It’s ladies first, especially at Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. The much loved foodie event has revealed its passion for empowering women in light of the upcoming International Women’s Day, with one very special lady led event.

A trio of talented women will be leading the 2019 Bank of Melbourne World’s Longest Lunch; chef and author Karen Martini will be joined by Bellota Wine Bar head chef Nicky Riemer, and Van Haandel Group pastry chef Lauren Eldridge, who will work in unison to feed the masses with a three-course feast.

It’s a celebration of both the district, as well as the talented ladies within it says Food + Wine Victoria CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha. “Bank of Melbourne World’s Longest Lunch is a landmark event on the Festival calendar and we are thrilled that we will be joined by three of Melbourne’s most talented female chefs to mark the achievement of women in hospitality on International Women’s Day.

“Add to this a stunning garden setting in Prahran’s Victoria Gardens – the perfect nod to Victoria’s heritage as the Garden State – and we have the makings of a very special day.”

Bank of Melbourne’s CEO Michelle Winzer agrees. “Bank of Melbourne is proud to support the Festival for the eighth year running. We’re thrilled to celebrate the women putting Victoria’s hospitality industry on the map, and it’s fitting that the event opens on International Women’s Day next year. We salute the producers, chefs, businesses and restaurateurs powering this important part of our economy,” she says.

The Bank of Melbourne World’s Longest Lunch will this year be hosted on March 8, between 12.00-3.00pm. Tickets are available for $175 and can be purchased shortly online.