VTIC Industry Dinner
The MCG is a Victorian symbol, so it was the ideal choice to host this year’s Victoria’s Tourism industry dinner – and hero a combination of sporting greatness, fused with Victorian produce against the backdrop of the iconic stadium.
MCG Events proudly hosted the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Dinner as part of the Destination Victoria conference – held over two days in the East Melbourne precinct. Following Day One of the conference at Centrepiece at Melbourne Park – guests walked across the connecting footbridge and began the nights festivities with a viewing of the Australian Sports Museum.
Celebrating the Nation’s sporting greatness
Newly refurbished and opened 12 days before the initial lock down in March of 2020, the Australian Sports Museum had yet to be seen by many of the local tourism industry. The museum is interactive look into the nations sporting history that includes the Australian Sports Hall of Fame, sections dedicated to AFL, Cricket, Horse Racing and the Olympics as well as the official Melbourne Cricket Club Museum and Game On exhibit. Many guests impressed to see the original cauldron that displayed the 1956 Olympic flame, Cathy Freemans gold winning suit, and Donald Bradman’s baggy green.
Executive Chef, Dylan Sanding, used the opportunity to feature highlights from the Indigenous menu offering, including Cured kingfish, pickled beetroot, native succulents, finger lime and buttermilk; Oysters, cucumber, bush apple gin, karkalla and Yarra Valley salmon roe; and Saltbush fried chicken, Warrigal green slaw and bush tomato aioli. The museums ‘Game On’ exhibit featured two familiar faces – Anthony Hudson (Fox Sports), and Al Livingston (Channel 7), as they ‘called’ the moments as each guest lined up for shot at goal in their team colours. These moments were captured on each of the guests’ phones to share. You can book Al and Huddo at your next event – follow this link for more information on the interactive tours they host at the G’.
From Victoria’s paddock to the plates at the MCG
Chef Partner, Alejandro Saravia proudly stated to the guests – “I am from Peru, but my heart is Victorian” – as he presented the night’s main course – Gippsland lamb, with charred winter greens, and broccoli cream; and Roasted snapper, with pumpkin ribbons, and sundried peppers sauce. As the Food and Drink ambassador for the region of Gippsland, Alejandro used the occasion to announce to the audience, the upcoming opening of his new restaurant ‘Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters – in Federation Square on 28th July 2022. “Victoria will be bringing the best produce the state has to offer to the plate”.
MCG Events Executive Chef, Dylan Sanding continued the tribute to Victorian produce with an impressive dessert of Melbourne rooftop honey and white chocolate delice, caramelised filo, pistachio praline, Central Victorian mandarins and fior de latte ice cream. The 300 guests enjoyed the ambience of the Jim Stynes Grill – a popular venue choice due to the panoramic backdrop of the arena and ability to activate the scoreboard for signage. The venue also features an impressive open kitchen, allowing the chefs to be centre stage for the evening. Thanks to the night’s suppliers included Harry the Hirer (furniture and styling in the Australian Sports Museum), Birdy Floral Stylist and Table Art.
