Join a vibrant food culture, growing and eating local
Covering all matters food in North East Melbourne
Whether you are a local food producer, want to eat local food, grow veggies in your garden or just want to meet like-minded folks, Local Food Connect is for you. Join now.
Eltham Farmers’ Market, a Local Food Connect initiative, is held every Sunday.
Watch the video of Millie visiting the Eltham garden of Christine and Stuart Rodda to discuss their use of spent coffee grounds.
The coffee grounds are delivered to the Roddas free by Reground. If you want some, contact Ninna Larsen at Reground by either phone (0466 242575) or email. Note that their minimum delivery quantities are 2 bins if you live in inner Melbourne or 7 bins if you live in outer Melbourne.
Reground are 1 of 5 free, local suppliers of spent coffee grounds/husks listed on our community resources page.
Peppertree Place is under threat of immediate closure. As well as a volunteer run nursery and cafe, it includes both a community garden and a monthly food swap. Click here to read, and then sign, a petition to save Peppertree Place.
The Vinegar & Dressing section of the 2018 Australian Food Awards have just been announced and local producer Kookaberry Strawberry Farm, from Wandin, won 4(!) golds for their raspberry balsamic vinegar, their raspberry vinegar, their strawberry balsamic vinegar, and their strawberry vinegar.
The winner is Yuki Cameron for:
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inspired by |  |
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| Snack time – let the wild rumpus begin! |
And the winner of the (previously unannounced) short story section of the competition is Cathy Romeo for:
Boy with cupcakes: “Hey, Admiral Apples, emergency at sea! A junk full of sick kids, enslaved by Sly, Sailor Sugar and Pirate Preservative!“
Boy with apples: “But, Captain Cupcake, how to help them with no doctor on board?“
Girl with watermelon: “Easy peasy, Admiral Apples. Midshipman, Maiden Water Melon to the rescue with Crew of Fresh Fruit and Veg.“
Listed below are all the food-related Pick My Project projects in North East Melbourne. If I have missed any, please email me.
The flyer for home compost doctors in area 3081.
Why can’t you trust tacos? Because they tend to spill the beans. Read all the jokes.
What: You can make nutritious compost from everything in your green bin if you really want to. It’s up to you to decide how much time and space you have to do this – Marina Bistrin will give you some tips on easy methods of dealing with garden waste in your own home. Bring any weeds or prunings you would like to work out how to compost or use. This talk follows the Warranwood Food Swap at 10am.
When: Sunday, 19th August, 10.30-11.30am.
Where: Warranwood Primary School.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: This is an event for local Darebin people to come together and connect while learning some new home cooking skills. All ingredients will be supplied and participants will receive tuition and a small jar of marmalade to take home.
When: Sunday, 19th August, 2-4pm.
Where: Thornbury.
Cost: $30 ($20 concession).
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: You will: create your own take home mushroom grow kit; grow oyster mushrooms on coffee grounds and waste paper; understand how mycelium mushrooms work as nature’s internet; learn the life cycle of mushrooms; discover the exciting possibilities of teaming with fungi; learn how to grow mushrooms in the garden and in your bathroom; and turn waste cardboard, paper and coffee grounds into mycelium fungi. You will also take home two diy mushrooms kits plus one mushroom garden kit.
When: 5 sessions on consecutive Thursdays, from 30th August to 27th September, each 10.30am-4.30pm.
Where: Brunswick.
Cost: $30.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Whether you’ve ever dreamt of keeping bees in your own backyard, or you’re new to beekeeping and want to prepare for spring, meet local apiarist Peter Dyer and learn the basics from him. Includes honey and bread tastings, and a jar of Backyard Honey to take home.
When: Wednesday, 29th August, 6-7.30pm.
Where: The Honey Thief Bakery, Blackburn South.
Cost: $30.
Bookings: by phone (9878 5084).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Enjoy 3 tasting size courses cooked by chef Bek McMillan, from Gourmet Living, who will demonstrate step by step. All recipes are included. Menu: grilled asparagus bruchetta; rose harissa chicken ragu; maple sugared banana tart.
When: Friday, 31st August, 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Marie, from Rie’s Kitchen, will provide tips on making jam. Take along any jars that “aren’t quite right” and Rie will give you tips on how to improve. Take a jar.
When: Monday, 3rd September, 1-2.30pm.
Where: Mill Park Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Join Jean from Jean’s Asian Cooking as she demonstrates delicious Asian dishes. Followed by tastings.
When: Thursday, 6th September, 7-8.30pm.
Where: Mill Park Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Sprouting is benchtop organic vegetable gardening. Microgreens are an exciting, colourful, gourmet alternative to sprouts. These green wonders provide a nutrient-rich hit, in a tiny, crunchy package! Learn how to grow them in your own home or garden. You will take your own little sprouting starter kit.
When: Saturday, 8th September, 10.30am-midday.
Where: Lilydale Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Join Karen from Edible Eden Design to learn how to make the most of your garden, whether it’s shady, sunny, or all in pots.
When: Monday, 17th September, 11am-12.30pm.
Where: North Fitzroy Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Jen and Gaby from Plan Buy Cook will show you how to cook healthy, tasty meals which are quick to make and take advantage of leftovers. You will learn to save on your food bill, how meal planning can save on food waste, and how to shop wisely.
When: Monday, 17th September, 2-3pm.
Where: Bulleen Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Dumplings are cheap, easy, beginner- and kid-friendly, and quick. Learn how to make these traditional treats with local cooking legend Jenny Chua, from Cooking with Jenny in Melbourne. Just in time for the Autumn Moon Festival.
When: Saturday, 22nd September, 11am-midday.
Where: Nunawading Library.
Cost: free. Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival with a cooking display. Jenny Chua, from Cooking with Jenny in Melbourne, will demonstrate making traditional Chinese bao buns, with savoury vegetarian and meat options, as well as sweet fillings. And there will be some to taste.
When: Saturday, 29th September, 11am-midday.
Where: Box Hill Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: A monthly talk at the Hurstbridge Sow & Grow Garden Club.
When: Tuesday, 2nd October, 7.15-9.15pm.
Where: Hurstbridge Community Hub. Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: Australians consume 6 billion cups of coffee every year. This ever growing caffeine addiction and the convenience of disposable cups and coffee pods are creating serious environmental problems. In this workshop, two times winner of the Australian Barista Championship and head of research and development at ONA coffee, Hugh Kelly, will demonstrate the tips and tricks to making award winning coffee from your home espresso machine. Also hear from Sarah Hardgrove on how to use your spent coffee grinds safely in your garden.
When: Wednesday, 3rd October, 7-9pm.
Where: Manningham Civic Centre.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
What: What you will learn: learn about herbal teas; understand how to grow your own tea; and learn about using native plants for herbal teas. Presented by Karen Sutherland, of Edible Eden Design. Herbs have been used for centuries for health benefits and one of the most common ways of taking them was through teas. Karen will guide you through their cultivation requirements and how to use them in herbal teas. Sip your way through some teas during the class to discover some new favourites, including some Australian native herbs.
When: Thursday, 4th October, 6.30-9pm.
Where: Bulleen Art and Garden.
Cost: $55.
Bookings: WeTeachMe.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.