What: Urban Dairy supported by Lengendairy
When: 4-13 March
Where: Queensbridge Square
Why: dip into a daily rotation of events and menus presented by expert cheese and ice-cream makers from around the globe. Names to look out for include New York’s Big Gay Ice Cream, local favourite Gelato Messina, and cheese pros King Island and Yarra Valley Dairy.
Cost: choose from a range of free or more involved events, including the opportunity to get your hands dirty making your own cheese.
What: MasterClass with May Chow
When: 6 March
Where: Deakin Edge
Why: May Chow’s Hong Kong restaurant Little Bao opened to much fanfare, in part for its quirky fusion menu, but most importantly, for its perfectly formed bao. Want to learn the secret to making your own mouth-watering bao? Then you can’t miss this MasterClass.
Cost: $113
What: Mission Chinese Food Chinizza Party
When: 11 March
Where: Queensbridge Square
Why: Try Lee Ho Fook’s famous Chinizza (fried pizza), with a drink and dessert included in the ticket price. You’ll also be able to hobnob with Danny Bowien and Chris Ying (editor in chief of Lucky Peach), who’ll be signing copies of the Mission Chinese cookbook on the night.
Cost: $45
What: MasterClass with Scott Pickett
When: 6 March
Where: Careers Australia
Why: Learn to create a three-course menu in the style of talented Melbourne chef Scott Pickett. Fans of his exceptional restaurants Estelle by Scott Pickett (ESP) and Estelle Bistro will need no convincing here.
Cost: $175
What: May Chow at Huxtaburger Hawthorn
When: 8 March
Where: Huxtaburger Hawthorn
Why: May Chow’s delicious bao has Hong Kong locals lining up down the street each and every night. And now, worlds collide as she teams up with leading Aussie burger slinger Daniel Wilson (of Huxtaburger fame) for an unforgettable night of fast food fun.
Cost: $113
For more must-do events at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, on from March 4 to 13, visit http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/