Rivers - Melbourne Restaurants, Venues, Events

2009-09-03T17:33:00.001+10:00

Nice customer comment for Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria just came in : -

Last Saturday evening some friends of ours who live in Melbourne took us to your restaurant. We were over for the football from Adelaide. The food was great and a good night was had by all.

However I felt I must comment on one of your waiters, a young man named Darren. It was a very busy night but the service he showed us was something special. He was attending to other tables as well but always checked on how our food was going, drinks etc.

He is a credit to your establishment.

- Meredith, SA

http://www.bellissimo.net.au

August Newsletter - Fish Seafood Grill Wins Award

2009-08-14T11:04:00.009+10:00

Newsletter Issue: August 2009

Can You Judge a Great Steak?

The Battle of the Steaks in On! Rate your steak at Steakhouse or Butchers Grill for your chance to win a $100 dinner every week. To enter purchase a steak along with Pepperjack wine. After your meal complete the online score card at battleofthesteaks.com.au. Be sure to keep your receipt. Entries close 29 Sept 09. Find out more

Degustation Dinner Cruise

For the first time ever, Rivers Restaurant Cruises are holding a very special Food & Wine event on the grand 'Voyager'.The Rivers Degustation Dinner Cruise is a celebration of quality produce carefully matched with premium Australian wine from R obert Oatley Vineyards
The evening includes: 7 Course degustation dinner with matching wines + cocktail on arival + wine gift bag + door prizes + guest speaker from Robert Oatley Vineyards + 3.5 hr cruise from Docklands
Date: Friday 28th August 2009, 7.30pm on Rivers "Voyager"Ph 9285 0000 Find out more

"Fish Seafood Grill" Wins I Love Food Award

Congratulations to Fish Seafood Grill!
Fish Seafood Grill in Docklands Melbourne has been voted Victoria's Favourite Seafood Restaurant in the Lifestyle Channel's "I Love Food Awards". There were close to 100,000 votes over 16 categories. View all the winners
Visit the restaurant's web site

Slow Sundays

Sundays During July and August
Enjoy a tasting plate and glass of wine or beer for $15.00 at participating venues. Valid from 2pm to 6pm Sundays in July and August
• Fish Seafood Grill is offering: Sizzling pot of prawns & seafood in a light garlic tomato broth with either Blue Bottle beer or Kissing Bridge Sem Sav Blanc. Find out more

Fathers Day - Sun 6th Sep 09

Fathers Day this year in on Sunday 6th September 2009 - have you planned an extra special day for DAD?
FREE BEER FOR DAD! Selected restaurants are offering a complimentary beer just for Dad on fathers day lunch and dinner.OR for something a little different take Dad on board the Rivers Fathers Day BBQ Lunch Cruise. Inc. Gourmet BBQ buffet lunch, giveaways, and 3 hour cruise from Docklands. Click here to view a range of Father's Day Dining Options

Cooking Demos

Head down to the Herald Sun Home Show & Garden Expo's "Wine & Dine" cooking stage and watch the experts in action, meet the chef's and even sample some of the food after the show. • Rivers Restaurant Cruises Chef 'George Bailey' will show you how to prepare a delectable chocolate hazelnut pudding with cinnamon infused sauce• Bellissimo's 'Antony Moric' will prepare gnocchi with blue cheese & pinenut cream. Click here to view schedule
The Herald Sun Home Show & Garden Expo runs from 20th - 23rd August at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. www.melbournehomeshow.com.au

Melbourne Events - August / September 09

• Madonna Cabaret Cruise
Sat 19th September 09, on Rivers "Voyager". All the greatest hits from this superstar of the 80s, 90s and today. Starring Nikki as the 'Queen of Pop'. Cruising from Docklands 7.30pm, $99pp. Ph 9285 0000. find out more

• Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire
Until 4th Oct 2009, NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank Liquid Desire brings together more than 200 stunning works by Salvador Dalí in all media including painting, drawing, watercolour, etchings, sculpture, fashion, jewellery, cinema and photography. Tix: $23/$18. find out more

• Action Zone Waterfront City, Docklands
Open everyday from 10.30am - 6pm during School HolidaysAction Zone is a collection of the latest in inflatable action amusement products…..don’t expect any bouncy castles here. All you need to bring with you is a little courage and energy to participate! All of these activities will challenge you in different ways some more physically and others will just mess with your mind. www.waterfrontcity.com.au

• Oyster Tasting
Thursday nights, 6-9pm at Fish Seafood Grill, Docklands. Ph 9640 0686. find out moreFriday nights, 6-9pm at Windows on the Bay, Mordialloc. Ph 9580 2899. find out moreRunning throughout Winter.

Restaurant Reviewer Draw

The winner of this month's draw - a $100 voucher for Steakhouse, NewQuay is "Stuart David" who dined at Livebait Docklands. Congratulations!For your chance to win a restaurant voucher simply complete the 'restaurant reviewer' form at participating restaurants & dinner cruises (Visit rivers.net.au)

Recipe: Lamb Noisette with Goats Cheese and Asparagus

Steakhouse Pier 35 Head Chef Luis Calandro has supplied us with this month's recipe - Lamb Noisette with Goats cheese, asparagus, baby carrots and sautéed radish. Chef Luis loves his homestyle cooking, so you can be sure this recipe will be a winner on your table at home. MEET THE CHEF and see him cook up this dish on stage at the Herald Sun Home and Garden Show on Thursday 20th Aug at 5pm
Click here to view the Lamb recipe.

Dollar Saving Deals - Super Tuesday

50% OFF FOOD on TUESDAYS
Order a main + dessert at selected restaurants and have your total food bill split in half! Available Tuesdays lunch and dinner. Terms and conditions apply. Bookings are essential.Search for a "Super Tuesday" venue :- CBD, Docklands, Port Melbourne, Mordialloc

View the newsletter at http://www.rivers.net.au/newsletter.htm

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Greek Movie Fans - Win Preview Double Pass!

2009-08-07T17:58:00.003+10:00

Win a double pass to see the preview of Eden is West + a $50 voucher for Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill

Film by acclaimed Greek Director Costa-Gavras, EDEN IS WEST captures the magical nature of the world one young man encounters where every experience is full of both promise and threat.

For your chance to win simply email info@saganaki.com.au with 'EDEN IS WEST COMP' as the subject along with your full name and contact details. 4 prize pack to be won. Entries close Mon 10th Aug 09

For full details visit http://www.saganaki.com.au/specials_events.htm

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July 09 Newsletter

2009-07-09T18:14:00.013+10:00

July 09 Issue of Rivers Newsletter

Free $25 Dining Voucher

Book a Dinner Cruise this weekend and receive a BONUS $25 Dining Voucher

Dates: Friday 10th and Saturday 11th July 2009
Time: Cruise departs 7.30pm from Docklands

Voucher Info: Bonus $25 dining voucher can be used at any of the participating restaurants. Conditions apply. Book Now

Degustation Dinners

Sink your teeth into these delectable dining events featuring a seven course degustation dinner with matching wine and guest speakers. $98 per person

FRI 28th AUGUST: Rivers "Voyager", Cruise departs from Docklands
Wine: Oatley Wines. Ph 9285 0000 Visit web site

THURS 29th OCTOBER: Butchers Grill, Melbourne CBD Ph 9639 1222 Visit web site

Win $10,000 - Vote Now

The lifestyle food channel is holding its annual "I love food awards".

Vote for your favourite restaurant and be in the running to win $10,000.
Nominated restaurants include: Steakhouse, Yum Cha Dragon, BlueFire, Windows on the Bay, Butchers Grill (Docklands / CBD), Fish Seafood Grill, Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria Vote Now

Slow Sundays

Sundays During July and August

Enjoy a tasting plate and glass of wine or beer for $15.00 at participating venues. Valid from 2pm to 6pm Sundays in July and August

• Fish Seafood Grill is offering: Sizzling pot of prawns & seafood in a light garlic tomato broth with either Blue Bottle beer or Kissing Bridge Sem Sav Blanc. Find out more

Customer Comments
Just thought i would email this picture after our dinner at your restaurant the other night. My 2 year old daughter Lucia decided to serenade us!! Thanks for a lovely dinner. - Loreta (Dined at Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill, Docklands)

Food rating: 10. Service rating: 10. Atmosphere rating: 10

I don't normally give any establishment a 10 for anything, but Butchers Grill deserves a top rating. I had the rib eye and quite frankly it was the best steak I've had in a very long time. My partner had the seafood platter for one and he gave that top marks. The staff were attentive without being annoying and they knew their stuff. The ambience was just great. Would definitely go again and would highly recommend it to any carnivores out there. - Nella (Dined at Butchers Grill CBD)

The Italian Rugby Union team took their active appetites to BlueFire recently. With comments such as "the best" and "perfect" used to describe their dining experience, no doubt they enjoyed the range of flame grilled meat and seafood BlueFire has on offer.

Send through your photos and comments to info@rivers.net.au

NEW Winter Cruise Menu

Chef Greg Spence has created a new Rivers Restaurant Cruises dinner menu for the cooler winter months.New dishes include a hearty "Split pea soup with double smoked ham, caramelised onion, lentils & roasted garlic". For a main try the unique take on the old parmiagana - the Rivers "Chicken parmigiana is topped with eggplant, capsicum and pumpkin served with wilted spinach & green peas". View the full winter cruise menu

Melbourne Events - July / August 09

• 80s Flashback Cruise

Sat 1st August 09, on Rivers "Voyager". Go retro with the best pop & rock of the 1980s performed live – it’s a celebration of synthesizers, glamour and crazy perms. Dig out those leg warmers and dress up 80's style for your chance to win great prizes. Major prize - restaurant vouchers $400 value PLUS additional runner up prizes. Cruising from Docklands 7.30pm, $99pp. Ph 9285 0000. find out more

• French & Saunders

21 July 09, Palais Theatre, St Kilda Britain's most celebrated female comedians, embark on their first - and final - Australian tour. Featuring the best of characters and sketches from the three decades they have been making people laugh, together with new material. http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/

• Action Zone Waterfront City, Docklands

Open everyday from 10.30am - 6pm during School HolidaysAction Zone is a collection of the latest in inflatable action amusement products…..don’t expect any bouncy castles here. All you need to bring with you is a little courage and energy to participate! All of these activities will challenge you in different ways some more physically and others will just mess with your mind. http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au/

• Oyster Tasting

Thursday nights, 6-9pm. Throughout Winter. Fish Seafood Grill, Docklands, Ph 9640 0686. find out more

Windows on the Bay, Mordialloc. Ph 9580 2899. find out more

Restaurant Reviewer Draw

The winner of this month's draw - a $100 voucher for Livebait is "Bob Canham" who dined at Yum Cha Dragon Docklands. Congratulations!For your chance to win a restaurant voucher simply complete the 'restaurant reviewer' form at participating restaurants & dinner cruises (Visit rivers.net.au)

5 Minutes with...

This month we spent 5 minutes with Chef "Michael Boc". Michael has recently taken the helm at the popular seafood restaurant Livebait as Head Chef.
Chef Michael shared his career highlights, inspirations and favourite indulgence (which was something quite unexpected)
Click here to read the interview

Dollar Saving Deals - Super Tuesday

50% OFF FOOD on TUESDAYSOrder a main + dessert at selected restaurants and have your total food bill split in half! Available Tuesdays lunch and dinner. Terms and conditions apply. Bookings are essential.

Search for a "Super Tuesday" venue :- CBD, Docklands, Port Melbourne, Mordialloc

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Degustation Dinner, Steakhouse

2009-06-29T10:56:00.004+10:00

Special Event

Degustation Dinner, at Steakhouse, Pier 35 Port Melbourne

Experience a delectable 7 course degustation menu featuring a range of prime beef including Black Angus & Wagyu. Each dish is matched with Coldstream Hills wine from Yarra Valley. You will also be treated to a cocktail on arrival and souvenir gift bags. Guest speakers inc. Andrew Fleming, chief wine maker for Coldstream Hills, will share their inside industry knowledge on the evening's food and wine.

Date: Wed 8th July 2009, 6.30pm
Venue: Steakhouse, Pier 35 Marina, Port Melbourne
Price: $98 pp
Web: steakhouse.net.au
Ph: 9646 0606

Limited seats left

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WIN one of 10 'Great Night Out Packs'

2009-05-19T12:04:00.002+10:00

Discover Docklands & Win

How much do you know about Docklands? The new series of Discover Docklands ads highlight various features of the growing waterfront precinct.

To WIN one of 10 'Great Night Out Packs' each with a Docklands dining voucher and a double pass for Village Cinemas, simply tell us how many "Discover Docklands" segments there are. (Hint visit www.docklandsmelbourne.com.au) Send your answer to info@docklandsmelbourne.com.au Entries close: 31 May 09

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Earth Hour, Degustation Dinner Melbourne, Recipe + More

2009-03-23T14:31:00.016+11:00

Earth Hour

On Saturday 28th March at 8.30pm; businesses, individuals and organisations will be switching off lights for annual global Earth Hour event.
A number of Melbourne restaurants are also involved, so you can show your support by enjoying a candle light dinner. Click here to view a list of restaurants switching off for Earth Hour.

Degustation Dinner

YOU ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL EVENT
Feast on a scrumptious seven course degustation menu matched with fine Grant Burge wine. PLUS: guest speakers, cocktail on arrival, gift bags
Date: Thursday 28th May 2009, 6.30pm
Venue: Butchers Grill, Bourke St, Melbourne Vic 3000
Price: $98 per person
Web: butchersgrill.com.au Ph: 9639 1222

Oyster Tasting

Put your palate to the test at Fish Seafood Grill.
Thursday evenings an Oyster Shucker will be sharing his knowledge and serving fresh oysters for you to sample from various Australian regions.When: Thursday nights, 6-9pm. Starting 2nd April 09.
Venue: Fish Seafood Grill, Docklands, Ph 9340 0686, www.fishrestaurant.com.au

Mothers Day

On Sunday 10th May spoil MUM with a sensational lunch by the water, or enjoy a special brunch cruise with live entertainment. Kids under 12 FREE. Cond. apply

Click here to view the full list of Mother's Day cruises and restaurant events

Recipe: Strawberry Mille Feuille

Chef George Bailey has created a delicous dessert recipe "Strawberry Mille Feuille" for you to try at home. Be sure to keep this recipe on file for your next dinner party. George is the Pastry Chef for Rivers Restaurant Cruises & Boat Charters
Click here to view the recipe now

Cooking Demos at Home Show

Watch the experts in action on the cooking stage at the HIA Home Ideas Show.
Pick up a recipe, have Q&A with Chef and maybe even sample some food after the show. Livebait's "Jarred Ikihega" will prepare Seared Hokkaido Scallops and Steakhouse Chef "Joseph Benoit" will show you how to cook the perfect steak.
Click here to view a schedule. The HIA Home Ideas Show is on at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 15 – 19 April 2009.

Melbourne Events - March / April 09

• Wine tasting at Steakhouse Pier 35
Thursday evenings. Sample fine Australian and New Zealand wine while enjoying a sensational meal and water views... a perfect night out. find out more

• Tom Jones Cabaret Cruise
Sat 4th April 09. Docklands. Swoon to smooth tunes in a fantastic tribute to Tom Jones on board the grand Voyager. Includes 3 course dinner, $99pp. Ph 9285 0000. find out more

• Melbourne International Comedy Festival
1 - 26 APR 09. Melbourne Town Hall, 120 Swanston Street, MelbourneThe Comedy Festival doesn’t come cheap on talent, but the tickets are. There’s even an extensive free program to suit the most fiscally challenged of punters. find out more

• Australian Grand Prix
A revamped format, will see all on-track action start later in the day and finish in the twilight hours. A host of live music, bands, rides and roving entertainers – including a massive post-race concert from The Who. find out more

• Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
1-5 April 2009. Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson Street, Carlton Gardens Regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, this prestigious show features the best landscape and floral talent that Australia has to offer alongside an extensive array of garden retail products, delicious food and great entertainment. find out more

Restaurant Reviewer Feb Draw

The winner of this month's draw - a $100 voucher for Steakhouse Pier 35 is "Daniel Hirsh" who dined at BlueFire, Pier 35. Congratulations!For your chance to win a restaurant voucher simply complete the 'restaurant reviewer' form at participating restaurants & dinner cruises (Visit rivers.net.au)

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Win Southern Star Tickets

2009-01-15T13:39:00.003+11:00

EAT & FLY - Win Southern Star Tickets

Dine at Waterfront City for your chance to win one of 5 double passes to ride the southern star wheel

Enter as many times as you like. Each double pass is valued at $58.10 runner up prizes of $20 dining vouchers are also up for grabs.

HOW TO ENTER
Spend over $80 at either Butchers Grill, Fish Seafood Grill or Yum Cha Dragon and send in a copy of your receipt for your chance to win
Post to Rivers, Southern Star Competition. PO Box 646 South Melbourne 3205. You can also email your receipt to info@rivers.net.au or fax to 9285 0011Competition closes 5 Feb 09. Entries must be received no later than Monday 9th Feb 08

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2009-01-12T14:14:00.006+11:00

Chinese New Year

Celebrate Chinese New Year the "Year of the Ox" by the Water at Yum Cha Dragon (Docklands Melbourne Restaurant). Enjoy a 5 course banquet, lion dance, giveaways, crackers & sparkling wine

Date: Sunday 25th Jan 09
Price: Adults: $68 pp. Children (4-12) $45 pp
Time: Bookings from 11:30am
Entertainment: Lion dance, crackers, 12:30pm to 1pm

Menu

Sparkling wine on arrival
Plus unlimited Chinese tea

Peking duck
Chicken san choi bow

Yum Cha Platter to share

Special fried rice or steamed rice
Cantonese eye fillet with Mandarin sauce
Prawns with xo sauce
Stir fried Chinese vegetables
Kung Pao chicken

Vegetarian option available on request
Children’s main – chicken nuggets & chips (upon request)

Banana fritter with ice cream
Pineapple fritter with ice cream

BOOK NOW
Ph 9329 6868
http://www.yumcha.net.au/chinese_new_year.htm
Yum Cha Dragon, Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands

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Summer Serve - Special dining offers during Aus Open

2009-01-05T18:31:00.006+11:00

Summer Serve
Special dining offers heat up the city this summer
12 January - 28 February 2009

The Australian Open is in town – and so are you! So make the most of it and head to the city for a delicious meal, including a special two-for-one entrée offer, at Fish Seafood Grill and Butchers Grill.

Mention Summer Serve while dining in the restaurant from 12 January - 28 February, and receive two entrees for the price of one.

Butchers Grill

Customer must quote ‘summer serve’ when ordering to redeem 2 entrees for the price of 1.

Entrée-size handmade pork sausage. Two serves for $14.

· DOCKLANDS - Pavilion 1, 439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands 3008 Ph: (03) 9640 0696
· CBD - 141 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: (03) 9639 1222 http://www.butchersgrill.com.au/

Fish Seafood Grill

Customer must quote ‘summer serve’ when ordering to redeem 2 entrees for the price of 1.

Entrée-size salt & pepper calamari with lime aioli. Two serves $17.50.

· Fish Seafood Grill, Ph: (03) 9640 0686 Address: 12, 439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands 3008 http://www.fishrestaurant.com.au/

Terms & Conditions - Patrons must quote ‘summer serve’ when ordering to redeem two entrees for the price of one. Summer Serve offers valid from 12 January – 28 February 2009 only. Summer Serves are for entrée sizes only, and are not available in conjunction with any other offer, discount, deal or promotion. Not valid Valentine’s Day Dinner

The Summer Serve promotion is presented by the City of Melbourne.

For more information on Summer Serve offers in the city, visit thatsmelbourne.com.au

Rivers Dec 08 Newsletter - Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T10:17:00.010+11:00

View the Rivers Dec newsletter online at http://www.rivers.net.au/newsletter.htm

New Years Eve Dinner - LIMITED SEATS STILL AVAILABLE

Don't miss out on NYE 08-09 celebrationsDate: 31st December 2008Sittings: Select from early or late sittingsBonus: Glass of sparkling on arrivalLocations: Docklands, Mordialloc
Click here to find out more

Street Smart - Update

Over $16,000 raised
Thank you to everyone who has generously donated to the 2008 Street Smart campaign. At last count, over $16,000 has been raised for the charity. The campaign officially ended on the 24th Dec 2008 - so stay tuned to for the grand total to be announced soon.

Dollar Saving Deals

You can save a buck without giving up dining out at great restaurants. The key is to keep an eye out for special offers - here are two below. Happy dining!

Super Tuesday - 50% off food bill
Lunch & dinner, Tuesdays. Must order min. 2 courses from the Super Tuesday Menu. Conditions apply. Bookings recommended
Saganaki Greek Cuisine and Grill Ph: 9606 0008. 62 NewQuay Promenade Docklands Victoria 3008

"Unlimited Yum Cha" at Yum Cha Dragon
$39.50 per person Monday to Saturday$48.00 per person on Sunday
Conditions apply. Bookings recommended
Yum Cha Dragon, Docklands Ph 9329 6868. 427 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands

Salvation Army Christmas Brunch @ Mecca Bah

Mecca Bah Melbourne was proud to host over 100 Salvation Army ‘Clients’ for a special Christmas Day Brunch.This is the 4th year that Mecca Bah has participated in this event, and the Chefs are especially eager to provide a truly hearty meal to make it a memorable event for all guests. Regular volunteers inc Melbourne's new Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and retired Collingwood player Brodie Holland (pictured) . View the Brunch photos at www.meccabah.com.au View the Channel 7 News Clip

"Change the World" Lift Off Party at Docklands

Docklands was home to the Change the World Lift Off Event.
On Thursday 18th Dec over 180 VIP guests attended the exclusive event at Waterfront City Docklands. VIEW PHOTOS

A number of Docklands Restaurants (inc. Fish Seafood Grill, BlueFire Churrascaria Grill, Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria, Steakhouse) donated food for the party goers.

Letter of Thanks
"From everyone at Change the World would like to thank the staff of Fish Seafood Grill, BlueFire Churrascaria Grill, Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria, and Steakhouse for their generous contribution to the Change the World logo launch and Christmas party.

With over 180 people in attendance our event has been highly praised and a lot of that stems from the quality of food provided. Simply delicious!

We cannot thank you enough from all at change the World and wish everyone a very safe Christmas and prosperous New Year."

Brent Masters
www.changetheworld.com.au

Restaurant Reviewer November Draw

The winner of this month's draw - a $100 voucher for Yum Cha Dragon is "Lonnie Clark, Melbourne" who dined at Butchers Grill Docklands. Congratulations!For your chance to win a restaurant voucher simply complete the 'restaurant reviewer' form at participating restaurants & dinner cruises (Visit rivers.net.au)

MELBOURNE EVENTS - DEC 08 / JAN 09

• 31 Dec 2008 New Year's Eve in the CityWelcome 2009 at the city’s largest free New Year’s Eve party! The city hosts a massive celebration at six city venues extending from Birrarung Marr right along the Yarra River to Docklands. Come and enjoy live bands, dancing, roving performers, family entertainment on offer at six official entertainment venues. www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

• The Rocky Horror Show
Until 25 Jan 09. Comedy Theatre, 228-240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show in a brand spanking new production, playing at The Comedy Theatre. www.showbiz.com.au

• Collector's Sunday Market
Every Sunday 10am - 4pm. FREE to enter
Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands Drive, Melbourne Docklands. Offering a range of unique and original products. Discover treasures from the depths of some of Melbourne's finest antique and pre-loved specialists www.waterfrontcity.com.au

• Sunset Concerts: The Black Sorrows
17 JAN 2009 @ 7.30 PM - 9.30 PM Fitzroy Gardens 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
As the sun goes down the tempo comes up. The Sunset Concert series returns in 2009. The first concert on Saturday 17 January, will bring the soulful soundtrack of many an Aussie barbecue to Fitzroy Gardens - The Black Sorrows. Sing along to the band's classic hits and dance to songs from their newest album, Roarin' Town. The Sunset Concert series features a host of popular bands to keep your toes tapping on those balmy summer nights. Ph 03 9658 9658

View the Rivers newsletter online at http://www.rivers.net.au/newsletter.htm

2008-12-24T17:51:00.006+11:00

The Southern Star Observation Wheel has finally opened at Docklands Melbourne.

A public launch party was held at Docklands with the first spin of the wheel, live entertainment, and a magnificent fireworks display. View video footage at http://www.southernstarobservationwheelmelbourne.com.au/video-watch.html

This new tourist attraction is anticipated to attract a huge number of visitors to the area

Find out more about the Southern Star Observation Wheel Melbourne at http://www.southernstarobservationwheelmelbourne.com.au/

Danger at the dinner table

2008-12-22T10:23:00.007+11:00

Danger at the dinner table

John Elder
December 21, 2008
The Age

ht tp://www.theage.com.au/national/danger-at-the-dinner-table-20081220-72pq.html?page=-1

Salvatore Oppedisano, head chef at Saganaki Restaurant, says "most people aren't eating a balanced diet''. Photo: Craig Sillitoe

CATERING for a horde on Christmas Day? Chances are one of your guests will apologetically — or perhaps with the forceful tone of a combat veteran — ask if the gravy contains flour or if the custard is made from dairy milk.
And do you remember that saying "nuttier than a fruit cake"? It's been replaced with another old saying — "ticking time-bomb".

Christmas is hard enough on the nerves without accidentally killing someone with a pudding — or sending half a dozen people home with unsightly hives, headaches and lungs filling with mucus.
While there are no statistics confirming a Yuletide surge in allergic and intolerant reactions to food, it appears that the season spawns a new generation of sufferers.

"Eating out is the most dangerous time for someone with an allergy because they're not in control of what's being served," says Associate Professor Jo Douglass, head of The Alfred hospital's allergy and asthma service.
"The clinics are kept open in the week between Christmas and New Year … because people are eating different types of food that they're not normally exposed to, and they can get caught out with an allergy or intolerance that they didn't know they had."

Five per cent of all babies and 1 per cent of adults have some kind of food allergy.
The big worry for unsuspecting adults at Christmas is the prawns or any kind of shellfish. Where peanut allergies usually begin in childhood, a potentially lethal allergy to shellfish can develop at any time, says Douglass.

"It's seafood allergies that routinely present themselves during the festive season."
Douglass cautions anyone playing cook for the day in a crowded house: "The difficulty for a grandmother preparing lunch for 30 people on Christmas Day is knowing what it means if someone is allergic to a food as opposed to someone having a food intolerance."
An allergy is potentially fatal and the offending food is to be avoided at all costs. "Even a small portion can have catastrophic results."

For people with a food intolerance (where exposure to certain kinds of foods causes physical or behavioural symptoms), it's often a matter of "doing a cost-benefit analysis", says Douglass. "They might decide to have an extra piece of pudding and pay for it later on. The key here is that allergies are linked with death (from anaphylactic shock) where intolerances are not."

As a cultural phenomenon of the millennium, food intolerance is equally the subject of eye-rolling mirth, earnest round-tabling and confused ignorance. In the Coen brothers' latest film Burn After Reading, George Clooney's character repeatedly tells people how he goes into anaphylactic shock from the taste of seafood or dairy — and the audience laughs knowingly.

There are cross-generational forces at play with the issue. In ancient times when mankind wandered the plains, food intolerance meant eating a poisonous berry or being gored by a horned beast that wasn't as dead as you thought it was. It's hard to imagine talk around the campfire punctuated with concerns such as "I've told you I can't eat wolf's udder. It makes me break out."

I used to try this sort of thing on about 40 years ago with brussels sprouts. I was convinced I was allergic to them because the farty smell almost made me faint. This was at a time when most kids had parents who'd been kids during the Depression, and the strict word at dinnertime — especially if you were dining at someone else's place — was to eat everything that was put on the plate and be grateful for it.
Fussy eaters were told: "Eat up. It won't kill you."

Those were the last days of human history when most people were able to eat just about anything and not suffer an attendant ailment that in turn worked as a topic of dinner party conversation.
Now it appears that anything you can put in your mouth is causing someone a problem. At imupro.com.au — a website for a company selling a food-intolerance test through pathology labs — you'll find 272 foods listed as potential troublemakers, including the caveman's favourite, wild boar, and my old enemy, brussels sprouts.
How many people are dealing with such intolerances isn't known.

Imu Pro's managing director, Kevin Grundy, says business has tripled in the past year, with 60 to 70 people a month taking the test — which in its most comprehensive form costs $995. "We've only been going since 2006, and the interest being generated is phenomenal," Grundy says.

Douglass doesn't believe there are reliable statistics for people suffering from food intolerances — but there are plenty of claims and clues to the scale of the intolerance epidemic.
At coeliactest.com.au, a website promoting a home testing kit for coeliac disease, you'll read that about 15 per cent of the population has some form of gluten intolerance — gluten being a protein in wheat, rye, barley and oats.
Coeliac disease — often confused with and much more serious than broad-based gluten intolerance — is an auto-immune condition where the gut responds to gluten by producing antibodies that destroy intestinal tissue.
The Coeliac Society of Australia website claims that about one in 100 has the disease — with four out of five of these people not knowing they have the condition. The Dietitians Association of Australia says one in 20 people is lactose intolerant (trouble with processing dairy products) to some degree.
And the Food Intolerance Network claims 1000 hits on its website a day, with 1.5 million people having logged on so far for information about food additives, intolerances to naturally occurring food chemicals such as amines (a product of protein breakdown in festive favourites such as chocolate, cheese, beer), salicytes (fruits, vegetables, nuts, beer, wine) and glutamate (most foods).

The Food Intolerance Network was founded by former teacher Sue Dengate, whose interest in the area began 25 years ago as she looked for reasons why her children were behaving in such an unruly fashion. Food intolerances were found to be the problem. She also found that her headaches were caused by an intolerance to amines. Over the past 14 years, she's sold more than 100,000 books, and tours the world lecturing on the issue.

"The books were bigger than I expected and the rest of my life has been spent answering questions from readers," she says.
The online Food Intolerance Network (fedup.com.au) features 23 email support groups catering for specific intolerances that bring a range of plagues from headaches, gut aches, asthma and skin problems to behavioural issues.

Dengate says it's food additives — which increasingly became part of the national diet in the '70s — that are causing many problems that otherwise get blamed on the base food group. "People talk about sugar causing behavioural problems with their children, when it's actually the additives that are doing the damage."
She points to British research that found the average consumer eats 20 additives a day.
Dengate says interest in the website took off sharply in 2003. "I don't know why … but one thing we've noticed is that gluten intolerance in particular has increased. I think it's got something to do with an overuse of antibiotics. And we're not sure what preservatives do to people's stomachs."

Andy North, executive chef at the Sebel Citigate in Albert Park, has been feeding people for 20 years — and he also reckons there's been a marked increase in gluten intolerance complaints.
"I'd say in the past three or four years more and more people are complaining of all sorts of intolerances. We do a lot of banquets … and we get people allergic to capsicum, garlic, onion, peanuts. We'll cater to these special needs but they're starting to have an impact on running the kitchen. You have to put the name of the person on the meal so it doesn't get mixed up with someone else's meal. It's time-consuming."
At a recent banquet for 300 people, 25 of the meals were special orders. "Some people see those special meals and pick them up and carry them off anyway."

Michael Lee, general manager of the Brighton Savoy, says: "In 20 years of being involved in the hospitality industry, the number of requests of guests with specific food allergies or intolerance has reached an all-time high.

At Christmas, gluten intolerances require traditional sauces and/or gravy to be modified. Traditional plum pudding can be an issue both for coeliacs and those with nut allergies. As an alternative to plum pudding we are offering a summer berry meringue."
Lee said the Savoy was "seeing an increasing number of guests who are allergic to the collective food group of chillies, capsicum and peppers. The intolerance of the nightshade group of vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant) is also an increasing source of dietary requests."

Salvatore Oppedisano, head chef at Saganaki, believes the increase in food intolerances is partly because "the quality today is not what it used to be. There's too much processed stuff that housewives pick up at the supermarket … and people are eating too much food out of season … Most people aren't eating a balanced diet."
A former hospital head cook, Oppedisano says "eating food low in nutrition is like trying to run a car on bad oil. As you get older, the body isn't being sustained by the foods that are available."

Marc Cohen, professor in complementary medicine at RMIT, says that while there is more awareness in the community about food intolerances, and more opportunities for testing, "it's become evident that a lot of conditions such as Crohn's disease and inflammatory arthritis are related to poor gut health".
"If the integrity of your gut isn't in place, allergens can cross in to the bloodstream. I think a lot of people treating food intolerances don't know what they're actually treating."
He also notes that people complaining of food intolerances over Christmas might simply have overdone it. "From my own time working in emergency departments, there was always an increase in people coming in with blocked bowels and bloating from just eating too much."
Dietitian Jane Dostine says the basic Christmas dinner of roast meat and vegetables "shouldn't affect too many people at all … people with gluten intolerance just need to avoid the stuffings and flour-based gravies".
Dostine says festive dining needs to be approached with good sense by the most robust diner. "It's the bad foods you need to keep an eye on … The booze, the wine and beer are things more likely to be problematic than a basic baked dinner … we eat too much."
As to why food intolerances are now a mainstream issue, she says: "We had a much simpler diet 20 years ago … our diet has changed dramatically in one generation from something that was basic and bland to one of more exciting flavours. And there are complications that go along with that."

Salvos Christmas Day Brunch at Mecca Bah

2008-12-19T11:57:00.015+11:00

Salvos Christmas Day Brunch Charity Event at Mecca Bah

Mecca Bah
Ph (03) 9642 1300
55A NewQuay Promenade Docklands 3008
www.meccabah.com.au/charity.html

Mecca Bah Melbourne will host approximately 100 Salvation Army ‘Clients’ for a special Christmas Day Brunch.

Those attending are frequent users of the Salvation Army’s services throughout the year and are some of the most marginalised in Melbourne.

This is the 4th year that Mecca Bah has participated in this event, and the Chefs are especially eager to provide a truly hearty meal to make it a memorable event for all guests.

Pictured above: Brodie Holland & Sous Chef Hayden Crowther, supporting the event

“It’s great for the Mecca Bah kitchen team to work together and give to people in need. We really do look forward to helping out every year.” Justin Cortellino, Head Chef

Regular volunteers for this annual event contribute their time by driving guests from the Salvation Army on Bourke Street to Mecca Bah, and spending time speaking with those in need of a listening ear. Brodie Holland (retired Collingwood footballer) and Melbourne's new Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle have
both supported the Salvos Christmas Brunch for several years.

Salvos Christmas Day Brunch
25th Dec 08, 10:30am – 12.30pm
Mecca Bah will afterwards open to the general public for Christmas Day Lunch from 1.30pm
www.salvos.org.au

For more information contact:
Fiona Hoppe Rivers Administration 03 9285 0000 marketing@rivers.net.au
Natasha Ryan Rivers Administration 03 9285 0000 marketingassistant@rivers.net.au

Rivers Christmas Day Lunch Cruise has now Sold Out

2008-12-16T10:24:00.022+11:00

Rivers have just sold the last seats on the popular Christmas Day Lunch Cruise.

If you still haven’t gotten around to booking a venue for Christmas Day – don’t worry; below are some restaurants with availability for Christmas Day Lunch or Christmas Day Dinner.

Christmas DINNER Cruise on "Voyager"

Boat: Voyager
When: Christmas Day. 25th Dec 2008
Time: Departs from Docklands Vic 6pm, returns 9pm
Price: Adults $149. Children 4-12 $69 (3 & under are free)
Includes: 3 Courses served to your table, Beverages (beer, wine, & softdrink), Live Entertainment, Cruise
Bookings: Online or (03) 9285 0000
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE FLYER

Christmas Day Menu

Entrée
• Smoked salmon roulade, Tasmanian smoked salmon wrapped in a dill crepe with crème fraiche and mango salsa
• Prosciutto wrapped pork & pear terrine on a summer salad with port glaze
• Vegetarian Option: - Yogurt dressed salad

Main
• Market fresh fish of the day on a potato and pea puree
• Trio of roasted meats including beef, turkey and ham with roasted vegetables and bourbon glaze
• Giant vol-au-vent filled with market fresh vegetables, wild mushroom jus and Bulgarian feta

Dessert
• Chefs Selection of puddings, fruit, cakes, and other treats

Beverages
Price includes Beer, Wine, Softdrink.
Additional drinks can be purchased at the full far on board
Sample Menu Only. Subject to change without notice)

Bookings: Online or (03) 9285 0000

Restaurants offering Christmas Day Lunch 2008

Butchers Grill - Christmas Lunch 2008

Date: Christmas Day. 25th Dec 2008
Price: Adults $89.00, Children (4-12 y.o) $44.50, (0-3 y.o) Free
Includes: Entree, Main, Dessert, Sides
Locations: • Bourke St, Melbourne, Ph: 9639 1222
• Waterfront City, Docklands, Ph: 9640 0696
Click here for more information

Mecca Bah - Christmas Lunch 2008

Date: Christmas Day. 25th Dec 2008
Cost: Adults $69, Children Ages 4 - 12 $45.00 (Children 3 & under free). Bookings from 1:30pm
Includes: Mezze, Main and Dessert
Address: 55a NewQuay Prom, DocklandsBookings: Ph: 9642 1300 or meccabah.com.au
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Yum Cha Dragon - Christmas Lunch 2008

Date: Christmas Day. 25th Dec 2008
Cost: Adults $69.00, Children Ages 4-12 $45.00 (Children 3 & under free)Address: Waterfront City, Docklands
Includes: Unlimited Yum Cha including dessert.
Bookings: Ph: 9329 6868 Click here
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Fish Seafood Grill - Christmas Lunch 2008

Date: Christmas Day. 25th Dec 2008
Cost:Adults $79, Children Ages 4-12 $39.50 (Children 3 & under free)
Location: Waterfront City, Docklands Vic 3008
Includes: Entree, Main, Dessert, Sides
Bookings: 9640 0686 or online
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Hot Chocolate Cafe - Christmas Lunch 2008

Date: Christmas Day. 25th Dec 2008
Cost: Adults $49.00, Children Ages 4-12 $24.50 (Children 3 & under free)
Location: Waterfront City, Docklands
Includes: Entree, Main, Dessert
Bookings: Ph: 9642 1818 or visit ww w.hotchocolate.net.au
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Butchers Grill - NOW OPEN at CBD

2008-11-24T13:33:00.000+11:00

Butchers Grill has just opened a second location at 141 Bourke Street Melbourne.

The first Butchers Grill opened at Waterfront City, Docklands.

Butchers Grill boasts a Mediterranean style menu full of quality meat. Nearly everything on the menu is cooked over an open grill, which means a healthier meal for diners.

Choose your favourite cut from the meat display or order straight from the menu. Home style dishes include Chevapchichi and Pljeskavica.

To sample a little of everything try the Mixed Grill Platter – with steak, pork, lamb, sausage plus other grilled delights.

Steak fans will be pleased with the large range of prime beef offered; everything from Porterhouse to T-Bone. Lighter options of seafood & poultry options are available for those who prefer.

Butchers Grill understands how the right wine perfectly compliments a meal. With this in mind a wall of select boutique wines has been created;- peruse the wine wall at leisure to search out the preferred drop, or choose from the recommended wine list. Of course, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist in selecting a bottle.

Find out more at http://www.butchersgrill.com.au

Welcome to the Rivers Blogg

2008-11-24T12:17:00.000+11:00

Welcome to the Rivers Blogg!

This blogg will keep you updated with information, news, events & specials on restaurants, function venues and cruises in Melbourne.

You can also view the Rivers monthly newsletter at http://www.rivers.net.au/newsletter.htm

Enjoy