This Week in Food: Rochford Wines, Rooftop season approaches + Heroic Heights

THIS WEEK IN FOOD

OPEN DOOR – Oui oui! Rochford Wines are hosting their Porte Ouverte Open Weekend next Sat & Sun the 13th & 14th October, that means you can get involved in wine master classes with Jeremy Oliver including first-ever tastings of some of newly released vintages, or a unique tasting of Winery Owner Helmut Konecsny’s personal cellar reserve back vintage Chardonnays. More details at www.rochfordwines.com.au

HIPPITY HOPPITY – Come the November long weekend, Healesville Sanctuary is holding a celebration of all things that hop, from native wildlife, to native brews! Hopfest will run from Saturday 3rd to Tuesday 6th November will bring together some of the best in local brews, ciders, produce and live tunes – plus a Chandon ‘S’ Sparkling Bar pouring Champagne Cocktails every day of the event. Details and tickets at https://www.zoo.org.au/healesville/whats-on/hop-fest

CAPPING IT OFF – It’s tough to keep up with all the new openings in Melbourne, but one I was determined to try was Capitano, which took over the space that was occupied by dive bar, The Beaufort. What a transformation! Now a super cool, laid back neighbourhood vibe, this is Carlton-cool meets New York-style. The aim is for an Italian-American menu, but not having been to the Big Apple, all I can tell you is it’s seriously good food with seriously knowledgeable service. Try the ‘Nduja pizza, and don’t go past the soft, rich gabagool to start – better known to us as capocollo. www.capitano.com.au

HEROIC HEIGHTS – The good weather is approaching and so begins rooftop season – and one reason to try Heroes’ upstairs space in Bourke Street is their new monthly rooftop Yum Cha(r) parties. Heroes’ head chef Alicia Cheong will be collaborating with a string of Melbourne chefs, with each creating one meat and one vegetarian dish. It all starts on Sunday 14th October, with Fancy Hanks’ own Daniel Inzunza – then look out for stars from Rice Paper Sister and Annam. $45 will get you yum cha bites and two hours worth of drinks. Bookings: https://heroesbar.com.au/yumchar

BARRELS & BARBECUES – Fancy Hanks is teaming up with Wolf of the Willows Brewery and Tasmania’s Lark Distillery to bring you the Feast of the Barrel – a special night of whisky, beer and barbecue on Thursday 18th October. Wolf of the Willows’ Johnny Smoked porter has been aged in Lark barrels here in Cheltenham, and it’s time to taste the result, along with meat that’s been smoked over the burning barrels themselves! Tix are a very reasonable $88 for food and drinks – www.fancyhanks.com/events