

Locheilan Cheese (Shepparton) - Murray Valley dairy farmers Sue and Bruce McGorlick opened their cheese factory only five years ago, but have already garnered considerable acclaim for their creamy white mould cheese, blue vein and crumbly, morning-milk fetta. The farm welcomes visitors, with the cheesery open for walk throughs, sales and tastings from Wednesday to Sunday.

Apostle Whey Cheese (Great Ocean Road) - Among the delights in store for visitors who drop by this family farm at L'Lubatol, is Apostle Whey's signature ‘Misty Moonlight Head' (mild blue vein) and the uniquely named ‘Apostle Crumble'- mouth-watering cheese marinated in oil spiced with  generous dash of herbs.

The Milawa Cheese Company - Located in North East Victoria's famed wine region, Milawa Cheese produces some of the most famous of Victoria's artisan cheeses, all hand made at the historic Milawa Butter Factory using traditional methods, without preservatives and using non-animal rennet. Visitors who drop by the Milawa Cheese Shop can not only sample their range of cheeses but also taste wines from local winery Woodpark Wines (the shop acts as their cellar door), buy artisan sourdough bread from the onsite bakery, enjoy a meal at their acclaimed restaurant (awarded a One Chef's Hat rating in The Age Good Food Guide) and view exhibitions by local artists at The Muse Art Gallery.

Yarra Valley Dairy - Located in a 100 year old milking shed with beautiful views of the Yarra Valley, the Yarra Valley Dairy shop has long been an iconic ‘must-visit' tourist destination region. It is constantly packed with visitors keen to sample the dairy's famous Persian Fetta (cows milk cheese marinated in fine herbs, garlic and oil), and Le JackTM and YeringTM  (Australian interpretations of the Camembert style) as well as other handmade farmhouse cheeses.

The Melbourne Specialist Cheese Show is on Sunday 23 August, 11am - 4pm, at Palladium Room, Crown Entertainment Complex. Show Tickets are $45, which includes unlimited cheese tastings and five wine and or beer tastings.

For further information, go to: (03) 9381 1777 or www.australiancheese.org
Media contact: Donna La Page (03) 03 9645 6588 or email: donna@lepage-pr.com.au

 

Put Victoria on Your Table

Melbourne Food and Wine, the organisers of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and the Victorian Wine Industry Association (VWIA) have joined forces to launch "Put Victoria on Your Table", a new state-wide campaign that aims to encourage consumption of and consumer loyalty to the food and wine of Victoria.

Showcasing the state's bounty across Melbourne and regional Victoria, promotional activity for the campaign will span events such as Cellar Door in Crown Palladium (Sunday 26 July) and The Age Good Food Guide Winter Restaurant Express (26 July - 9 August), to in-store wine tastings across Victoria and a special Pies & Pinots promotion throughout participating pubs and hotels.
Victorians will be urged to eat, drink and shop where they see the Put Victoria on Your Table logo, which includes produce markets, wine retail outlets and restaurants and cafe menus.

Sponsored by Regional Development Victoria, "Put Victoria on Your Table" will run from 26 July to 9 August 2009.

For further information: www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
Media contact: Sally Brown, Melbourne Food and Wine, Ph: (03) 9823 6113 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Discover the hidden secrets of Dunkeld

On 5 and 6 September, Dunkeld, one of Australia's most acclaimed gourmet destinations, will throw open its doors for the ‘Discover Dunkeld' weekend, giving visitors the chance to discover the many hidden facets of the town's culture, history, stunning landscapes and personalities.

Included among the program will be tours of the Mount Sturgeon Homestead; a tour and yoga session with Frank Jesse at the picturesque Griffins Hill Retreat and Yoga Studio; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Mail wine cellar by the hotel's wine director, Lok Thornton (pictured) and live jazz in the Royal Mail Hotel courtyard.

There will be many offerings for nature lovers including touring the Dunkeld Arboretum, hiking the Piccaninny Trail in Grampians National Park with a local ranger, searching for wildflowers at the Aquila Eco Lodges bushland property and a guided tour of the many local open gardens.

A new history of Dunkeld written by leading art historian Andrew Mackenzie will be launched over the weekend, while visitors who can travel just a short distance from the town will be able to taste cheese at Grampians Pure Sheep Dairy and sample wines at the local wineries of Varrenti and Corea.

To celebrate this special weekend, all Dunkeld accommodation providers will offer a special ‘stay three nights pay for two' package - call 1800 807 056 for more information.

For further information: call 1800 807 056 to obtain a program or visit the visitor information Centres at Dunkeld and Hamilton.
Media contact: Julianne Bagnato, ph: (03) 55772241, mobile: 0432 227880, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Melbourne' surrounding regions offer great short breaks deals for winter

The regions surrounding Melbourne - Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and Ballarat have joined forces to provide a range of special winter offers - encouraging visitors to venture beyond the CBD to enjoy a short break.

Visit the Melbourne and Surrounds website (www.melbournesurrounds.com.au) to find out more about special winter packages which are designed to give visitors an opportunity to enjoy both the buzz of Melbourne and some of Victoria's most enchanting regions - all less than 90 minutes away from the city.

Highlights include:

Yarra Valley and The Dandenongs -  A host of leading properies are offering special Winter Wellbeing Packages with spa treatments, gourmet food and wine experiences and romantic accommodation packages.

Mornington Peninsula - The Mornington Peninsula has many great accommodation deals that tie into its Winter Indulgence program, including a Peppers Moonah Links package that includes accommodation, dinner and pampering at the nearby Peninsula Hot Springs for just $399 per couple.

Phillip Island - Now is the time to experience the roaring ocean, scenic walks and famous nature reserves at Phillip Island with a ‘Winter Warmer' package being offered at the recently opened Silverwater Resort (San Remo) which includes accommodation, in-house movies, chocolates and a special Penguin Eco Adventure at the world renowned Phillip Island Nature Park. 

Ballarat - The World Famous Sovereign Hill is offering a great Melbourne and Surrounds package for families (two adults and two children) for $465 which includes: one night's accommodation at Sovereign Hill Lodge, meals, two day entry to Sovereign Hill, admission to the Gold Museum and tickets to the Blood on the Southern Cross show. The nearby Novotel Forest Resort Creswick also has special winter accommodation packages with wine, breakfast and vouchers towards spa treatments or golf game to shake off the winter blues.

The Melbourne and Surrounds special offers are available until August 31.

For further information: www.melbournesurrounds.com.au
Media Contact: Susan Wright, Q Strategies (03) 9415 9000, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Queenscliff's famous Blues Train to leave the station two months early

Due to popular demand, the world's one and only Blues Train, located in the historical coastal town of Queenscliff, is starting its 2009-2010 season two months earlier than usual.

Dates in August and September have been added, and the organisers have taken extra steps to ensure passenger comfort during these colder months by adding a special winter menu, platform heating to make the carriages toasty warm, as well organising special rates on accommodation in the area.

The Blues Train, which is now sporting a brand new T-class #251 steam engine, is a unique award-winning experience that combines a steam train journey along Drysdale railway line on the scenic Bellarine Peninsula, with performances from Australia's best live blues acts, a delicious meal and fine wines.

Tickets for the 2009-2010 season are on sale now.

For further information: www.thebluestrain.com.au            
Media contact: Hugo T. Armstrong, The Blues Train, Ph: 0409 553 702

 

Goldfields Product Update - new ‘laneway' bar, restaurant, gallery, arts fes

Winter is a great time to visit The Goldfields with two hot new wining / dining venues, the Basement on View and The Dispensary Enoteca, just opened in Bendigo, and many acclaimed retail, cultural offerings and events to check out.

The Basement on View is an exciting new restaurant in the elegantly refurbished basement of Bendigo's heritage-listed Capital Theatre. With a relaxed ambience, visitors can enjoy fine plunger espresso coffee, teas of the world, cakes, fine wines and meal, and there's also a delightful gift shop that sells quality handicrafts from Myanmar and India, with all profits going back to help the underprivileged.

Visitors can have their own laneway bar experience in Bendigo with the opening of The Dispensary Enoteca in Chancery Lane, a new café/bar/restaurant and wine cellar rolled into one. Open seven days a week, there's some serious talent behind this venture: co-owner Tim Baxter was formerly sales / marketing manager at Ten Minutes by Tractor, while the other partner in the business, Hayden Winch, used to be the manager of Daylesford's iconic Lake House. Chef Travis Rodwell is formerly of L'Oustal and Echuca's Oscar W. The drinks list boasts more than 100 varieties of single malt whisky and over 250 wines.

The region's reputation as a creative hub continues to grow with the recent opening of Artizen Gallery, a new venture at Bendigo Pottery, and also the forthcoming Ballarat International Foto Biennale in September. Established by local sculptors Yvonne George and Jaqui Abel, Artizen Gallery offers art lovers an opportunity to purchase or commission sculptures by artists for both residential and large scale commercial and public spaces. The Ballarat International Foto Biennale (4 Sept - 4 Oct), a month-long celebration of photography and photographic art,  will present an exciting and eclectic range of the best photography from Australia and the world.

When in Castlemaine don't miss a visit to Drummond Body Care, a unique retail business that produces and sells its own range of totally petro-chemically free body and skin care products including gorgeous and very reasonable priced shampoos and conditioners and a large range of cosmetics and beauty products from every day hand creams, moisturisers and face masks to indulgent rose petal body scrubs, face masks, rose bath salts and luxury face moisturisers.

For more information:
Basement on View: www.basementonview.bendimar.com.au
The Dispensary Enoteca: www.thedispensaryenoteca.com
Artizen Gallery at Bendigo Pottery: www.bendigopottery.com.au.
Drummond Cottage: Ph: (03) 5472 2344
Ballarat Photo Biennale: www.ballaratfoto.org

 

The Art of Good Food

Three of the state's most acclaimed chefs, Stefano De Pieri (Stefanos), Shannon Bennett (Vue de Monde) and Guy Grossi (Grossi Florentino, Mirka @ Tolarno) are each undertaking their own collaborative projects with a major art gallery in Victoria.

In Mildura, Stefano De Pieri and recently opened exhibition / studio space The Arts Vault have collaborated to bring a new program ‘The Long Lunch', to Stefano's Gallery 25, at 25 Deakin Avenue (which also shares the space with Stefano's Cellar Door and Bar). Members of the public who book in for the lunch get the chance to enjoy a delicious three course meal prepared by De Pieri and chance to meet with current artist in residence at Arts Vault in a relaxed social environment. Information about the forthcoming Long Lunch dates is available at

Also in arts-meets-food news, Heide Museum of Modern Art announced last month that Vue de monde's Shannon Bennett, will operate the museum's new café, Café Vue at Heide and the functions and events offering at the museum, to be called Vue de monde Events at Heide.  Café Vue at Heide, which signifies Bennett's first on-ongoing collaboration with a museum, will offer a menu that comprises of dishes suited to a casual lunch with friends through to those ideal for sumptuous picnics in Heide's iconic Sculpture Garden.

One of Melbourne's more established arts-food collaborations is ACCA @ Mirka, a partnership between respected Melbourne restaurateur Guy Grossi and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).  When Grossi opened his new restaurant Mirka at Tolarno Hotel in 2007, he was aware of the unique role the building played in Melbourne art history, Grossi approached ACCA director Juliana Engberg asking whether she and her team her would create a series of contemporary exhibitions to take place in the gallery room, abridging the new restaurant.  The ACCA at Mirka program runs four exhibitions a year featuring emerging Australian artists.
  The building that now houses Grossi's Mirka at Tolarno Hotel used to be owned by Georges Mora, restaurateur, gallery owner and curator and his wife Mirka, one of Melbourne's most famous artists.

For further information:
The Long Lunch at The Arts Vault: www.theartvault.com.au
Café Vue at Heide Museum: www.heide.com.au
ACCA at Mirka at Tolarno Hotel: www.accaonline.org.au/Mirka or www.mirkatolarnohotel.com

 

Be tempted by the Mornington Peninsula's new Winter Indulgence program

Leading wineries, restaurants, spas, gardens, golf courses and accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula have worked together to create the 2009 Winter Indulgence program (1 June - 31 August), a special seasonal offering of tempting food and wine adventures and experiences only available over winter including special tours, accommodation packages, special dinners, and meet-the-maker food and wine events.

Available from the Visit Mornington peninsula website (www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org), some highlights of Winter Indulgence include the ‘Harvest on Horseback tour' at Lindenderry Red Hill, which combines horse trail rides with wine tastings at Red Hill's vineyards with lunch and accommodation; High Tea and Spa Sundays at Woodland Estate and special Winter Beer Appreciation Sessions on the first Sunday of each month and a ‘Breakfast and Bathe' package at Peninsula Hot Springs.

The Winter Indulgence program also has many food / wine themed offers and events including Saturday evening soirees at Stillwater at Crittenden Estate (including degustation menus matched with premium wines and live entertainment), Winter Winemaker dinners at  Ten Minutes by Tractor in Red Hill, and midweek winter lunch specials at several of the peninsula's most acclaimed winery restaurants including Salix at Willow Creek, Tucks Ridge, Stillwater at Crittenden, Merricks General Store and Dromana Estate Café and Cellar Door.

For further information: www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
For media information and images: Q Strategies Ph: (03) 9415 9000

 

Kids stay for one cent at Big4 Holiday Parks in Victoria

There is no better time than the present to grab your kids and head to a BIG4 Holiday Parks in Victoria for a family getaway - with kids staying for just one cent* at Victorian BIG4 Holiday Parks until September 2009.

And, if you're a BIG4 Member you will save even more on your winter escape - with all BIG4 Club Members still receiving up to 10 percent off the price of their accommodation.

BIG4 Holiday Parks have facilities sure to keep the kids entertained for hours so your winter holiday is guaranteed to be a relaxing one.  Nestle on your decking with a book while the kids spend hours playing on giant jumping castles, run amok in an adventure playground, or get out and about and enjoy some of the local attraction without the peak season queues.

To book, go to big4.com.au or call participating BIG4 Victorian Parks direct quoting promotional code KIDS.

Please visit BIG4 website for list of parks participating in this special offer.

*Conditions of offer: Not valid over school holidays, special events or public holidays. Minimum 2 night stay applies. Offer is based on 2 adults and 2 children, additional guests will be charged at normal rates. Charge for kids is 1 cent per child per day. No other offer applies except BIG4 Club Member saving of 10% up to $30 per stay. See big4.com.au for full details. Facilities at each park may vary.
             
For further information: visit big4.com.au
Media contact: Holly Gardner, The PR Edge, Ph: (03) 8416 6771 or email:

 

Diary

Victoria's Events, late July - August 2009

Melbourne

This Is Not A Design Market, The Factory, Latrobe Street, Melbourne, 19 July
Forget hotchpotch flea markets and home-spun craft fairs, ‘This Is Not A Design Market' is about to change the way we think about markets forever. Part of the State of Design Festival, the first instalment of ‘This Is Not A Design Market 'T will showcase some of the most influential and cutting-edge designers this country has to offer.  Step inside This Is Not A Design Market and you'll find prominent names such as fashion designer Leonard St., homewares brand Third Drawer Down and graphic designer Studio Pip and Co.
For further information: www.thisisnotadesignmarket.com
Media contact: Sally Urquhart, littleBig Marketing & PR, Ph: 0438 262 989 or sally@littlebigmarketing.com

Kathy Temin 1989-2009, Heidi Museum of Modern Art, 1 August to 8 November
Kathy Temin 1989-2009 is a 20-year survey of the work of Australian artist Kathy Temin, examining the conceptual and material evolution of the artist's practice up to the present day. The exhibition considers her work's reflections on biography, art and design histories, social relations and cultural icons and concepts of the feminine and the body.The survey ranges from Temin's influential early works to the major installations, performance projects and immersive environments that exemplify her practice.
For further information: www.heidi.com.au
Media contact: Magda Petkoff, Ph: 0409 436 473 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Chocolate Rush Festival, Melbourne Showgrounds, 8 - 9 August
Held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, located in Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, Chocolate Rush will provide a weekend of pure indulgence and includes a variety of hands-on chocolate workshops, chocolate and wine matching classes, tasting classes, master classes, demonstrations, live entertainment, kids activities and a chocolate market. Chocolate Rush is aimed to educate, indulge and challenge your palate.
For further information: visit www.chocolaterush.com.au
Media contact: Long Grass Projects on 03 5425 3257

Melbourne Writers Festival, 21 - 30 August
More than 300 authors from across the world will be in Melbourne for the Melbourne Writers Festival. The passion for books and ideas is brought to life when the festival brings the written word to life with author readings, in-depth discussions with authors, panels, master-classes, idea forums, kids activities, debate and discussion in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square. There will be international, national and local writers ranging from social and cultural commentators, philosophers, crime writers, poets, screenwriters to historians who will participate in ten days of literary events during Australia's premier writers' festival.
For further information: www.mwf.com.au
Media contact: Magda Petkoff at Purple Media on 0409 436 473

Jersey Boys, Princess Theatre, Melbourne, from 4 July
"Too good to be true" raved the New York Post about Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony Award winning Best Musical about the rock ‘n roll group - The Four Seasons. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids, including lead singer Frankie Valli, became one of pop music's great success stories. They wrote their own songs, invented a new sound and sold 175 million records world-wide - before they were 30!
For more information: www.jerseyboysaustralia.com.au
Media contact: Howie and Taylor Publicity on (03) 9654 3431

Melbourne International Film Festival, 24 July - 9 August
Movie buffs are in for a treat when the Melbourne International Film Festival screens cinematic sensations from more than 50 countries during 19 days from 24 July to 9 August. The festival also showcases new Australian films by established and emerging film-makers and is regarded as one of the largest and longest running festivals in the Asia Pacific region. Spot the celebrities in the audience, experience all the colour and excitement and see films before they hit the cinemas.
For further information: call (03) 9662 3722 or visit www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au
Media contact: Limelight PR on (03) 8660 4816

Wicked, Melbourne, until 9 August, 2009
The Broadway hit Wicked is delighting audiences at the glorious Regent Theatre. Wicked follows the tale of two girls who meet in the Land of Oz - one born with emerald-green skin who is smart, fiery and misunderstood; and the other who is beautiful, ambitious and popular. How these two unlikely friends wind up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes Wicked the most spellbinding musical ever.
For further information: visit www.wickedthemusical.com.au
Media contact: Howie and Taylor Publicity on (03) 9654 3431

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces - Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire, Until 4 October
Salvador Dalí: Liquid Desire is the first comprehensive retrospective of the work of Salvador Dalí ever staged in Australia. The exhibition is drawn from the holdings of the two largest collections of Dalí in the world - the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí in Figueres, Spain and the Salvador Dalí Museum in St Petersburg, Florida. A full retrospective, the exhibition will comprise more than 200 works in all media - painting, drawing, watercolour, etchings, sculpture, fashion, jewellery, cinema and photography. NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
For further information: call (03) 8620 2222 or visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Media contact: Erin Reeve, NGV on (03) 8620 2345 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces - A Day in Pompeii, until 25 October
Melbourne Museum has secured the exclusive Australian rights to show the exhibition A Day in Pompeii featuring exquisitely preserved artefacts from the archaeological collection of the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei. The exhibition is presented as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series. The exhibition tells the fateful and intriguing story of the eruption of Mt Vesuvius on 24 August, 79AD. The exhibition features exceptional objects that lay buried in Pompeii's ruins for over 17 centuries.  Included are room-size frescoes, marble and bronze sculptures and everyday household items - all of which evoke the richness and culture of daily life in the Roman Empire's favourite vacation resort. Admission fees apply.
For further information:  www.museumvictoria.com.au
Media contact: Jessica Bendell, Ph: (03) 8341 7726 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, Until 3 November
Could cars that hover above the ground become the mass transport of the future? Will we ever have droids like C-3PO in real life? Fantasy and reality join forces in Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. This is the first exhibition to showcase more than 80 costumes, models and props from all six Star Wars films.Enjoy this innovative exhibition at Scienceworks in Spotswood.
For further information: www.museumvictoria.com.au/starwars
Media contact: Tatia Sloley Ph: (03) 9419 8837 or email: tatia@tspublicity.com.au

The Burlesque Hour ... Legends!, fortyfivedownstairs, 25 June to 2 August
The legendary, indefinable, genre busting, burlesque-eats-its-young salon that has critics raving and festival audiences around the world in raptures, comes home to Melbourne. From London cult cabaret legend Ursula Martinez, star of the Olivier Award winning La Clique, Australia's darkest singing angel, Paul Capsis, to Miss Toni Lamond, the legend of Australian Variety declared by the Sydney Morning Herald as "The Ultimate Showgirl", The Burlesque Hour mixes it up with the very best stars of the stratosphere.  
For further information: call (03) 9662 9966 or go to www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
Media contact: Miranda Brown Publicity, Ph: (03) 9419 0931 or email:  miranda@mbpublicity.com.au

Paul Yore: The Big Rainbow Funhouse of Cosmic Brutality, Heidi Museum of Modern Art, until 15 November
A fantastical insight into contemporary consumer culture, The Big Rainbow Funhouse of Cosmic Brutality by Melbourne artist Paul Yore is a site-specific version of an installation made from numerous everyday throwaway items, both natural and artificial. Glittery psychedelia, plastic objects, fake flowers and real branches are intricately organised into shrine-like arrangements and spaces for reflection, patching together a joyful and contemplative garden of delights, wherein this cheap detritus may function in a new way.
For further information: www.heidi.com.au
Media Contact: Magda Petkoff Ph: (03) 9328 4522 or email: magda@purplemedia.com.au

Mix It Up, the Arts Centre, throughout winter 2009
The Arts Centre's Mix It Up celebrates the cultural diversity of Victoria through music, dance and theatre from around the world. Held over several months at the Arts Centre, Mix It Up captures the best international and local artists in a series of free and ticketed events. 
For further information:  visit www.theartscentre.net.au

Regional

Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland, 29 July - 2 August
The Tour of Gippsland is the first event of the National Teams Cycling Series and part of the Scody Cup Series. It is a five-day tour encompassing a stunningly-beautiful and challenging course showcasing Gippsland at its best. The tour will be contested by up to 100 internationally-rated professional cyclists from all Australian states and some from overseas.
For further information: www.caribou.net.au

A Celebration of Food and Wine, Port Fairy, July 31- August 2
On the weekend of July 31- August 2, 2009 - Port Fairy will play host to its third ‘Winter Weekend' themed weekend - this time entitled ‘A Celebration of Food and Wine'. The weekend is set dazzle visitors and locals alike with a gastronomic array of exhibitions, markets, cooking classes and sumptuous winemaker dinners - with something sure to satisfy the fussiest of tastebuds.
For further information: www.winter.port-fairy.com

Words in Winter Celebrations 2009, Daylesford, 31 July - 2 August
If there's a word for it, it will be celebrated with poetry readings, plays, films, cryptic crosswords, novellas, workshops, music and song at the Words in Winter Celebrations 2009.  Now in its nineth year, the annual celebration is a joyous gathering of poets, authors, artists, musicians and wordsmiths in the Shire of Hepburn.
For further information: visit www.wordsinwinter.com.au

Hamilton Sheepvention, 3 - 4 August
The Hamilton Sheepvention is an agricultural field day promoting the sheep, wool and rural industries. The Sheepvention features sheep and alpaca shows, ram sale, yard dog competition, machinery, general information, craft and a fashion show.
For further information: call 03 5572 2563 or visit www.sheepvention.com

Ned Kelly Weekend, Beechworth, 7 - 9 August
Beechworth's Ned Kelly Weekend is a celebration of the connection that Beechworth had with Australia's most infamous bushranger. The lively program features re-enactments, theatre, art, music, displays, market stalls, competitions and talks by leading authorities on the subject of the life and times of Ned Kelly.
For further information: visit www.beechworthonline.com.au
Media contact: Sue Couttie on 03 5728 8061

Paul Margocsy exhibition, Old Post Office Fine Art Gallery, Seymour, 9 August - 27 Sept
Bi-annual exhibition of recent bird paintings by internationally acclaimed Australian Artist Paul Margocsy. The artist will be present for the opening of his exhibition on 9 August, so join him for refreshment by the open fire. The Old Post Office also features more than 200 other paintings by multi-award winning artists plus sculpture, woodwork, ceramics and art glass.
For further information: call (03) 5792 3170 or go to www.artseymour.com.au

Admella 150 Festival, Portland, August 13-15
Portland will come alive to commemorate 150 years of the wreck of the SS Admella, one of the worst maritime disasters in Australian history and an event of national significance. Portland is hosting the final four days of the ten day Festival, themed ‘Commemorating a tragedy; Celebrating volunteerism', which begins in South Australia on Thursday 6 August. The Portland Opening night will be a fantastic mixture of historical drama and a free bonfire on the beach with fireworks and the Portland Citizens Brass Band - a interpretive re-enactment of what happened when the Portland rescuers brought the survivors into Portland 150 years ago.
For further information: www.admella.org.au

Feast On Phillip Island, 21-23 August 21-23, 2009
Enjoy a weekend of great food and wine at some of Phillip Island's finest establishments, with a choice of venues offering scrumptious meals to complement this region's delicate wines. Visit the local farmers market on Churchill Island and follow this with a choice of cooking classes to be held at various venues on the Island during the weekend. Phillip Island has a magnificent range of accommodation options including some very special packages for this weekend.
For further information: www.visitphillipisland.com

Daylesford Wedding Expo, 22 August
Plan the perfect country wedding at the Daylesford Wedding Expo, held in the Daylesford Town Hall from 10am - 4pm. Meet with professional wedding planners and learn about the latest in themes, food and wine options, honeymoons, celebrants, clothing and much more.
For further information: call 0423 630 674 or visit www.specialtouch.com.au

Kangaroo Hoppet, Falls Creek, 29 August
Held at Falls Creek, the Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia's premier long distance (42km) cross-country ski race and is the only Southern Hemisphere event in the prestigious World Hoppet series of international long distance cross-country ski events. Other races on the day include the Australian Birkebeiner (21km) and the Joey Hoppet (7 kilometres) events which start shortly after the main event.
For further information: call (03) 5754 1045 or visit www.hoppet.com.au

Frankston and South Eastern Wine Show and Amateur Winemaking Competition, 30 August
Held at the Briars Historic Park in Mt Martha, this event showcases a wide range of home-made wines produced from fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs and red/white grape wines. Enjoy wine tastings, meet the winemakers and learn the skills required to create your own wine. Cost is $10 and includes a souvenir wine glass.
For more information: call (03) 5975 5757 or visit www.fawg.org.au 

Hurstbridge Wattle Festival, 30 August
Embrace the heritage, community and country atmosphere of the Nillumbik area at the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival. Enjoy an extensive array of food, wine, entertainment and activities set in historic Hurstbridge.
For further information: call 1300 660 072 or visit www.wattlefestival.org.au

Timbercorp Tour of the Murray River, 30 August to 6 September
The Timbercorp Tour of the Murray River Road Cycling Classic displays the river in all its visual splendour and provides an incredibly tough challenge for the riders - up to 100 internationally-rated professional cyclists from all Australian states and some from overseas. The Tour will start in Echuca and conclude eight days later with a riverfront kermesse in Mildura.
This tour forms part of Cycling Australia's National Teams Cycling Series and is also part of the Scody Cup Cycling Series.
For further information: www.caribou.net.au

© 2009 Tourism Victoria