Guy Grossi at work
If you're like me and have a serious sweet tooth, the
Melbourne Immigration Museum has been cooking up an exhibition for you.
Located in the Old Customs House, the Immigration Museum celebrates the rich diversity that has come to Australia, through moving images, memorabilia and memories. The stories are often funny, sad or triumphant - and in this case, sweet.
As part of the 2012 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the exhibition will explore the many ways five communities - Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mauritian and Turkish - use sweet food and drinks in their daily lives.
The 'Sweets' exhibition starts on the 15th of March, and will run from 10am until 5pm daily. It explores the history of these cultures and their integration into Australian life, as well as each culture's unique perspective on sweet food and drinks.
Japanese 'mochi' - sweet rice cakes
There will be a special one day only 'sweets festival' on Sunday 18th March from 11am until 4pm, where you will be welcome to cave to your cravings and sample some cultural delights. You'll also be able to watch some cooking demonstrations and take part in workshops.
However the event I'm gearing up to be front row and centre at is the 'sweet dinner' on Thursday the 15th of March from 6.30pm until 10.30pm. For only $180 a head, guests can indulge in a five course degustation menu with matching wines, created by Melbourne icon Guy Grossi. The courses will feature special sweet treats from each culture that the exhibition has featured, and guests will also be able to have a private viewing of the 'Sweets' exhibition. Bookings are essential and tickets can be purchased by calling 13 11 02.
