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The Melbourne Cup 2009: Where to Dine


Ladies, whack on your fascinators, and gents, suit up in your suavest threads for a day that comes around just once a year, but leaves a hangover that lasts ... well, until the next Melbourne Cup Carnival. That's right, the day that has made Phar Lap and Makybe Diva household neighs, ahem, names, is here again.

Looking for a place to go before, after or during the festivities? Restaurants and bars across Australia are offering a bevy of brilliant ways to celebrate "the race that stops the nation" on Tuesday, November 3.

1
 
Exchange Hotel
Balmain
What's Melbourne Cup without a pub crawl? After betting your pants off, you may be crawling out of the Exchange Hotel in Balmain, but at least the food is affordable (and appetising). VIPs get to have a three-course luncheon upstairs for $65, while at the downstairs Lawn Party Barbecue you can really let loose for just $30.

2
 
Front
Walsh Bay
Feel like horsing around in a five-star setting? Look no further than The Sebel Pier One's waterside restaurant, Front. While the lunchtime seafood buffet is $89 a head, putting a lobster on your hat will not win you the best dressed prize.

3
 
The Quiet Man Irish Pub
Flemington
Right near Flemington Racecourse, this joyous Irish pub is filled to the brim with beer-soaked betters every Melbourne Cup Day. This year will be no different, as punters pack in for classic nosh like the traditional Irish stew and the Dublin's Brewery beef and Guinness pie.

4
 
Le Gourmet
East Melbourne
On Cup Eve, November 2, critically acclaimed French restaurant Le Gourmet is holding an Australian Iconic Wine Dinner for those who'd prefer to get trashed on fine wines. At $225 per head, it's bound to be a delectable degustation indeed.

5
 
Royal Bar & Brasserie
East Perth
Let the Chandon flow! Yes, everyone gets a glass of Vintage Chandon or Colonial beer as part of the $85 three-course set menu at this stunning waterside venue. Naturally, the most glamorous champers-sipping ladies and gents win prizes for best dressed.

6
 
Berkley's On Ann
Brisbane
It's all about looking faaaabulous on Cup Day darling, so Berkley's on Ann are taking it a step further with the help of some Absolutely Fabulous entertainment. For $42.50, you get a hot and cold buffet, finger food, a glass of bubbly, lucky door prizes, and the races broadcast on the big screen.

7
 
The Brasserie
Adelaide
Including a three-course meal and beverages, the "Seriously South Australian Melbourne Cup Luncheon is set to be a cracker, concocted by The Brasserie executive chef Simon Bryant (of TV's The Cook and The Chef). There are also going to be fashion parades by Anthea Crawford and Henry Bucks for added glamour.

8
 
Bunkers Bistro
Darwin
The local RSL is always a jovial place on Melbourne Cup day, and this Darwin RSL bistro is no different. At $45 per head, punters get champagne on arrival and a seafood buffet with sweets, as well as some freebies to beat the odds, including a trifecta ticket and a "Phantom Call".

9
 
The Terrace
Prospect Vale
The Country Club Tasmania's award-winning restaurant, The Terrace, is hosting a Melbourne Cup luncheon for tables of 10 or more, priced at $130 per person. This includes pre-drinks and canapes on the deck, and a three-course lunch with drinks.