Note: As this website is a historical archive of the Westsider newspaper, this article has been reproduced in full, however the event presented in the article has since been cancelled or postponed.
A culinary extravaganza is hitting the inner-west in March, highlighting many of the establishments and talented purveyors of gastronomy in a region recognised as more than just up-and-coming – it’s here.
Joint hosted by the City of Maribyrnong, Eat Drink Westside is a regular fixture of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and shines a light on the west’s enviable food community. With 17 delicious events on offer, the diversity of the west will be highlighted through a variety of cuisines, including Ethiopian, French, Spanish, Lebanese and more.
Stefan Armentano of Small French Bar fame will be participating in three events including joint hosting honours at the (now sold out) Best of the West Pintxos Party at Williamstown’s Sebastian Beach Grill, and the Westsider Crawl, a fun hop involving charcuterie, cheese and French hospitality at Small French Bar, refined pub classics at the rejuvenated Victoria Hotel followed by some cutting-edge cocktails at Mr West.
The last of the three events will be held at Stefan’s own Small French Bar, where he will teaming up with Yarra Valley’s Medhurst Wines to showcase the best of French food and wine. From tartare to Tatin and beyond, this seven-course feast will take you on a journey through one of the world’s great cuisines.
Medhurst’s celebrated chief winemaker, Simon Steele, will pair each course of regional French fare with one of his wines. Simon’s career began in the Languedoc region and his thoughtful and considered wines are a perfect celebration of modern French wine-making. The Westsider asked Stefan what drew him to become involved in the event.
“We look after each other which I hadn’t seen before. They eat here, we drink there – it gave me a sense like when I was growing up in the South of France; safety, security and community.”
So Stefan had a Q&A with the organisers, and made a point of pushing the collaboration factor of this area.
“We are like a local family, a global village if you like. I walk the street to go home and I say hello to 20 people!”
For the full program or to book online, visit mfwf.com.au/eatdrinkwestside
French Flavours
Date: 22 March from 12–4:30pm [POSTPONED]
Cost: $163+bf per person
Includes: Seven courses with matching wines
