Dîner en Blanc Melbourne 2015

I'd seen photos from various DEB's around the world on social media and was excited to learn that it was finally coming to Melbourne in 2015.  I registered for the ticket ballot and was invited to purchase a ticket last month.  The event sold out in mere minutes but I'd dare say that many people backed out when they realised how much effort needed to be put in.  Guests were to meet at a central point  before being bused to the exact location.  They were to be strictly dressed in white and had to bring their own tables and chairs, decorations, plates and cutlery.  Gorgeous picnic dinners and wine were available for prepurchase or guests could bring their own food.  The venue had to be left just as it was found.   Despite the effort required, it was one of the best nights out I've ever had.  I met some lovely people, enjoyed an amazing meal and danced the night away.  Find out if it's held in your city and go.  It's a wonderful concept!

Melbourne folk are famous for wearing black and we all had a laugh at the men who said they'd spent hours that morning trawling shops around Melbourne looking for white trousers.  Ha!

Guests meeting at Southern Cross Station

Getting to know our table friends

The napkin wave at 1930h signalling the start of the event 

The event was held along the Yarra in front of the Convention Centre.  So perfect.  We were also lucky that the weather was relatively mild, which is always a risk in Melbourne.

2100h sparkles 

Dancing the night away...

Wearing a Witchery top and Zara jeans 

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier @ NGV - Melbourne

If you're in Melbourne in the next few weeks, looking to escape from the heat (or more likely the cold) take yourself to the JPG exhibit.  Even if you are not a fashion fan, it is such a fun and entertaining exhibit.  The gallery is filled to the brim with his exquisite work from the most recognisable to the intimate and personal beginnings.  Friday nights are lovely night out with a DJ, bar, dinner and talks.  A perfect evening with friends.

The first cone bar was in fact made for his teddy bear!

The Age Good Food Night Noodle Market

I really love Melbourne in summer.  

I made it to the Night Noodle Market in the knick of time.   I was too busy last weekend and the weather wasn't great during the week and suddenly good food month was over.  Melbourne hit 35 degrees but I dragged a toddler into town.  And it was worth it.  I didn't get to try as many dishes as I had hoped but there's always next year.  It was a lovely way to spend an early evening.

Chin Chin Pork Slider ($9)

Gelato Messina goodness ($9).  There was biscuit, meringue, 3 scoops of ice cream AND custard.  Amazing! 

Launching Movida Solera @ Movida Acqui

A few weekends ago I spent 3 hours at Movida Acqui eating a 10 course lunch and washing it down with 4 glasses of wine.  All the meals were cooked straight out of the new Movida Solera book and Frank and Richard were in attendance to tell us about their 5 week food adventure through Spain.  It was indeed a very decadent way to spend an afternoon.  

The meals were not only wonderful but they were also simple.  Occasionally it's nice to be able to flip through a cookbook and make a meal with ingredients that are already at home in the fridge.   

Yarra Valley

I am (mostly) a city girl and love the metropolitan life.  But equally so I have an intense need for the countryside.  As much as I love my bucket of hair products and high heels I equally adore fresh air, muddy walks, trees and open space.  As a child I spent my summers with my grandparents in their village, chasing chickens and getting lost in the fields with our dog, Meri. 


Lucky then that within an hour drive out of Melbourne, there is plenty of open space and fresh air.

Hat-Sportsgirl Florentina, Fur Wrap-Scanlan & Theodore, Vest-MK2K, Leggings-Supre, Boots-Zomp

Grace Kelly Exhibit: Bendigo, Victoria

Bendigo totally took me by surprise.  I hadn't ventured much out of Melbourne (except to Portsea and Daylesford) so I used the Grace Kelly Exhibit as an excuse for a road trip.  The exhibit itself is wonderful.  I love that Grace was such a huge champion of wearing things more than once.  If you buy something fabulous that you love, why shouldn't you wear it over and over again, year after year?  Two issues I had with the exhibit though a) it is much too dark in there and b)  the crowds.  Despite timed entry it was absolutely overstuffed with people and a definitely got the sense that the person standing behind me was hurrying mealong.  I would have loved to have been able to sit and watch the home video footage.  Perhaps I will go back on a weekday?

If you get the opportunity to go to Bendigo, do make a reservation for a long lazy lunch at Wine Bank On View - wonderful food and great service.  And being in the country, nobody will hurry you up.  The restaurant is housed in an old bank building, built in 1876.

Bendigo is such a charming little city with rich history and significance.  It's a very easy 2 hour drive from Melbourne.  Will definitely be back...