It's time for March into Merivale -- the annual five-week Sydney food and wine festival showcasing first-class food, desserts and drinks from over 50 of Merivale’s restaurants and bars.
Now in its eighth year, March into Merivale is the place to be from February 15 to March 20. From chocolate sessions by dessert chef Lorraine Godsmark (yes, please) to mystery feasts -- March into Merivale has got you covered.
Did we mention the Burger Off event, where you can try six (!) mouthwatering ultimate burgers? Challenge accepted.
Here are the top picks from a few of Merivale’s top chefs.
David Lovett, Head Chef -- Uccello
Where: Ivy
When: Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 5.30pm
Price: $45pp, including 8 food and drink tokens
About: It’s everything you love about Merivale, in one place, for one night. Wander through pop-up stalls from Merivale’s famous restaurants and bars, and eat and drink to your heart’s content.
“The Launch Party is always a hoot! I love welcoming not just the public into our Ivy home but also all the chefs and venues from outside the Ivy too,” Lovett told The Huffginton Post Australia.
Where: EST.
When: Thursday, Mar. 3 from 6.30pm
Price: $300pp, all inclusive five courses
About: An ode to silver service with a five-course dinner featuring bespoke creations from nine chefs. This an exclusive long-table, black-tie celebration of all things sophisticated.
“Wow, I’m sharing a kitchen with these guys! Can you imagine the food and service? This really will be a wonderful evening,” Lovett said.
Where: Ash St. Laneway
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 5.30pm and 7.30pm
Price: $45pp, including six food and drink tokens
About: This is everything you love about Europe, but bigger, bolder and more eccentric While Merivale’s European venues will cover the food, wines from every region will be curated by master sommelier Franck Moreau.
“We always love getting out of the kitchen and down to Ash St. for this one. It's smaller than the launch so we really get a chance to interact with the punters and share our food and their stories. Don't miss it!” Lovett said.
Ben Greeno, Executive Chef -- The Paddington
Where: Palings at Ivy
When: Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6pm
Price: $45pp, including six food and drink tokens
About: Which Merivale chef makes the ultimate burger? Try each amazing and innovative creation on the night and vote for your favourite.
“If you love burgers, this is the place to really indulge,” Greeno told HuffPost Australia.
Where: Secret Location
When: Thursday, Feb. 25 from 7pm
Price: $200pp, including dinner and drinks
About: A luxurious seafood feast in a top secret location created by two celebrated chefs and crustacean connoisseurs. Join for a night of shellfish, cocktails, wine and beer.
“Peter Doyle and Jeremy Strode -- it’s going to be pretty special to see those two cooking together again,” Greeno said.
Where: Ivy Ballroom
When: Monday, Mar. 7 from 6.30pm
Price: $45pp, including drinks
About: Hosted by Vogue Living’s Editor-in-Chief, Neale Whitaker, join the creative geniuses behind Merivale’s iconic venues as they lead you through their interior design and style inspirations and aspirations.
“An interior talk on what goes into making our venues so beautiful. It will be great to see how the creative ideas are born, progress and become spectacular, world-class venues,” Greeno said.