Advertorial for Victoria Racing Club
And they’re off! We don’t just mean those fine thoroughbreds ready to head down the hallowed track at Flemington for the upcoming Flemington Racing Spectacular, we’re talking about the racegoers from near and far who’ll descend on it ready for the time of their lives.
They’re donning their finest outfits for one of the city’s favourite events. And the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) is stepping up to make sure racegoers will be able to experience the best of Melbourne’s food scene as the Flemington Front Lawn is transformed into a foodie’s paradise.
Visitors will get to experience the large-scale outdoor dining event like never before with a selection of long communal dining tables and lounges from which to enjoy all the entertainment on and off the track, with lawn games and activities including pony rides and face-painting available to make it a fun day out for the whole family.
Feast by MFWF brings together four of Melbourne’s most popular food destinations, each curating their own special menu, running across the carnival which incorporates Howden Australian Guineas Day on March 1, Super Saturday on March 8 and TAB Australian Cup Day on March 29.
Feast your eyes on these offerings that are sure to tempt you to the track.
San Telmo
In a nutshell: Argentinian steakhouse superstar
At Feast: Howden Australian Guineas Day, Super Saturday and TAB Australian Cup Day
Melbourne’s go-to for mouthwatering Argentinian fare is ready to bring some of its amazing tastes to Flemington.
There’ll be tidbits to snack on — expect flavourful sensations along the lines of wonderful empanadas and even some sweet treats, both perfect accompaniments for a glass of sparkling — but it’s the establishment’s trademark award-winning steak sandwich that people will be lining up for. Accompanied by the house-made chimichurri that has foodies aplenty singing its charms, you’ll soon understand why.
Since opening back in 2011, this stalwart of the city’s restaurant scene is consistently listed as one of the finest steak destinations in Melbourne and is going from strength to strength with Colombian talent Marcelo Narvaez now at the helm. San Telmo not only brings the vibrant tastes of this country to the table, but also the culture of eating and imbibing together — just what’s on order for a day at the races.
Lee Ho Fook
In a nutshell: Cool, contemporary Asian
At Feast: Howden Australian Guineas Day, Super Saturday and TAB Australian Cup Day
When it comes to fine-dining Chinese cuisine, Lee Ho Fook has made its mark with its supremely elegant takes on traditional flavours. It’s all thanks to chef and owner Victor Liong’s passion for serving up marvellous morsels you won’t forget anytime soon.
For the restaurant’s pop-up at Feast, all we can say is that it won’t be easy to narrow your choice. Get set for some tantalising combinations, ready to celebrate luscious dumplings juxtaposed with the acidity of chili and vinegar to make your tastebuds sing. Liong is a master of balancing opposite flavours, so punters are in for a treat.
Think: soft dumplings filled with Wagyu beef and served with black vinegar and Lanzhou chili-oil dipping sauce, juicy lamb ribs glazed with a sweet and savoury cumin caramel and aromatic Kashgari spices and perfectly seasoned crispy calamari
And, as the moniker Lee Ho Fook means “good fortune for your mouth”, we can’t think of a more fitting destination to celebrate good fortune than at the track.
MoVida
In a nutshell: The best of Basque
At Feast: Super Saturday and TAB Australian Cup Day only
It’s the restaurant that needs no introduction. For more than two decades, Frank Camorra’s MoVida has become the yardstick for the best that Melbourne can offer. Lucky racegoers will now be able to sample some of the famous tapas that have made this Hosier Lane eatery so legendary.
Celebrating the joyous flavours of the Basque region, these marvels will have you cheering even before you’ve set foot trackside.
MoVida does everything to perfection, from its talos (basque-style corn flatbread topped with local merguez lamb sausage and piperade) to its patatas bravas (crispy fried potatoes drizzled with a spicy bravas sauce), every dish becomes something new when done via Camorra and his team.
It’s food that will make any spectator feel like a champion.
Tipo 00
In a nutshell: Next-level Italian
At Feast: Super Saturday and TAB Australian Cup Day only
It’s the Italian restaurant that’s the epitome of bellissimo. Andreas Papadakis’s establishment has been known to bring critics to tears with the elegance of its pasta, which makes it ideal for a day dressed to the nines.
The triumph of Papadakis’s noodles combined with his sauces and toppings, and other delectable dishes, has won Tipo 00 a devoted following since its 2014 debut.
Racegoers will get to sample popular dishes like rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich ragu made from Sher Wagyu beef with confit chili, tender gnocchi with eggplant, in a tomato-based sauce and topped with Pecorino and Tipomisu, Tipo 00’s creative take on the traditional tiramisu dessert.
So, when it comes to satisfying your race-day cravings with something that ups the ante, the Tipo 00 crew has you covered — you can bet on that!
Fancy a drink with that?
Of course, you’ll need some top drops to accompany any of the exciting dishes presented during Feast by MFWF, and that’s all in hand. A feature bar will be at Flemington across all three race days serving up an array of proudly Victorian beers and wines, as well special bottled cocktails thanks to the geniuses at The Everleigh Bottling Co., and plenty of non-alcoholic options — it’s all you need to pair with a selection of fine food… and your form guide!
Tickets on sale now at vrc.com.au.
