Photo Courtesy Reed Gift Fairs

It’s still the beginning of the year, so stay ahead of it, and buy all the gifts you need for 2012! At the Reed Gift Fair, stock up for the all the birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. With every present stored away, you’ll soon be running out of hiding places.

Five times a year, the Reed Gift Fair sets up shop in Australia, and February is the lucky month for Melbourne. Representing the largest trade fair brand in the country, these gift gurus choose the highest quality vendors to bring in the best of home wares, jewelry, clothing, outdoor goods, kids’ gifts, and more. In one fell swoop, pick up a freshwater pearl necklace for your mother, a decorative vase for the dining table, and a few stuffed animals for the kiddies. And for you? Well, good luck buying only one thing for yourself!

Many gift stores use this presentapalooza to purchase their merchandise for the year. So if you want to get your handiwork on the retail shelves (or in the bags of fair attendees) at any of the other exhibits, apply online to become an exhibitor. If you’re still working on your business model and marketing campaign, the folks at Reed have kits and videos to instruct you how to lure gift seekers to your table.
So block off 4-7 February, and head to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibit Centre – you have lots of shopping to do!

Reed Gift Fair; Melbourne Convention & Exhibit Centre, South Wharf; www.reedgiftfairs.com.au.

The program is out for next year’s Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. For its 20^th year, it has pulled out all the stops; this is going to be the best festival yet, with more big names, innovative events and exceptional food and wine than ever before. Tickets will sell out fast, so check out the program and book your spots today!

One of the festival’s features is dining with international chefs and winemakers, and this year’s list is seriously impressive. These fabulous feasts, designed by Melbourne’s top chefs and held at world-class restaurants, are spectacular culinary adventures that you’ll never forget.

This year, you can expect set menus with wine pairings (anywhere from three to 20 courses!) prepared by the likes of Tsang Chiu King (The Langham), Corey Lee (Cutler & Co Dining Room), Telmo Rodriguez (Taxi Dining Room), Meir Adoni (Maha), and René Redzepi (Rockpool Bar & Grill). There’s also a cool, more casual event at the Newmarket Hotel with chef Ed Mitchell that includes “lunch from the grill, beer from the tap and wine from the barrel.”

Not only that, but this year will feature the most exceptional MasterClass in the festival’s history, with “The Hot-List”: people from around the world and our own backyard who are shaping the future of global gastronomy. You can join these extraordinary people at the Langham to eat, drink, taste, discuss, experience and learn.

Events such as Perfect Match, which emphasizes that beautiful thing that turns food and wine into soul mates, and Acqua Panna Global Wine Experience, which includes structured tastings, in-depth winalysis, and rousing debates will be enhanced by fine wines from every corner of the globe.

If you’re into cocktails, there’s Liquid Lounge. If you like film, check out some Foodie Films. There’s something for everyone, but you have to act fast. Their Web site has all of the ticket information you need, plus the full program: http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/events/2012-festival-events

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2012 runs from March 2-21, 2012.

Why so serious? It’s time for a laugh! This weekend, two hilarious people are coming to Melbourne to split your sides and make your night.

First, on 3 December, Kathy Griffin livens up the Athenaeum Theatre. Known for her quick wit and no-holds-barred attitude, this vivacious American comedienne has won two Emmys, been nominated for a Grammy and made it onto the New York Times bestseller list.

Then, on 4 December, Eddie Izzard visits the Palais Theatre. From his hilarious stream-of-consciousness delivery to transvestitism, Eddie Izzard’s surreal humour has made him one of Britain’s best-known contemporary comedians.

So grab some friends and head out for comedy this weekend. After all, as Charlie Chaplan once said: “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

Just in time for all of those festive holiday meals at his house or hers, Bar-Be School is at The Wharf Hotel, ready to give you some ideas for hosting your very own creative, low-key and very impressive BBQ holiday feast.

The all-inclusive class, like Bar-Be School’s other BBQ-oriented classes (held at the Wharf Hotel on many weekends), is a cross between a useful, entertaining demonstrations and get-your-hands-dirty learning, which gives you a taste of the ease and versatility of BBQ. While you learn, you’ll get to eat, drink and enjoy some fun, friendly company. At the end, you’ll get to take home “course notes,” including all of the creative, inspiring, and all-around delicious recipes from the day, so that you can share them with your friends and family.

“And what,” you might ask, “are these amazing recipes?” Well, start with BBQ balmain bugs with paw paw, zesty lime & chili salsa. (Is your mouth watering yet?) Move to BBQ-glazed leg of ham with delicously sticky golden syrup and sharp English mustard. (How about now?) Then be tantalized by prosciutto-infused BBQ turkey breast with bright marjoram and tart cranberry compote. (Definitely now…) Then finish off with BBQ sticky fig and brandy pudding. (Wow.)

So if you’re looking to do something a little different this year to impress your friends and family, or just for a fun day with stimulating food and good people, this is definitely the place. And the time? It will be held on Saturday, 17 December, from 12:30-3:30pm, at The Wharf Hotel (which, if you haven’t heard, is a friendly and modern gastropub situated on the banks of the Yarra River, with gorgeous ocean views and a tasty seasonal menu of its own).

Greg and Lucy Malouf are inviting you for a tasty celebration at Maroush, in honour of their newest book: “New Middle Eastern Food” – a book that will not only make you want to cook, but will make you want to see the world as well.

Throughout his career, Greg, the current executive chef at Melbourne’s award-winning Mo Mo restaurant, has been adding a dose of the Middle East to Melbourne’s restaurant scene, inspiring his fellow chefs – and his customers – along the way.

The book’s 340 mouthwatering recipes tell the story of Greg’s Lebanese heritage, as it has been enriched by extensive travel across North Africa and Moorish Spain, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. The result? Dishes that are both traditional and new, dishes that are bursting with excitement, flavours, colours, aromas, passion … dishes that are simply delicious.

And what better place to celebrate the Maloufs’ fresh take on Middle Eastern fare than at one of Melbourne’s top Lebanese eateries: Maroush.

On Sunday, 11 December, at 1pm, you can get a taste of New Middle Eastern Food with a luncheon banquet at Maroush, which includes nine delectable dishes. At the event, you’ll get to chat with Greg Malouf about the inspiration and experiences at the heart of his new book. Then, you can take the story home: ELTHAMbookshop will provide “New Middle Eastern Food” for purchase at the event.

Book now, by contacting Maroush Restaurant, Eltham (03 9439 5665). Tickets are $60 per person.

Whether you’re an amateur or a connoisseur, an enthusiast or not-so-sure, the Fed Square Wine Showcase is sure to awaken, tempt, tease, and please the wine-lover in you.

Each month, Federation Square will feature the fruits of a different Victorian wine region. Against the smooth backdrop of jazz music, performed by local band Peter Baylor Trio, you’ll not only get to enjoy the latest offerings from the area’s wineries, but you’ll also rub elbows with the very people who so lovingly crafted the contents of your glass.

Then, complete with flushed cheeks and wine-stained lips, participants can pick their favourites as they help judge the “People’s Choice” for best wine. And, to top it off, each event will feature a tantalizing tasting dish from a participating restaurant.

The first event, happening on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 October, will focus on Geelong, Henty, West Victoria (including Ballarat), Grampians (including Great Western) and Pyrenees. For the full schedule, and details about getting tickets, head over to Fed Square’s Web site: http://www.fedsquare.com/events/wine-showcase/

Get in touch with your wilder side: let Carbon Arts treat you to three outrageous, delicious and surprising edible cocktails that not only make you smile, but also make you think. This inspiring event fuses molecular gastronomy, art and mixology with a message about the interconnectedness of living things.

This unique cocktail party, being hosted by Carbon Arts, will take you travelling through the Melbourne Museum with artist Natalie Jermijenko and chef Mihir Desai. On the way, you’ll enjoy a humorous performance that explores our gastronomic, economic and material interdependency on other creatures. Which clarifies the name: Wilderness Adventure for the Palate.

This quirkily cosmopolitan performance, will be held on 1 December 2011 from 6-8, then food and more, um, recognizable drinks will be available until 9.

More than a cocktail party, this dream-like tour/performance will certainly leave you feeling a little bit more enlightened – and a little bit tipsy. Truly a perfect combination! Visit website for more info: http://www.carbonarts.org/

First, there are over 200 changing stalls showcasing vibrant art, one-of-a-kind clothing, hand-crafted jewellery, and much more. Then, there are tempting food stalls serving delicious delights from all over the world – from sizzling Spanish paella to spicy African curries. Third (or maybe first, depending on your predilictions), there are four fully licensed bars.

Add all of that together and you get the must-experience Suzuki Night Market!

This exciting (not to mention environmentally sustainable) event has been going on for 14 years, and shows no signs of slowing down. The idea is to mix Melbourne’s multicultural dynamism with its eclectic food, art and music to make one effervescent, inspiring and, most of all, wildly fun celebration.

The air will be buzzing with artistic energy, charged with mouth-watering aromas, and alive with the sounds of live music. And entry is free.

So come check it out: it’s happening every Wednesday this summer, from 16 November to 29 February (except 28 December), from 5:30 to 10pm.

Taxi Dining Room: Chefs Hat Winner and DineSmart paticipant

It seems too good to be true: helping people who need it while indulging in great food and drinks at your favourite cafes and restaurants. But StreetSmart, a charity that helps homeless people with grassroots projects throughout Australia, is making it happen.

DineSmart is an innovative initiative that just asks you to, after enjoying a fantastic meal, add at least $2 extra to your bill. You’ll barely notice, but it will make a big difference to the work SteetSmart is doing.

So get a few friends out, pick a participating restaurant (from an all-star list of eateries), and encourage everyone to throw in a few dollars on top of their bill. For less than the price of a coffee, you can make a difference. What a perfect excuse for a delicious night out.

Monday, 14 November, was the launch, Big Dine Out, and the fundraising will continue through 24 December. Find out about participating venues here: http://www.streetsmartaustralia.org/findrestaurant

Shine On is back from 18-20^th November, bringing to Melbourne a weekend of arts and culture. An eclectic mix of live bands and DJs playing everything from reggae to folk music to tech-house will join forces with arts installations, markets, and much more to light up the weekend.

Happening about two hours from the city centre, the festival will feature three electrifying stages. Shine On brings together the classic good vibes of a great festival and a unique something-for-everyone mentality, including more bands, both musical legends and up-and-coming pioneers, than we can list.

Which is what the Internet is for: check out a full list of musical artists (more are joining every day), the deliciously diverse lineup of market stalls, and to find out how to get your tickets, by visiting Shine On’s site: http://www.shineonfestival.com.au/