Restaurant Industry

** Eat, Drink, Dance… and Actually Eat This Time: Choose‑Your‑Own Eat & Walk Evening ** **Update moved to Thursday 26 - Option to end the evening at the Espy** Look, I’ve realised something slightly embarrassing: the Eat activity in the Eat Drink Dance Melbourne title has been treated like the quiet kid in the group project. Neglected. Overlooked. Underfed. Time to make amends — with carbs, twilight, and a little light cardio. We'll head down to Topolino Pizza in St.Kilda on Fitzroy St. They have a big menu if you'd prefer something different and prefer a drink as well. **Location:** [Topolino Pizza ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qFsqY2HMcfYFYbBj9) Because it’s a bit too sweethearty to plonk down at dinner with total strangers straight away, we’re warming things up with a breezy 5km ice‑breaker walk. Think of it as foreplay for pizza. **⏰ Start time: 6.00pm Sharp** ☑️**Check-In** with the organiser as soon as you arrive **⏳ Arrival time**: 5:45pm — Be on time — I’m cute , so don't miss the fun!, I’m not waiting around. **⏱ If you’re late**: Meet us at Topolinos around 7.15pm and pretend you were there the whole time. **Etiquette**: Order your meal or beverage at the register. No table service, no split bills. ** Evening & Twilight Walk Route** We’ll glide (or shuffle, no judgement) from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre near the Shrine of Remembrance, wander past the Melbourne Aquatic Centre, the swans and fish at Albert Park lake, and finish triumphantly at Topolinos Pizza Restaurant — where the real bonding begins. ** Choose Your Own Adventure (Carb Edition**) **Option 1 — Walk + Pizza** Join the evening parade all the way to Topolinos and reward yourself with pizza or whatever edible joy calls your name. Make your own way home after banter, food and drinks. **Option 2 — Pizza Only** Skip the walk, arrive fresh and fabulous at Topolinos, and meet the sweaty romantics who did the trek. Be there around 7.15 PM. Look for the ravenous bunch. **Option 3 — Walk + Pizza + Espy** For the overachievers, romantics, and people who “just love steps”: walk to Topolinos, feast, then wander over to a Thursday night at the Espy Pub, just around the corner, smug glow achieved. **✨ Vibe Check** Fun. Flirty. Lightly chaotic. A little wholesome, a little unhinged, and very Melbourne. Come for the walk, stay for the pizza, leave with new friends, a warm glow, and possibly a new favourite ritual. **Note**: Last time I ran this, the No Shows vanished into the night like mischievous goblins… and they’re no longer in the group. If you can’t make it, just update your RSVP so your spot can go to someone who will appear in human form.” I am closing the RSVP one day before the event, if you are on the waitlist and would still like to attend, please contact the organiser directly. **Group Rules and Event Etiquette** **Fitness Requirements**: **Walking:** 3 to 4km/hr Ensure you have adequate fitness, it's unfair for the group to wait extended periods for you. You may be asked to exit the event as a consequence. **Very Fast or Very Slow People** It's a group activity the organiser can't manage the group if people are everywhere, please consider going by yourself, joining faster groups or having adequate fitness. **Busy People** Best to give yourself some wiggle room, or not attend the event if you have time constraints. Things rarely go to time, especially when having fun. **⚠️+++VERY IMPORTANT+++** **People Who Do A No Show**. This is far too common for small group events, there may be people on a waitlist wanting to come and unable to because of your **No Show*, hence very inconsiderate. Remove yourself from the going list at least 24 hours before the event to give people on the waitlist an opportunity. **If you do a No Show you will likely be removed and blocked from the group**. If you remove yourself from the event an hour or two before the event **(flaking)** you may also be blocked and removed from the group, especially if there is a waitlist, very unfair to people on the waitlist. **People Not On The Going List** This is a major security concern, **DO NOT TURN UP RANDOMLY**.You will be asked to leave the event unless you have made arrangements with the organiser **PRIOR** to the event. **People Who Are Late** You will be left behind and or removed and blocked from the group as a **No Show**. It is your responsibility to communicate with the organiser if you will be late. It's up to you to catch up. This may not be possible for some events. **Second Chances** Please communicate with the organiser if you do not want to be blocked and removed from the group **Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity** By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk. ---

Put on your hoodie and sunglasses and join us to discuss Ted 'Unabomber' Kaczynski's manifesto Industrial Society and Its Future. Ted has an IQ of 167 but according to an AI overview his 'genius didn't translate to social success'. But it did translate to letter bomb success. Here's Ted's manifesto: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/unabomber/manifesto.text.htm

**Event Confirmation Form!** ➡️ We kindly request you fill out this **event confirmation form** to confirm your attendance for the event and your dietary requirements - [https://forms.gle/QwVc4QifPJqfvkd4A](https://forms.gle/QwVc4QifPJqfvkd4A) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ## **What's On? 👀** **Panel:** State of Application Security: 2025 Trends, 2026 Strategy **Speakers:** * Jason Liyanage - Application Security Lead, Sportsbet * Louis Nyffenegger - Founder and CEO, PentesterLab * Raafey Khan - Director of Application Security, CyberCX **Abstract:** Application security is evolving faster than ever. This panel brings together practitioners, security leaders, and strategists for a candid look at what shaped AppSec in 2025 and what organizations are prioritizing in 2026. **The discussion will cover:** * **Vulnerability Trends** — What spiked, what persisted, and what caught teams off guard in 2025 * **Emerging Technologies** — New tools and capabilities are reshaping how applications are built, tested, and defended * **What Worked** — Strategies and approaches that genuinely moved the needle for security programs * **What's Next** — Bets organizations are placing bets for 2026, from new toolchains to shifting security culture Whether you're a hands-on practitioner or a security leader, this session offers grounded insights and forward-looking perspectives to help navigate the year ahead. *** *Placeholder abstract — subject to refinement once panelist details and discussion themes are confirmed.* ## **Location** 📍 Atlassian Melbourne Queens & Collins Building, Level 20, 100 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 ## **Agenda ⏰** * 5:30 - Food is served * 6:15 - Session start * 7:30 - Post-event networking \-\-\- Note: Please complete the event confirmation form: [https://forms.gle/QwVc4QifPJqfvkd4A](https://forms.gle/QwVc4QifPJqfvkd4A)

[iHarvest Coworking Sunshine](https://iharvestcoworking.com.au/) is holding a free open day this Friday so local start-ups, entrepreneurs and small business operators can experience what co-working in our professional and contemporary office suite is all about. Come see for yourself! **Date:** Friday 27 February 2026 **Time:** 9:00am - 5:00pm **Where:** [iHarvest Coworking - L4/301 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020](https://share.google/k7JuK4BTXM6igsfPk) Light refreshments provided.

**A taste of popular Penang Hawker experience right at the center of Melbourne CBD - Lulu's Char Koay Teow with NEW menu curated!** TICKET: $50/pp Ticket link: [https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofpenangfebruary](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofpenangfebruary) **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! TICKET: $50/pp Ticket link: [https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofpenangfebruary](https://www.globalfoodsocial.com/event-details/atasteofpenangfebruary)

Lexy Restaurant & Bar promotes sophisticated modern Pan-Asian dining. According to the website ‘Vibrant flavors from across the East meld seamlessly with contemporary techniques and locally sourced ingredients, creating share-style dishes that invite conversation and discovery.’ I’ve booked for 8 Fine Diners to enjoy the ‘Business Class Flight’ menu $115 per person for dinner from 6.30pm on Friday 27 February - take a look at the menu here for more details: https://lexymelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lexy-new-menu-Spring-October-A4.pdf This should be a fun shared menu with lots of flavour. Lexy Restaurantnd Bar is located at 377 Flinders Lane, Melbourne (the app is playing up and not letting me save the location). 
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 $50 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. I’m conscious that these dinners are in demand and for this dinner I will prioritise those on the waitlist who have missed out on recent events. 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 looking forward to trying the Asian fare at Lexy with you!

Since 1997 we have been offering lunch & dinner, Guinness and Whiskies from all over the world and live music Tuesday to Sunday. If you are a local or just passing through there is truly something to suit everyone. Come along for dinner at PJ O'Brien's Southbank at 6pm; with a live band starting at 5pm; with another starting at 9pm; and happy hour between 5pm and 7pm so we'll be there for part of that too. Option for those just popping in for drinks too. Table booked under Andrew Goodwin (Ph: 0424453134) at 6pm for dinner. Here is a copy of the food and part of the drinks menu. [https://www.pjobriens.com.au/melbourne/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/PJOBriens-Food-Menu-Oct2025.pdf](https://www.pjobriens.com.au/melbourne/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/PJOBriens-Food-Menu-Oct2025.pdf) [) [https://www.pjobriens.com.au/melbourne/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PJsMelb_Whiskey-Menu_November2025.pdf](https://www.pjobriens.com.au/melbourne/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PJsMelb_Whiskey-Menu_November2025.pdf) Event cohosted by Martin Carr. Very close to Flinders Street Station and plenty of parking around the general area. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. WE ARE COMMITTED TO EQUAL GENDER REPRESENTATION IN THE IT INDUSTRY. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

**Celebrate National Meatball Day!** Let's set off on a culinary trail to taste test Italian meatballs! **Carrabbas** happy hour and their wonderful meatball sliders! **Note:** We'll be in their ***large bar area for Happy Hour pricing*** \- specially priced sangrias\, wine and cocktails alongside several yummy appetizers\. You are welcome to order sunday dinner entrees\, too\. **What is National meatball day?** * Whether you prefer the classic spaghetti and meatballs, or just love to pick up a meatball sub for lunch, you are sure to want to celebrate National Meatball Day on March 9 . We may never know who invented National Meatball Day because there are no records of this unofficial holiday being created. But whoever did it was definitely onto something.

***Okay, call me crazy but you have got to try their chip n dip!*** Club 85 is a true hidden gem in German Village! Seriously, old school, good comfort food and drink. We will try to gather in spaces near the windows. While we'll share Chip n Dip, you'll want to order a sandwich, too. **Where the Chip Began (1817)** Potato chips can be traced back to an English chef, William Kitchiner, who includes ‘crisps’ in his bestselling cookbook, “The Cook’s Oracle.” **Chip and Dip Popularity** The popularity of chip and dip skyrockets at the end of World War II with new entertainment fads and the introduction of Lipton’s new advertising campaign for their famous French Onion Dip. (Club 185 doesn't openly admit it, but I'm pretty sure that's their dip recipe!) **[Club 185](http://club185.com/)**—a true neighborhood bar serving since 1954, when it was known as a local 'speak-easy'. Located in German Village, Club 185 features a menu of quality casual comfort food and full bar. From politicians to lawyers, hardhats to hipsters—all find Club 185 the perfect place to tame their hunger and quench their thirst! **PARKING**: I know, brick street parallel parking can be a pain. Two other choices, metered parking along Livingston heading towards Children's Hospital or across the street in the large church lot (park in spaces farthest away from the church entrance doors, closer to the street). **PRE-EVENT**: **HAPPY HOUR (3-5pm)**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/), nearby.

Let's gather for lunch at Carfagna's followed by an optional stop in Carfagna's Market to check out the tastes and smells of Italy. Carfagna's address is 1440 Gemini Pl, Columbus, OH 43240

Excited to share that AWS Cloud Club's first meeting will take place on Thursday, February 26th at 5pm - 6pm! We’re collaborating with [Big Data & Analytics Association](https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-data-analytics-association/) to host [Alok Jha](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alok-jha-42abb928/), Head of Product Management for AWS Intelligent Application Protection at Amazon Web Services, for a tech talk + Q&A on his journey in leading cutting-edge innovation in industry. If you’re interested in cloud, cybersecurity, AI, or product management, this is a session you won’t want to miss. Make sure to join our Meetup and GroupMe to stay up to date for future events and collabs!

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).