As if we needed another excuse to eat our way through South Melbourne Market, a fungi fest of mushroom tastings, eats and forager chats is taking place from June 16-25.
Aptly titled A Fungi Affair, the event celebrates the best of these seasonal fun guys (geddit?) and we’re here for it. Think of it as a self-guided tour with the state’s most respected foragers and producers, plus a chance to sample exclusive mushroom-centric dishes from a handful of renowned restaurants and traders.
Begin your journey at Georgie’s Harvest, where Georgie will personally offer an in-depth overview of all the market’s mushrooms, from the funky, smelly ones to the wonky-looking ones you might have once discovered at the base of an old tree. Develop your understanding of the different flavours, varieties and aromas, and discover how to make the most of each of them in your cooking – hello recipe inspo! Think of Georgie as your magical mushroom guide who’ll give you everything you need to prepare for the journey ahead.
Also on the menu is a roux-based autumnal mushroom chowder with thyme and truffle oil from Claypots Evening Star, plus a veggie and mushroom gyoza with spiced soy dressing from Bambu. You’ll be tempted to savour creamy mushroom-spiked mac and cheese from hamburger restaurant Smithburg, crisp beer-battered mushrooms with tomato romesco sauce and air-dried chorizo from Simply Spanish, and arancini balls with truffle mayo from Pieno Di Grazia.
Still hungry? Opt for a brioche filled with a duxelles of champignons de Paris, shallot crème fraîche and parmesan from Agathé Patisserie or a porcini baguette from Melbourne favourite Cobb Lane Bakery.
And while the almighty mushroom might hail as a savoury king, it doesn’t mean he can’t shapeshift to cater for your sweet tooth. Try a fungi-laden dessert in the form of a rich gelato flaked with umami truffles from Fritz Gelato, or cannoli filled with dark chocolate-infused ricotta garnished with crunchy mushroom chips from Cannoleria.
Your $80 ticket includes either an 11am or 2pm session, plus your very own stamp card, fungi map and market bag. There’s also an option to upgrade your ticket to include an exclusive produce goodie bag with dried chanterelles, truffle oil, mushroom and spinach ravioli, and other fungi-licious delights.
