QVM to host Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

By Brendan Rees

Pasta will go back to its street-food origins while the fried potato “in all its finest forms” will feature in this year’s jam-packed Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

Queen Victoria Market will host the renowned event, which is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors from August 20 to 29.

There will be a range of ticketed and free events, workshops and demonstrations, including “The Remixed Grill” – a day of fire-fuelled eating and drinking with a number of leading chefs taking to the tongs such as Shane Delia, Jerry Mai, Tina Li and Tom Sarafian.

Other highlights include a jungle adventure of plant-based eating and drinking, featuring signature chef series, a family-friendly pasta festa, an epic celebration of hot chips (Maximum Chips), and a signature chef series.

Now in its 29th year, the event will be a much-needed boost for the city, which is enduring its fifth lockdown and left the hospitality industry battered.

Recent data from the City of Melbourne showed it would take four years before the CBD’s economy recovered to pre-COVID levels.

Chef and restaurateur Shane Delia said he was “chuffed” to participate in the festival’s winter edition, saying “With more than 150 events to choose from there’s something to suit every taste and budget”.

Queen Victoria Market acting CEO Debbie Dowling said, “As the home of fresh produce in Melbourne, we look forward to showcasing all our market has to offer in conjunction with Melbourne’s premier ‘foodie’ event.”

“Forging new alliances with great Melbourne events helps to attract new customers to the market and enriches the experience for our existing customers.”

Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said the festival would strengthen Melbourne and Victoria’s brand as a premier food and wine destination.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming people from around the state and the country to Melbourne to enjoy the festival and rediscover the delights of the CBD,” he said.

Tickets are on sale: mfwf.com.au