Dine Out: Five One-Time-Only Chef Takeovers To Book Before They Sell Out

Broadsheet ’s new winter food festival Dine Out is less than a month away. The festival brings 40 events – including venue collabs and one-off dish specials – to Melbourne and Sydney. With some events already sold out, you’ll want to snag tickets to these chef takeovers asap.

Ana Cortes-Garcia at Lankan Tucker

The menu at Lankan Tucker is all about proving Sri Lankan food is more than just rice and curry, with dishes like classic string hoppers and less familiar biryani-stuffed burritos. For Dine Out, it’s collaborating with Spanish chef Ana Cortes-Garcia of Andalusian Tapas Club for a one-off lunch on Sunday August 10 at its new, soon-to-open Carlton shop. The $85 set menu blends Spanish and Sri Lankan cuisines with dishes including biryani and socarrat (the crisp, caramelised edge of paella) on toast. Book here.

Mitch Orr at Marmont

Sydney chef Mitch Orr (formerly of The Prince Dining Room , and Sydney’s Kiln ) is currently working with London group Studio Paskin on three venues in Sydney’s new 25 Hours Hotel The Olympia.

Before then, he’s stopping by Grant Smillie’s Hollywood-inspired Crown venue Marmont for Dine Out event Snaxxx Vol 1. On Thursday August 7, there’ll be $15 mini Martinis and six snacks from Orr – including a Wagyu halal snack pack and a crumpet with smoked butter and anchovy – to order as you please. Book here.

Alisdair Brooke-Taylor at Public Wine Shop

Before he took on the head chef role at Canberra’s Bar Rochford this year, Aussie chef Alisdair Brooke-Taylor and his partner spent five years turning the now-shuttered Moorcock Inn, in West Yorkshire, into one of the UK’s best pubs. On Wednesday August 6, Brooke-Taylor will stop by Public Wine Shop in Fitzroy North, where he’ll prepare a $95 set menu. Book here.

Ross O’Meara at Carlton Wine Room

You might recognise Ross O’Meara from his hosting gig on the SBS series Gourmet Farmer. For Dine Out, the chef – who holds a game-harvesting licence – will join forces with the team at Carlton Wine Room. On Monday August 4, O’Meara will prepare a wild game set menu focused on venison for $150 per person (with matched drinks for an additional $150). There will be lunch and dinner service, with just 20 seats available at each. He’ll also be joined by Carlton Wine Room’s Andrew Joy for a discussion about ethical hunting and the environmental benefits of wild game. Book here.

Samantha Medeiros at Lilac Wine Bar

Originally from Canada, Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca head chef Samantha Medeiros ’s culinary career has taken her to Hong Kong, France and now Cremorne. On Tuesday August 5, Medeiros will take over the kitchen at Mulberry Group (Hazel, Dessou) wine bar Lilac.

Medeiros’s one-off three-course menu includes Lilac’s signature woodfired sourdough paired with Rocco’s hot honey, and flame-baked ricotta gnocchi in a vodka and salsa picante sauce. Book here.