13 April - Queen Victoria Market

Market Tour
Carmel McNally runs Foodies Dream Tours at the Queen Victoria Market where you have exclusive access to stalls and owners who are more than happy for you to sample their delicious food. Glen starts off at the Chicken Pantry, well known for their game foods, including crocodile and peppered kangaroo. He then moves onto Dianes Delights to try her famous home made dolmades and traditional Greek dips. More European delicacies include the Traditional Pasta Shop and the Polish Deli - a favourite amongst meat lovers. Glen then turns his attention to fashion where he checks out Coats R Us who specialize in oil skin, leather and sheepskin jackets. He then winds up at Sole Sister in need of a foot massage after a hard day shopping, where everything from reflexology to pedicures and a full body massage are on offer.

For more information visit www.qvm.com.au

Market Fashion
If you love fashion and you love a bargain then this is your very own shopping paradise. Queen Victoria Market is a treasure chest of clothing, shoes and accessories that wont break the budget. If you find the endless aisles of fashion a little daunting and dont know where to start, then a fashion savvy host can take you on a tour. Style Addict Shopping Tours take place at the market every Sunday at 11:00 am and cost $35 per person. Bookings are essential so give them a call.

Style Addict Shopping Tours
Ph 03 93205830

Robinsons in the City
If youre looking for somewhere to stay right near the hustle and bustle of the Queen Victoria Market then Lauren has found just the place. Robinsons in the City is an urban bed and breakfast, located on the corner of Spencer and Batman Streets in West Melbourne. The property was originally Melbourne's earliest commercial bakery, dating back to the 1850s.The original brick ovens are now a feature in the breakfast room where a cooked breakfast will get you off to a bouncing start. With only 6 bedrooms, this is Melbournes smallest hotel so there is a sense of home and comfort that is often missing in the big city hotels. Off to the market Lauren stops off for an organic coffee and cake at Invita, picks up some beautiful fresh flowers along the way and visits the hot jam donut van.

Robinsons in the City
405 Spencer Street, West Melbourne
Ph 03 9329 2552
www.robinsonsinthecity.com.au

Bianchet Winery & Swords Select
Shane visits Swords Select Wines at the Queen Vic Market to have a look at their swingtop range, where you can get a refund for bringing back empty wine bottles. Not knowing too much about wine a basic introduction is in order for Shane, so he heads to the Yarra Valley to get an education at Bianchet Winery. Set up as a market garden over 30 years ago Bianchets variety of robust reds and elegant whites has notched up countless awards. But its Bianchets unique Mediterranean variety which is quickly becoming a wine lovers treasure. Shane enjoys their signature drop Verduzzo over lunch at the wineries restaurant which boasts an exciting contemporary menu. The restaurant is open for lunch most days and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights while Cellar Door is open Thursday to Monday from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Bianchet Winery
187 Victoria Road, Lilydale
Ph 03 9739 1779
www.bianchet.com.au

Swords Select
Shop 47, Dairy Hall, Queen Victoria Market
Ph 03 9328 1945
www.swordsselect.com.au

Market Produce and Cooking Class
The Queen Victoria Market has been providing its customers with fresh produce for 130 years now. These days you can not only still buy a delicious variety of food but you can also learn to cook it. At the Electrolux Cooking School, chefs, cookery authors and culinary professionals from Victoria and interstate conduct classes in a range of cuisines, styles and techniques. Suzie caught up with one of their teachers - Melissa Grossi, who is married to the famous Guy Grossi of Florentino restaurant. On the hunt for quality ingredients Suzie visits the fish market, picks up some fresh herbs, finds tasty looking red tomatoes and crosses olive oil off the shopping list.

Electrolux Cooking School
69 Victoria St, Queen Victoria Market
Ph 03 9320 5835
www.qvm.com.au

What's On

Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music
Historic venues and churches around Hamilton will be transformed into concert halls for the annual Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music.
Where: Hamilton
When: 17-20 April
More: 03 5573 0429

ARTANICA
Artanica gives visitors the opportunity to view the beautiful gardens, enjoy music and watch artists as they create outdoor art at Mt Macedon.
Where: Mt Macedon
When: 19-20 April
More: 03 5426 3075

Swiss Italian Festa
Join the local Hepburn and Daylesford communities from April 17-27 celebrating their Swiss-Italian roots with an eight-day action-packed festival.
Where: Hepburn Springs
When: 17-27 April
More: 03 5348 3555 or visit www.swissitalianfesta.com.au

La Plaza de Mercado
The Queen Victoria Market will come alive again with dazzling colour and energy next Sunday with Melbourne's Premier Latin American Festival La Plaza de Mercado.
Where: Queen Victoria Market
When: 20 April
More: Visit www.qvm.com.au

Tai Chi Sessions
Before winter hits why not make the most of Melbourne mornings and join a Tai Chi session at federation square every Tuesday.
Where: Federation Square
When: Tuesday mornings at 7.30am
More: Visit www.federationsquare.com.au

Festival of Cycling
If you like to get on your bike, then head to Albert Park next Sunday and join hundreds of other cyclists for the Festival of Cycling grand prix.
Where: Albert Park
When: 20 April
More: Visit www.mfoc.com.au