The Age M magazine, Mar 2010

March 7, 2010

Want to take part in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival but don’t know where to start? M’s food critic, Dani Valent, helps you navigate your way to the bits that will really steam your beans.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival begins on Friday but you probably fall into one of three categories. You saw the program and instantly succumbed to festival anxiety. (Too much! What’s good? Oh dear!) You vaguely knew it was on but assumed all the good stuff would be sold out (not true). You think it’s for fanatics who spend their whole time talking about sous-vide cookery and black salt (no, it’s also for normal folk who just like a feed). So, fear not, plunge in, be hungry. I’ve picked out events that should be fun, steering clear of the geekiest, the most expensive and (hopefully) the stuff that’s sold out.

If you still need more information, try the festival’s website,www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au.

TEACH ME…………..

Greek Cooking Classes

Start with a shopping trip in the produce paradise of Oakleigh, then settle in with teacher Vicki Peppos to learn how to make regional Greek dishes and hear the stories behind them. All classes include a meal. I love the sound of the baked chicken with pickled lemon on March 23.

When March 13, 20, 21, 10am-3pm; March 17 and 23, 6pm-9pm
Where The Sweet Greek Cooking School,
18a Haughton Road, Oakleigh
Cost $125-$135
Bookings 0411 133 528

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