For one night only some of Australia’s top restaurateurs and chefs will dish up a fun evening of top-class food, wine and fundraising for DineSmart, our hospitality led initiative that has helped raise and distribute more than $10 million for grassroots homeless charities.

To celebrate its 20th Anniversary DineSmart is bringing together six of its long-standing and loyal supporting partners in Melbourne to raise funds for training and employment programs for vulnerable people. Presented by long-term uniform partner Cargo Crew, who is also celebrating 20 years in business, the night will celebrate the connection between food and community that DineSmart has championed since 2003.

The event will take place on April 12th and it will bring Melbournians a unique opportunity to enjoy signature dishes brought by Alejandro Saravia, Executive Chef at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters; Nathan Toleman, Founder of The Mulberry Group & Dan Sawansak, Head Chef at Dessous, Nabila Kadri, Head Chef at Supernormal, Sean Kierce, Restaurateur behind Ladro and Simon Denton, the Restaurateur behind Izakaya Den 2029 all in one night. Not enough? You’ll also save on a trip to Sydney with famous restaurateur behind The Apollo, Sam Christie, coming to town too!

Each ticket to the DineSmart 20th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner, presented by Cargo Crew, includes a six-course dinner with pairing beverages, each being chosen and prepared by the renowned restaurateurs listed above. With 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and live auction that will take place on the night being donated to DineSmart, those attending the event will be helping fund organisations and programs that are giving vulnerable people the tools and confidence to be job-ready. 

The menu for the night will kick off with Victoria’s by Farmer’s Daughters most popular canapes made with fresh seasonal produce of the state of Victoria, followed by The Apollo Taramasalata with Salmon Roe and Pita Bread; and Izakaya Den 2029’s Marlin Crudo with cold pressed yuzu oil and preserved sansho peppercorn. For mains – drumroll please – Supernormal’s white cut corn fed chicken, watercress, ginger vinegar & fermented chilli, followed by Dessous’ braised short rib with glazed cipollini onions and pickled local mushrooms. To finish this incredible line-up, dessert! Ladro won’t let you go home without first enjoying their traditional Sicilian Cannoli filled with sweetened ricotta & candied fruit, and a Triple Chocolate Cannoli with milk chocolate shell, dark chocolate ricotta filling and white chocolate garnish. 

StreetSmart’s community partner, Scarf, is helping to staff the front-of-house on the night. Scarf provides hospitality training and real-world work opportunities to young people seeking asylum and those from refugee and migrant backgrounds who are facing barriers to employment. DineSmart’s donations are helping fund many programs, similar to Scarf’s, that are helping disadvantaged people increase their skills, confidence and job readiness.

Erez Gordon, loyal DineSmart’s supporter and Owner of Carboot Wines, will MC the event and take us through a fun night of enjoying delicious food and fundraising while also bringing home the night through a live auction. 

The DineSmart 20th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner will be a ‘Communal’ event with long sharing tables, and the menu will accommodate any dietaries if requested during the booking journey.