On this episode of Relish, Michael Bascetta is the man behind some of the inner north's best eateries (think Bar Liberty, Capitano and Falco), and he has opened a pub. He'll explain what we can expect from Fitzroy North's The Pinnacle.

Also - Nathan Toleman just knows how to hospitality, he's explain how that translates to just one of five venues his Mulberry Group is running at the brand new Hannah Street Hotel, the gorgeous Coupette Corner Bistro and Bar.

And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - Via Lucia Mercato brings a taste of South Melbourne's Italian fave Lucia to the market, Frenchie finally opens in the city with its 14 buck menu, the lowdown on Gerald's Bar's move to its new home in Lygon Street, Sunset Sessions to see out summer at Cleo Melbourne, and to do? Well, how about entering a competition that could see you visiting and reviewing Big 4 Holiday Parks for a whole year?

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On this episode of Relish - a Michelin-starred Basque chef has popped up at Nobody's Bar in South Yarra. Kate asks Aitor Jeronimo Orive what we can expect from Basque Txoko. Also, the blokes who founded a farm specifically to put hard-to-find produce on their restaurants' tables - Matt Guthrie talks Rocklyn Farm and the bounty it provides for the CBD's Patsy's, as well as Bau Bau Dining and Bistro Elba on the Mornington Peninsula. And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - your last chance to check out those southside interlopers at Pipi's North; speaking of south, Lush 2.0 has set up in the former Wayside Inn; Mr. Miyagi has declared the drink of the summer is officially their frozen Hard Yuzu; and two fabulous cabarets to check out (where, yes, you can get a drink and a feed): the highly entertaining and rather decadent Piper's Playhouse at Crown, or two great shows at relative newcomer Viva Melbourne - the high fashion of Vogue or the more adult spectacle Vicious.

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On the Relish podcast, Kate speaks to world-renowned bartender Dre Masso who got together with talented mates to produce Altos, the tequila perfect for cocktails - she'll find out what he's knocked together especially for the Australian Open!

And speaking of Mexican, can you believe that Mamasita turns FIFTEEN this year!?!? Owner Joss Jenner-Leuthart shares the secrets behind the success of that Melbourne institution, and how we can get involved in the celebrations.

And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - details on new South Yarra neighbourhood joint Bar Yarra, a very special Prosecco dinner at Yarraville Greek fave Eleni's, a series of seriously special wine dinners at Little Black Pig and Sons, some fun Chinese New Year events at brilliant new bar Moondrop, and a perfect option for F1 Grand Prix weekend for spirit lovers with "Barrel Hall at the Fox Classic Car Collection".

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On the Relish podcast, the restaurant at Crittenden Wines is back open and for the first time in decades, it's back in family hands, Kate chats to chief winemaker and General Manager, Rollo Crittenden, what we can expect in both the restaurant, and relaxed new terrace from chef Brunno Mello and the team.

Also, artists Daniel Saade and Redmond Stevenson share the story behind "Order Up", an exhibition now on at the Immigration Musuem which explores the role that the Melbourne hospitality industry has long played in the migrant experience, and the huge contribution new Australians have made to our dining scene. 

And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne is back, with details on Bombay Meri Jaan's ode to the nostalgia of 1970s and 80s Bombay; an AFFORDABLE love letter to modern Paris is coming soon in Frenchie - where every dish is just $14; modern Japanese-diner-inspired Koi Toy prepares to launch in Coburg; Apollo Inn is serving up a petite "Trio of Martinis" for CBD drinking; and a reminder of just how much some of this state's fire-ravaged communities and businesses will need our support in coming weeks and months.

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On the final episode of Relish for 2025, not endings, but some openings!

Restaurateur Michael Badr shares the inspiration Bar Sophia in Glen Iris, inspired by the new wave wine Bars of Athens.

Also, three-hatted chef Cam Tay Yap wowed locals with a pop up in a car park last summer, so what can we expect from Pebble Dining 2.0 in west Melbourne (hint, this time round there will be walls and a kitchen at least!)

And in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - summer inspiration from the brand new and uber-stylish Crane Terrace at 1Hotel Melbourne; the reimagined Cleo Hyde Melbourne Place; Carlton's newest pizzeria Garfield will be with us before long; a martini affair you are NOT going to want to miss at The Douglas Club; and a few Christmas foodie treats to indulge in this festive season

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On the Relish podcast - we've just seen two of the biggest Melbourne openings for 2025, so Kate was very keen to get the lowdown on each.

First up, after 8 years the renovation of the landmark Waterside Hotel has been unveiled, and exec chef Sarah Chan is behind the menu from pub classics in the public bar to vibrant south-east Asian fare in signature restaurant PAST/PORT, she'll explain what to expect.

Also, founder & CEO of MAMA's Dining Group Thai Ho explains how he turned the iconic former Madame Brussels site into a Japanese listening bar, restaurant, rooftop and omakase.

And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne, try Lebo-terranean at brand new Bar Bouni; 98 Lygon St Bar and Bistro launches a new courtyard AND aperitivo hour; the Standard X hotel opens its rooftop, "On Top", to the public; New York's renowned Death & Co bar opens a Melbourne outpost; and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program is out for 2026.

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On the Relish podcast, Melbourne loves it when a local legend announces a new endeavour, so what does Alejandro Saravia have in store for us at Farmer's Daughters Wine House?

Also, with Nikka Perfect Serve, that famous Japanese distiller sets out to find the world's best bartender, Kate finds out what it takes from Australian winner Takashi Matsumoto.

And, in Eat Drink Do Melbourne - TWO fabulous pub renovations in the Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff & Kensington's famous Doutta Gala; Crown Melbourne looks the place to be for this upcoming indulgent social season as they launch Champagne & Caviar experiences across their most iconic venues; brilliant CBD bar Apollo Inn has launched a fab Nightcap menu to see your city evenings out in style; and Alice Zaslavsky teams up with Ertswilder to produce some seriously "tasty" accessories.

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Aret Arzadian and his partners have opened an elevated Italian restaurant and cracking rooftop in the heart of Glen Waverley, on the Relish podcast he tells Kate about the inspiration for "Gambino".

Also, down in Ballarat, Itinerant Spirits head distiller James Fairlie is celebrating World Vodka day with not one, but THREE new releases from Vansetter Vodka, so what can we expect?

And, in Eat, Drink, Do Melbourne - Mexi by Riverland gives us the chance to fiesta by the Yarra, Fleet rooftop proves a great CBD al fresco option through Spring and Summer, the Sandhill Road Group prepare to unveil a mammoth renovation at the Waterside Hotel, Seddon and Union Wine stores add a banging gin martini to their batched cocktail collection, and how you can Eat Drink Play Gippsland with a brand new one day festival this October.

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Michael and Zara Madrusan are know globally for their world-beating bars and cocktails, on this episode of Relish, Kate asks how they came up with the 2800 cocktail recipes their new book - The Madrusan Cocktail Companion.

Also, Alex Xinis has won accolades for Yarraville Greek gem Tzaki, so what can we expect from Kokoras - his modern, Greek take on great old school charcoal chook shops?

And in Eat, Drink Do Melbourne - Brisbane's Blackbird is seriously bringing the goods to its new Flinders Lane home, Johnny's green Room is hosting some of this city's best chefs for "Sunday Service", Officina Gastronomica Italiana is transporting you direct to Piemonte with their new "Taste and Pour" menu; Mill Place Merchants is taking us back through time for Negroni Week; and get ready as Thats Amore launches Australia's first Australian Burrata Festival.

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Vanilla Lounge is an institution in Oakleigh, on this episode of Relish owner Dennis Spannos explains what to expect from their new addition - a Willy-Wonka like dessert bar called "Vanilla Do It Your Way" just across the road.

Also Taf Chiwanza is the co-founder of Secondz, a new platform that aims to bring us only the best food and drink recommendations direct both the experts and fellow punters, Kate finds out how it all works.

And in Eat Drink Do Melbourne, – Port Melbourne's Ciao Cielo launches Wednesday date night for the romantics; the team behind Marameo open Athens-inspired wine Bar Sophia in Glen Iris; Lankan Tucker opens their new cafe & store in Lygon Street; The Showroom Bar hosts Sydney cocktail heavyweight Stefano Filardi for one night only; and the Makers & Shakers market is back with a special comeback appearance by the team from the Everleigh.

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