Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean Melbourne slows down. The Plus Ones have been darting all over town (and even out to Werribee), seeking out the coolest happenings. From horses to truffle oil, there’s always something new to explore.
Pukara Estate Tasting Room launch
creating delicious bites – photo courtesy Pukara Estate
Theresa and Ruki and some of ther +20s – photo courtesy Pukara Estate
A night exploring a new venue, tasting fancy wasabi-flavoured olive oils, and seeing the Queen Vic Market at night. The launch of the Pukara Estate Tasting Room was among the most fun events we’ve been to since starting The Plus Ones. A family-owned business from NSW, Pukara Estate makes olive oils, vinegars, and flavoured mayonnaise — all absolutely delicious. Its flagship Victoria storefront is in the shops that line the Queen Victoria Market on Victoria St. It was so neat being able to step out back and see the Market empty and quiet — the alter ego of its hectic daylight persona.
Not only did we get to attend — we were able to do a giveaway of double passes to 10 lucky people on The Plus Ones mailing list and Facebook page. (Sign up now, kids!) We all enjoyed the endless glasses of red and white bubbles, and feasted on the canapes whipped up by the in-house chef that featured the oils. Hellllooo, truffle oil mushroom soup! Can I marry you? (No, but I bought the truffle oil plan to cook one of their many recipes.) Everyone walked out with two bottles of oil and vinegar, and newfound appreciation of the shops that we sometimes walk straight past on our way into Queen Vic Market. Definitely give Pukara a visit.
Melbourne International Horse Trials
photo courtesy Melbourne International Horse Trials
The Melbourne International Horse Trials was held across the Queen’s Birthday Weekend in the splendid stomping grounds of the Werribee Mansion/Zoo/Equestrian precinct. It promised to showcase and celebrate the best that Australia had to offer in equine excellence. The skill on display was astounding, and for me the connection between horse, rider and an appreciative audience was great to experience first hand. If you head down next year make sure to make a day of it by taking in the manicured gardens of the Werribee Mansion and roaming around the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
City Bush Dance
dancers getting down – photo courtesy Friends With Lights
photo courtesy Friends With Lights
On a cold Saturday night, the Fitzroy Town Hall hosted an old-timey City Bush Dance. (What’s a bush dance? An old-fashioned country dance where a bush band plays live music and everyone does partner dancing.) Hundreds of revellers — most in their 20s — donned checked shirts and danced in circles to live music, even learning how to do Strip the Willow. Organised by the crazy kids from Friends With Lights, the best part was all the proceeds went to charity. They raised $7,000 for outdoor education programs Mittagundi and Wollangarra. I had a fun time even without bringing along a partner — always the sign of a friendly crowd.
These were just three of the many events that we indulged in throughout June. There are even more fabulous ones coming up in July, so make sure you like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and sign up for our mailing list. We’ll let you know all the amazing occurrences that are happening around town — and beyond!
-Theresa & Ruki
