It hasn’t been a great time for festivals, what with Covid and all those social distancing restrictions, so it’s heartening to see that one of Australia’s biggest foodie festivals is back. And with a bang.

The world’s favourite domestic goddess, Nigella Lawson is headlining the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

It also happens to be the festival’s 30th anniversary, which means the two-week program that runs from March 25-April 9, is a cracker.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be joining the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in March,” Lawson says.

“The 30th birthday of a great festival in a great food city deserves a great celebration, and that’s exactly what the Festival will be. I so look forward to seeing you there!”

Lawson isn’t the only international cooking sensation taking part. Isaac McHale from The Clove Club will be cooking at Cutler & Co, Sichuan food expert Fuchsia Dunlop is popping up at Spice Temple, Skye Gyngell is on the pans at Hazel and Burnt Ends’ Dave Pynt will be on fire at Embla.

Sydney-based chefs Lennox Hastie of Firedoor will be at Anchovy and Momofuku’s Paul Carmichael is joining Sundays’ Morgan McGlone at Two Islands, One Dream.

Local chefs include Attica’s Ben Shewry who’ll be spearheading festival favourite, the Herald Sun World’s Longest Lunch, in tree-lined Treasury Gardens.

Shane Delia of Maha, Joseph Abboud of Rumi and Kirsty Chiaplias of Babajan are cooking a Middle Eastern feast for The Dan Murphy’s World’s Longest Brunch.

The program spans the eating spectrum, from meat-based to plant centric. There are top-dollar fancy dinners as well as free events. Gatherings span family-friendly fun to wild parties. Whatever it is that floats your food boat, you’ll find it here.

CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, the not-for-profit parent company behind MFWF, Anthea Loucas Bosha, is thrilled the festival is back in 2022.

“I’m super proud of this program which highlights the extraordinary food and drink experiences that make Melbourne so special, from the elegant World’s Longest Lunch with Attica’s Ben Shewry in the Treasury Gardens, to big, fun pasta and hot chip parties at our festival home, Queen Victoria Market and a return of our celebrated international chef program,” she says.

The Festival itself may only span two weeks, but to mark its 30th milestone it will also host special events throughout the year. Winter sees a spectacular dinner cooked by 30 of the state’s most talented chefs under 30 and in November there will be a regional program.

Program highlights  

Sunday Lunch with Nigella Lawson – All the way from the UK, this is a rare opportunity to hear from best-selling author and domestic goddess, Nigella Lawson. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous Sunday lunch designed by Nigella, plus drinks, followed by a fireside chat and Q&A with Nigella, hosted by Matt Preston. Sunday 27 March, 12 noon-3pm, tickets $285

Herald Sun World’s Longest Lunch
Take a seat among the trees and enjoy a three-course menu by one of Australia’s most influential and inspiring chefs, Ben Shewry of Attica. Launching the festival, guests will experience a menu that showcases Ben’s unique, creative and highly personal approach to cooking. Friday 25 March, 12 noon-4pm, tickets $225.

Maximum Chips
An epic celebration of the hot chip, Maximum Chips is a Friday night party that’s simply irresistible. With all the chips – crinkle-cut, shoestring, French fry and maybe even a sneaky potato gem – this fun and casual event does exactly what it says on the tin. Tickets include a welcome drink, entertainment and all the chips you can possibly eat. Friday 25 March, 5pm-7pm and 7.45pm-9.45pm, tickets $35. 

Welcome to the Jungle
A sprawling celebration of plants, from the indoor variety to Melbourne’s best plant-based eating and drinking experiences. With the “Queen of Green” Shannon Martinez at the helm, food from Smith & Daughters, Fancy Hank’s, Rumi, Warung Agus and Rice Paper Scissors, a rocking bar, and zero-alcohol cocktails by Dan Murphy’s, expect the unexpected and step into the jungle in the heart of the city. Tickets include five dishes plus a drink on arrival, and live music. Friday 1 April, 6pm-10pm, tickets $80.

Foodheim: Eric Wareheim at Hope St Radio
American comedian, director and musician Eric Wareheim has made his living exploring the loopier aspects of humanity through his comedy, poking fun at societal foibles, and having a fine old time doing it, and now brings that same sensibility to his other passions – making wine, cooking, and writing about food. Join this singular talent for a meal on the wild side.

The Big Spaghetti
Taking pasta back to its street-food origins in a big stand-up event that combines the bustle of hawker markets with the family-friendly and community ethos of Italian street fairs in a celebration of every strand of spaghetti, and every forkful of cacio e pepe. Featuring great pasta dishes across 10 stalls from the likes of Tipo 00, Mister Bianco, Al Dente, Marameo, Lagotto, Pastore, Agostino and more. 11am to 8pm Saturday 2 April, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 3 April, free entry.

Tickets for the 2022 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival go on sale at 10am, Thursday, February 17 at mfwf.com.au. All events have COVID-safe plans in place.