The region’s best restaurants are currently planning the menu for one almighty picnic party.
Chefs from Masons, The Woodhouse, the Willow Room, Public Inn, Brougham Arms and Rocks on Rosalind are cooking up ideas for the second annual Mad Hatter’s Picnic in the beautiful Bendigo Botanic Gardens.
The Food Fossickers event will also bring together producers, wine and cider makers and craft beer brewers to present Bendigo’s famous flavours.
Event organiser and owner of Masons, Sonia Anthony, said participating chefs were now planning the menu to best present the local flavours.
Each restaurant will host a hawker-style food stall selling a signature dish for a set price.
“We want to spread the menu items around our producers, so one of us uses the likes of Inglewood dry aged beef, another pork from McIvor Farm Foods and another Peppergreen Farm produce,” Sonia said.
“It’s really about showcasing our Food Fossicker members as well.”
Last year’s inaugural event sold out, so Sonia is encouraging local and visiting foodies to pre-purchase tickets online.
As well as superb ready-to-go restaurant dishes, the day will feature produce stalls perfectly stocked to create your own picnic.
Choose from the likes of local olives, a creamy Locheilan cheese and fresh sourdough rolls from The Good Loaf.
Sweet tooths can finish up with handcrafted Michel's Fine Biscuits, Pud for all Seasons’ famous pub balls, or an iced treat from Favourite Flavours.
Rumour has it gelato mastermind Steve Virtue will be unleashing his brand new, cute-as ice cream carts in time for the big day.
The picnic is a great family event, too. Live music, children’s entertainment and old fashioned picnic games are a highlight. And it wouldn’t be a Mad Hatter’s Picnic without the hatter herself.
“She’s booked and ready for action. And she’s awesome,” said Sonia.
The Mad Hatter’s Picnic is on Sunday, March 15, from 10am until 4pm. Pre-purchased tickets are $12, or $15 on the day, which includes a tasting glass.
Click here to book your tickets now.