An Italian holiday may be closer than you think. Pepe’s in Melbourne has launched an ‘Italian Summer’ complete with an authentic piazza, custom-built bocce court, summer spritz stations, and a gelateria by esteemed chef Adam D’Sylva (Coda) to compliment the extensive sit-down food and beverage offering. The venue can now host up to 220 diners, so grab your pals and book a trip to the Aussie Italia.

To celebrate the launch of their newest release, Belvedere has teamed up with Firedoor to create an exclusive dinner box like no other. Belvedere Heritage 176 combines notes of malt, walnut and spice, and uses the centuries-old technique of malting by fire to release rye’s rich taste and character. The box also includes a Smoked Butter washed Belvedere Heritage 176 Martini, Heritage 176 cured trout, charred cabbage, apple and chives, and a smoked rye gelato, made in collaboration with Messina. We’re calling it – this is the dinner box of the year. Order close Wednesday 2nd December, for pick-up boxes that will be ready for pick up on Friday December 4th. Boxes are priced at $135 and available to purchase from firedoor.com.au/fireshop.

Alfresco eating is the name of the game this NYE, with the announcement of New Year Street Feasts – an initiative to bring the streets of Melbourne alive in the very best way. Created by the City of Melbourne and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, eleven outdoor dining precincts will set the stage for thousands of people to ring in the New Year at their favourite restaurants with friends and family across two days. Catch some of Melbourne’s most beloved venues, including Bar Margaux, Hazel, Izakaya Den and Tipo 00. Book your tickets now to avoid missing a New Years celebration like no other.

Creators of the famed Gingerbread Gin, The Craft & Co, have just launched a new dessert-inspired tipple. This time around, they had their eyes set on apple pies. This future classic is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of soda, or get creative in the kitchen and reduce it into a sauce – the opportunities are endless. Apple Pie Gin is now available at Dan Murphy’s or via The Craft & Co online store.

NSW’s South Coast is the place to be this summer, with the launch of The Growers in the Shoalhaven. The new indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar seats 450 people, and will showcase the region’s diverse agricultural producers, wineries, fromageries and breweries. The kitchen will be headed up by American born chef, Patrick Haney (Opera Bar, Sydney), who has created a menu comprising generous shared dishes. Why not start your meal with oysters from Greenwell Point, followed by squid and whitebait fritto and wood-fired pizzas – then see where the night takes you. Book a table now here.

Sydney’s favourite Israeli eatery, SHUK, is treating us to something new this December, with a change of tune at their Bondi pop-up. From today, the Bondi Pacific branch, will become SHUK’s FALAFEL, serving classic Israeli fair inspired by the food founder/owner, Yoni Kalfus, grew up eating – the specialty being hand-made and ultra-fresh, falafel. Visit the pop-up on Campbell parade for a taste.

The Everleigh Bottling Co. has just launched their new bottled spritzed cocktails so you can drink on the go, in style. The first two releases are the Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth & sparkling water) and French 75 (gin, lemon & sparkling wine). Whether you favour Italian piazzas or French châteaux, these snazzy spritzes have you covered, anytime and anywhere. Four-packs now available at everleighbottling.com for $48.

Cucino Porto has just launched at The Star in Sydney, and is a celebration of Puglian cuisine. Executive Chef Martino Pulito (Pasta Emelia) is all about authentic food without the pretention, and invites his guests to take a seat at a table reminiscient of his family home. Familiar favourites feature alongside more adventurous options including a mussel and prawn saor with chardonnay sauce, spaghetti paired with slow cooked octopus and gremolata, and Sottobosco Pizza made in their woodfire pizza oven that heroes the humble brussels sprout (all under $30). Book now here.

Booze connoisseurs and delicious.’s resident columnists, Mike and Mez, are hosting a masterclass with Rochford Wines and we need tickets now. Straight out of the Barossa, Rochford is an old-school favourite for all the right reasons – premium wine done the very best way. Join The Critic and The Comic for an intimate tasting of Rochford’s future classics, plus a selection of back vintage wines straight out of Mez’s cellar, which money simply can’t buy. Look forward to a 2018 Hand Picked Riesling, 2016 Dry Country Grenache, 2003 Rod & Spur Shiraz Cabernet, 2000 Basket Press Shiraz and many more. Don’t miss out, grab your tickets now here.