MCEC hosts four of Melbourne’s biggest names in food to raise funds for the Starlight Children Foundation

MCEC hosts four of Melbourne’s biggest names in food to raise funds for the Starlight Children Foundation
Edited by Travel Weekly


The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) recently hosted a five-course dinner in partnership with the Starlight Foundation to help raise money for life-changing Starlight wishes.

MCEC and Starlight brought Melbourne’s culinary giants together for an evening of fun, joy, and laughter to raise funds for sick children and their families, raising over $540,000 in doing so!

Guests enjoyed canapes and a five-course degustation curated by leading Victorian chefs, including Benjamin Cooper (Chin Chin), Guy Grossi (Grossi), Jacqui Challinor (Nomad) and Josep Espuga (pt Leo Estate), Alejandro Saravia (Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters) and Peter Haycroft (MCEC).

The menu featured a taste of each chef’s signature style, highlighting some of Victoria’s best producers like; Infinity Blue, Sher Wagyu, Salt Kitchen Charcuterie and Aurum Poultry.

Inspired by champagne and caviar, MCEC’s award-winning team served canapes of butter-poached lobster macarons with Yarra Valley caviar and beach herbs alongside mushroom arancini with porcini cream and pickled celeriac.

A proud member of MCEC’s Club Melbourne Ambassador program and guest chef on the night, Alejandro Saravia said: “Any preconceptions about event catering are quickly dispelled when you enter the kitchen at MCEC.”

“I can attest to the significance of MCEC’s spaces in crafting unique dining experiences. The expansive kitchen, combined with the talented culinary team, allows creativity to flourish.

“Starlight’s Five Chef’s Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to raise much-needed funds and support our local community while sharing in what makes Melbourne the ultimate food lovers’ destination.

I’m blown away by what we can achieve together. Every person involved in this event from the kitchen to event delivery is essential to the difference we can make for real children and their families,” concluded Saravia.

Latest News

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Seafood Excellence winners launch new sea-to-plate menu onboard Luxe Island Seafood Cruise

The 2024-25 season of the ultimate seafood dining experience, Luxe Island Seafood Cruise at Rottnest Island, has a new sustainable seafood menu and is now open for booking. Owned by Sea West and operated by its brand Rottnest Cruises, the award-winning Luxe Island Seafood Cruise offers an indulgent day of cruising onboard a 69ft, three-level […]

  • Aviation
  • Breaking News

35 per cent base salary increase part of Virgin Australia pilots new enterprise agreement

Virgin Australia pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement that delivers substantial improvements to their pay and working conditions, following 15 months of negotiations. The new agreement guarantees a 35 per cent base salary increase in the first year, followed by 3 per cent annual increases and includes industry-leading lifestyle and […]

  • Conferences

Iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ artwork takes pride of place at ICC Sydney

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has announced the addition of the monumental artwork ‘Spirit of Sydney’ by renowned Australian artist Frank Hodgkinson to its collection. Normally reserved for event attendees, members of the community were able to view the iconic ‘Spirit of Sydney’ mural at the venue’s art tours, guided […]