City venue joins French celebration

BENDIGO bar and diner The Dispensary is marking the city’s celebration of French culture with its own Impressions of Paris food and drink series.

Masterclasses, tastings, educational experiences and more – with a focus on cocktails – are all taking place to coincide with the Paris: Impressions of Life – 1880-1925 exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery, which runs until July 14.

The Dispensary owner and series curator Finn Vedelsby said the series was an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in Parisian life from the late 19th to the early 20th century, when “Paris led the world in culinary and mixological innovation”.

“We’re not merely mixing drinks; we’re stirring cherished memories, reviving illustrious history, and celebrating a rich tapestry of flavours that have transcended time and place,” Mr Vedelsby said.

An example is ‘Sommeliers Selection’ events in May and June, which will be curated and will feature wines selected by expert sommelier James Belford. The sessions are designed to offer an immersive experience of the world of French wines, providing insights into their history, production and tasting notes.

The series will culminate with a Bastille Day luncheon on July 14, hosted by World Wine Estates ambassador Dan Jones. It will include a masterclass in French wines from Champagne to Rhone, six dishes with matching wines, a guided wine tasting and purchase opportunities.

For more information on the series, dates, venue details and reservations, go to dispensarybendigo.com.