Join Us In Ballarat For The Regional World’s Longest Lunch

The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival kicks off on Friday, but it’s not only the CBD that will be participating. One of the festival’s first events is the Regional World’s Longest Lunch, which is being held in locations around Victoria. Over 20 long tables across the state will be laden with local produce, from Daylesford and the Grampians to the Yarra Valley and Ballarat; it makes for the perfect weekend.

Hosted down one of Ballarat’s historic and unique laneways (between The Lane @ The George Hotel and Hop Temple), guests will be treated to a six-course menu that has been created by some of the city’s best chefs. Each course is matched to award-winning Pyrenees wines or local craft beer, so rest assured that you’ll be truly indulging in the whole region.

So, who are the chefs behind the delicious menu?

• Damien Jones – The chef behind contemporary Thai restaurant, Catfish Thai, where the coconut cream pannacotta with baby banana donuts is a real menu favourite.
• Jose Fernandez – The chef behind traditional Spanish tapas restaurant, Meigas. There is a lot to love about the menu, but the octopus and king prawns are favourites.
• Peter Ford – The man behind Peter Ford Catering, he has 35 years experience in the restaurant and catering industry, as well as having refined his skills in some of Melbourne’s best restaurants.
• Jason Patridge–The chef behind Hop Temple, a venue known for its relaxed atmosphere and commitment to good beer, wine and food. From something small to something more substantial.
• Donatello Pietrantuono – The chef behind Carboni’s Italian Kitchen, which serves real Italian cuisine, and Billy’s Bistro & Bar, which has more of a Mediterranean focus.
• Pete Morrissey – The chef behind The Lane @ The George, which is known for casual family dining and a menu that covers a wide range of delicious seasonal produce.

If you haven’t already, it’s not too late to book your tickets for the Ballarat portion of the Regional World’s Longest Lunch on Friday the 31st of March – tickets are $153 each and can be booked through www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/program/regional-worlds-longest-lunch-ballarat-6537. The event runs from 12noon until 4pm and is both vegetarian and gluten free friendly.

Why not make a weekend of it? Book your stay at the Ballarat Budget Motel today. We are located only 10 minutes drive from the laneway, although there is a bus or taxi service available if you would prefer not to drive. We’re sure that seats are going to be filled, so get in quickly to avoid disappointment!