Around 150 frocked-up and fabulous punters packed into the Hotel Richmond for its annual Melbourne Cup luncheon. With a delicious three-course meal, fashion parade and (of course) that race that stops a nation on the big screen, this event was certainly a winner (even if we weren’t)!
After enjoying a glass of bubbles on arrival, guests then set about choosing their hot pick for the Cup. Hotel Richmond staff were on hand to help those once-a-year punters make a bet, and for those that preferred to leave it to fate, there were the ever-popular sweeps.
A shared entrée of house made dips, tomato and basil aranchini balls, chermoula chicken skewers and panko-crumbed prawns were then served to begin the day with an incredibly tasty start.
Local designer Pierina D’Angelica of Atelier Milano presented a lovely tribute to the Melbourne Cup with her Fine Feathered Fillies on the Fields collection. As models strut down the catwalk, their heads adorned with beautifully feminine showstoppers that were crafted from a variety of feathers and lace with headpieces that perfectly complementing each design, we had to admit we were slightly jealous that our fascinators weren’t as fascinating. Not a typical runway, the ladies walked between the tables so everyone in attendance had a chance to see the details of these intricate creations.
A choice of three main meals was then served; a sundried tomato risotto with goats curd and rocket, Atlantic salmon with freekeh, pea, mint, feta and pomegranate molasses, and a Porterhouse with fried Kipfler potatoes, spinach and confit tomato.
When our stomachs were full to the brim, it was time for the big event of the day – the best dressed list! The gorgeous Gorica Krstic took out the title for the ladies, and Michael Opacic in a showstopping pink and navy ensemble impressed the judges enough to take out the prize for the best dressed male.
Finally, it was the time we’d all been waiting for – the big race. Unfortunately, it seemed that no one in the room had actually picked the winner (did anyone???), but there were a few happy campers that made a few bucks out of the sweepstakes, so not all was lost.
Topping off the day was a selection of petits fours for dessert. All were delicious, but it was the citrus and passionfruit tart for the win at our table. Yummo!!!
The Hotel Richmond is the perfect place to celebrate any big event. Located at 128 Rundle Mall Adelaide, it’s conveniently located right in the heart of the city, with all the best shops for nabbing that best dressed prize right on your doorstep. Look out for upcoming events by following them on Facebook or at their website.
Check out all the fun of Melbourne Cup Day at The Hotel Richmond in our gallery below: