The inner west’s conceptual farm-to-table restaurant and community initiative Acre Eatery is about to embark on an epic six-week Italian takeover. The venue’s dining room and al fresco garden terrace will be transformed into an elegant Italian farmhouse with a menu to match. The concept is inspired by Italian home cooking and artisanal dining, and will feature wine pairings and interactive culinary events like a dough-kneading and a mozzarella-making masterclass. It provides guests with a unique opportunity to embark on a sensory journey through Italy’s food-focused history with the inclusion of Sicilian-style breakfasts and experimental gelato flavours. Further details and information on booking can be found here.

Woolworths recognises that hunger is a community issue that needs a community solution. It’s calling for everyday Aussies to be part of a wider movement to support those who are struggling to afford meals across the country. The Feed Appeal sees Woolies raising funds and awareness for those going hungry, and nourishing local communities by helping to transform lives. One hundred percent of your donation will go towards feeding your local community, and the campaigns will be spread across all states. Donate to the Feed Appeal at your local Woolworths – donations can be as little as $1 which provides two meals. You can also organise a Shout Lunch, participate in the Run10 Feed10 and donate just 50c during your stay at the Melbourne Crowne Plaza. The 2019 goal is to raise $1 million, and with your help, this is more than achievable. For more information, see https://www.feedappeal.org.au/.

The Tropic is proud to present its latest ‘Meet the Maker’ series, a range of monthly dinners showcasing a range of winemakers, distillers, brewers and producers. First up is Dan Shaw from Philip Shaw Wines on Thursday 11th July. Dan will speak on the history and wine profiles of the evening’s wines, which are thoughtfully matched with a four-course Mediterranean-inspired menu prepared by head chef, Guillaume Zika. Expect to see Kingfish tartare paired with the 2018 No. 11 Chardonnay and braised ox cheek with celeriac cream joined by a 2016 No. 89 Shiraz. With a panoramic view of Burleigh Beach to boot, it promises to be a memorable evening. Upcoming events include Italian wines and meats from the local butcher (July 24) and local and imported cheeses (August 15). Bookings are essential – please call 07 5661 9050.

Bopp & Tone will host its second Chef’s Table dinner on July 23. An intimate dinner of only six seats, this experience provides unprecedented access to the chef behind one of Sydney’s most talked-about restaurant openings of 2018. Guests will enjoy an 11-course menu with a front-row seat to the live action in the Bopp & Tone kitchen. Hosted by Head Chef Sa Va’afusuaga, diners will learn how premium ingredients and cooking methods are used to create these iconic dishes. Tickets are at $120pp. To book or view the sample menu, see here.

July 7 is World Chocolate Day and it perfectly coincides with our winter hibernation plans. Honouring the day, Australian chocolaterie, Only Mine Handmade Chocolates is upping the game with a limited-edition caramel chocolate collection that also happens to be completely vegan. Handcrafted from the finest Belgian dark chocolate, signature flavours include passionfruit, lime, peppermint, rose, mint and coconut. The collection is available in boxes of 10 ($27) or boxes of 15 ($39), but who are we kidding, we want 15 all to ourselves.

If you’ve ever wished to have your chocolate dreams fulfilled, now’s your chance. Darrell Lea, in collaboration with Burger Project, are giving 10 lucky fans the chance to win a tour of the Darrell Lea chocolate factory. Head to any Burger Project outlet in NSW, VIC and QLD, purchase a burger or ‘smash-up’ dessert, and you’ll receive a scratch card. Scratch to find out if you’ve won chips, desserts, chocolate or for the lucky few, a sought-after golden ticket. There’s one in each store, and winners will go behind the scenes at the chocolate factory to see how Darrel Lea’s famous goodies are made, with winners also getting a chance to make some of their own.

Bust out the bad Christmas sweaters and reindeer ears, we have word that Santa will be parking his sleigh at The Rocks for an epic party from July 11-14. Held at a secret location, punters can expect hot chocolate cocktails, Jingle Bells karaoke and cheeky elf bartenders. Entry is free and festivities run from 11-11pm, with Sunday finishing up at 9pm.

For those are taking part in Dry July, Menulog has come up with a treat especially for you. A limited-edition range of candles featuring scents such as mulled wine and espresso martinis is being matched to a special meal deal. Enjoy a warming mulled wine scent with your scotch fillet, a scotch whisky with your barbecue chicken wings and an espresso martini scent with your sticky date pudding. Available from July 1, these special scented candles are free with the purchase of any matched meal deal. After all, if you can’t drink it, smelling it is the next best thing.

If a European summer is a no-go, Tayim has the next best thing. An exclusive dinner on July 10 will give you the opportunity to enjoy a Middle-Eastern-inspired menu and Italian wines, without having to take out a second mortgage for the airfare. The evening will see a four-course feast matched with seven specialty wines from natural-wine purveyors The Wine Traveller. The one-off experiential dinner will highlight Italy’s famed Old world wines versus our own homegrown champions. This is one dinner you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $90/pp. To book, visit tayim.com.au.

Every family has a time-honoured recipe they wish they could share with the world. Well now they can! Gradi at Crown Melbourne is on the hunt for three of Victoria’s most talented nonnas or nonnos and their beloved family recipes. The top three will have their recipes included in a limited-time-only Piatti Dei Nonni menu, featured exclusively at Gradi at Crown in August. Founder Johnny di Francesco will meet with each entrant, learn the tricks behind their signature dish and discover their family history. Johnny will also host the winner’s friends and family at Gradi to officially launch the Piatti Dei Nonni menu. Entries close this Wednesday so be sure to enter here.

These school holidays, iconic Japanese restaurant Toko Sydney will be teaming up with Sydney Youth Charity, The Girls and Boys Brigade to support its ‘safe place off the street’ recreational initiative. The collaboration will see eight children take part in a one-hour sushi-making masterclass with Head Chef Sunil Shrestha at Toko’s landmark Surry Hills location. During the session, kids will learn how to make their own sushi rolls, along with practical skills like food hygiene and patience. This local charity relies on the goodwill of businesses like Toko to assist its mission in providing holistic family support and recreational activities for children in need.

Skiing season has officially begun. As ski enthusiasts flock to Thredbo, they’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate European après ski experience, courtesy of Mumm Champagne. Think toasty fire pits, world-class live entertainment (like Coachella headliner Sweet Mix Kids), amazing views and, of course, champagne. Be sure to head to the Alpine Bar July 11-13 and July 18-20 to join in the festivities.

If you love matcha and you love waffles (who doesn’t?) then you’ll want to be one of the first to try Haven Specialty Coffee’s latest dish. A delightful fusion of Asian cuisine and heavenly desserts, the Hokkaido Egg Waffle is smothered in Japanese matcha sauce, Hokkaido red bean, coconut cream and matcha ice cream. This scrumptious creation is available now on the cafe’s signature brunch menu.