There was a time, not so long ago when music festivals announced food line-ups like they were headliners, boasting a snack smorgasbord to keep you fuelled between sets. The 2018-2019 festival scene has been a lot quieter on the food front, but Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham of Sydney's Mary's empire (and notorious Slayer fans) are changing the script with the announcement of their curated food offering at the heavy metal Download festival in Sydney and Melbourne.
Sure, you might have bought your tickets for the chance to see Slayer, Ozzy, Judas Priest and Pennywise live, but in between bone-rattling sets you can head to Hells Kitchen and eat food from heavy-hitters in the cheffing world like Aaron Turner from Geelong fine diner Igni, Jo Barrett form Oakridge Winery, and Phil Wood from lauded Mornington fine diner Laura. Smyth and Graham will be slinging food on site too, joined by Beatbox Kitchen, Taco Truck, HSP, Juanita Peaches, All Day Donuts, Messina, Leonards House Of Love, Harley and Rose, Bluebonnet BBQ, Pearl Of The Quarter, Ryan Gozleme and MILF.
It's an all-killer, no-filler parade of quality snackage, which makes sense given the sheer calibre of performers on the line-up for those who love their tunes heavy and their T-shirts black.
Keen to road test more of Melbourne's best restaurants? Here's our 50 best for your dining pleasure.