Warrandyte's Longest Lunch

A definite change of pace today.  Look what I spied along the river at Warrandyte, just upstream from Isiiad. Too good to pass up really. One hundred and fifty people enjoying a four course meal on a lovely autumn day amoungst the gumtrees and birds in my favourite part of the world. The food was prepared and served by students from Box Hill Institute under the watchful eye of chef Andrew Sankey. Diners were gifted a jar of strawberry jam from my favourite local roadside store, Warrandyte Berry Farm, to enjoy at home. As guests arrived, the airwaves were filled with the music of a harpist followed by the strains of flutes during the entree. The lunch was organised in conjunction with the World's Longest Lunch, joining 29 Regional events held simultaneously around Victoria on 2nd of March during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

Art is never far from the surface in Warrandyte.  Members of the Doncaster-Templestowe Artists Society recorded the day in paint, perhaps recalling the style of one of Warrandyte's favourite artists Clara Southern. The crowd enjoyed watching the paintings emerge over the course of the day. In addition, complementary massages were provided by students from Box Hill Institute's Aveda Wellness Centre.

In keeping with the theme, Uncork the Past, the menu was designed to reflect the food of a bygone era.

The wines, from Kellybrook Winery, were specially selected  to complement the food.

Ali McCarthy gifted her friend a place at the lunch for her 60th birthday.  Ali "really enjoyed the day", any wonder she found it a great way to relax by the river.  She commented that the students had worked very hard.

Warrandyte's World's Longest Lunch was organised and sponsored by Box Hill Institute and the Manningham City Council. How wonderful to see the community come together to support young people's education in this innovative and life enhancing way.