Relish with Kate Stevenson

On this episode of Relish , it's been described as a bit louder and a little looser than fine dining sister Navi, co-founder Miriam Wahlhutter tells us what to expect from Yarraville's brand new Bar Gabi. Also - food lovers shed a tear when Peter Gunn closed the doors on Collingwood's Ides earlier this year, which is why I am so excited to hear all about his fun new 12-seat yakitori pop-up - Shogunn. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne The team behind cult bakery Kudo open their first-ever dine-in venue - Itera in Brunswick; world-renowned French chef Dominique Crenn announces she's opening her first Australian venue - Petit Crenn - in the heart of Collins Street; Oktoberfest is here, and Hofbräuhaus Melbourne is surely a perfect spot to celebrate; your chance to Eat Spain Drink Spain all this month at some of the city's best Spanish venues; and the Heathcote Wine & Food Festival next month with brilliant regional wines, food and music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish, Yianni Kasidokostas won us over with his modern Greek food at Eegli; he'll share what to expect from his new Helios Hotel in Malvern. Also - a brand new burlesque and cocktail bar has just opened in Fitzroy, owner Rio Olivetti will tell us about about Flair. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - team from Navi announce brand new Bar Gabi for Yarraville, riverside spot Crane Bar is going Latino with a new chef and menu; Anada in Fitzroy is launching BYO Tuesday to Thursday; Natural Science Wine & Liquor are bringing back their brilliant Everyday Wine Fair; and details on a guided tour with a difference at Pentridge Prison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the next Relish podcast, Kate chats to Maidenii Vermouth co-founder Shaun Byrne about their big win at Melbourne Royal's Spirits Awards and how they're recovering from summer's devastating Harcourt busfires. Also, French pastry chef Pierrick Boyer explains what to expect from Chateau Merveilles - the immersive fine-dining experience leaving France for the first time and heading to Melbourne. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - Andrew McConnell unveils his new restaurant Cote Basque; Supernormal is serving up celebration of noodle with a new dish weekly; Delmonte has just opened in in the famous King & Godfree site in Carlton; floating city bar Afloat has announced it'll be going Greek this year; and Kate's tip for a tasty weekend in Victoria's only UNESCO declared Region of Gastronomy - Bendigo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish - big news from Shane Delia as his stunning cocktail bar Jayda opens up dining with a Levantine-inspired bistro menu available for lunches and dinners. Also winter means truffles and the Queen Vic Market has us covered as cost of living bites with its very accessible Truffle Treasures Trail, Ripe Cheese owner Hakim Halim will let us know what he and other traders have on offer. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - get yourself inf for Bottomless Fries & Steak at Dorsett Hotel Melbourne's Jin Bar; Saluministi celebrate a decade in business with a return to 2016 price for two days only; the Angel of Malvern unveils its last two layers in Wine Bar & Eatery "Flores" and Cocktail & Audio Bar, "Lately"; the North by North East wine festival returns to the Old Melbourne Gaol; and a very beachy Christmas in July on offer at three blue ducks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish, it was an absolute insitution for decades, and now, Mark Protheroe and Katrina Bruckner explain what we can expect from as historic Clover Cottage prepares to re-open in Berwick. Also, Shannon Martinez has brought her cult Collingwood cafe Smith & Deli to the heart of the city in Degraves Street, she'll share what's on the menu from grab and go breakkies to night time tapas. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - a brand new restaurant and listening room in Collingwood from the Mulberry Group as Bar Sala quietly opens; Chris Lucas announces his next project, modern Greek restaurant Noema; a tasty collab as Slowpoke brings their cult-status cheeseburger to W Hotel's Curious Bar; South Yarra's Mr L's hosts WA's Alkoomi Wines for special dinner; and your tip on a perfect winter getaway to Basalt Wines gorgeous new villas down Port Fairy-way . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast - Gary Mills and Elika Rowell opened a winery in Preston (of all places) and seven years later it's thriving and still evolving, Kate gets the lowdown on Jamsheed, their new chef, and some fun new events planned for winter. Also - after nearly two decades running the floor at some of Melbourne's best & busiest restaurant, Richard Duncan has branched out on his own to open Little House - so what can we expect from this hospo pro and the ace team he's lured to join him. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - : your chance to enjoy a brilliant value Japanese lunch at two-hatted Warabi restaurant; Cha Ching has launched a brand new winter menu and a cracking happy hour to go with it; late night bliss for sweet-tooths as Gimlet quietly launches an off menu tableside dessert in the Pears Foster; the team behind stunning restaurant Reine announce an equally decadent cocktail bar in Bar Privé; and your chance to escape to Brazil this winter, with Noite Brasileria every Friday night at gorgeous Crittenden Wines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish, Kate chats to Gerardo Lopez about the international honour bestowed on La Tortilleria the tiny Kensington eatery that became a tortilla-making behemoth. Also - how does "a convenience store for drinks that’s designed like Aesop but run like 7-Eleven" sound? Drop Shop co-founder Dan Sims and manager Courtney Keegan will explain a little bit more. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - modern Indian restaurant Saadi turns Chook Shop for one night only; plan you winter escape in Fern Bar & Dining's Winter Hidden Garden conservatories; Wagyu Ya & Sher Wagyu pair up for a Wagyu extravaganza at Yakikami & Niku Ou; Aru celebrates 5 years of service with a tasty dive in the archives, and 1Hotel announces its next Upstairs Pour partnership, this one a spicy collab with Six Eyed Scorpion Chilli Oil. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish, for 15 years now local charity Scarf has been giving young migrants & refugees invaluable hospitality training and real-world experience, CEO and co-founder Hannah Brennan shares a bit more about the successes and challenges along the way, and how we can help just by heading out for dinner at Fitzroy's Masti this fortnight. Also, at Punch Lane's Circl Wine House Scandi exec chef Elias Salomonnsen has been wowing the wine lovers with his menu since it opened, I'll ask this talented Swede how manages to so easily to make Australian produce sing. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - a special one-off dinner at Collingwood's Pincho Disco celebrating Nikkei cuisine; South Melbourne's iconic O'Connell's Hotel has reopened with new owners, a new menu but all the charm it's always boasted; your chance to indulge in one of Melbourne's most beautiful dining room as Florentino launches Family Style Sundays; a superb pairing as CBD stunner Tonka hosts Tasmania's Hellyer's Road distillery for a refined afternoon of whisky tasting and matched food; and one of Victoria's most accessible and charming wine festivals - The Shortest Lunch - is back in the Yarra Valley this June. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish ... don't you love people who have a dream and go after it? French born entrepreneur Tamara Craig has done just that with premium small-batch Voulez Vodka, Kate will find out more. Also, Herald Sun food & wine editor Kara Monssen on what we can expect as she once again host's Ballarat's fabulous Heritage Harvest Festival. And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - brand new bayside boozer, the stylish Hampton Hotel opens; huge food news as seafood institution The Atlantic closes at Crown Melbourne - but how you can enjoy a month of special offerings before they go; forget Basque cheesecake and get your hands on the Hokkaido version flown in specially from Japan at Le Tao; Jackalope celebrates World Whisky Day with not one but TWO fabulous collabs with Lark distillery; and Blackburn Bottle-o & Wine Bar Natural Science has dubbed May Discovery month - which means lots of fun events with drinks producers for us! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish, can you believe Melbourne laneway stalwart Bar Lourinha will mark 20 years in Melbourne this year? Kates asks co-owner and chef Matt McConnell about the secret to their success. Also, Navi exec chef Julian Hills & head chef Ana Cortes Garcia share details on how they're celebrating the women shaping Australia's food and wine landscape with the first "She at the Helm" event next month. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - a new-wave, skyhigh high tea at Strato Melbourne; Figlia invites you to Emilia-Romagna each Monday night for a 30 taste of Italy; laneway fave Hotel Nacional launches a bold new Mexican menu (and yes it's still 100% gluten-free); South Melbourne modern Greek stunner Aegli hosts a special one-off wine dinner; and Bar Marmelo invites us to Portugal with their "Lisbon nights" happy hour specials. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, when was the last time you enjoyed elevated, modern Irish cuisine? It hasn't really existed here until now, so Kate gets the laydown on gorgeouse new Enbarr restaurant from owners James Gallagher and Zenita O'Neill. Also, Matt Forbes & Amy Newman will explain what to expect from the beautiful new Cobb Lane Bakery in one of the best addresses in the CBD. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - Italian restaurant Delmonte set to open this winter at the King & Godfree precinct; Pidapipo teams up with acclaimed Korean restaurant CHAE for a very special gelato offering; Myrtle Wine Bar's next wine dinner will be a ripping event celebrating Prancing Horse Estate's biodynamic viticulture; at the W Hotel, Curious Melbourne has launched a thoroughly playful new cocktail menu; and your reminder to consider heading to the Grampians Grape Escape this May, a huge celebration of local food, wine, and spirits in the stunning setting of Halls Gap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast Nic Sandery explains how he's transformed Molly Rose Brewing from the formal restaurant it accidentally became, back to the fun neighbourhood brewery he created. Also, Jason M Jones celebrates 10 years of iconic Prahran steak joint Entrecote and shares some reflections on a lifetime in hospitality. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - the Angel of Malvern starts a staged opening, Baby Driver Bar serves up Detroit-style pizza with 9Mile Pizza; Cha Ching launches great value all-you-can-eat weekend Yum Cha; celebrate National Cocktail Day at the Royce Hotel's "Showroom Bar" OR Le Meridien's Dolly downstairs; plus hidden speakeasy Mill Place Merchants is after your confessions! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast - straight from the wilds of South Africa to the urban jungle of South Yarra, George Calombaris pops by to talk Auto Greek, his new pop up at the Ovolo Hotel. Also, Michael Greenlaw explains how the Edition Group has managed to balance legacy and history in taking over the famous Florentino restaurants, while putting their own stamp on these much loved Melbourne venues. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - some last minute Melbourne Food and Wine Festival ideas like A Western Victorian Campfire Tale at Ballarat's Itinerant Spirits; a pizza-party with Michelin cred at Brunswick's Figlia; late night cheese and rare wine with NO BOOKINGS NECESSARY at Grana; and a brilliant celebration of the humble chook in Farm, Field And Table: The Chicken Dinner at From Here by Mike; as well as a "do" in going the full Greek at Preston Market’s much-loved Greek Day Festival at the end of this month - OPA! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish, Michael Bascetta is the man behind some of the inner north's best eateries (think Bar Liberty, Capitano and Falco), and he has opened a pub. He'll explain what we can expect from Fitzroy North's The Pinnacle. Also - Nathan Toleman just knows how to hospitality, he's explain how that translates to just one of five venues his Mulberry Group is running at the brand new Hannah Street Hotel, the gorgeous Coupette Corner Bistro and Bar. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - Via Lucia Mercato brings a taste of South Melbourne's Italian fave Lucia to the market, Frenchie finally opens in the city with its 14 buck menu, the lowdown on Gerald's Bar's move to its new home in Lygon Street, Sunset Sessions to see out summer at Cleo Melbourne, and to do? Well, how about entering a competition that could see you visiting and reviewing Big 4 Holiday Parks for a whole year? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish - a Michelin-starred Basque chef has popped up at Nobody's Bar in South Yarra. Kate asks Aitor Jeronimo Orive what we can expect from Basque Txoko. Also, the blokes who founded a farm specifically to put hard-to-find produce on their restaurants' tables - Matt Guthrie talks Rocklyn Farm and the bounty it provides for the CBD's Patsy's, as well as Bau Bau Dining and Bistro Elba on the Mornington Peninsula. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - your last chance to check out those southside interlopers at Pipi's North; speaking of south, Lush 2.0 has set up in the former Wayside Inn; Mr. Miyagi has declared the drink of the summer is officially their frozen Hard Yuzu; and two fabulous cabarets to check out (where, yes, you can get a drink and a feed): the highly entertaining and rather decadent Piper's Playhouse at Crown, or two great shows at relative newcomer Viva Melbourne - the high fashion of Vogue or the more adult spectacle Vicious . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, Kate speaks to world-renowned bartender Dre Masso who got together with talented mates to produce Altos, the tequila perfect for cocktails - she'll find out what he's knocked together especially for the Australian Open! And speaking of Mexican, can you believe that Mamasita turns FIFTEEN this year!?!? Owner Joss Jenner-Leuthart shares the secrets behind the success of that Melbourne institution, and how we can get involved in the celebrations. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - details on new South Yarra neighbourhood joint Bar Yarra, a very special Prosecco dinner at Yarraville Greek fave Eleni's, a series of seriously special wine dinners at Little Black Pig and Sons, some fun Chinese New Year events at brilliant new bar Moondrop, and a perfect option for F1 Grand Prix weekend for spirit lovers with "Barrel Hall at the Fox Classic Car Collection". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, the restaurant at Crittenden Wines is back open and for the first time in decades, it's back in family hands, Kate chats to chief winemaker and General Manager, Rollo Crittenden, what we can expect in both the restaurant, and relaxed new terrace from chef Brunno Mello and the team. Also, artists Daniel Saade and Redmond Stevenson share the story behind "Order Up", an exhibition now on at the Immigration Musuem which explores the role that the Melbourne hospitality industry has long played in the migrant experience, and the huge contribution new Australians have made to our dining scene. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne is back, with details on Bombay Meri Jaan's ode to the nostalgia of 1970s and 80s Bombay; an AFFORDABLE love letter to modern Paris is coming soon in Frenchie - where every dish is just $14; modern Japanese-diner-inspired Koi Toy prepares to launch in Coburg; Apollo Inn is serving up a petite "Trio of Martinis" for CBD drinking; and a reminder of just how much some of this state's fire-ravaged communities and businesses will need our support in coming weeks and months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the final episode of Relish for 2025, not endings, but some openings! Restaurateur Michael Badr shares the inspiration Bar Sophia in Glen Iris, inspired by the new wave wine Bars of Athens. Also, three-hatted chef Cam Tay Yap wowed locals with a pop up in a car park last summer, so what can we expect from Pebble Dining 2.0 in west Melbourne (hint, this time round there will be walls and a kitchen at least!) And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - summer inspiration from the brand new and uber-stylish Crane Terrace at 1Hotel Melbourne; the reimagined Cleo Hyde Melbourne Place; Carlton's newest pizzeria Garfield will be with us before long; a martini affair you are NOT going to want to miss at The Douglas Club; and a few Christmas foodie treats to indulge in this festive season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast - we've just seen two of the biggest Melbourne openings for 2025, so Kate was very keen to get the lowdown on each. First up, after 8 years the renovation of the landmark Waterside Hotel has been unveiled, and exec chef Sarah Chan is behind the menu from pub classics in the public bar to vibrant south-east Asian fare in signature restaurant PAST/PORT, she'll explain what to expect. Also, founder & CEO of MAMA's Dining Group Thai Ho explains how he turned the iconic former Madame Brussels site into a Japanese listening bar, restaurant, rooftop and omakase. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne, try Lebo-terranean at brand new Bar Bouni; 98 Lygon St Bar and Bistro launches a new courtyard AND aperitivo hour; the Standard X hotel opens its rooftop, "On Top", to the public; New York's renowned Death & Co bar opens a Melbourne outpost; and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program is out for 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, Melbourne loves it when a local legend announces a new endeavour, so what does Alejandro Saravia have in store for us at Farmer's Daughters Wine House? Also, with Nikka Perfect Serve, that famous Japanese distiller sets out to find the world's best bartender, Kate finds out what it takes from Australian winner Takashi Matsumoto. And, in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - TWO fabulous pub renovations in the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff & Kensington's famous Doutta Gala; Crown Melbourne looks the place to be for this upcoming indulgent social season as they launch Champagne & Caviar experiences across their most iconic venues; brilliant CBD bar Apollo Inn has launched a fab Nightcap menu to see your city evenings out in style; and Alice Zaslavsky teams up with Ertswilder to produce some seriously "tasty" accessories. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.