Italian Wines

Standing on Bourke Street for close to a century, Florentino has long been part of Melbourne’s dining life. It is a new era at Florentino with the team behind Nomad and Reine & La Rue now at the helm. To quote the website: ‘Long-time guests will recognise the dining room they know; new guests will encounter a restaurant shaped by memory, but firmly grounded in today. The new Florentino Dining Room menus draw on the room’s grand, old-world tradition, with thoughtful refinements made for dining now.’ Sounds good, right? I booked for 6 Fine Diners to enjoy the Menu Essenza at $200 per person for dinner from 6.30pm on Saturday 30 May. You can view the menu here: https://florentino.melbourne/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Florentino-Dining-Room-Menus-17022026.pdf 
Join the waitlist to express interest. Once I have names in the waitlist, I’ll send you a ‘Meetup Message’ to confirm you have a spot and how to pay. You’ll need to send me $100 to secure your place (equivalent to the cancellation fee - this will be deducted from your bill when we settle up). Once paid I’ll move you from the waitlist to going. Please check that you don’t have your settings blocking messages; if I can’t contact you I’ll have to move on to the next person. Also if you don’t respond to my message within 3 days, I’ll let you know that I’m offering the seat to the next person on the waitlist. 
Thanks and I’m looking forward to experiencing this new chapter of Florentino with you!

We’re partnering with East Asian Singles Community of Melbourne (30-45) Meetup group to host this event The goal is to create a friendly, relaxing, casual and low pressure environment where we can enjoy fun activities and mutual hobbies while building our community. The Event Join us for some friendly indoor bouldering fun at OnSight Climbing at 1 Aristoc Road, Glen Waverley! This is completely for fun and social only, beginner friendly, let’s encourage each other and get those arms and cores working (or working again)! Afterwards, if time permits, we can also head out for dinner at nearby Glennie. Meetup Time and Point: Time: 4pm Where: Onsight Climbing at 1 Aristoc Road, Glen Waverley We hope to get 4-8 people for this event. We currently already have 4 members interested. Groupon has a great 31-40% off which already includes shoe hire ($17.50-$19.95), I can purchase the voucher for the first 4 people that RSVP, and if we have more interest I can also organise further vouchers. (Alternatively you can purchase on your own for 31% discount.) http://www.groupon.com.au/deals/onsight-bouldering-glen-waverley-1?utm_campaign=UserReferral_mih&utm_source=undefined Please RSVP, and I will reach out to you to organise entry. Or if you’re not fussed, you’re also welcome to just show up and pay the full price $29 (no booking required). Hope to see you there!

Join us for some games of (Japanese) Riichi Mahjong at Good Games Box Hill. We welcome beginners and seasoned players alike; let us know ahead of time if you are a beginner. We play with WRC rules with red fives. Please see the following website for more information regarding rules ([https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules](https://www.worldriichi.org/wrc-rules)). Games are timed at 75 minutes + 1 additional hand and scores are tracked on https://scores.vicriichi.org/. Rounds will be at approximately the following times: \- 12:30/12:45pm \- 2:15pm \- 2:15pm \- 3:45pm \- 3:45pm \- 5:15pm Have the best 10 consecutive games between 1 May 2026 and 31 July 2026 to earn a $50 gift card to spend at Good Games! Entry fee: $5. If paying by cash, please pay at the counter. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Please change your RSVP to not going if you're no longer able to attend. This will give the next person on the waitlist the opportunity to attend. There is free parking available in the Care Park on Watts St next to the store. Want to support Victorian Riichi Mahjong and receive exclusive benefits? Then become an official member! For $30/year, members receive an extensive benefits package that includes: -Eligibility to discuss and vote on Club matters during live Club meetings, and to vote and run for Leadership Officer positions. -Complimentary Vic Riichi merchandise every membership year. -Early access and discounted entry fees for events and tournaments. -Mahjong coaching, workshops, study sessions, and online log reviews. -Access to exclusive members-only merchandise and events. -Access to meetup benefits such as discounted loyalty cards. Please see [here](https://www.vicriichi.org/membership) for more info! If you would like to connect with other Victorian/Australian Riichi Mahjong players online, check out our website, [https://www.vicriichi.org](https://www.vicriichi.org), and join the [Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA)](https://vicriichi.org/discord) and [Australian Riichi Mahjong Association (ARMA)](https://discord.gg/m8rYv4fS4F) Discord groups!

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

Applications now open to join our Italian-Australian social meets

**Get ready to taste and make new friends in this sommelier-led event where you can learn about and taste 7 old wines - includes $40 dining credit making your tasting just $5!** THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT: [GET YOUR TICKET HERE](https://oldandrare.eventbrite.com.au) **Your wine night just got a whole lot finer!** \- Includes $40 dining credit \- Small group setting \- Sommelier run Join us for **Old & Rare Wines Tastings** and get ready to make some new friends. Led by qualified Sommelier Antony Anderson (WSET3, WSET4 pending), this evening involves a free tasting of seven back-vintage (old) wines and some wine education, followed by your choice of dinner items and additional drinks from our extensive menus. We'll be gathering at **Life's Too Short Bar**, located in the vibrant **Tribeca Arcade** on **Victoria Parade**, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, where you can meet like-minded wine lovers and discuss all things wine, food, and common connections and interests. **Your ticket includes a $40 dining credit** towards food and drinks purchased on the evening, making your ticket (almost) free. Reserve your spot now - Then bring your appetite and sense of humour, and join us for a night of conversation, cuisine and, of course, wine! **GETTING THERE:** We recommend you use public transport or rideshare. We are on the 12/109 tram line (stop 16, Wellington St), several Bus Routes (302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908) or a 5-10 minute walk from Jolimont and North Richmond train stations. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. **UNABLE TO ATTEND?** Cancellations and Refunds are generally not possible. However, for sudden illness, COVID, or other special circumstances, we may agree to reschedule your session to another night or provide a gift certificate for part or all of your ticket price. Please SMS your request to 0466 045 473\*\*.\*\* **TERMS AND CONDITIONS:** * See the ticket link for further conditions * This is a preferred pre-booked event, but walk-ins may be possible. * RSVPs on Meetup do not constitute a booking. * Minimum spend for F&B following the event is $40 * Minimum Event Sales 2. If the minimum number of seats is not sold, the event may be rescheduled later or cancelled and tickets refunded. * If you have booked a ticket and an event is amended, we will contact you before the event to advise and make new arrangements. * Please note: By Public Health Directives, all attendees must be fully COVID-vaccinated, and proof of vaccination may be required. #meetingpeople #makingfriends #winetasting #blindtasting #winegames #singles #lonely #winelovers #winebuffs #winophiles #melbournewine #winemelbourne #melbournewinetasting #socialwines #makenewfriends #wine #lovers #tasting #event #meetup

Join members of The Empowered Mind for a fun, relaxed, and social day exploring the Good Food & Wine Show together. We'll meet at the main entrance at 10:30 AM before heading inside to explore the show together. Feel free to stay with the group or explore at your own pace throughout the day. What to Expect * Food and beverage tastings * Artisan food producers and gourmet products * Cooking demonstrations and celebrity chefs * Friendly conversation and connection with like-minded people * A relaxed and enjoyable community experience * Meeting Details Meeting Point: Main Entrance Food Show Meeting Time: 10:30 AM Sharp I'll be wearing a green coat so you can easily identify me. We will enter the festival promptly at 10:30 AM. If you arrive after this time, please send me a Meetup message and I'll let you know where the group is located. Important Information * Attendees must purchase their own festival ticket before attending. * Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the venue. * The venue is easily accessible by train and tram. * This is a social community event designed for connection, conversation, and enjoying the festival together. * This is not a coaching, counselling, therapy, or hypnosis session. * Please be respectful and courteous to all attendees. * Harassment, discrimination, aggressive behaviour, excessive intoxication, or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. * Members are welcome to explore independently throughout the day if they wish. * Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend. * Attendees participate at their own discretion and are responsible for their own purchases and personal belongings. * We look forward to sharing a wonderful day of food, connection, and community. Hosted by Charlene The Empowered Mind

We will get-together at the KereKere cafe - at the community table just inside the cafe entrance. *This is a group for people with intermediate and advanced level French who are able to engage in a conversation en français. It is not suitable for beginners.* The cafe is close to the corner of Wellington Parade and Lansdowne St, East Melbourne in the Fitzroy Gardens. It takes about 5 minutes on Tram 75 from Flinders St Station, or 15 minute walk. Car parking around Fitzroy Gardens on Sundays now is $2 per hour with a 4 hour limit, Some parking is limited to 1 hour even on Sunday. And occasionally, if there is a game at the MCG for example there might not be much parking at all. Price: The event fee is $4.00 - cash necessary! . and please be sure you are a member of MyFrenchLife.org before attending reunion - merci https://www.MyFrenchLife.org. The event fees are transferred to MyFrenchLife contributing to the meetup platform - thank you. À bientôt ! Veronica and Daniel Réunion Hosts MyFrenchLife.org

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your ceramic, use the MEETAMC10 coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** **Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop - Melbourne** **Hosted by Art Masterclass** Unleash your creativity at our fun and relaxing Ceramic Paint & Sip Workshop! Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never touched a paintbrush before, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels—no prior knowledge is required. Join us for different sessions every day, where you can personalize your ceramic masterpiece while enjoying a glass of wine in the heart of Melbourne. Book your session today and experience the joy of art in a fun and social setting!

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1572681?fbclid=IwdGRjcARVc0dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe62V65GrZv-CpIkQ-JfpxrvS7qKsiSC8nR68UX2NLJM0Vv8K_GpVQYzbL0mg_aem_NzRVjLjyRYkndjRfukpz9Q Tickets must be purchased for entry to this event. An RSVP on Meetup will not gain you entry without a ticket. What is a Saturday night Spectacular? It’s a variety trivia-ish style 3ish hours of team-based fun (and much, much (well, some...) more) on a Saturday night. How good is your general knowledge? Do you know your music? Can you solve puzzles? Want to take part in some team challenges? Up for a singalong? Want some hands on challenges? Then come join a mixed table and see if your team can vie to win the grand prize of $120! Let your hosts take you on a 3 hour journey of fun, laughs and terrible commentary. Come for the fun, stay for the prizes. Presented with thanks to the Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Please support your local venue and partake in dinner and drinks while you play. This is a non refundable event.

## ☕🥐 **Brunch at Melissa’s – Because Toast is Better with Friends** 🥐☕ *Melbourne Women’s Over 50 Friendship Group – Northern Branch* Ladies, it’s time for our **monthly brunch at Melissa’s in Templestowe** — where the coffee is strong, the food is fabulous, and the conversation is *far more interesting than anything happening at home*. 😉 📅 **30th May** 🕚 **11:00 AM** 📍 Melissa’s, Templestowe Why you’ll love it: ☕ Coffee that actually works 🥗 Delicious Greek-inspired brunch (yes, olives count as a personality) 🍳 Eggs done properly — finally 😂 Laughter, gossip, and zero pressure to be anywhere else This is your official permission slip to: * ignore housework * abandon responsibilities * and sit around chatting like the interesting, intelligent women you are No rushing. No stress. Just a long, lazy brunch with women who *get it*. 👉 RSVP wisely — brunch spots disappear faster than hot toast with butter 😏

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

This is "***New Members Night***." If you are one of the many folks on the fence about coming to your first wine tasting with the *Hilliard Wine Club*, this is the night to come. There will be many other new people, so you won't be alone. And the regulars will be there to help make you feel welcome. We're a relaxed and warm group. We hope to see you. **SIDE NOTE:** New members are welcome to ALL our Friday night wine tastings, but this night is a special overture to those who don't want to feel that they are the only new person in the room. Don't worry. You won't be. And don't hesitate to RSVP to other events. **OLD MEMBERS NOTE**: Hey Old Members! You're not excluded from this event. We expect to see you there to help make the new members feel welcome. **Sample 4 different wines** this Friday for $15 (*Cash or Venmo only please*). Glasses are provided. Bring a snack to share. Bring a bottle to share if you care to. See all the details below for the Hilliard Wine Club Wine Tasting. In Person. In Real Life. Actual Wine from glass bottles with corks and everything. **Wine**: Tastings will be $15 for four samples as always. And you are welcome to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share with others. Participation in the wine tastings is optional. But since you’re going, I will buy enough wine to cover you. If you bring your own wine and do not participate in the tasting you will only pay $10 to cover the door charge. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **Extra Wine**: After everyone has had their samples, we remove the pouring spouts and any remaining wine is poured freely to whomever wants it. I hate having leftover wine. **Queen of Hearts**: The Queen of Hearts raffle is a fundraiser for the club and a Barnum and Bailey type extravaganza - minus the dancing ponies, clowns, and actual circus. Bring your ***cash*** as the Queen does not accept American Express or other plastic. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Happy Birthday to all June birthday people! I put this on the schedule because it's my birthday month, and this is my favorite place; it's also Dave Koczur's (MAFIA meetup leader) birthday on June 8; if you who are reading this have a June birthday as well, tell us in the Comments! For anyone off work or with a flexible schedule, come to Pistachio Vera in German Village for a tea and pastry. We will try to get a table outside. If convenient, you could put a fold up chair in your car in case we can all sit outside but we run out of chairs. https://www.pistaciavera.com/

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.

**On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! (ps - empty the glasses into the sink, not the trash ... please) **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan