Melbourne Cup preparations have turned the corner and are almost in the
straight- have you decided where you’ll be on Tuesday November 6?
It's a labour of love to compile this list dear reader, but I aim to please and I hope you find it useful. I've divided them up in suburbs/precincts.
Hope you win on the day, both on the horsies and with some fabulous food and fun.
Ascot
Baguette
Melbourne Cup Lunch starts at 11am and you can expect a
really impressive 4-course menu, big TVs, prizes for the Best Hat and Best
Dressed Woman & Man plus Sweeps and lots of fun. $115 per person. Book 3268 616 or info@baguette.com.au
Brisbane CBD
This year, for the first time ever, CBD workers can celebrate Melbourne Cup fever at a free Live Site in Post Office Square on Tuesday 6 November.
City-goers are invited to lap up the sunshine and watch the race live on a big screen while making the most of pre-race entertainment, including esky horse races, sweeps, a range of fashions on the field competitions, and the chance to win great prizes.
Post Office Square will be the perfect place to enjoy a more chilled out Melbourne Cup day as they sit back in a deck chair and take advantage of the great food offers from the Food Court.
Across The City, race day revellers will be spoilt for choice with many unique venues also hosting events. Some of Brisbane’s best restaurants, bars and hotels are embracing the Melbourne Cup spirit, offering a range of race day packages.
Those after a flutter won’t be disappointed with ‘pop-up’ TAB bookies conveniently located in the Queen Street Mall from 5 - 6 November.
For revellers heading out of The City, a free bus to Doomben Racecourse will depart from CBD locations, beginning at Eagle Street Pier, from 11.15am.For more information on Melbourne Cup in The City visit www.bnecity.com.au
Sake
Saké Brisbane Head Chef, Shinichi Maeda, has created a seven-course menu for the occasion, adding his signature taste twists set to delight the racing crowd. Guests will also enjoy fashion highlights from the Lisa Ho Summer 2012 collection complemented with Canturi jewels, a Best Dressed competition, as well as traditional sweepstakes and betting facilities.Guests will recieve a glass of Veuve Cliquot Champagne on arrival. A Best Dressed competition will be judged by Brisbane with fantastic prizes on offer. Expect Sydney rock oysters shot, Sashimi, Prawn shumai, Beef katsu, Ocean trout, Pork belly and a dessert of Suika. $125pp. reservations@sakerestaurant.com.au
Moda
Go Spanish at Moda with an entree with lots of different
Catalan influenced Spanish dishes to trifle with. Diners then choose their main meal or they
can be shared again if they wish...plus desserts to share!
Entremesses – to share Fresh Water Yabbies, Sherry Deglaze, Half
Shell Scallops, Pancetta, Black Mussels, Tomato, Chorizo, Hervey Bay Prawns,
Pernod Yarra Valley Salmon Caviar, Sweet Corn Blinis. Main – a choice of
Atlantic Salmon, Sauce Vierge or Rack of Lamb, Adobo, Smoked Vegetables or Double Baked Cheese
Soufflé , Kirsch sauce,Walnut, Pear. Dessert
- Moda Dessert Tapas to Share. Food only $95pp.
Beverages can be selected from Moda’s comprehensive wine and drinks
lists or indulge in a Moet and Chandon
beverage package for 3.5hours $165pp inclusive of lunch! Book
functions@modarestaurant.com.au
Moo Moo
Moo Moo is hosting an event jam packed full of sweeps,
raffles, prizes and giveaways. They’ll also be topping your glass off from
11:00am through till 3:30pm with Moet.
If champagne just isn't your fizz there's a great selection of premium
Australian wine + beer and of course soft drinks. All of this alongside our chef's gourmet four
course steak lunch, so dress to impress! Tickets are $165pp tickets. Book - melbcup.bne@moomoorestaurant.com
Moobar™ Brisbane will be also offering a Canapes and Chandon
function 1pm-3pm only $65pp with live entertainment straight after the race and
a DJ into the evening.
Spring
Executive Chef Kym Machin has designed a cocktail-style menu which features a selection of hot and cold canapés, such as Peppered rare beef, caramelised onion and aioli en croute; Steamed hand-made dumplings with coriander and soy dressing; and Confit tomato in gazpacho shooters, as well as dessert canapés of Mini ice cream cones and Chocolate truffles. Guests will also enjoy a four hour, all-inclusive beverage package created by Spring Sommelier, Peter Marchant, who will MC the event. Drinks include a selection of red, white and sparkling wines as well as premium beers, soft drinks and fruit juices. Catch all the action of Melbourne Cup on the big screens in the restaurant and take part in the sweepstakes in support of Variety Queensland. $95pp Bookings at events@spring.com.au
The Villager Hotel
Party-goers, dust off your fascinators and spruce your
suites, The Villager Hotel is rolling out the grassy green carpet and laying on
a four-course lunch extravaganza for the race that stops the nation. Spread
across three levels, The Villager’s Horses Four Courses Melbourne Cup event
will feature a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne on arrival, a racy
four-course menu, a four hour beverage package, a fashion interlude by Marg K
Boutiques, best dressed awards and all the fun and frivolity one expects from
this quintessential Aussie celebration.
Four hour drink package including Moet & Chandon champagne
on arrival, live race coverage, lucky door prizes and best-dressed awards. $129.
Book info@thevillager.com.au
Vintaged Bar + Grill
Hilton Brisbane’s famed restaurant, Vintaged Bar + Grill celebrate the race with a chefs selection three course feast, showcasing the freshest local produce along with glass of French Champagne, while watching the action on Brisbane’s biggest video wall. Vintaged’s chefs selection Cup day menu includes:
Six freshly shucked oysters with mignonette dressing; OR Mooloolaba prawn, fennel and citrus salad
Roasted veal tenderloin with potato puree and broad beans; OR Pan seared kingfish, baby leeks, asparagus, tapenade and sauce verge. Coconut dacquoise with kaffir lime curd and fresh Queensland strawberries; OR Vintaged patisserie’s Melbourne cup chocolate dessert. $85 per person including chefs selection three course menu + a glass of French Champagne. book: phone (07) 3231 3265 or eat@vintagedbarandgrill.com Menu is subject to change based on seasonality of ingredients.
Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse
Enjoy a three course menu with a glass of sparkling or beer
on arrival. There are sweeps to get involved in and prizes to be won for best
dressed too. We also set up viewing screens so you definitely won't miss the
action. $85 per person Book reservations@kingsleys.com.au
Brisbane Marriott
The Brisbane Marriott has partnered with Ronald McDonald
House Charities to make this year’s Melbourne Cup more than just horse racing,
bets and bubbles. During the hotel’s fabulous Melbourne Cup seafood luncheon in
Motion Bar & Grill and retro, 50’s style Melbourne Cup party in the Grand
Ballroom, guests will have the opportunity to purchase sweepstakes for Ronald
McDonald House. The Brisbane Marriott’s $130 seafood luncheon will be served in
Motion Bar and Grill and includes sparkling wine and canapés on arrival, three
hour drinks package, live coverage of the race, charity sweeps and lucky door
prizes. The $140 retro 50’s style Melbourne Cup party will be hosted
in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, and includes a champagne cocktail on arrival, a
three hour drinks package, three course set menu, live entertainment by
Midnight Grove, live coverage of the race on the big screen, charity sweeps and
Fashions on the Field prizes. Bookings 07 3303 8054.
Esquire
Indulge with friends and colleagues in Executive chef Ryan Squires’ thoughtfully designed unique menus, while joining fellow punters for a glamorous afternoon. TV screens, sweeps and Esquire’s new bar offering will ensure a festive Cup Day atmosphere from 12 midday.
Option 1: $60 per person Consists of 4 courses with Sparkling wine on arrival. The 4 course menu includes:
Japanese Fried aubergine, roasted sesame, fresh wasabi and sake, Treviso salad, Tomme de chevre, fried onion and balsamic. Choice of the following- BBQ pork ribs, Highly marbled beef and perilla dressing, Miso Soaked Australian murray cod and green Onion. Campari- curds and whey
Option 2: $130 per person Consists of 6 courses with Champagne on arrival. The 6 course menu includes:
Ike jime Coral Trout, Warm salad of Southern Calamari, Raw cauliflower, Bisque and spring peas, Lamb Belly Cavalo nero and smoked aubergine, Coal roasted highly marbled Beef Deckle horseradish and onion
Tomme de chevre, lady Williams apples and almond milk, Popcorn.To book: phone (07) 3220 2123
Japanese Fried aubergine, roasted sesame, fresh wasabi and sake, Treviso salad, Tomme de chevre, fried onion and balsamic. Choice of the following- BBQ pork ribs, Highly marbled beef and perilla dressing, Miso Soaked Australian murray cod and green Onion. Campari- curds and whey
Option 2: $130 per person Consists of 6 courses with Champagne on arrival. The 6 course menu includes:
Ike jime Coral Trout, Warm salad of Southern Calamari, Raw cauliflower, Bisque and spring peas, Lamb Belly Cavalo nero and smoked aubergine, Coal roasted highly marbled Beef Deckle horseradish and onion
Tomme de chevre, lady Williams apples and almond milk, Popcorn.To book: phone (07) 3220 2123
The Euro
The Euro will host the perfect trifecta in Cancino, Camargue
& The Cloakroom – exquisite wine and a custom-created canapé lunch from
Cancino, fashion trends direct from the Paris catwalks from Camargue, and the
very latest looks for men’s suiting from The Cloakroom.
The fashion showcase will unveil trends just walked in Paris
from Camargue, with owners Prue and Shan Bauer having just returned from Paris
Fashion Week. Labels to be shown include the Belgian master of print, Dries Van
Noten; Chanel’s Haider Ackermann; New York’s SUNO, and Australian designer Josh
Goot, among others. Famed menswear fashion-forward retailer The Cloakroom will
unveil the Spring/Summer Collection for their hot signature label ‘Pistols at
Dawn’.
The perfect event to celebrate with friends or impress –
Melbourne Cup at The Euro will feature Fashions on the Field, sweepstakes,
plenty of give-aways, door prizes and more with the big race screened live of
course. $210 before 31st October (or $230 after) reservations@urbanerestaurant.com
Sofitel
Sofitel Ballroom Le Grand celebrates race day in style. The
Classic Hits 4KQ Breakfast crew will return to the stage with presenters Laurel
Edwards, Gray Clare and Mark Hine entertaining guests throughout the day.
The excitement of the Melbourne Cup events will be on show
via the Sofitel ballroom cinema screens, whilst guests indulge in Moët &
Chandon on arrival, a gourmet three course feast by Executive Chef Patrice
Falantin, free flowing sparkling and a selection of wine and beer throughout
the day. Fresh spanner crab and king
prawn salad, Moreton bay bug with wasabi leaves and soy jelly, dry aged sirloin
steak and seared pink snapper are just a few of the delectable menu choices on
offer for the three course luncheon spectacular.
Fashion previews by renowned stylist’s 'id couture' will
showcase an array of local and international designs, and the hotly contested
fashions on the field will once again be a highlight of the day for fashionable
guests.
Great prizes are up for grabs during the event, and TAB
facilities available for betting enthusiasts. One lucky guest will win a
fantastic five-night escape at Sofitel Los Angeles Beverley Hills, including
return airfares for two, courtesy of Virgin Australia.
Popular Brisbane band ‘Groove Elements’ will keep guests
well entertained following the big race with the party atmosphere continuing at
Cuvée Lounge Bar – host of the official hotel after party.
Cuvée Lounge Bar offers guests an inspiring selection of
vintage and non-vintage labels from 20 of the world's great champagne houses,
complemented by a connoisseur's selection of Australian, European and New World
wines and an impressive cocktail menu. Cuvée’s resident DJ for the event, DJ
Niko, will be performing a soulful repertoire of lounge tunes from 3.00pm,
which is sure to keep party goers entertained.
11.30am until 3.30pm.
Early bird $165pp (until 12th October).
Regular ticket price $190 per person or $1850 table of 10. Book 07 3835
3535.
Brookwater
Drift
Enjoy a Drag Race Luncheon at Drift with drag queens showing
off the latest in couture, sweeps, fashion parade, lucky door prizes, the cup
on the big screen and Drift’s very own drag race. Three course lunch $89. Free
after party. Book lisa@drift.com.au
Fortitude Valley
Limes Hotel
Veuve Clicquot Garden Party - Join your fellow Flemington fancy for an exclusive Melbourne Cup Roof Top Garden Party brought to you by Limes Hotel and Veuve Clicquot. Canapés, craft beers and the world’s most famous champagne on offer along with TAB facilities and prizes for the best dressed. $155 pp. $145 for groups of 5+. Book info@limeshotel.com.au
Paddington
HamptonsEnjoy a four course lunch i from 12 sharp. On arrival glass of fizz and Pork rillette, caramelized onion en croute. Starter -Thai citrus herbs and crispy noodle salad with grilled salad and poached prawns. Main- Pistachio crumbed rack of lamb, spiced Fregoula, pomegranate pearls or Confit Bangalow pork belly, cavalo nero, beanshoot and galangal with chilli soy caramel or Queensland spanner crab, smoked pea and Iberico risotto with chilli and dill salad. Dessert - Dark chocolate fondant, honeycomb, Frangelico syrup and vanilla bean ice cream. $55 per head inclusive of a glass of fizz and BYO. Bookings 33672002.
Portside Wharf
Brookfield (funny, I always thought that was a suburb?),
which manages the Portside Wharf precinct, will put on live entertainment along
the riverfront boardwalk from 3.30pm to 7.30pm to ensure the festivities
continue long after the race has finished and are running free shuttle buses
between the racetrack, the precinct and Fortitude Valley.
Byblos
A riverfront carnival ride with live rabbits, Alice in
Wonderland inspired cocktails and quirky cupcakes are on the menu at Byblos for
its fifth annual Mad Hatters Melbourne Cup Tea Party, which last year attracted
more than 300 punters and fashionistas. With its three-course Mezza-style
banquet and premium beverage package, the famous tea party includes roving
entertainment, charity sweepstakes for Young Care, full coverage of the big
race, a host of fantastic prizes and an Ella Bache ‘beauty bar’ to keep the
ladies looking their best no matter how many champagnes they sip. $150 per person
or $1400 for a table of 10. events@byblosbar.com.au
Sono
Japanese fashion, culture, wine and cuisine will align at
Sono Japanese Restaurant with canapés, a three course lunch, premium beers,
wine and sake on the menu. Guests will also enjoy a special glass of Louis
Roederer Champagne as they watch the main race on the cinema screen at the
neighbouring Dendy Cinema. Guests will
also be treated to a Dogstar fashion parade and a Shu Uemura retouch booth and
gifts. $125 per person. events@sonorestaurant.com.au
Gusto da Gianni
At Gusto da Gianni, guests will enjoy a four course lunch
with four hour beverage package as well as a mobile cocktail bar, chill-out
lounges by the water, live race screenings, sweeps, lucky door prizes, prizes
for best dressed and live entertainment. $129 per person. events@gustodagianni.com
But it doesn't stop there as Gusto is teaming up with
Belvedere and BOSS Models to put on a fashion parade to rival any high-end
catwalk show. Models will parade through
both restaurants wearing the latest styles from top designers including
Portside's own Urbbana and the Gold Coast's Zama.
Belvedere
Belvedere will also be serving a sumptuous four course lunch
and beverage package with all the Melbourne Cup festivities to match, with the
famous Plumm Room also available for hire for an intimate party of up to 22
guests. $129 per person.belvederebngreservations@gmail.com
Manx
Manx will roll out the red carpet with a gourmet set menu,
prizes for the best dressed, sweeps, lucky door prizes. $99 per person including drinks package.
admin@restaurantmanx.com
South Bank
Rydges Hotel
Calling Brisbane’s A-List – Rydges Hotel South Bank has had
a makeover and it’s ready to show off. Hosted
by Brisbane’s Style Queen, Laura Stead, the event will take place in the
luxurious new Podium events centre designed by revered American interior
designer Tracy Beckmann. With a mouth-watering Seafood Buffet Luncheon and
stylish fashionistas strutting their stuff on the catwalk, where else would you
rather be this Melbourne Cup? Seafood Buffet Luncheon 11.30am to 3.00pm, complimentary glass of champagne on arrival,
entertainment & in-house sweeps, cost $85.00 per person. Bookings kelsie_smith@rydges.com
Stokehouse
Start with a complimentary glass of Larmandier-Bernier
Champagne on arrival at 12 noon, followed by a delicious four-course lunch
(beverages charged on consumption).
Indulge with Chilled cucumber & horseradish soup, followed by an
entrée of Crudo of Mooloolaba tuna, green sauce. For the main course, select
from Roast Spatchcock, sweet corn, herb aioli or Dry aged sirloin “on the
bone”, fresh lemon, smoked salt; and finish with a suitably festive dessert of
Pina Colada parfait. Try your luck in the Sweeps, be entertained by the DJ
playing throughout the day and, most importantly, watch the nation’s greatest
horse race on plasma screens set up throughout the restaurant come 2.00pm. $140
per person. Book info@stokehousebrisbane.com.au
Sake
A seven course menu by Head Chef Shinici Maeda with a showing of the Lisa Ho Summer 2012 collection. Best dressed competition. $135 including glass of Veuve Cliquot champagne on arrival. Book 3339 0999.
Two events this year with
Sake
A seven course menu by Head Chef Shinici Maeda with a showing of the Lisa Ho Summer 2012 collection. Best dressed competition. $135 including glass of Veuve Cliquot champagne on arrival. Book 3339 0999.
Toowong
Regatta HotelTwo events this year with
Woolloongabba
Enoteca 1889
The race stops a Nation... but not us. We'll be up early baking fresh bread, rolling
out pasta dough, polishing the champagne flutes & stocking the fridges with
Prosecco and Peroni. Cup day lunch & 4 hour beverage package. Our Cellar is
also available for a group booking of 20 to 32 guests with the race broadcast
on your own private screen. $110pp Book functions@1889enoteca.com.au
