This Week in Food: Ripponlea reinvents lunch and a grand opening, NY style

THIS WEEK IN FOOD

HISTORY, NATURALLY: Big opening in Melbourne this week, Morgan McGlone’s Natural History opens its doors in a former bank at 201 Collins Street. They’re promising a big city bar and grill with decor and mood inspired by places like New York institution, The Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station. Food-wise, we’re talking Southern-style bar and grill classic dishes – beef tartare with smoked oyster; pork chop with roasted onions and beer mustard; and a rotating menu of sandwiches a 401 reuben or McRib sandwich. Scorch checked it out this week and said big thumbs up! https://naturalhistorybarandgrill.com.au

We’re nearly ready to roll.

A post shared by Natural History (@naturalhistorybarandgrill) on Mar 2, 2018 at 3:24pm PST

RIPPING GOOD FOOD: Ripponlea fave, Ripponlea Food and Wine, have just launched their new Express Lunch menu. Available weekdays, we’re talking two courses with a wine and tea/coffee for $35, or three for $42. There’s some fun stuff on offer, like chipotle prawns on crostini or mushroom, white truffle & parmesan croquette for entree; and a porterhouse steak with miso butter or chicken leek and tarragon pot pie for main. http://ripponleafoodandwine.com.au

Weekday lunching in the hood. Love your local! #rippfoodwine

A post shared by Ripponlea Food & Wine (@rippfoodwine) on Feb 15, 2018 at 5:13pm PST

GEE UP FOR PINOT: Pinot lovers prepare – a Pinot Affair is coming to Geelong. Taking place in the rejuvenated, funky Little Malop precinct. On Sunday May 27, there’ll be 20 local Pinot Noir producers, and your $35 ticket on the day will get you unlimited tastings and a special glass. Wines also available by the glass, and of course bottles and cases available on the day. http://pinotaffair.com.au/

EAST OF HARVEST: If you’re in the East, next Sunday is Harveast at Eastland’s Town Square in Ringwood. It’s free, and you can meet local producers and suppliers, sip wine and stock up on all your culinary needs. There’ll be over 60 stalls, the likes of Shane Delia and David Moyle talking on stage, and masterclasses from take to the stage to discuss all things food, wine, flavours and sustainability, plus there’s masterclasses Jimmy Grants’ Travis McAuley, Atlas’ Charlie Carrington, and more. And it’s free! Sunday 25th March from 10am – 8pm. https://www.eastland.com.au/play/events/harveast