Culture, cuisine, and creativity can be found in abundance in the state of Victoria, and every year, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival attempts to bring all those elements together at The World’s Longest Lunch. After more than three decades since its modest inception on the grounds of the MCG in 1993, the World’s Longest Lunch has evolved significantly. Today, it heralds the start of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival annually, featuring delectable cuisine crafted by renowned chefs. Spanning over 600 meters, the 2024 affair unfolded amidst the picturesque Kings Domain, offering a very sunny yet delectable experience to the attendees.
The 2024 lunch presented by La Trobe Financial, witnessed the magic of Andrew McConnell, one of the city’s most lauded culinary talents who has brought us venues such as Gimlet, Cumulus Inc, Supernormal and Cutler & Co. Behind the scenes, students from William Angliss Institute, both inspired and passionate, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the anticipated event.
For Laura White, a student pursuing her Certificate Ill in Hospitality at the institute, being selected to assist Andrew McConnell’s esteemed team was a dream come true.
“Being a part of the World’s Longest Lunch was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Laura shares, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “It was a great day to celebrate Australia’s diverse culture and delicious food.” With responsibilities spanning from beverage service to food running, Laura embraced the challenge with grace and enthusiasm, soaking in invaluable lessons about patience, teamwork, and maintaining composure under pressure.
Isabella Barbuto, a Diploma of Event Management student, found herself taking inspiration from the event styling and decor that made the event grand. “I am currently working as a Wedding Coordinator and am really enjoying that, so would love to follow that path. I was most excited to see how they organise such a large event and pull it all off in such a short time frame and to see the end-product,” Isabella said. Talking about gaining experience from a large-scale event like The World’s Longest Lunch, Isabella said, “having a keen eye for detail is an important aspect of this role so it was exciting to be able to put this to practice on such a large scale, where 1600 table placements have to look immaculate and essentially identical.”
Andre Sumampouw, a student in the Certificate Ill in Commercial Cookery program, embraced the challenge of preparing dishes for the vast assembly of eager diners. “The most exciting part was plating dishes for 1600 people,” Andre recounts with a grin. “It was an unforgettable moment for me.” As he worked alongside seasoned chefs, Andre shed light upon his culinary aspirations for the future, “After graduating from William Angliss Institute, I want to pursue my dream in culinary industry as a great chef, and my dream role would be leading a kitchen in high-end restaurant and creating innovative, delicious, and wonderful dishes.”
Amidst the grandeur of the event, challenges loomed, demanding patience and adaptability from the students and guests alike. From scorching temperatures to the intricacies of coordinating a massive outdoor gathering, it was interesting to see how the students coped with added pressures that the unpredictability of Melbourne weather brought along. “Staying calm, staying focused, and listening to the head chef,” Andre answered, outlining his strategy for overcoming the pressures of the moment.
As the sun danced across the Melbourne skyline and glasses clinked in celebration of good food and wine, guests indulged in an experience crafted with passion, precision, and artistry. Laura, Isabella, and Andre, along with their peers, ensured each guest departed with memories to cherish. “I hoped that the guests recognised the immense planning that goes into creating such a large outdoor event,” Isabella shares. “And most of all, I hoped they enjoyed their experience.”
Beyond the confines of the event, the lessons learned resonate deeply with these aspiring hospitality professionals. Laura carries with her newfound patience and confidence, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Isabella’s passion for event management burns brighter than ever, fuelled by the thrill of orchestrating seamless experiences. And for Andre, the journey continues as he strives to become a culinary maestro, his dreams infused with the flavours of ambition and possibility.
In the tapestry of Melbourne’s culinary landscape, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival’s World’s Longest Lunch stands as
a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and passion. For the students of William Angliss Institute, it was more than just an event-it was a defining moment in their journey towards excellence in hospitality. As they bid farewell to the festival, they carry with them memories, lessons, and a shared vision of a future where every dish is an expression
of art, and every guest, a cherished companion in the journey of taste and discovery.
