Relish with Kate Stevenson

On this episode of Relish, Michael Bascetta is the man behind some of the inner north's best eateries (think Bar Liberty, Capitano and Falco), and he has opened a pub. He'll explain what we can expect from Fitzroy North's The Pinnacle.Also - Nathan Toleman just knows how to hospitality, he's explain how that translates to just one of five venues his Mulberry Group is running at the brand new Hannah Street Hotel, the gorgeous Coupette Corner Bistro and Bar.And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - Via Lucia Mercato brings a taste of South Melbourne's Italian fave Lucia to the market, Frenchie finally opens in the city with its 14 buck menu, the lowdown on Gerald's Bar's move to its new home in Lygon Street, Sunset Sessions to see out summer at Cleo Melbourne, and to do? Well, how about entering a competition that could see you visiting and reviewing Big 4 Holiday Parks for a whole year?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Relish - a Michelin-starred Basque chef has popped up at Nobody's Bar in South Yarra. Kate asks Aitor Jeronimo Orive what we can expect from Basque Txoko. Also, the blokes who founded a farm specifically to put hard-to-find produce on their restaurants' tables - Matt Guthrie talks Rocklyn Farm and the bounty it provides for the CBD's Patsy's, as well as Bau Bau Dining and Bistro Elba on the Mornington Peninsula. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - your last chance to check out those southside interlopers at Pipi's North; speaking of south, Lush 2.0 has set up in the former Wayside Inn; Mr. Miyagi has declared the drink of the summer is officially their frozen Hard Yuzu; and two fabulous cabarets to check out (where, yes, you can get a drink and a feed): the highly entertaining and rather decadent Piper's Playhouse at Crown, or two great shows at relative newcomer Viva Melbourne - the high fashion of Vogue or the more adult spectacle Vicious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, Kate speaks to world-renowned bartender Dre Masso who got together with talented mates to produce Altos, the tequila perfect for cocktails - she'll find out what he's knocked together especially for the Australian Open!And speaking of Mexican, can you believe that Mamasita turns FIFTEEN this year!?!? Owner Joss Jenner-Leuthart shares the secrets behind the success of that Melbourne institution, and how we can get involved in the celebrations.And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - details on new South Yarra neighbourhood joint Bar Yarra, a very special Prosecco dinner at Yarraville Greek fave Eleni's, a series of seriously special wine dinners at Little Black Pig and Sons, some fun Chinese New Year events at brilliant new bar Moondrop, and a perfect option for F1 Grand Prix weekend for spirit lovers with "Barrel Hall at the Fox Classic Car Collection".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, the restaurant at Crittenden Wines is back open and for the first time in decades, it's back in family hands, Kate chats to chief winemaker and General Manager, Rollo Crittenden, what we can expect in both the restaurant, and relaxed new terrace from chef Brunno Mello and the team.Also, artists Daniel Saade and Redmond Stevenson share the story behind "Order Up", an exhibition now on at the Immigration Musuem which explores the role that the Melbourne hospitality industry has long played in the migrant experience, and the huge contribution new Australians have made to our dining scene. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne is back, with details on Bombay Meri Jaan's ode to the nostalgia of 1970s and 80s Bombay; an AFFORDABLE love letter to modern Paris is coming soon in Frenchie - where every dish is just $14; modern Japanese-diner-inspired Koi Toy prepares to launch in Coburg; Apollo Inn is serving up a petite "Trio of Martinis" for CBD drinking; and a reminder of just how much some of this state's fire-ravaged communities and businesses will need our support in coming weeks and months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the final episode of Relish for 2025, not endings, but some openings!Restaurateur Michael Badr shares the inspiration Bar Sophia in Glen Iris, inspired by the new wave wine Bars of Athens.Also, three-hatted chef Cam Tay Yap wowed locals with a pop up in a car park last summer, so what can we expect from Pebble Dining 2.0 in west Melbourne (hint, this time round there will be walls and a kitchen at least!)And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - summer inspiration from the brand new and uber-stylish Crane Terrace at 1Hotel Melbourne; the reimagined Cleo Hyde Melbourne Place; Carlton's newest pizzeria Garfield will be with us before long; a martini affair you are NOT going to want to miss at The Douglas Club; and a few Christmas foodie treats to indulge in this festive seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast - we've just seen two of the biggest Melbourne openings for 2025, so Kate was very keen to get the lowdown on each.First up, after 8 years the renovation of the landmark Waterside Hotel has been unveiled, and exec chef Sarah Chan is behind the menu from pub classics in the public bar to vibrant south-east Asian fare in signature restaurant PAST/PORT, she'll explain what to expect.Also, founder & CEO of MAMA's Dining Group Thai Ho explains how he turned the iconic former Madame Brussels site into a Japanese listening bar, restaurant, rooftop and omakase.And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne, try Lebo-terranean at brand new Bar Bouni; 98 Lygon St Bar and Bistro launches a new courtyard AND aperitivo hour; the Standard X hotel opens its rooftop, "On Top", to the public; New York's renowned Death & Co bar opens a Melbourne outpost; and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program is out for 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, Melbourne loves it when a local legend announces a new endeavour, so what does Alejandro Saravia have in store for us at Farmer's Daughters Wine House?Also, with Nikka Perfect Serve, that famous Japanese distiller sets out to find the world's best bartender, Kate finds out what it takes from Australian winner Takashi Matsumoto.And, in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - TWO fabulous pub renovations in the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff & Kensington's famous Doutta Gala; Crown Melbourne looks the place to be for this upcoming indulgent social season as they launch Champagne & Caviar experiences across their most iconic venues; brilliant CBD bar Apollo Inn has launched a fab Nightcap menu to see your city evenings out in style; and Alice Zaslavsky teams up with Ertswilder to produce some seriously "tasty" accessories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aret Arzadian and his partners have opened an elevated Italian restaurant and cracking rooftop in the heart of Glen Waverley, on the Relish podcast he tells Kate about the inspiration for "Gambino".Also, down in Ballarat, Itinerant Spirits head distiller James Fairlie is celebrating World Vodka day with not one, but THREE new releases from Vansetter Vodka, so what can we expect?And, in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - Mexi by Riverland gives us the chance to fiesta by the Yarra, Fleet rooftop proves a great CBD al fresco option through Spring and Summer, the Sandhill Road Group prepare to unveil a mammoth renovation at the Waterside Hotel, Seddon and Union Wine stores add a banging gin martini to their batched cocktail collection, and how you can Eat Drink Play Gippsland with a brand new one day festival this October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael and Zara Madrusan are know globally for their world-beating bars and cocktails, on this episode of Relish, Kate asks how they came up with the 2800 cocktail recipes their new book - The Madrusan Cocktail Companion.Also, Alex Xinis has won accolades for Yarraville Greek gem Tzaki, so what can we expect from Kokoras - his modern, Greek take on great old school charcoal chook shops?And in Eat, Drink Do Melbourne - Brisbane's Blackbird is seriously bringing the goods to its new Flinders Lane home, Johnny's green Room is hosting some of this city's best chefs for "Sunday Service", Officina Gastronomica Italiana is transporting you direct to Piemonte with their new "Taste and Pour" menu; Mill Place Merchants is taking us back through time for Negroni Week; and get ready as Thats Amore launches Australia's first Australian Burrata Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vanilla Lounge is an institution in Oakleigh, on this episode of Relish owner Dennis Spannos explains what to expect from their new addition - a Willy-Wonka like dessert bar called "Vanilla Do It Your Way" just across the road. Also Taf Chiwanza is the co-founder of Secondz, a new platform that aims to bring us only the best food and drink recommendations direct both the experts and fellow punters, Kate finds out how it all works. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne, – Port Melbourne's Ciao Cielo launches Wednesday date night for the romantics; the team behind Marameo open Athens-inspired wine Bar Sophia in Glen Iris; Lankan Tucker opens their new cafe & store in Lygon Street; The Showroom Bar hosts Sydney cocktail heavyweight Stefano Filardi for one night only; and the Makers & Shakers market is back with a special comeback appearance by the team from the Everleigh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast Athenian Ioannis Kasidokostas explains exactly how he's bringing elegance and refinement to traditional Greek dishes at Aegli in South Melbourne. Also, chefs Ryan Spurrell and Sarah Cremona have tremendous cooking cred both here and overseas, so Kate can't wait to hear what they have planned for their gorgeous new Rosebud restaurant, Orson Dining. And, in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - Grazia D'Asporto is bringing superb takeaway to Glen Iris, Odette House is offering up three levels of terrific dining in Spotswood, Lexy is the latest fab Asian offering in Flinders Lane, Circl Wine House is getting nostalgic with midweek memories, and Yalumba and Lancemore are teaminf up for a seriously special wine dinner at Werribee MansionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Relish this episode, Sally Hillman has taken a love of Champagne and turned it into a vocation. She explains everything we need to know about French artisan bubbly and what to expect from her brilliant new book.Also, when Tristan Jallais opened Natural science, Blackburn's first bottle shop/wine bar combo, he committed to an all Aussie menu and range - he'll share what's on the shelves and why he reckons it's important to keep it accessible.And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne – huge food news as a proven hospitality groups announces their new Japanese venue planned for the iconic Madame Brussels site; Dodam brings Korean celebrations and flavours to East Brunswick Village; Curious Matter has launched at The W Hotel's Curious Bar bringing theatre and whimsy to world-class cocktails; Grampians in a Glass has packed the Western District's best best wines off to Bobbie Peels; and get ready to indulge in the Chocolateries' famous Hot Chocolate festival this AugustSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is all about the humble pub this week, and the people who bring those lost back to life.First up, Scott Connolly and The George Hotel in South Melbourne, a market-side charmer that is bringing them back in droves - and thankfully, Scott says despite the naysayers, pubs really do have a future in this city.Also, two couples with a wealth of hospitality experience fell in love with this state's North-East, and when the opportunity came up to take up the Yackandandah Hotel, well, they jumped at it. Dale Kemp and Jackson Cartright explain what we can expect from this country classic.And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne ... get into Taco & Tequila Thursdays at Hotel Mexico, or maybe rush in for an express lunch Burrito Bowl at Hotel Nacional, try refined ramen at South Yarra's Yakikami, enjoy a glass or two of Prosecco with Love2Glasses, and big news as Robin Wickens from the Royal Mail pops up at Rippon Lea this winter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the next Relish podcast - Winter means Sunday roasts and perhaps the best place to get a true Brit-inspired roast is CBD Bluestone charmer Reed House, head chef Mark Hannell explains what he’s cooking up and how in just one year they've created one of Melbourne's most loved hospitality venues.Also, winter also means truffles, chef Liam Downes is inviting us to Black Cat Truffle farm to source our own treasures and stay for a seriously special meal.And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - Arlechin is punctuating our midweek with a Wednesday night oyster frenzy; there are two new regional French offerings with charmer The Retreat in Geelong and stunning looking Le Foyer in Bendigo; and how you can get your winter wander on in Windsor with progressive dinner Fork and Walk taking in Mr Miyagi, Windsor Wine room and Freddy’s pizza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, he’s the man with the Midas touch, so no wonder everyone is so excited about Ian Curley’s TWO new venues, 81Bay wine bar and Baix restaurant in Brighton - Kate will get the lowdown on both.Also, the Italian chef who planned a restaurant in Melbourne, but realised he could blow locals away with his authentic gelato, Luigi Pozzoli tells the story behind Gigi’s GelatoAnd in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - meet Two Two Six, Melbourne's swankiest new bar & restaurant; at Rochford in the Yarra Valley Isabella’s restaurant has launched a dreamy new winter menu; Daughter’s Arms is keeping us cosy all winter with $25 bottomless curry; Grey Goose is fuelling a marvellous Martini Month at both Pincho Disco and Cinder; and a be ready for a beautiful British collaboration between the Langham and Laura Ashley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Relish podcast - Nathan Doyle & Cameron Earl are opening a venue, but offering the restaurant concept inside to a talented young chef for 12 months -Kate gets the from story behind Residence from Nathan, and and inaugural Residence chef, Robbie Noble.Also - Adam D'Sylva has finally opened much-awaited Decca in Alphingon, so as a local, how did he make sure it has everything his neighbours love in a neighbourhood restaurant?And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - how you can head to the Riviera formidweek date night at Bottega; Tommy Collins is bringing some of the best names in Melbourne food to Mt Buller this winter; Pidapido launches gorgeous winter flavours to keep us scoffing gelato in the colder months; news on award winning wines and beers to give a try; and North by North East Wine Festival hits the Old Melbourne Gaol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast … there’s nothing like a great, relaxed neighbourhood wine bar, and Tresna Lee has just that in Coburg’s Gemini, Kate will ask how you get it right and what Gemini season might mean for their lucky customers.Also – Monique Milenkovic built a successful and much loved empire in the Cupcake Queens, so how do you go from great food idea, to thriving business? Well, she’s written the book on it and will share a few secrets to success.And - it's a BENDIGO TAKEOVER for Eat, Drink, Do ... as the world-exclusive Frida exhibition hits town, there are tips on eats like breakfast in the Botanic Gardens at Omari, coffee aboard the insta-worthy Fiesta tram, lunch and a Frida-inspired taco at Ms Batterhams, dinner at uber-cool restaurant Terrae, and drinks at places like Bendigo Brewery, on board La Musica Tram, and local wineries Silver Spoon Estate & Shiraz Republic. Surely you deserve a getaway this winter!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast - there’s no secret that Tassie is the little state that could when it comes to the global whisky stage, Kate speaks to Fiona Coutts who is the head distiller at Hellyer's Road distillery about how their north west gem is wowing the world.Also, Giorgio Liguanti has bulit a cheese empire in That’s Amore and now he’s also a published author, he's shall all about his new cookbook all about the buzz-cheese that is "Burrata".And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - Pincho Disco is making Latin American even more accessible with some well-priced new set menus, the all new Molli is well and truly kicking goals in Abbotsford, Seddon’s Luxsmith is making sure we still get out for date night this winter, QuarterHouse is the CBD’s newest pub, and how you can eat and drink your fill at Heritage Harvest Weekend at Sovereign HillSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, the man behind one of Melbourne’s best basement bars has another gem for us, Hamish Goonetilleke. introduces Baby Driver.Also Thierry Amanatidis is a young woman with three businesses under her belt, she explains how three generations of Greek hospitality set you up for success.And on Eat, Drink Do Melbourne - how you can mix the indulgent combination of Whisky and Wagyu at Robata, Forget Me Not is blooming at night in Greenvale, LFK Bar is bringing the best of Hong Kong to Melbourne, and the tastiest way to get your fill this easter from Hot Cross Buns at Morning Market, Italian dessert tarts from Brunetti Classico, hot cross doughnuts from Pidapipo, and decadent chocolate bilbies from Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast - we all know plenty of international street foods, but what street foods really define Melbourne? Celebrated food writer Richard Cornish has curated a dozen of them with fabulous stories and ceramic depictions at new exhibition the Dirty Dozen - he'll tell us all about it.Also, Masterchef winner Emelia Jackson talks about gorgeous new tome The Baker’s Book, and just what it is about baking that inspires so much passion and so many memories.And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - huge news as Vue De Monde’s Hugh Allen announces brand new venue Yiaga in the Fitzroy Gardens, Scott Pickett opens Como Lane in a much-loved historic home and garden, how CBD Italian fave Bottega could be your perfect Comedy Festival pitstop, at the Douglas Club the Sip Society promises great value classic cocktails and seriously fun snacks, and how you get your Greek on at Preston Market’s Greek Day Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.