Madness and Mayhem at 'March into Merivale'
Whether or not you’re a fan of Justin Hemmes’ Merivale empire you do have to admit (as a foodie) that he’s put a hell of a lot of effort into setting up a good selection of restaurants to cater to his more discerning customers. “March into Merivale”, which is an annual event, provides an excellent opportunity to try food from across the Merivale gastronomical empire. Did I also mention that this was a free event? Despite my naïve belief that this would be an intimate and exclusive evening, it turns out that half of Sydney was not only invited but also decided to show up. And who could blame them, after all, not only was there free food but also a seemingly endless supply of free drinks.
“March into Merivale” was held in the Ivy room at the Ivy, and featured small bites from across the Merivale empire including Mad Cow, Est., Lotus and Bistro CBD. Arriving just before 6pm Mrs FBC and I joined the not insignificant queue which, thankfully, was fast moving and unhindered by the normally ubiquitous clip board girls (Mrs FBC and I both pre-registered but this seemed unnecessary on the day).
We made our way into the Ivy room where we were immediately offered a free drink (beer, wine, champagne or cocktail) by the eager, and at this point un-fazed, staff. In the centre of the room was what at first appeared to be a makeshift stockade erected by desperate chefs fending off ravenous hordes. However, on closer inspection this was really just a collection of kitchen stations manned by still equally desperate chefs rushing to serve up morsels of food to hungry Sydneyites. Quickly dismissing the food tables at the front of the room we made our way to the back where the masses were somewhat more subdued. Despite this it still took considerable effort to fight our way through the crowds to our first sampling.
Help... get these hungry people food before they eat me!
Chefs - making sushi as FAST AS THEY CAN!
I’m not sure if it was the free alcohol.... or desperation brought on by fasting all day.... or simply a mob mentality, but at times the crowd seemly truly desperate to partake in the free samples.
Is this what Sydney has come to? A bunch of freeloaders??
Many a plate was emptied before it had barely touched the table, with worried kitchen staff scrambling to bring more and more food out lest the crowd be angered. Plates of finely seared beef served with a mustard garnish nearly caused a riot, with only bloodied plates left behind as a reminder of the once delicious food on offer. Small boxes containing light and tender Farafelle pasta with delicious bolognese sauce were well worth the fight, as were the mini hamburgers which were snatched up a handful at a time and only attainable by those willing to brave the worst of the crowd.
Unfortunately, our photos aren't that great as there were just too many hungry people around that got in the way... but we gave it a go in true food blogger style :( Check out Simon Food Favourites for much better photos from the event!
Many delectable morsels of food on offer... but get in quick !
Seared beef served with a mustard garnish - nearly caused a riot with the iron deficient crowd
Having been defeated by the frenzy we retreated to the back of the room from where we could watch the crowds continue to press the increasingly desperate staff. However, this move proved to our advantage as new waves of kitchen staff began to circle the room bearing plates of further food including my favourite, a tasty (and cute) mini steak pie with peas on top.
Mini steak pies with mashed pies
Mr Justin Hemmes surrounded by a gaggle of women. He's the guy behind the blurry lady
The Hungry Hordes at 'March into Merivale' Launch Party
There are a stack of events on as part of 'March into Merivale'. Check out details here.
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