Over 2,500 food lovers descended on Ivy for the launch of the sixth annual March into Merivale Food and Festival on Wednesday 12 February.

The Papi Chulo team in action

Taking over Paling’s Kitchen & Bar, The Den and Terrace, Ivy Ballroom and Ash Street, the gourmet extravaganza offered guests the opportunity to meet their favourite chefs, bartenders and sommeliers while enjoying signature dishes, cocktails and wines.

Throughout the night, guests sampled an array of treats from the various food and restaurant stores including ‘scallop and prawn shumai’ from Mr. Wong, ‘smoked hot wings’ from Papi Chulo, ‘chicken and chorizo empanadas’ from Ash St. Cellar and ‘herb-crusted lamb shoulder’ from Felix. Lorraine Godsmark well and truly satisfied the sweetest of ‘sweet tooths’ with ‘macadamia and salted caramel chocolate tarts’ and ‘lime and strawberry white chocolate ice-cream swirl parfait’.

Guests were also kept entertained by a host of roving entertainment including a European accordion play, urban gypsy Spanish guitarist and DJs, as well as an aerialist display in Palings courtyard.