A star-studded culinary event brought together some of Melbourne’s top chefs to raise funds for seriously ill children.
Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the Starlight Five Chef’s Dinner showcased the talents of renowned chefs like Benjamin Cooper (Chin Chin), Guy Grossi (Grossi), Jacqui Challinor (Nomad) and Josep Espuga (pt Leo Estate), Alejandro Saravia (Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters), and Peter Haycroft (MCEC).
The dinner, sponsored by MCEC, featured a five-course degustation curated by the chefs, highlighting the best of Victorian produce. Guests were treated to a culinary journey that showcased the individual styles and flavours of each chef, while highlighting some of Victoria’s best producers including Infinity Blue, Sher Wagyu, Salt Kitchen Charcuterie and Aurum Poultry.
Inspired by champagne and caviar, the MCEC team also served canapes of butter-poached lobster macarons with Yarra Valley caviar and beach herbs alongside mushroom arancini with porcini cream and pickled celeriac.
Beyond the exquisite food, the event raised over A$540,000 (US$363,855) for the Starlight Children Foundation. This money will go towards granting life-changing wishes for 32 seriously ill children and their families.
Natalie O’Brien, chief executive of MCEC, expressed her pride in the event and its impact on the community.
“The Starlight Five Chef’s Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to support our local community while sharing what makes Melbourne the ultimate food lovers destination,” she said.
