At NeverEnding, we're all about collaboration, especially when it involves restaurants, chefs and bars. It's therefore not surprising that our favourite series from the incredible and extensive 2024 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival programme is the Global Dining Series, which will bring together some of the most exciting culinary talent from Australia and around the world to collaborate with Melbourne's best restaurants and bars.
We’ve rounded up five of our top picks of events in the Global Dining Series that we’ll definitely be attending:
1. Fine Dining Experience at Amaru by Chef Cory Campbell
Clinton McIver, the chef and owner of Amaru, has welcomed his mentor and long-time friend Cory Campbell of Grove Restaurant in Auckland to Melbourne to cook together again.
This extremely special event, hosted at Amaru, the Armadale restaurant that just received three hats from the Good Food Guide, runs for two nights only and is a celebration of land and sea that you will not want to miss.
Join two chefs known for their shared ability to combine creativity and precision as they produce a sample meal including native foods from both Australia and New Zealand. Tickets include a seven-course set dinner, nibbles, petit fours, a beverage pairing, and a take-home cocktail.
Date: Monday, 18th and Tuesday,19th March
Price: $490
2. Chef Mohamad Orfali at Maha
Orfali Bros Bristo, founded by three brothers - Mohamad, Wassim, and Omar - has been crowned the best restaurant in the Middle East, among many other accolades.
Originally from Syria, the three brothers, have created a restaurant that honours and celebrates the traditions and flavours of their hometown, Aleppo.
The iconic Halabi cherry kebab, fattoush, and shish barak are combined with adobo, gyoza, gazpacho, and other global concepts to create a unique picture of Middle Eastern cuisine that is innovative, evocative, and, above all, delicious.
Head Chef Mohamad Orlafi will join Shane Delia at the well-known Maha for two nights of full-flavoured Middle Eastern cuisine.
Date: Tuesday, 19th and Wednesday, 20th March
Price: $230
For one night only, the Figlia crew will join with Shobosho's Adam Liston to create a five-course shared menu featuring Italo-Japanese flavours.
Shobosho, known as Adelaide's go-to location for flame-grilled Japanese food, has the feel of a Japanese izakaya but only takes it a step further.
Join the Figlia crew for an amazing celebration of char-grilled Japanese-inspired nibbles with Italian flair, Figlia-style. Rest assured that Figlia's famed sourdough pizza base will get a workout with a Japanese twist.
We can't wait for a night full of excitement, fire, and delicious cuisine.
Date: Thursday, 21st March
Price: From $113
4. Indian Accent Manish Mehrotra at Daughter In Law
Chef Manish Mehrotra was named the #1 Chef in India by Culinary Culture Co. and has been dubbed the most exciting modern Indian cook in the world. His creative take on Indian cooking is renowned for its ability to reimagine comforting Indian recipes while remaining receptive to international methods and inspirations.
Over two days at Daughter In Law, Chef Manish will showcase his talent for reinventing traditional Indian dishes by incorporating global inspirations, innovative techniques, or exceptional products.
Don't pass up this opportunity to see one of India's top chefs of Indian cuisine in person at one of Australia's most popular Indian eateries.
Date: Wednesday, 20th and Thursday, 21st March
Price: $350
5. Shawarma Party at Henrietta by Chef Paul Farag
Chef Paul Farag has a reputation for creating innovative, intriguing meals that pay tribute to his Egyptian roots.
Chef Paul will be in Melbourne on Sunday to give one of the best shawarma parties, complete with three different options; a chicken option, a vegetarian option in the form of mushrooms, and a mouth-watering shawarma of smoked beef tongue. Don't miss it. Furthermore, Foreign Fruits wines will be served, along with some excellent beats and delectable optional extras like falafel, hummus, chips, and cocktails.
Entry costs include one shawarma of your choosing and a glass of either Henrietta beer or Foreign Fruits wine; additional appetisers and beverages are payable at the time of use.
Date: Sunday, 17th March
Price: From $34
