very Friday, Shannon Bennett sends a couple of his Vue De Monde chefs and a Lui Bar bartender down to Little Collins to flex their creative muscles with a five-course cocktail degustation at Café Vue. The nights are priced at $95, which for five dishes and matching cocktails is a bargain if we do say so ourselves.

“It’s an introduction to the style of food Vue de Monde are all about without breaking the budget,” says manager Loren Daniels.

To add an extra sensory element to the night, local DJs Ivory & Co match music to the dishes with surprisingly apt song choices. Expect a lot of Charlie Parker and Ray Charles.

The theme of the night rotates and this month it’s all about spring activities – picnics, markets, family barbecues and, of course, the races. A highlight is the Sunday Roast, the chefs’ interpretation of a classic lamb roast: it’s just as good as your mum’s but nothing like it at the same time. To accompany the roast is a roasted pineapple pale ale that goes down far to easily.

The nights are relaxed, informal and a great way to unwind after a long week. Dancing is even allowed – if you can still move after the full five courses.

Café Vue – Mixology. Every Friday from 7pm. Bookings essential: (03) 96913899

vuedemonde.com.au