The Port Phillip Mussel Festival returns to the South Melbourne Markets on 7 and 8 March 2015 as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. With the city bound lane of Cecil Street closed off to traffic, this extension to the South Melbourne Market promises to be a lot of fun. A variety of mussel dishes will be on offer throughout the day at the market’s Cecil Street restaurants (Claypots Evening Star, Simply Spanish, Koy and Paco Y Lola) as well as mussel inspired creations by chefs from south of the rive food spots St Ali, Dandelion, Acland St Cantina and Mr Lawrence at the London.
I was invited along to the media preview of the event this week and got a chance to sample a few of the things that will be on offer. Simply Spanish’s sangria bar was set up and serving refreshing sangria all night. It’ll be making an appearance at the festival.
One of my favourite dishes was this simple mussel risotto.
Guests were also treated to some steamed chilli mussels that had a real kick to them.
If you don’t like sangria, there will be a range of beers, wines and other drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic on offer at the festival.
There was live jazz band at the preview, playing New Orleans and Dixeland inspired music, and there will be several bands across both days of the festival playing similarly inspired music throughout the day. For those with children, there will be face painting, mermaids, pirates and a variety of other child-friendly activities on offer. Check out the official website for full details.
Port Phillip Mussel Festival
When: 7 January 11:00am to 10:00p and 8 January, 11:00am to 8:00pm
Entry: Free
Where: South Melbourne Market, Cecil Street, South Melbourne