Get ready to celebrate the most delicious day of the year on May 28 – International Burger Day. To celebrate the only way they know how, Burger Project will be handing out 500 free burgers from 11-12pm across all stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The burger in question? Their good old fashioned ‘classic cheese’ with grass-fed Cape Grim beef, cheese, pickles, onion, mustard and llegendary secret sauce all layered between a soft milk bun.

If you haven’t made your way to this year’s Seafood Freshtival, then you need to dive into it now. The Star Entertainment Group’s line-up of spectacular dishes and events across Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast sees world-class chefs leading the culinary celebration. The country’s best produce is showcased across venues like Flying Fish, Sokyo and BLACK Bar & Grill, and at The Star Sydney, guests can dine on sensational seafood such as Western Australian scallop sashimi, and a four-piece nigiri selection including Port Lincoln Cuttlefish and Ballina prawns. Not one to miss out on the fun, cheeky cocktail bar Cherry are offering $2.50 Sydney rock oysters from 5-7pm on Fridays and Saturdays during the festivities, along with a Grey Goose Vodka takeover throughout. For more information, see here.

Attention all dumpling enthusiasts, this is the event you’ve been waiting for. The YUM CHA festival of small bites, celebrating the beloved Cantonese brunch starts on June 2 at the Fairfield Showground. For those willing to put their love to the test, a dumpling eating competition will be taking place, with 2x $250 vouchers up for grabs for those with the biggest appetite. Dumpling-dedicated vendors will be sharing specialty dishes throughout the day from flavour-filled food trucks – including a mouthwatering dumpling toasted sandwich (yes, you heard that right). Tickets for this food-filled family fun day can be purchased here.

Vivids starry-eyed spectators are in for a treat this year, finding a nautical themed pop-up bar and eatery inspired by an old-school Fisherman’s wharf. Warm yourself up with a toasty glass of mulled wine, before taking it up a notch with an Archie Rose cocktail or a pint of the New South Wh-Ale. For those who fancy supper by the sea, cast your net over a plate of nostalgic fish and chips with tangy tartar or a bowl of famous fish chowder. You’ll also find mac ‘n’ cheese with fresh lobster chunks, before finishing your takeaway treat with sweet and crispy pineapple fritters topped with ice-cream. Located in the Royal Botanic Gardens from the 24th May- 15th June, this is one nautical night not to be missed.

We challenge you to name a more iconic duo than coffee and cocktails. Mr Black finds it hard to, which is why they’re bringing a free event to The Attic bar, Black Pearl (Australia’s only bar in the world’s top 50) to show how coffee can be used to create showstopping cocktails. Mr Black founder himself, Tom Baker will join Global coffee ambassador Martin Hudak with an exclusive menu of modern cocktails featuring the king of coffee liqueur, Mr Black. The event is taking place this Thursday from 7pm, with the chance to try special creations like the Espresso MarTIKI – a fresh tropical twist on a classic Espresso Martini and Outlaw – citrusy & caffeinated twist on classic Scofflaw cocktail.

Excited for Vivid this year but not so excited about braving the crowds? The Glenmore in The Rocks has come up with the perfect solution, offering 180-degree harbour views without all the business and bustle. Join them for their annual Winter Party as they transform into a 70s disco winter wonderland complete with their very own light show. In collaboration with UTS animation students, a beautiful array of visual clips will be projected onto the rooftop sails for an evening of light and colour. Expect $10 espresso martinis on tap, glow in the dark beer jugs and DJ SA May spinning tunes from 7pm till late, tickets can be purchased here.

The first day of winter will be smoking hot at Melrose Park Mudgee as the inaugural Barbecue and Smoked Meats Festival, ‘MudgeeQue’, fires up. There’ll be beer, barbecue and wine, and a sizzling variety of slow-cooked and smoked meats on offerl on June 1. You can also check out live demonstrations, on-site cooking and tasting sessions. Vendors sharing the tricks of the trade include Smokinbro & Co., Smo-KING BBQ and S+S Meats, with drops from Slowfox Wines, Elephant Mountain Wines, Baker Williams Distillery and Mudgee Brewing Co. Don’t miss out on the fiery festival – book your tickets online now.

Cooler weather means it’s time to indulge in a little more chocolate. Just in time for the sweet-toothed crowds at Vivid, Rivareno have launched their devilishly rich winter menu. Featuring nine incredible vegan sorbets, Italian hot chocolates and shots and affogato to boot, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Available from today, the latest sorbet flavours range from extra bitter cioccolato to fruit-filled kiwi and coconut. Each Rivareno outlet will be busy in the kitchen whipping up decadent crepes and waffles from scratch, generously smothered in their signature rich Italian style hot chocolate. Head in-store this vivid season for a sugar rush and much needed hit of warmth.

World Whisky Day may have officially ended but Tramsheds is determined to keep the celebrations alive. Osaka Trading Co is set to host a World Whisky dinner on the 22nd May, with a 6pm or 8:30pm sitting. Championing drops from all over the world, each dish of the 7-course modern degustation has been thoughtfully paired to a complementary dram. A selection of Osaka’s iconic Japanese fare will be served, starting with salmon sashimi with pickled wasabi leaves, paired with Japanese Hakushu Distillers Reserve single malt and finishing with Yuzu cheesecake and Coconut Sesame crumb served with Taiwanese Kavalan Concertmaster Port Cask Finish single malt. Places at this exclusive evening are limited, so be sure to book your spot here.

Still riding high from their third birthday celebrations and now trading seven days a week, Double Bar’s beloved wine bar Bibo is now launching a new Monday series. Known as ‘Hospo Mondays’ the program will see two for one negronis and martinis up for grabs every Monday from 5:30-7:30pm, along with a spotlight feature on different wineries each week. Curated by sommelier Louella Matthews, expect to have your eyes opened to a range of natural and curious wines, for something a little out of the ordinary. To top it all off, chef Jose Silva has carefully curated a range of paired drinking snacks, including sobrassada stuffed olives, sardines on toast and beef croquettes.

Let’s be real – pasta is always in season. But winter is the perfect time to hone your pasta-making skills. Step into Planar’s Mediterranean-inspired bar and restaurant as it hosts its first pasta-making class. Running this Thursday from 6:30-9pm, you’ll be schooled on fettuccine, gnocchi and stuffed ravioli. Tickets for this one-off event are $70pp, including a glass of bubbles on arrival and shared feast of antipasto, signature pizzas, pastas and salads.

If you’ve always wanted to meet the bearded bakers of Knafeh Bakery, now’s your chance. Soon to take off on their world-tour following the success of their pop-up stalls, the bakers have partnered with OpenTable to create a first of its kind event. Typically a pop-up without reservations, the boys will be heading to Sydney’s old Arnott’s Biscuit Factory and transforming the space into a magical setting inspired by the old city of Jerusalem. Keeping in theme, food for the evening will be Middle Eastern inspired, complete with singing and dancing. From today, forty diners now have the chance to book tickets to this exclusive event at $100pp. See here for more details.

While we’ve been shivering through chilly temps lately, South Australian mussels have been plumping up in the cold weather, resulting in the soft and sweet mollusc being ripe for the picking. You can expect to see plenty of these tasty gems of the sea in restaurants, cafes and retail stores over the coming months.

Dedicated to all things cheese, Fratelli Fresh is hosting a dinner of epic proprtions alongside Marrickville’s Vanella Cheese this Thursday. Bringing an exclusive 3-course dinner to their Darling Harbour precinct, the menu features cheesy delights like stracciatella bruschetta with parma ham, ricotta and spinach cannelloni and braised lamb shoulder with roasted pumpkin and spiced buffalo yoghurt. A thoughtful chosen Fratelli Fresh wine is paired with each course to enhance your dining experience. For bookings, call 9259 5692.

With arguably the best seats in the house at his year’s Vivid Festival, Altum restaurant is also offering a special dining experience. Take in views of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge while head chef Dionisio Randazzo plates up a three-course Mediterranean-inspired menu. Signature dishes include seafood fregola and grilled wagyu Tajima sirloin, with seatings beginning at 5pm. Tickets for this unforgettable evening can be purchased here.