Melbourne Cup 2013 Parties to Raise Brisbane's Roof

Post

Subscribe

[SECTION][/SECTION]

Forget the horse race. The real competition is off the track - with a large field of Melbourne Cup events happening right across the city come the first Tuesday in November.

From well-heeled to barefoot, from super-premium to spendthrift, from ostentatious to oddball, there's something to suit every Cup-goer this year.

Haven't yet sorted out your dress, hat and other accoutrements? Weekend Notes' guide to getting ready for Melbourne Cup Day will set you straight.

Haven't yet figured out where you'll see in the big race and the start of the silly season? Read on.

[SECTION]A Spring Affair[/SECTION]

For the third year running, A Spring Affair will celebrate Australia's biggest race day in super-premium style.

Bookings are still open for this luxurious event which will see the centre of Doomben's track transformed into the ultimate Spring time market bazaar where guests will be treated to Mumm French champagne, cocktails, gourmet canapés, fresh seafood, and a live performance from Aria-award winning electronic dance duo Sneaky Sound System.

Guest DJs, charity sweeps and the all-important Spring Racing staple Fashions on the Field which, with a $5000 cash prize up for grabs, will keep fashionistas on their toes.

DETAILS

When: Tuesday 5 November 2013 from 11.30am
Where: Doomben Racecourse
Cost: General Admission $350
Bookings: See the website

[SECTION]Spring Racing Cocktail Event[/SECTION]

Nothing says Spring like fresh flowers, cocktails and small talk and to celebrate this year's Melbourne Cup, the Regatta Hotel's Winterford Bar will be transformed into a Spring-time wonderland.

Filled with lush bouquets of fresh flowers, this off-the-track celebration is billed as 'a feast for the eyes', with the main event featuring a fashion parade with Queensland Reds. Some of the labels showcased will include Urbbana, Carter Cole, Molly & Polly, Wilde Willow and Fiorenza.

Guests will enjoy Moet on arrival, delicious drinks throughout the day and a variety of canapés and noodle boxes designed by Regatta Hotel's Executive Chef Shane Keighley.

This is not to forget all the Melbourne Cup staples that people have come to expect - such as the Best Dressed prize, a host of charity sweeps benefiting the PA Foundation and ample TAB facilities for those who take their Cup Day betting seriously.

DETAILS

When: Tuesday 5 November 2013 from 11.30am
Where: Winterford Bar at the Regatta Hotel
Cost: $120pp (pre-purchased) or $130pp on the day
Bookings: see the website or call 07 3871 9595

[SECTION]Veuve Clicquot at Vintaged[/SECTION]

Babes in Business have partnered with Hilton Brisbane and Champagne sponsor Moet & Hennessey to bring this blockbuster Melbourne Cup Day event to Brisbane.

Nothing spells 'party' more than free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Champagne -and then there's the four-course menu created by Hilton Brisbane's Executive Chef Jeremy Clarke.

Punters will enjoy the opportunity not just to participate in sweeps but to vie for a range of prizes including Best Dressed, Best Hat, Best Shoes and Most Dapper Suit.

Then there's also the chance to win a diamond-encrusted $10,000 Christian Dior watch - just for buying a ticket.

But if you want to book, you'll need to get your skates on. Only 15 or so tickets remain on the standard Champagne Tables ($199).

Fortunately, just released is a new table for one lucky group of 10 to 14 people to book the Private Dining Room. This provides an exclusive private space which still permits racegoers to be part of the action.

DETAILS

When: Tuesday 5 November 2013 from 12pm
Where: Hilton Brisbane
Cost: $199 per head (Standard Champagne Table)
Bookings: Call KDPR 07 3136 2555

[SECTION]Boo to you too[/SECTION]

For something a little out of left field, why not spend the Melbourne Cup ... in the bowling alley?

Select AMF Bowling centres are offering a Melbourne Cup deal comprising two games of bowling, live coverage of the race and a mini-bottle of champagne for only $20 per person.

The Boo's Burlesque Melbourne Cup is another possibility to explore.

Organisers of this barefoot bowling venue say: 'We've beaten the odds and yet again we'll put on another fantastic Melbourne Cup luncheon ... canapés, three courses plus a glass of Vinaceous burlesque sparkling rose on arrival.'

DETAILS

When: Tuesday 5 November 2013 from 11.30am
Where: The Boo, 126 Breakfast Creek Road Newstead QLD
Cost: Food $56 per person or three-hour Vinaceous beverage package $96 per person.
Bookings: Call 07 3251 3434 or [email protected]

[SECTION]Get the party started at home[/SECTION]

If it's all sounding a bit hard and you'd just rather gather a few friends and kick back at home, there's no better way to get the party started than with the official signature cocktail of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The Schweppes Flemington Fling is being promoted by ambassador DJ Andy Murphy who will perform each day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in the Schweppes Flemington Fling Bar.

Murphy will also produce a Flemington Fling inspired party music mix which will be free for all punters to stream at their race days parties from the Schweppes Australia You Tube Channel .

So it's a little like bringing an authentic taste of the Melbourne Cup to the Sunshine State.

THE RECIPE

To prepare the cocktail, strip five mint leaves and leave a sprig for the garnish. Clap the leaves between your hands to release the aroma of the mint. Place the mint leaves in the glass, add vodka and fresh lime. Fill the glass to the top with ice. Top up with Schweppes Agrum Collection Blood Orange and mix thoroughly. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.

#bars
#brisbane_city
#food_wine
#melbourne_cup
#november
#lists
%wnbrisbane