This August, Mornington Peninsula’s celebrated Hotel Sorrento sets the stage for an unparalleled dining event.

Named “Friends of George,” this series, kicking off on Sunday, August 6th, will have acclaimed Australian chef George Calombaris hosting four top-tier chefs from across the country. Each event in the series is a testament to the vibrant and diverse dining culture Australia is globally renowned for.

The inaugural five-course lunch promises to be an unforgettable exploration of the Mediterranean palate, with each dish designed and guided by a different chef, providing an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into their craft.

Kicking off the menu, Coskun Uysal, head chef at Tulum, the number one restaurant in Victoria as per the 2019 Delicious 100, will offer guests an array of meticulously prepared Mezze. Following that, renowned chef, restaurateur, writer, and TV presenter Karen Martini will present her iconic Vitello Tonnato. Vue de Monde’s owner and chef, Shannon Bennet, steps in next with a John Dory schnitzel, a testament to his culinary prowess.

The series host, George Calombaris, takes the reins for the main course, offering guests a slow-roasted O’Connor beef short rib paired with a potato cake and a rich chive jus. To cap the meal, up-and-coming culinary star Morgan Hipworth will serve a dessert surprise. However, the nature of seasonal menus means that some dishes may be subject to change.

The lunch, priced at $159 per person, promises to be more than just a meal. The event doubles as a platform for engaging conversation and insight into the chef’s lives and work. Each chef will discuss their selected dish and share stories from their careers, offering guests the opportunity to dive deep into their culinary world.

A focus on community and generosity underscores the event. Ten dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to OzHarvest, a non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling food waste and hunger in Australia.

The Friends of George series promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage directly with the creative minds behind some of Australia’s finest dishes. Space is limited, so book your spot now at Hotel Sorrento’s booking site.