Food Addiction

**A taste of popular Penang Hawker experience right at the center of Melbourne CBD - Lulu's Char Koay Teow with NEW menu curated!** General Ticket: $59/pp Ticket link:[ [https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril) **WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE** Embark on a flavour-packed journey through the vibrant street food culture of Penang. This experience showcases some of the most iconic and beloved Penang hawker dishes — from fragrant noodle bowls to irresistible local desserts — all in one unforgettable evening at one of the most popular Penang hawker food restaurant - Lulu's Char Koay Teow. Hosted by Malaysian founder **Pheh Sze**, this intimate evening offers you a true taste of her hometown Penang, which is famous for its hawker food. Enjoy a variety of popular hawker dishes which includes the trade mark char koay teow noodles in a vibrant setting that transport you right into the street of Penang! Spaces are limited, so gather your foodie friends and don’t miss out on this unique cultural dining experience **WHAT YOU'LL GET** * **Variety of four hawker dishes :** Enjoy a curated of hawker dishes * **A special drink:** Enjoy your meal with one of Malaysia's favourite drink * **Host :** Learn all about Malaysian food culture with fellow host * **Socialise and Dine :** Connect with fellow foodies , share your passion, and make lasting connections Limited tickets are available, so secure yours now for an unforgettable experience! General Ticket: $59/pp Ticket link:[ [https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril)]

By popular demand, D is for Dumplings + Donuts! Now that we're in autumn and the weather is getting cooler, what's better than a plate of steaming hot dumplings to start with? **ITINERARY** 11.30am - Meet at JUICY BAO in Chinatown. That's the time it opens, so it's our best opportunity to find a big table to ourselves before the crowd arrives. I recommend that we order separately: the xiaolongbao (steamed pork dumplings with soup filling) is a popular choice - do watch out for the hot soup squirting if it's your first encounter! Preview the menu here: https://restaurantguru.com/Juicy-Bao-Melbourne/menu After lunch, we'll meander along Lt Bourke and Elizabeth St past St Francis Catholic Church and more restaurants to our second destination, SHORTSTOP COFFEE AND DONUTS. Around the corner from Shortstop is GUILDFORD LANE, a charming laneway some of us explored on a previous outing. It's one of my favourite hidden laneways in the CBD - less touristy than AC/DC but no less loved. You'll see what I mean. 1pm - SHORTSTOP COFFEE AND DONUTS Get your caffeine fix and enjoy choosing from the range of fancy flavours: https://www.short-stop.com.au/product-category/melbourne/ The event ends at 1.30pm. P.S. There is an organizer fee of $10 per person for this event. Feel free to pay in cash on the day or PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). **GETTING THERE** The closest train station to Chinatown is Melbourne Central.

**A taste of popular Penang Hawker experience right at the center of Melbourne CBD - Lulu's Char Koay Teow with NEW menu curated!** **EARLY BIRD TICKET: $49/pp until SUN 5th of April** General Ticket: $59/pp Ticket link:[ https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril) **WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE** Embark on a flavour-packed journey through the vibrant street food culture of Penang. This experience showcases some of the most iconic and beloved Penang hawker dishes — from fragrant noodle bowls to irresistible local desserts — all in one unforgettable evening at one of the most popular Penang hawker food restaurant - Lulu's Char Koay Teow. Hosted by Malaysian founder **Pheh Sze**, this intimate evening offers you a true taste of her hometown Penang, which is famous for its hawker food. Enjoy a variety of popular hawker dishes which includes the trade mark char koay teow noodles in a vibrant setting that transport you right into the street of Penang! Spaces are limited, so gather your foodie friends and don’t miss out on this unique cultural dining experience **WHAT YOU'LL GET** * **Variety of four hawker dishes :** Enjoy a curated of hawker dishes * **A special drink:** Enjoy your meal with one of Malaysia's favourite drink * **Host :** Learn all about Malaysian food culture with fellow host * **Socialise and Dine :** Connect with fellow foodies , share your passion, and make lasting connections Limited tickets are available, so secure yours now for an unforgettable experience! **EARLY BIRD TICKET: $49/pp until SUN 5th of April** General Ticket: $59/pp Ticket link:[ https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofmalaysiapenanghawkerexperienceapril)

Come for a delicious Hawker style Vietnamese meal and settle in for a meaningful conversation on "Freedom". Bring your favourite celebratory chocolate to share. We start our exploration using short selections from the Bahá’í teachings and other inspirational sources. The aim is to uplift, inspire and motivate; the conversation will benefit from all participants’ viewpoints. Everyone is invited to positively contribute to elevated conversations, inquiry, consultation and learning. As we learn from one another we hope to build new connections, bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

Our late afternoon get-together, (4-5.30pm) for a drink and conversation *en français* at Southgate food court by the Yarra river. It is easy to find. If weather is fine, we will get together in the sheltered seating area (as per photo above) outside the food court *en plein air. If cold and raining we will sit inside the foodcourt near the Grill'd outlet.* 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.

—— DETAIL —— We will meet at the starting point, take a short stroll to a cute cafe by the Yarra River. We will grab a bite/ coffee and hang there. We will head back to the starting point after. Dress for comfort. If this is your first event, 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're regular, take the opportunity to get to know others you've met before. Feel free to continue the conversation over coffee/ lunch after the walk. **\-\-\- 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 at Aspendale Gardens Community Centre for a FREE fun-filled Walking Football Mixed Gender Session, brought to you by Walking Football 4 Health Victoria. This event is designed for anyone looking for a low impact sport to stay active, be part of a welcoming community, and most importantly have fun. Our friendly hosts, Ivy (0423858705) and Rudi will be there to introduce you to walking football, ensuring a safe and engaging experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in sports, socialise, and promote a healthy lifestyle in a welcoming community environment. Enjoy your first session on us — absolutely free! After that, it's just $5 per session. Sign up now and be a part of this exciting Walking Football Session. If you wish to contact the organiser, Mick directly, you can do so on: 0430 163 550 Email: [info@wf4hvictoria.org.au](mailto:info@wf4hvictoria.org.au) Website: [Walking Football | Walking Soccer | Walking Football 4 Health](https://wf4hvictoria.org.au/) Facebook Community: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria/)

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'I'd Rather Not' by Robert Skinner. The blurb: 'From one of Australia’s most wryly funny writers comes an original and utterly hilarious memoir of reaching for the stars while lying in a ditch *I was sleeping in what might reasonably be described as a ditch, though I tried not to think of it in those terms for morale reasons . . .* Robert Skinner arrives in the city, searching for a richer life. Things begin badly and then, surprisingly, get slightly worse. Pretty soon he's sleeping rough and trying to run a literary magazine out of a dog park. His quest for meaning keeps being thwarted, by endless jobs, beagles, house parties, ill-advised love affairs, camel trips and bureaucratic entanglements. Sometimes a book catches the spirit of the times. *I'd Rather Not* is about work, escape and that something more we all need. 'I was told this man came from the Adelaide Plains and so commenced to read his work. By the time I realised I'd been viciously misled and he actually grew up in Magill, it was too late. I was already completely in love with the book. It's an absolute bag of lollies.' —Annabel Crabb 'Robert Skinner writes with humour, intelligence and heart. Pick up this book and you may never put it down.' —Tony Birch 'This book is like a big, properly made gin and tonic drunk outside in a garden on a perfect Saturday afternoon.' —Cate Kennedy '…no other book brought me as much joy as this hilarious and deceptively artful collection, and in these uncertain times that is worth plenty.' —Michael Winkler 'No one writes better when the stakes are lower.' —Sam Vincent 'My heart leaps whenever I see Robert Skinner's by-line; I know I am in for a hilarious literary treat complete with wry pearlers, gallows truths and wicked timing. People will say he is Australia's Sedaris, but he's not. He's Robert Skinner and he's a bloody marvel.' —Anna Krien 'Brevity may be the soul of wit, but the nimble economy of this slim volume will make readers pine for more. A decidedly skewed, hilarious collection of life reflections and colorful storytelling.' —*Kirkus* 'Seriously the funniest book I've read all year. I can't stop thinking about Robert Skinner's forays into the most mundane and frustrating aspects of life - Centrelink, being a tour guide, applying for arts funding - and the shameless truths he not only reveals about himself but about us as a society. Read this book with a bottle of wine, and be alarmed and enlightened!' —Alice Pung 'If only all books were as funny, human and true as *I'd Rather Not*. I raced through it, marvelling and envious all the way.' —Michelle de Kretser 'Skinner has been compared to Oscar Wilde, but his book is as self-effacing as it is quip-witted.' —Beejay Silcox, *The Guardian* 'The best Australian books of 2023' 'Skinner has been called the Australian David Sedaris and it's easy to see why. Both have the same droll, self-deprecating humour and both mine their own lives for maximum mirth-making potential. [...] a book with a several-laughs-a-page quotient.' –Thuy On, *Arts Hub* 'The funniest book I have read for a long time' —Andy Griffiths, author of *The Treehouse* series" Goodreads rating: 3.71 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** EVERY SUNDAY AT 11AM Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You'll gain insights into: * The true definition of the subconscious * How it generates unwanted emotions * Its real purpose and function * What determines the pressure it exerts on you But this isn't just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It's interactive and engaging - you can ask questions at any time. FREE ADMISSION Reserve your spot today. Seats are limited, so don't wait too long to sign up.

Vue de Monde needs little introduction. It has been synonymous with Melbourne dining for over 20 years, continuing to present beautiful food that not only appeals to a sense of luxury but also honesty, integrity and an inherent natural flavour. In 2025, it was again awarded three Hats. I’ve booked for 6 Fine Diners to enjoy the set menu at $380 per person for dinner from 6pm on Saturday 18 April. 
Join the waitlist to express interest. Once I have names in the waitlist, I’ll send you a ‘Meetup Message’ to confirm if you have a spot and how to pay. The last minute cancellation fee is the full $380 menu cost, I’m asking for an initial $100 deposit to secure your seat and then I’ll follow up for the $280 balance one week prior to the event. This will be deducted from your bill on the night. Once the deposit is paid, I’ll move you from the waitlist to going. Vue de Monde is a bucket-list venue, so this event will be in demand. 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 everyone!

Enjoy brunch with the sat crew at our fav

## ☕🥐 **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*. 😉 📅 **18th April** 🕚 **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 😏

Details Let's join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) Taco Bar Margarita and Beer tasting Complementary chips and salsa Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase Freshly prepared snacks in the deli for purchase Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: $15.00 per person (covers 4 Margarita or beer samples and one pass thru the Taco Bar) Where: #MarketDistrict (Grandview Yard) location. The party room (our private space) will be decorated with both patios open! Adjoining upstairs area also open for over flow and mingling. After Party: Sometimes, we head to a venue to hear live music afterwards. LDNL is at Black Swan in Hilliard tonight! Wear your bright colors and cheerful !Salud!

Tickets are now on sale!🥳We also will have lunch before. At the Rusty Bucket in Easton which is posted separately. 😊 Park in the East Garage.The restaurant is across the street then we can walk back together to the movie! 🥳

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

A movie this big deserves a big dinner! Join us after MICHAEL for fun and delicious dinner at another CMG-favorite restaurant, CAP CITY FINE DINER! RSVPs are limited for the dinner portion of this event! Here are complete details: CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. MENU: [https://capcityfinediner.com/locations-menus/gahanna/menus/dinner/](https://capcityfinediner.com/locations-menus/gahanna/menus/dinner/) RSVP: Dinner immediately following the movie at nearby CAP CITY FINE DINER! Please RSVP for here for the dinner portion of this event at Cap City Fine Diner. Since the dinner portion of this event is limited, please only RSVP if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please update your RSVP as early as possible. Please RSVP in both events, if you plan to attend the movie and dinner. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

**Let’s have lunch and have some extra fun! Bring your favorite game! 🥳**

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation