Now winter is officially over, it’s time to hang up the winter woollies, crawl out of hibernation and indulge in a bit of springtime action of the foodie kind.

Prepare your forks and spring frocks for ‘The Spring Graze’, a collection of 50 events in September run by an array of restaurants, wineries and producers around Victoria to celebrate the bountifulness of the season.

Take the time to enjoy sweet tender spring lamb, melt-in-your-mouth cheeses from fresh spring milk, flavour-rich baby veggies and those wines, perfect for a sun-drenched afternoon like rosé, delicate whites and lighter-style reds and delicious dessert wines.

Visit the George Wine Room, where Nicky Riemer and Karen Martini will be showcasing slow-cooked Rutherglen spring lamb “Abbachio” and the milkiest ricotta for Nicky’s baked ricotta and wild honey.

Experience spring in Italia at ‘Mama Lucia’s Spring Pork Rack’ at Sarti, where the oven-roasted pork rack with pepperoni fritti is guaranteed to take you to the heart of Roma.

While Matteo’s will be dishing up ‘Victoria in a Bento Box’, a Japanese style menu with Port Phillip black mussels, Western Plains suckling pork belly and Central Victorian red claw yabby tail.

You can also refine your culinary skills at classes, demos, tastings and tours happening at Prahan Market, Queen Victoria Market and other farmer’s markets.

Graze, nibble, forage … do what you like doing best.

The Spring Graze
September 2010