Where will you be for Melbourne Cup 2009?

One month to the race that stops the nation on Tuesday, November 3. What an excuse for a knees up this is. Here are nine of the options on offer ranging in price from $35 to $195. Enjoy!

River Canteen
This one at River Canteen on the Board Walk at Southbank looks like exceptional value - sweeps, prizes, raffles and more with a three course lunch and glass of champagne on arrival for $55 per person. Starts 12 noon. www.rivercanteen.com.au 38461880

Philip Johnson’s Gourmet Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Limes Hotel
This is a bash hosted by Mike Goldman with over $3000 worth of prizes. For $135 per ticket guests will enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival and nibble on bites from Philip Johnson’s menu such as Sesame Crusted Kingfish with miso dressing & chives, Tempura Moreton Bay bugs with nahm jim dipping sauce and Porcini and Swiss Brown mushroom risotto with truffle oil, and finished with bittersweet chocolate & cointreau pots and lemon tarts. Prizes on the day include best dressed lady, best attired gentleman, fanciest hat and most flamboyant gentleman’s tie. Limes Hotel also provides a great view of the big race on their
rooftop projector screen, and of course the added bonus of a panoramic vista of the Brisbane
skyline. www.limeshotel.com.au 3852 9000.

Sofitel Brisbane Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup festivities commence from 11.30am with Classic Hits 4KQ Breakfast crew Laurel Edwards, Gray Clare and Mark Hine in the Sofitel Ballroom le Grand. Guests will enjoy Melbourne Cup action of the on the Sofitel ballroom cinema screens over a gourmet feast created by Executive Chef Patrice Falantin. The Melbourne Cup event includes champagne cocktail on arrival, three course gourmet lunch, free flow sparkling and a selection of wine and beer. Guests will enjoy sweeps in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, spring fashion parades by Brisbane Arcade, fashions on the field competitions, fantastic prizes including a five night escape at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, on-site TAB and live entertainment by Gee’d Up - a high energy covers trio! $195 per person or $1900 table of 10. www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au 3835 3535.

Melbourne Cup Day at Portside Wharf
A large screen will be installed on the wharf to broadcast the race live and the party will continue well after the Melbourne Cup with free entertainment playing on the wharf from 3.30pm to 8.30pm.

Book at Gusto da Gianni, Byblos, Wilson’s Boathouse, Mahjonng Café or Gianni Events for their special Melbourne Cup Day functions, all with full coverage of the race, and fantastic food and beverage packages.

Gusto da gianni
Perfect for large groups and functions, take in all the excitement and fantastic Italian food at Gusto da Gianni. Race goers will be treated to live music and entertainment all day, fashion parades and a live broadcast of the Melbourne Cup. From 12pm, $79 per person for set lunch menu. 3868 201.


Byblos – The Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Byblos are going all out for this year’s Melbourne Cup Day with an exciting day of roving entertainment, charity sweeps, a tea cup ride and Subfusco fashion parade. From 11.30am – 3.00pm, $125 – includes cocktail on arrival, beverage package and sit-down banquet style lunch. 3268 222.

Gianni Events
Dress up in your best race day finery and celebrate Melbourne Cup in style at Gianni Events. Enjoy fashion parades, sweeps, prize giveaways and raffles throughout the day and large screens to catch that photo finish. Guests will be spoilt with an exquisite three course menu created by award winning Executive Chef, Owen Lacey. From 11.30am – 3.30pm, $169 per person – includes French Champagne on arrival, canapés, three course meal and beverage package. www.gianniportside.com 3868 3600

Wilson’s Boathouse
If seafood is your craving for Melbourne Cup Day, the river views at Wilson’s Boathouse are stunning. Expect the freshest seafood on the select menu crafted by executive chef, Shane Keighley. From 11.30am – 3.00pm, $105 per person – includes a cocktail on arrival a three course lunch. www.wilsonsboathouse.com.au 3868 4480.

Mahjongg Cafe
Celebrate the carnival atmosphere over a two course lunch and French bubbles on arrival at Mahjongg Café. Watch the race live on the big screen and don your most fabulous headwear for the chance to win a prize for Best Hat and Best Fascinator. Gents won’t miss out either with the chance to win the accolade of shiniest shoes of the day. From 11.30am – 3.30pm, $35 per person – includes two course lunch and French bubbles on arrival. www.mahjonggcafe.com.au 3630 215.


French inspired menu at Belle Époque
Belle Epoque will be celebrate Australia’s greatest sporting event with champagne and a menu custom-designed by Head Chef Trent Robson. For $95 per head, Melbourne Cup guests will enjoy Mumm Champagne, canapés around the bar and fresh oysters followed by a dedicated menu at tables. From 12noon $95pp  www.belleepoque.com.au 3852 1500.

Hilton Brisbane
It’s frills, fillies, fascinators, fashion and a Hardy Brothers diamond at the Hilton Brisbane for a decadent Melbourne Cup with the ballroom be transformed into a mysterious world of Parisian and oriental opulence! There will be a showcase of High Summer fashions presented by Wintergarden stylist Di Cant and Brisbane’s 97.3FM breakfast team, Robin Bailey, Terry and Bob.  Proceeds from raffles and Pin to Win competition will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland. Starts 11:00am - 15:00pm, $159 per person including, 3 course-lunch, glass of Mumm on arrival, beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks and live entertainment.events.brisbane@hilton.com  3231 3231