Snack Bar: Grey Gelato, Grant Smillie Returns and More Melbourne Food News From the Week, Dec. 20

What’s happening around town

• CBD favourite Movida has collaborated with Aussie chip brand Chappy's on a limited edition chip de Melbourne pimentón aka smoked paprika chips, available in stores and at all Movida venues.

• Atria, the glitzy restaurant on the 80th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, has launched a festive afternoon tea with scones, a glass of Moet & Chandon, sweet and savoury treats from chef Michael Greenlaw, and 360-degree views of Melbourne. The afternoon tea runs Thursday to Sunday, from midday to 3pm, until Sunday December 29, bookings recommended.

This week in food and drink news

• 40 years of an icon: Alla Wolf-Tasker’s Lake House redefined the Australian regional restaurant.

• First look: Grant Smillie brings LA vibes and a bit more cool to Crown with Marmont.

• Two iconic Melbourne pubs enter voluntary administration.

• Coming soon: Tom Sarafian has new plans for his hotly anticipated restaurant Zareh.

• Avani Wines opens Cellar Kitchen – with burrata chaat and rich lamb curry – in Mornington Peninsula.

• All the new Melbourne restaurants, bars and cafes we got excited about in November and December.

• Piccolina’s grey gelato is back with six new mystery flavours.

• Family-owned wine bar Casa Mariotti brings rustic Roman dishes to Richmond.

• Rise and shine: El Jannah launches its first breakfast menu.

You might’ve missed

• The chefs that defined 2024.

• Australia’s best new restaurants of 2024.

• The food and drink trends that defined 2024.