It was exactly 3 years ago that I last attended Taste of Melbourne, the World’s Greatest Restaurant Festival. I have super fond memories from that night not only because I was wowed off my stockings by the culinary lineup and the fancy schmancy drinks, but I also have a cute anecdote from the night to tell.

Last time I was at Taste of Melbourne I was 38 weeks pregnant with our first child. There were mixed reviews about my belly. Some were still offering me alcoholic beverages. It may have had something to do with the flattering peplum jacket I wore which helped disguise the fetus. But one of my fashion friends, a stylist, who has a keen eye on detail and an excellent knowledge of proportions, saw through my ‘disguise’ and exclaimed: “Wow! You’re ready to pop! Who knows! Your waters could break tonight!”

Lo and behold, his prophecy came true.

Fast forward 3 years, I’ve just had another bub, it’s our first night out since her birth, and it also happens to be our 9 year wedding anniversary, so when we received the invitation to the Gala night of Taste of Melbourne, we couldn’t book our babysitter fast enough! Thanks Mom!

Curious yet? Allow me to name-drop just a few to tickle your fancy: Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie, Cumulus Inc., Estelle Bistro (who boasted one of the longest lines), Supernormal (where I celebrated Olympia’s ‘One Month’ Birthday), MoVida, The Royal Mail Hotel (no need to travel all the way to Dunkheld in the Grampians!), Mamasita and Circa, The Prince.

Salivating yet? This year, Taste of Melbourne also welcomes Fancy Hanks, American BBQ in Melbourne; fantastical dessert specialists, Om Nom (one of our date-night favourites); two hatted degustation wunderkinds, Lûmé (whose line rivaled that of Estelle); Melbourne’s premier gastronomical Grecian temple, Gazi (where I had my birthday party this year) and Peruvian street food from Marea Cevicheria presented by Pastuso. This year’s stellar line-up of 14 restaurants have an incredible eleven hats between them!

Anniversary or not, you really don’t need an excuse to attend the world’s greatest restaurant festival at Pelican Lawn, Albert Park Lake this weekend. Just an appreciation for good food, wine and music will do. Where else can you go to indulge in sumptuous offerings from the hottest, latest and most critically acclaimed establishments all at the same place? My wee bit of advice? Get your tickets [HERE] and wear something loose…