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Stars Align for Sick Children at Five Chefs Dinner

By Swan Li Chew|

As a proud sponsor of the Starlight Children Foundation’s Five Chefs Dinner, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) hosted five of Melbourne’s biggest names in food on Thursday, raising funds to grant 32 life-changing Starlight Wishes.

MCEC and Starlight partner to bring Melbourne’s culinary giants together for an evening of fun, joy and laughter to raise funds for sick children and their families.

Guests were spoiled by canapes and a five-course degustation curated by leading Victorian chefs including Benjamin Cooper (Chin Chin), Guy Grossi (Grossi), Jacqui Challinor (Nomad) and Josep Espuga (pt Leo Estate), Alejandro Saravia (Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters) and Peter Haycroft (MCEC).

The well-renowned chefs used their signature styles to create a unique menu, highlighting some of Victoria’s best producers including Infinity Blue, Sher Wagyu, Salt Kitchen Charcuterie and Aurum Poultry.

Inspired by champagne and caviar, MCEC’s award-winning team served canapes of butter-poached lobster macarons with Yarra Valley caviar and beach herbs alongside mushroom arancini with porcini cream and pickled celeriac.

A proud member of MCEC’s Club Melbourne Ambassador program and guest chef on the night, Alejandro Saravia reflected on his experience working in the kitchens at MCEC.

“Any preconceptions about event catering are quickly dispelled when you enter the kitchen at MCEC.

I can attest to the significance of MCEC's spaces in crafting unique dining experiences. The expansive kitchen, combined with the talented culinary team, allows creativity to flourish.”

This year’s event raised over $540,000 to help seriously ill children receiving care at leading hospitals around Melbourne.

MCEC’s Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said the Starlight Five Chefs Dinner is a highlight for many and a collective effort from the entire team.

“Starlight’s Five Chef’s Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to raise much-needed funds and support our local community while sharing in what makes Melbourne the ultimate food lovers destination.

I’m blown away by what we can achieve together. Every person involved in this event from the kitchen to event delivery is essential to the difference we can make for real children and their families.”

Find our more about MCEC’s impact commitments .