The VRC unveils incredible culinary lineup for Melbourne Cup Carnival

This year, general admission precinct The Park at Flemington will feature an array of delectable delights from culinary creators including Melbourne’s own Johnny, Vince & Sam's Ristorante by Sooshi Mango.

The trio will bring their signature Italian comfort foods including arancini, salumi plates and cotoletta sliders to a major Australian event for the first time.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, we’re talking Nonna-level excited!” the trio said.

“It’s like combining the best of Italy with the thrill of the races, where the only thing faster than the horses might be how quickly our food disappears. We're ready to serve up plates of joy, laughter, and maybe a little too much garlic. Just kidding... or are we?!

“We can’t wait to see everyone enjoy the food, the fun, and the fabulous vibes – it’s going to be a real fiesta!”

BO$$MAN Burgers, internationally renowned for their epic burgers made from juicy patties and freshly baked buns, will make their first foray outside of Seminyak and Canggu in The Park this year.

Founded by former Melburnian Adam McAsey and New Zealander Tai ‘Buddha’ Graham, their Park menu will feature delicious combos like the Lucky Pig with babi guling spiced pork belly, cassava leaf lawar, Balinese sambals and bumbu mayo.

"We're absolutely thrilled to be part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the first time,” Mr McAsey said.

“As someone originally from Melbourne, it's incredible to bring one of my Bali-based brands back to my hometown, especially at such an iconic event. We can't wait to share the Bossman experience with everyone at Cup Week!

"We're absolutely stoked to be part of this amazing international event, especially here in Melbourne, which has a special connection to Adam's roots,” Mr Graham added.

EBBY Street Food are bringing their popular take on international street food including their Soba Noodz, green tea soba noodles, edamame and shaved vegetables with sesame dressing to The Park.

“Our dedication to serving unpretentious food exceptionally well has resonated with our customers at other major events, and we are excited to bring EBBY to the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival,” founder Kristian Klein said.

Rounding out The Park food offering are Mary and a Little Lamb, serving up Melbourne’s best cooked lamb in a tasty souvlaki and You Little Schnit Food Truck with their succulent schnitzel perfect for a day at the races.

The much-loved Pony Bar returns, alongside pop ups from VRC partners including the Furphy Pub and Smirnoff Bar.

 The Park is Flemington’s ultimate general admission playground, the must-visit destination for fashionistas, music lovers and foodies.

Elsewhere on course the Club Lawn will feature delicious slices from pizza king Johnny Di Francesco of 400 Gradi, alongside Asian fusion from Mr Miyagi and burgers from Meat Frankie.

Nearby a Mr Black and St Remio collaboration will be serving up delicious espresso martinis.

 The Flemington Favourites range continues with prices set at $5 on a number of popular and convenient race day grab-and-go foods. Included in the line up are gourmet pies and sausage rolls from new partner Casper’s Pies, hot chips, potato cakes, dim sims, hot jam donuts, hot dogs and bottles of water.

In The Club Stand, VRC members and guests can enjoy dishes by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ross Lusted. With a distinguished career spanning 30 years and numerous accolades, Mr Lusted will bring elements from his renowned Sydney restaurant Woodcut to the jewel in the crown of The Club Stand, The Byerley, ahead of the opening of his first Melbourne restaurants Marmelo and Mr. Mills in October. The Byerley menu highlights will include Murray Cod cooked in butter, Chinkiang black vinegar, radish and clams and Great Ocean Road Duck, pineapple butter, mango, citrus ash and lime leaf.

The exclusive Chairman’s Club will play host to Omnia Bar and Bistro, Yugen Dining and Yugen Tea Bar’s culinary director Stephen Nairn, who has worked at top restaurants around the world including Eleven Madison Park, Vue du Monde and Matilda. Mr Nairn will bring his passion for creating the perfect balance of flavours to Flemington with dish highlights including Fraser Island spanner crab, Oscietra caviar, avocado, Lebanese cucumber and finger lime and spice crusted roaring forties lamb with Chevot spice, parsley and puffed barley.

The VRC’s own Birdbath Bar returns as the ultimate rendezvous point in The Birdcage Enclosure with a luxurious food experience by industry leaders The Big Group including a Pomme Friteur Bar, their take on the best Provençale toastie, roast duck l'Orange rice paper rolls and signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by Melbourne’s best mixologists.

The ultimate party in the heart of The Birdcage, Lucky’s also returns with a glamourous new lounge bar and chop house, a reinterpreted homage to the classic Hong-Kong-style BBQ chop-shops from yesteryear serving up piping hot BBQ and dim-sum by culinary experts Food & Desire.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said this year’s diverse Melbourne Cup Carnival culinary lineup was sure to delight event goers of all tastes and budgets.

“The Melbourne Cup Carnival will once again delight the taste buds, with an incredible culinary line-up from some of the world’s most exciting chefs, restaurants and bars on offer,” Ms Rogers said.

“Racegoers will be hard pressed to choose between the delicious offerings served up right across the Flemington precinct, from The Park to The Club Stand, there will be something for all tastes and budgets.

“We can’t wait for everyone to experience the fantastic menu of food and drinks on offer at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2024.” 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival offers unmatched value, with general admission tickets starting at $65, which includes access to The Park, world-class racing, food and entertainment.

The 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 2 November, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 5 November, Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 7 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 9 November. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.vrc.com.au.