Foodies of Melbs, assemble. If your idea of a perfect Saturday (or Friday, or Sunday) involves top-tier cheese and boutique wines, clear some space in your calendar. The Little Food Market is returning to Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building from November 27–29, bringing more than 200 food and drink producers from Australia and New Zealand under one (very grand) roof.
Timed perfectly for the start of backyard barbie season, the three-day event is a chance to sample, shop and meet the makers behind some of the country’s most exciting independent food brands. Expect everything from small-batch spirits, artisan cheeses and Italian salumi to boutique wines, fresh pastries, handmade choccies and high-end pantry staples.
Among the names joining this year's line-up are everyone’s favourite goats cheese producers Meredith Dairy, Pistachio Papi, Cobb Lane, Posh Crumpets, Billy Van Creamy and Fix & Fogg. There will also be lots of newcomers to discover, including cult-fave chocolate brand Loco Love, Gamze Smokehouse smallgoods and Sunny Times' seasonal raw honey.
And it's not just about filling your fridge and pantry. The Little Food Market's Feasting precinct will bring together some of Melbourne's fave kitchens, serving everything from handmade pasta and porchetta focaccia to birria tacos, Japanese katsu sandos and Portuguese custard tarts. Come hungry.
There's also a packed programme of free demonstrations and guided tastings on the Winnings Food Experience Stage, featuring pastry chef Gareth Whitton of Tarts Anon, Tom Jones-Davies of D.O.C. Gastronomia Italiana and Australia's first certified Honey Sommelier, Jessica Locarnini.
Tickets start at $15 online, including a returnable Bettercup. You can book yours over here.
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