10 things you musn’t do at March into Merivale launch party.
From naked chefs, to superheroes in leotards, it is that time of year again when Merivale Chefs come together to save the day and your wallet with $33 lunch and dinner offers across nine restaurants in the Merivale headquarter on George Street. The annual March Into Merivale is in full swing right now until mid April and a rather large group of food bloggers were invited to the launch party to have the first glimpse of what they have to offer this year.
Despite the exclusive invite to check out the food and the venue 45 minutes prior to official opening to the public, we actually were waiting at the Ivy Pool bar while the chefs are still busy preparing the food. So we ended up we only had 15 minutes to quickly take photos and try as many canapes as we can before a stampede of hungry hungry hippos stomping into the room. After I’ve attended the March into Merivale launch parties consecutively for two years, I’ve learned that there are many things that you musn’t do and here’s the top 10.
10. Do not accept drinks.
Okay, this point is mainly directed to food bloggers whom we all know this basic rule – one hand for camera, and one hand for food. No matter how thirsty you are, never succumb to temptation for a bottle of cold beer until your have accomplished the mission of taking photos of every single canapes of the evening. Unless you have a “third” hand, then be my guest and go ahead.
9. Do not take pictures of food.
I know, I know. It is a little contradictory to what I have just said on point no.10. Wouldn’t it be a lot more fun tasting the food with your mouth instead of your eyes? “But you did it yourself?” What? Are you judging me now? My excuse is I have to take photos of the food so I can share them with others who missed out of the event. No one is perfect, you know?!
Bistro CBD
- Goats cheese and fig tartlet, balsamic glace
- Brandade, cured salmon, gribiche, en croute
- Chocolate indulgence
Clockwise L to R: Skewer of Serrano jamon, compressed rock melon and nasturtium; wait staffs with beverages ready to welcome the masses; Ocean trout ceviche with Thai flavours; Peter Doyle preparing capanes ready for the opening
8. Never bring partner along.
Partner = handbag. It is a feisty evening, and everyone is fighting for glory! Dragging a partner along, trying to squeeze into the crowd and then only realised that you have lost him in the masses, and spend half of the time, texting back and forth to locate him is a waste of time! So leave the partner at home!
7. Don’t just stand there. PUSH IN!
Exactly! No one will pity you standing at a corner feeling sorry for yourself that you can’t get close enough to try the food or pretend to be “cool” or whatever. Use the “elbow technique” if you must, although we hold no responsibility if anybody gets hurt!
est.
- Gingerbread, chicken liver parfait and Tasmanian black currants
- Grilled scallop tartare, olive oil, lime juice, washed red onion and pork crackle
- Skewer of Serrano jamon, compressed rock melon and nasturtium
Clockwise L to R: Pork "Banh Mi" croutons; Lotus chef - Dan Hong chatting with food bloggers; Skewer of prawn crusted with "Tasty Toobs"; the menu signboard at each stand
6. Do not ask Dan Hong about his purple leotard.
I mean seriously, let Dan Hong focus and concentrate on what he is doing while busy juggling between tasks and leave his balls alone people.
Lotus
- Pork “Banh Mi” croutons
- Skewer of prawn crusted with “Tasty Toobs”
- Ocean trout ceviche with Thai flavours
Roast Duck: shallot with Yuzu Kosho sauce
5. Do not walk against the crowd.
Unless you are a fish, salmon in particular and prefer to swim upstream, if not then stop walking in the totally opposite direction as everyone else. Think like you are on the elevator, or driving on the road – keep left and merge in slowly! What’s wrong with you people?
Uccello
- Parmesan and prosecco risotto
- Beef and porcini lasagne with quattro formaggi
Clockwise L to R: canapes menu from Sushi E; Grilled scallop tartare, olive oil, lime juice, washed red onion and pork crackle from est.; drizzling yuzu kosho sauce on roast duck; Establishment and Spicy Salmon rolls
4. Don’t be rude.
Okay, be serious for once. We are all here because we all love food. It is totally unnecessary to shove and push to get ahead of everyone when it was already so crowded inside. Respect the Merivale chefs and appreciate the food they’ve prepared for you this evening. Save your 2 cents for next time.
Sushi e
- Roast Duck: shallot with Yuzu Kosho sauce
- Establishment Roll
- Spicy Salmon Roll
Clockwise L to R: Chicken liver pate on crouton; Mad cow chef plating up grilled rangers valley wagyu flank steak with chimichurri sauce; Heirloom tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil with preserved lemon
3. Do not make fun of that dude with funny moustache.
Because he will eff-ing kill you! No but seriously, the dude with curly moustache at the Mad Cow stand has the most amazing wagyu flank steak with chimichurri sauce that I’ve ever tasted. Funny moustache man with wagyu beef is your best friend. No joke!
Mad Cow
- Heirloom tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil with preserved lemon
- Grilled rangers valley wagyu flank steak with chimichurri sauce
- Chicken liver pate on crouton
Seared Tasmanian salmon, Amazu ponzu and dried miso
2. Never leave until you try it all.
It’s free. And it is absolutely madness. No one cares if you are already moving to the next stand grabbing a canapes while you still have three sticks of prawn skewers in hand. You probably look like a cheapskate, but oh! Look at those wagyu penny burger at Teppanyaki stand! Let’s go!
Teppanyaki
- Roasted Kurobuta pork, green apple and ginger soy sauce
- Wagyu penny burgers with spicy mayonnaise
- Seared Tasmanian salmon, Amazu ponzu and dried miso
Gingerbread, chicken liver parfait and Tasmanian black currants from .est
1. Actually, do not go at all.
Let’s face it, the launch party is all fun with free food and everything but it actually cost you more hassle than what you have bargained for. Instead, why not take advantage of the $33 promotion offer which runs from Feb until mid April, among all nine restaurants in Merivale group for you to choose from. No fuss, no crowd, rock up, let’s eat!
Ash St Cellar
- Bouillabaisse with rouille
- Sheeps milk labne, beetroot and mustard fruits in a filo tartlet
March Into Merivale $33 lunch or dinner promotion offers run between 15 Feb - 16 April. For more information, please visit www.marchintomerivale.com [A Table For Two attended the launch party courtesy of Merivale Group.]
A Table For Two (ATFT) is Billy Law's food blog that features best eats in Sydney and around the world with drool-worthy food photography to salivate your appetite. I also throw in a smidgen of my food and travel photography for good measure. Billy Law also happened to be a contestant on MasterChef Australia 2011. 
Billy – this is my favourite MIM post yet. Great pictures and snappy text!
.-= JT´s last blog ..Virtual pass the parcel =-.
haha best post evah billy!
.-= chocolatesuze´s last blog ..lollipop mess =-.
But partners are great for HOLDING your drinks, or food, or camera, or random crap along the way!
Hilarious, great post Billy!!
Love the bit about partners. I agree with Fiona, they do come in handy to carry things around. But they also don’t understand when we keep on moving around, trying to find the best angle for pictures. They just want to stand there, relax and enjoy their drinks – useless.
Gee, you managed to get beautiful pics of the opening party! I was a bit less lucky (no pre-invitation for me, I don’t play in the same league as yours!) so I ignored your #2 commandment (don’t leave till you’ve tried it all) and and instead wrote a story on your #7 commandment (push in and elbow your way in): http://detours.typepad.com/detours/2010/02/march-or-fight-your-way-into-merivale.html
.-= Myriam´s last blog ..Absinthe: from Paris to Sydney, by way of New Orleans =-.
good points, i usually don’t like to go to launch parties, i’m allergy to crowd. HAHAHA
.-= ladyironchef´s last blog ..Brunch Places in Singapore =-.
Haha this is bloody amazing. I have to disagree with you on no partners though – provided they stick with you all evening they’re a good extra pair of hands to feed you canapes/drinks while you take photos.
Funny post, but rules 4 and 7 contradict each other.
Hahaha love this post! But I missed the moustache dude at Mad Cow! Must’ve been too focused on the food
.-= Jacq´s last blog ..Best of 2009 @ Penguin says Feed Me! =-.
Great post, completely agree on all points especially No.1 – I didn’t go because I don’t like battling it out with the crowds freebies or no – glad you did it though so I can enjoy it vicariously!
.-= Moya´s last blog ..Nockerls, Schweinshaxe and the Mozartkugeln… =-.
#7 – I can’t do it… I can’t push and shove and lunge like others… I can’t, I won’t!!!
.-= Tina´s last blog ..On light ice =-.
Fantastic post!!! I was laughing my way through reading. Totally agree with #8
.-= Ellie´s last blog ..Eight Texture Tiramisu – Daring Bakers’ February 2010 Challenge =-.
LOL!!! You have a wicked sense of humour! Like Brad, I don’t like launch events.
.-= The Little Teochew´s last blog ..Sweet Spicy Sticky Tempeh =-.
Hee hee hilarity man, and it seems like I only got to fulfil No. 1 (although I wish I hadn’t haha)
.-= FFichiban´s last blog ..Kyoto Ramen Alley – Kyoto Station, Kyoto. =-.
I agree with Fiona – partners are great for an extra pair of hands to hold food & drinks, not to mention snatching passing canapés!
.-= mademoiselle délicieuse´s last blog ..Wagaya, 7 Dec 2009 =-.
Great post – Looks like I have broken rule number 9 and 10!
ultimate rofl post!
.-= Lex´s last blog ..Merry Christmas! =-.
I was upset that I missed the event but your last piece of advice is right on – booking MIM meals as we speak!
10 things you must do at Merivale Launch Party:
10. take drinks and drink fast.
9. take photos of food quickly then eat quickly.
8. definitely bring your partner. they are value in holding your drink while shouting. grabbing food for the next photo shoot while your shooting something else.
7. don’t push but be quick. find a spot at the edge of a table to photograph your food quickly. your tip 7 contradicts your tip 4?
6. i’m disappointed that the chefs didn’t wear their leotards but it’s their fault for getting photographed in the first place with them on
5. it makes sense to follow the crowd but if your clever you can also go behind the tables as official food blogger.
4. i agree with your tip 4.
3. agree with you and the flank was excellent. makes me want to visit Mad Cow for this reason alone — and to see moustache man again.
2. always a good one to achieve but it’s a hard one to achieve.
1. i think it’s still good to go but arrive early and get in early and do all the above and be quick about it. you’ll then achieve trying as many things they have to offer.
Simon’s Golden Rule 11: head to kitchen and photograph and sample food in peace and quiet away from crowds with the chefs
.-= Simon Food Favourites´s last blog ..Bairro Português: Petersham Food & Wine Fair on 14 March 2010 =-.
Ah, the pain that was the launch party that was brought back into vivid memory…
Interesting set of pointers
keep me up to date.