Relish with Kate Stevenson

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.

On the Relish podcast - Barragunda Dining is without a doubt the biggest opening of the year. Kate speaks to co-founder, farmer and chef Simone Watts about just what to expect from this Cape Schanck stunner.Also – Shadowfax Wines will celebrate a quarter of a century in Werribee Park this year, Chief Winemaker Alistair Timms explains how they’ll mark the celebration and how you can get involved.And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - how you can use the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival as your excuse to check out the best of Geelong and the Bellarine – from the unique Q Train to Northern Thai superstar Songbird; check out the Living Grand Buffet at Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s Colins Kitchen; Fin Wines are back in the Yarra Valley; and the Sweet As festival arrives at Queen Vic Market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, how Cinzia Buono went from working an office job in Switzerland to opening gorgeous Italian restaurants - Buono & Sincero - right here in Melbourne.Also – the boys behind Carlton North’s Henry Sugar share the secret behind opening a truly loved local & explain how their No Waste Mondays are drawing quite the crowd.And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - how you can "Break Bread" at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, check out Baker Bleu's newest store in Cremorne; hit the heights with Nepalese food at Lah Bro's, enjoy Brunetti Classico's delectable sounding new gelato cocktails, and get along to Studio Amaro's inaugural International Women's Day event - Woman Crush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Relish podcast, Nik Pouloupatis has worked for decades at some of the best restaurants in Melbourne, so what’s he learned that makes his new Greek gem Astoria Bar Ke Grill such an instant star?Also, Zoe Birch had a dream to open a small, quality restaurant on Melbourne’s outskirts and now – Greasy Zoe’s has two hats and a stellar reputation – so Kate asks what’s the secret to her success?And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - get ready for the unique Barragunda Dining; Dr Morse celebrates its 12th birthday and a big reno; the Woolstore is the newest hot eatery to hit Geelong; how you can enjoy kegs for a cause at Brick Lane Market; and get involved in the Ice Cream festival this month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first Relish podcast for 2025, a look at one of the most fun events at this year’s Melbourne Food & Wine Fest, as the chefs from Robata and San Telmo explain what to expect from "Gaucho Bebop" - where Japan and Argentina meet in the tastiest way. Also, Kate speaks to exec chef Greg Feck about what you are missing out on if you haven’t yet discovered La Vetta restaurant at Marnong Estate. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne, the Espy expands with a brand new sunroom overlooking St Kilda beach, Victoria by Farmers Daughters relaunches its famous Sunday sessions with a Latin American flavour, your chance to Taiwanese street food at Ahma, the Prosecco Festival returns with a bang (or a pop!) in 2025, and how you can access the best of both worlds at this year’s Wine & Cheese festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the last Relish podcast for the year, clearly it’s time to celebrate - Troy Wheeler co-owns Meatsmith, one of this city's premium butchers and he has tips on how you can to positively wow on the Christmas table this year.Also surely it's not too early to plan your imbibing and indulging for the year ahead, CEO of Food & Drink Victoria, Anthea Loucas Bosha, shares all the highlights from the huge program for the 2025 Melbourne Food And Wine Festival.And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - we’re staying festive with your chance to enjoy artisan panettone from Cannoli Bar, believe it or not Panettone-filled cannoli from Cannoleria, a superb Panettone cocktail from legendary bartender Orlando Marzo and Drinks By Loro, and how you can go all out this Christmas or New Year with tableside indulgence at Gimlet and Apollo Inn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.