Aussie GTG - Melbourne, 22nd May 2010
 

It's official!!! Our GTG will be held in Melbourne on Saturday 22nd May 2010. There's been a fantastic response to date and with further promotion I'm sure there'll be even more coming along.

This is a very warm invitation to our cousins across the Tasman - KiwiRob, Nelsonian etc to join us as well - it would be wonderful to meet you all. Also a warm invite to anyone from overseas (Not you C_W !!! - though the spiders, snakes and pigs should be in hibernation by then) who may be in Melbourne at that date - don't be shy - join in the fun.

At this stage I just wanted to lock in the date - again it's 22.05.10 - venue is yet to be decided. If there is anyone out there with suggestions it would be appreciated. I feel somewhere in the City would be optimal as that would be central for everyone. I have a niece in Melbourne who is doing some research for me.

The GTG would be along the lines of everyone meeting for drinks and a get to know you and then those who wish would go on to dinner (hopefully that will be everyone).

Thanks for the support - this is exciting - Yay!! Our first Aussie GTG - let's make it memborable as only we Aussies know how!!!!!

Stormbird

ttt

Locked in my diary.A wonderful effort by you . Many thanks .

Insofar as dinner is concerned I wonder if a place that will take a group booking and do a fixed price 2 or 3 course meal is worth thinking about ?Ideally it might even be the same venue for drinks perhaps . Maybe somewhere at Southbank ? I have no experience at all with GTG so these are just random thoughts .

Hi John,

I was hoping for a venue that could cope with both the pre dinner drinks and then dinner. Somewhere at Southbank sounds wonderful actually. Great suggestion about a fixed price menu. Will look into this further.
thanks John
Stormbird

Hello Stormbird. For what it is worth I am happy as a Melbourne resident to offer assistance to you in organising this GTG . So if you need a hand please ask and if I can I am happy to help as I expect it is going to involve a fair amount of work .John

Thanks for the offer John. Perhaps you might be able to check out Southbank for me? I'm aware of it and it's location and seems to me to quite perfect for the occasion. I'd appreciate your efforts John, thanks.
Stormbird

Thank you for getting this underway, Stormbird. I have my flights booked. Sorry that I can't be of any assistance with the arrangements, but it sounds like you have good help at hand. Looking forward to putting faces to the names on the 22nd.
Rob.

Woo hoo Rob - fantastic that you can make it! C U Then!

Happy to do some research for you Stormbird .

I guess the venue/s will be dictated by the numbers attending .So to those Fodorites reading about this who are thinking about coming it would be great for Stormbird to receive advice of attendance as soon as possible .

At this time I will work on say 15-30 persons and see what is suitable in Southbank and the inner city and we can go from there . Is that OK ? All suggestions / guidance welcome especially from our convenor . John

I think those are safe numbers to work on John. Many thanks.

I'd like to come, but I'm not at a point where I can purchase a plane ticket just yet. I should know for sure in a few weeks. I'll be coming from Perth and as I'm unfamiliar with Melbourne, I could use some suggestions on what hotels are near the meeting point (when selected).

Happy to help Melnq8. I am going to try and help find a venue. That is going to take a little time as I am away at the beach with houseguests this weekend and of course work interferes during the week .But I have put out a call to friends for suggestions .

Hi Melnq8,
I'm coming and will probably stay in one of the apartments around Little Bourke Street. Walk to Southgate or 5 mins in a cab.
I'll have a look at wotif later on & let you know what I find.

Thanks guys, I'll keep my eyes on this thread.

John, no more than a thought but how about the Langham at Southbank. The location is in the right place and you could have drinks there or there are plenty of other options in the immediate vicinity. The main reason that it occurred to me is that the Melba restaurant offers a number of different cuisines Indian/Asian/Sushi Bar/Italian/Traditional so everyones tastes should be catered for.

I haven't actually eaten there myself but have been told by others to go. As I understand it, it is mainly set up buffet style but not in the it's been sitting in the bain marie for hours type. The food is cooked to order in front of you and watching the chefs in action is part of the experience.

I just looked up the prices and it is expensive on a Saturday night at $90 per person for the buffet but it is possible to order a la carte as well in which case a main averages at about $35.00. In fact you could do three courses for less than $90. I would assume there wouldn't be a problem with people wanting to do a mix between buffet and a la carte.

The website for Melba for people to check it out is www.melbarestaurant.com.au

If everyone contributes to the cost, the two of us could go on a sample of the six top recommendations in order to choose a place :) Ah, if only, that is on about par with me winning Tattslotto.

Just a note for other "out of towners" ... don't faint when you see the rates on Wotif now. They're reflecting the Australian Open on in Melb next week. By May 22nd(which isn't available on Wotif yet), things will be a lot quieter. And cheaper.

John Fitz & Stormbird, FWIW, I asked a Melbourne friend who eats out a lot, arranges quite a few functions and is a good judge of things epicurean,for some reccos for our GTG, and here are a few. None in Southbank, but might be worth considering. Here's what she said:

" I have thought of a few places but the location may not be what you want. It depends if the location or the food is the more important to you because I guess you also want them to see the best of Melbourne. However for food and being the right style of venue, I’m happy to recommend these:

1. Bar Lourinha. Fabulous food as the website will show you but I can even further vouch for having been there twice with xxxx and the de Bortolis, who often run their wine related functions there. Very busy little bar but check it out – they also have function rooms and “Long Table” dining that may well suit you. However it’s up the top end of town at 37 Little Collins, up at the theatre end of town.

Link: http://www.barlourinha.com.au/


2. Lamaro. I’ve been here several times – to the launch of the place, once more with xxx and I met Maggie Beer there. Good memories. However I have also been there a number of times privately and it never disappoints. However it’s in Cecil St Sth Melbourne which is down the Albert Park Lake end but it’s more or less middle of nowhere, not as if you can see the lake or anything.

Link: http://www.lamaros.com.au/

3. MoVida. I’ve never been there but it comes highly recommended and well reviewed, and the location – opposite and just up from Fed Square – may be more the sort of location you are looking for. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Link: http://www.movida.com.au/

If I’m off the mark price wise or location wise, let me know and I can refine the search criteria in my memory.

Of course Fifteen’s excellent. As is George Calombaris’ Hellenic Republic, out past Carlton."

Wow! That's fabulous, many thanks to you and your friend Bokhara.

Here's two at Southbank. I've been to Tutto Bene a couple of times and liked it. http://www.tuttobene.com.au/

My friend says Walters is good too - I've only been there for drinks.
http://www.walterswinebar.com.au/

Some excellent ideas. What I am floundering about with is
" budget " and numbers.

There are many excellent options but of course , I assume , we need to cater to everyones purse and ensure that any venue can cope with our numbers both for drinks and afterwards for dinner or lunch .

At the GTG do attendees pay for their own drinks as ordered and all we need is a bar that can hold the numbers ? Do we need to know if attendees are pleased / prepared to pay say $15 for a mixed drink or as a result such a place would deter many from coming or put a dampener on it for most ?

As for the meal after drinks ,is it usual that food is , as I suggested , a limited choice fixed price plus drinks ?

Or is a la carte preferred and if so how is the bill divided etc in order to avoid the unseemly " I had this and no bread so it is $x..." from each attendee and especially to avoid others feeling they have subsidised the eating and drinking of others to the detriment of their wallets ?

Pardon my ignorance.

Stormbird you may already know and can enlighten me and everyone else please.

Hi Bokhara - Tutto Bene is also one of our favourite restaurants- amazing rissotto is their "signature", but large group bookings may not be... the largest group that would probably fit in the confines of the outdoor area (inside too small?) would probably be about 16-18. A good idea to check?

I would not recommend Walters. It used to be a must do for any Melbournian who loved the vibe of a really great bar and grill, but having been there twice recently I was very disappointed.

The emphasis is now very much on the bar,food seems to have gone downhill,and it's way too small to cope with group bookings, and the service staff just don't seem up to it anymore.

We eat out regularly in our wonderful foodie city and I'd second Mo Vida (stunning, but pricey), or Bar Lourinha.

I do still hope to make it, but have health and home issues (hinted at here) that do make it difficult for me to plan so far ahead.

It sounds like it will be a great night!

I'm hoping that Peter S can make it.

I loved his writings on Venice!

Don't know what happens with other Fodors GTGs, JohnFitz, but just to get the discussion started, the last few gatherings of this nature that I've attended/been involved in, have been along these lines:

Pre-meal drinks: Everyone does their own thing. This works well in a bar situation where people are arriving at different times and preferences are unknown.

Lunch/Dinner: Fixed price, sometimes with 5 or 6 options for 3 courses. Sometimes it has been $x for 2 courses and $xx for 3.

Wines at lunch dinner: We've tried several options, depending on the group/venue and two that seem to work quite well are: (1) to include the cost of 2 glasses of wine (or beer/soft drink) in the meal cost. This puts a bottle of red and one of white on each table of 8 and gets everyone chatting etc., while the entrees are served.

Wine lists are left on the tables after orders for meals are taken. Depending on how many would like more different wine, another bottle/s is ordered for the table, or a if only a few, they split that cost amongst themselves & add it to their share.

(2) If there are a significant number of non drinkers, those who would like some wine with their meal buy a bottle/s and share the costs.

A la carte can work if everyone has roughly the same $ value and the total is simply divided by the number of diners, but it can be tricky, as you say.

On balance, I think if we could find somewhere to offer us a reasonable variety for a fixed price, it would probably be easier.

What does everyone else think? Stormbird?

I'm happy to go with whatever works for most. I will want to have a drink or two before and with my meal (emphasise want, not need), and I am content to pay as I go if that makes things easier. It does seem that a fixed price option would be preferable, but a la carte would be fine. I have no objection to rounding or sharing if that works best.
Rob.

I'm all for the structured approach for large groups. It avoids bill wrangling at the end.

I'm a big fan of simplicity, so fixed price works for me, as long as there's a vegetarian or vegetarianesque option. I think I made up a new word...

Sorry, I haven't been able to respond - have been flat out like a lizard drinkin'.

I agree that a fixed price option is probably best and Mel we will definitely make sure there is a vegetarianesque option there.

Give me a couple of days to analyse a couple of the posts with restaurant references - thanks bokhara and libretto and I'll get back to you,

Realistically though, John I am probably going to have to rely on you somewhat as you are in the thick of it down there.

I think we want a fixed price option of at least two courses. Wine/beer/soft drink package included.

This is a special occasion and I'm happy to let my hair down a little bit regarding cost of the dinner etc but not sure - what is reasonably priced to one person isn't necessarily the same for another???? Help!

A fixed price option sound a really good idea. People know how much they are up for and no wrangling afterwards. I have been to a Mo Vida a couple of times and love it but am not sure if they can offer a fixed price menu. Perhaps they would if they know well in advance. Also, the original Mo Vida would not take a booking as large as ours. The way their restaurant is designed, the max is 6 people.

There is now another Mo Vida (they are up to four different types now) which I gather caters for large groups. The food is no doubt still very good, but I rather wonder about the atmosphere somewhat. It is on the first floor of a large city office building - certainly not an address that springs to mind. Mo Vida is all about people sharing platters, so I suppose we could organise a whole lot of dishes to share and just split the costs but it is probably still rather messy as compared to a proper fixed price menu. I hope to be in town one day next week so will have a look if I can as several posts have mentioned Mo Vida.

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions .They are just what I , and I imagine Stormbird , need in order to set some parameters .

I checked MoVida and Movida Next Door .No bookings taken at the latter . Last I ate at Movida it was about $100 pp for Tapas and Sangria .

I know I could find us a terrific bar for drinks in one of our lanes that is close to ( short walk ) dinner venue.

Are these costs - a fixed price limited choice 3 course menu at $60 - $80 pp plus wine with good vegetarian options , catering for any gluten free needs etc - OK ?

If so I will look in earnest ,including taking suggestions from you all .

Just to give you all an idea of my recent experience of organising dinners that had lovely, careful, food of interest ,I have organised two small work related group dinners ( 8 -12 persons )in the last year in Melbourne and where we wanted a private room or semi private space .

The last was at Embrasse in Rathdowne Street Carlton ( Epicure young chef of Year , Best dish of the year etc )which was a 5 course degustation at $75 pp plus drinks .For more than 8 persons they had a room which required a minimum spend and so do others such as Bar Lourinha ( $1500 and a non refundable deposit to be paid up front )

The other was at Libertine in Victoria Street North Melbourne and was a limited choice 3 course at $60 approx pp plus drinks in an upstairs room ( noone has disability access problems ?? ) .A deposit was paid and deducted from end bill but no minimum room spend .That room can seat up to 30. Lovely French food .

Food and service was excellent at both and well reviewed by the pundits .

So that gives us some idea of costs at mid range restaurants.

I am guessing there will be 10 - 15 of us going on current expressions of interest / acceptances .

So , going on what you have all posted I imagine we would safely look at a cost of up to $100 per person for dinner if modest wines etc are drunk plus whatever you care to pay for pre dinner drinks .

If so I will do some more research as I am not au fait with latest Southbank options .

Please keep ideas coming .

Regards to all ,

John

Hi John,

I think $100 is very realistic. John, I'm sorry to put this on you but I am thinking that the bar/restaurant decision will be yours. Do you mind? If not, I have complete faith that the location you select will be perfect.

I don't feel like I can comment on any of the restaurants as I don't know them. Sometimes when a number of people are involved you just have to make an executive decision and I'm sure the others would be happy for you to do so. Again, if you don't mind.

This has been a fantastic response everyone - I'm so very pleased that this is happening and I'm sure the evening is going to be an outstanding success.

Your thoughts on the above John?
Regards
Stormbird

Virgin Blue have just added some cheap seats Brisbane -Melbourne - you might want to check your departure point and hopefully there'll be a bargain there. I've just booked mine - glad I waited - saved about $110 all up Yay!!!

Thanks John,
I'd be more than happy with $100 + drinks, etc and with your recommendation for the venue.

Are we locked into Southbank? I think it was suggested initially because it's well known, easily accessible and has a pleasant outlook, particularly on a Summer's evening. Mid May though, I would think it will be dark well before we arrive for dinner, and thoughts of strolling across from the CBD likely to be somewhat less appealing than a warm cab.

Google indicates Libertine & Embrasse & Southbank are probably all about 10 mins from Bourke Street Mall, so if we went with either of them, it would still be convenient for anyone staying in the CBD. Just a thought.

I'm also happy with $100 and to go with whatever is decided restaurant wise.

Thanks for all the research John.

Thankyou all for your comments and vote of confidence .

Now that I know what we all seem to want I am happy to help out with researching /selecting a venue . After that I would prefer to hand back the reins to you Stormbird as this is really your terrific initiative . I also think it is best to have only one person for everyone to liaise with and thus avoid confusion . I am also going to pretty busy from March with work and personal commitments .

So once I select a venue and find out exactly what they require I will pass those details to you Stormbird to let you fine tune it all . Is that OK ?

I was at dinner with friends tonight and asked them for suggestions without telling them what had already been mooted by us . The two places immediately mentioned were Movida and Bar Lourinha !!

They told me that Movida has a new venue in Little Bourke Street between Queen and William Streets opposite the rear of the Supreme Court but I think it is a little removed and has little pedestrian traffic at night .Not unsafe but it is out of the way from where most bars , restaurants , theatres and like are in the central city . Movida is also hard to get a booking , let alone for a large table ,at least at the original venue .

So I will investigate Bar Lourinha for us first and let you know the outcome , hopefully next week after the long weekend . I am out of town from tomorrow morning until Tuesday night .Happy Australia Day to all .

Cheers ,

John

I looked at Lourinha's web site and noticed that it does not take bookings .Seems a risk to me to have us all arrive for a drink and possibly not get a table/s for dinner .

Exploring other options .

Hi John,

Yes, I will be happy to take the reins back once we have a venue. Just give me the name and I will be happy to co-ordinate the details etc.

I appreciate how busy you are and am very thankful for the assistance John. Many thanks.
Stormbird

Hi all, have been reading this thread with great interest for the restaurant tips. We are going to Melbourne in February and can't make it back in May, but hope that you all have a fantastic time.

Lavandula

JohnFitz
2 venues that are suitable size wise and , cost and menu wise are All nations Hotel Richmond which has a room that could be used and the kent Hotel rathdowne street Carltom which does large group bookings. I have used both of these for group bookings. A short taxi ride from a city hotel or walking distance for the Richmond if staying in east melbourne area.

O'Connells Hotel in South Melbourne might be worth a thought. Not hard to find by tram from the city, and it's very pleasant. Maybe drinks at the bar, then retire to a private room?

http://www.oconnells.com.au/

I shouldn't be poking my nose in from this distance and complicating matters further, and I apologise for doing so, but my sources in Melbourne suggest that the following could be worthy of consideration:

The Press Club

Circa, The Prince (St Kilda)

Lemongrass (Thai food)

Cestbon (Sth Melbourne)

A Crown Casino venue -- several options available.

It may be that some of these are too far away from the centre of the city to be viable. On the other hand, those staying centrally could meet a little earlier in the afternoon/evening and share the "thrill" of a tram ride to and from the venue.

Rob.