Fermented Foods

Kia ora whanau, Waitangi Day is on Friday 6 February and Barbarian Brewing in Kingsville are hosting a Kiwi-themed evening with traditional Maori hangi as well as pavlova, lolly cake and even a special NZ IPA on tap. We've booked a table for 8 from 6pm. It's hard to find hangi in Melbourne so this is a great opportunity to enjoy it. Barbarian Brewing is a short walk from West Footscray train station :) Because this is going to be a popular event we are introducing a deposit: please PayID me $10 within 24 hours of confirming attendance: otherwise, we will remove you from the event so someone can take the place. You'll receive the deposit back in cash on arrival. PayID details are in the RSVP question.

### Meet time **7:30am sharp – Meet outside Abbotsford Convent** We’ll have around **15 minutes together *outside* (in front of BIKE SHED) before the event**, which is perfect for a **quick round of friendly introductions** and settling in as a group before heading into "Daybreaker". ### Daybreaker **8:00am – 10:00am** We’ll attend "**Daybreaker"** together – an alcohol-free morning dance experience designed to energise your body and mind and start the day feeling alive and present. "Daybreaker" tickets are booked separately and can be purchased here: [https://www.daybreaker.com/event/melbourne-02-07/](https://www.daybreaker.com/event/melbourne-02-07/) No dance experience needed. Come as you are. ### Brunch + deeper conversation After "Daybreaker" (10am), we’ll meet outside the BIKE SHED again, then head out for **brunch together** (optional but encouraged). Depending on the group and availability, we may: * Walk straight into the **Collingwood Children’s Farm Café**, or * Take a longer walk to a nearby venue such as **Three Bags Full**, **Cam’s Kiosk**, or **Jinda Thai** We’ll decide together on the day. This is where there’s space to slow down and deepen conversations. After moving together, it’s often easier to connect and talk about: * Your experience of Daybreaker * Dance, music, art, or creativity * Food, wellbeing, and living healthy * Life in Melbourne and upcoming events As with other **Good Conversations Club** events, you’re welcome to arrive exactly as you are. There’s **no pressure to perform or talk constantly**. I’ll have **conversation prompts available** that you’re welcome to use if you’d like — or not at all. They’re simply there to support ease, connection, and better conversations if you want them. Brunch is where conversations naturally deepen and flow more easily. ### Who this event is for This event tends to attract people who are **young at heart**, open-minded, and curious about life. There’s no strict age range — you’ll likely meet people across different ages who: * Enjoy movement, music, and shared experiences * Value meaningful conversation over small talk * Are open, respectful, and socially aware If you’re comfortable in mixed-age groups and enjoy connecting beyond labels, you’ll likely feel at home. ### Important notes * We’ll keep pre-event conversation light due to time * Deeper conversations happen after Daybreaker over brunch * "Daybreaker" tickets are purchased individually * Brunch is pay-your-own This event is about sharing an experience first, then enjoying meaningful, nourishing conversation afterwards. **Movement first. Conversation after. Connection naturally.** NOTE: For "Daybreaker" ### **Come ready to dance.** ### **Wear something that lets you move freely.** ### **Bring a water bottle and an open heart.** ### **Leave the rest at the door.** ### **We’ll see you on the dance floor.** ### **Door open at 7:40am** ——- Keep in touch via the WhatsApp group for this event: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ByoTlhgWUyu6VJole2fCO6?mode=gi_t

It's Footscray's famous Drag Bingo! We promise there is no drag bingo like it, it's famous for a reason! Join your fabulous drag host for an evening of fun bingo games, camp drag shows, comedy, cocktails, prizes & much more! [(Link to booking)](https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/825729) It's just $10 to play with over $100 in guaranteed prizes to give away - including $50 cash! You can also add a cocktail or pizza package to your ticket for the full Pride of our Footscray experience. Doors open 6:30pm and balls drop at 7:30pm sharp. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to be seated and get your food and drink before the show starts!

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos to Friends….Expand Your Social Circle Meetup group is a community of individuals who prefer to take it slow to get to know each other overtime in Melbourne. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, chilling, cultural exchange, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- WhatsApp Group \-\-\-** We use WhatsApp for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the WhatsApp Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

Join us for our very first *Girls Who Gather* dinner ✨ This will be a relaxed, friendly evening over great food, good conversation, and new connections. Whether you’re new to the group or just keen to meet like-minded women, this night is all about slowing down, sharing a meal, and enjoying each other’s company in a warm, welcoming space. No pressure, no expectations — just a cosy dinner, laughs, and the start of new friendships 💛 We can’t wait to gather with you 🥂

**Join Cristina at Jamsheed Winery to learn her family’s secret dumpling recipe over a glass of wine and great conversation** TICKET: $85/pp Ticket link:[https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteoftaiwandumplingssocial](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteoftaiwandumplingssocial) ###### **WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE** If you love dumplings and good wine, this one’s for you. Spend a sunny afternoon at Jamsheed Winery in Preston folding Taiwanese-style dumplings, sharing conversation and enjoying wine at your own pace, surrounded by people who simply love good food and good company. Your host Cristina will take you through her mum’s much-loved dumpling recipe — one that’s been folded, pleated and shared more times than she can count. You’ll get hands-on from the start, shaping your own dumplings and enjoying them hot from the pan once they’re cooked. This dumpling social is all about connection. You never know who you’ll end up beside, what you’ll bond over, or how the afternoon might unfold — and that’s the beauty of it. Come solo or bring a friend for an unforgettable experience! **WHAT YOU'LL GET** * An engaging dumpling-making session guided by Cristina Chang * Tasting of your handmade dumplings and a side of smashed cucumber salad * Recipe card to take home and keep the dumpling magic going * Fun games **MENU** Pan-fried Pork and Prawn Dumplings Wontons with Peanut Sauce and Chilli Smashed Cucumber Salad (Vegetarian/Dairy Free Options Available - please let us know at checkout) Note: Drinks and food from the Jamsheed Kitchen will be available to order on the night Limited tickets are available, so secure yours now for an unforgettable experience! TICKET: $85/pp Ticket link:[https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteoftaiwandumplingssocial](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteoftaiwandumplingssocial)

Our late afternoon get-together, (4-6pm) for a drink and conversation *en français* at Southgate food court by the Yarra river. It is easy to find. We will get together in the sheltered seating area (as per photo above) outside the food court *en plein air.* Southgate food court is just across the river from Flinders Street Station. We can buy a glass of wine or hot drink inside the food court. A glass of wine costs $11 at Grill'd or Rhumbas. Any change of arrangement, will be posted on the meetup website.

Friendly game of five a side indoor football (soccer). Indoor trainers/boots. No studs. Played on timber floor. Bibs will be supplied. Game Rules: Kick ins from the side. Goal keeper must throw the ball out when the ball goes behind. No slide tackles. After each goal a spot kick is taken and the opposing team must stand behind the white line (you'll understand when you get there). Keeper rotates every 6 minutes. If you need to pull out of the game for any reason, please RSVP no and then message the event so that another can potentially fill your spot. Please note that you should do this at least 48 hours (the sooner the better) before the game to allow the chance for someone to take your spot. If we are unable to fill the spot then I will not be able to refund you. Thank you.

ADDRESS: it is inside Mid City Centre, 200 Bourke Street, Old Street Hunan Restaurant 老街湘菜馆 I will be in front of the restaurant holding a MEETUP" sign from 6:30 to 6:35. Please update your RSVP. Please join our Facebook Group; the Link is attached here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/172BrZ4TKU/ Authentic Hunan Style Chinese food. 正宗传统湘菜，有回家的温馨感觉。 It's a very immersive eating environment, with all the popular street names hanging on the wall, very homely. It is my hometown food by the way. I can make some good suggestions, and we can share a few dishes together if you guys like. Organiser's fees组织者费用: free event. Please "Subscribe" and "Like" the group video. [https://youtu.be/qkLR5DalbFE?si=znCIeVXE7wCPHhT0](https://youtu.be/qkLR5DalbFE?si=znCIeVXE7wCPHhT0) We will wait outside the restaurant for 5 minutes, and will be seated inside after 6:35 pm with a Meetup sign on our table. Booking under "June". Please inform us in the comments if you are late. 我们在餐馆外聊聊天等5分钟，6:35pm准时开始点菜。如果迟到，请务必在评论栏里留言告知, 可以去餐馆里面找我们， 我们的桌上放一个Meetup sign。

From the highly-successful Smith & Daughters is this amazingly tasty spin-off lunch bar! More options than you can poke a stick at, and it's all very punny! :-) This meetup is a picnic! So we'll meet, grab food, and eat it in a park nearby.

Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!

Join us on February 14th from 2–5 PM for a cozy and fun Valentine’s Day gathering! Start by grabbing lunch at **Portia’s Café**, then head next door to **The Cozy** for crafts, activities, and a relaxed space to celebrate the day together. **Date:** February 14 **Time:** 2:00–5:00 PM **Location:** The Cozy (next to Portia’s Café)

**Valentines Eve**: Love and friendship pair quite naturally with almost any wine. Go ahead. Give it a try at the Hilliard Wine Club Valentines Eve event. Pay no attention to the superstitious guy in the corner who keeps murmuring comments about it being Friday the 13th too. (Volunteers with decorations show up at least 15 minutes early to set the scene for a pleasant relaxing evening. Reminder - this is also another "Freestyle Night.") **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! **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 (<--** *Subtle attempt to remind people that I am a Realtor*®) *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*

Inspired by the successful events like "Pot Luck in the Park" and "Saturday Mornings @ East Market," this meetup promises a fun and engaging atmosphere where like-minded individuals can connect over a shared love for languages and cultures. Whether you're a language learner, ESL student, or simply passionate about exploring new cultures, this event is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a diverse and welcoming community. Come join us for an enlightening afternoon of language, culture, food, of course, and connections! (Everyone will individually choose from the buffet and pay for their own meal, by weight.)

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.