Grounded by MND

What: 5 courses from 5 of Melbourne's best chefs + matched drinks to raise funds for MND Vic
When: 6pm-10pm on Saturday February 25, 2023
Where: No Vacancy Gallery, QV building, 34-40 Jane Bell Lane (off Russell St), Melbourne

On February 25, an all-star line-up of Melbourne chefs and producers will come together to put on a one-off, all-inclusive, five-course fundraising dinner during #GroundedforMND, a photographic exhibition with all proceeds donated to MND Victoria.

Held at No Vacancy Gallery in the QV building, the dinner is strictly limited to 50 places. Expect dishes from Ross Magnaye (Serai), Rosheen Kaul (Etta), Dave Verheul (Embla), Jerry Mai (Bia Hoi, Pho Nom) and Tom Sarafian.

Matched drinks from Four Pillars gin, Saison Aperitifs and wines from The Spanish Acquisition are included, along with plenty of KAIJU! beer. Non-alcoholic pairings are available from NON, while Remedy Drinks has softies covered.

Please specify dietary requirements at time of booking and no later than a week out from the event.

All funds raised from ticket and artwork sales will support the work of MND Victoria, registered charity ABN: 44113484160

A portion of both ticket and artwork purchases is tax deductible. Your details will be collected and receipts issued by MND Victoria.

The Menu

Four Pillars gin double barrelled negroni or double gin martini on arrival

Canapés by Ross Magnaye (Serai)

- Oysters with kinilaw dressing
- Tuna 'lumpia' with tuna, burnt eggplant, caviar
paired with Raventos Blanc vintage grower blanc de blanc 2019, DO Anoia, from The Spanish Acquisition

Starter by Rosheen Kaul (Etta)

- Heirloom tomatoes, crispy anchovies, curry leaf pangrattato
paired with Serra Barcelo ‘Aucalà’ Garnatxa Blanca 2020, DO Terra Alta, from The Spanish Acquisition

First Course by Tom Sarafian

- Fish fatteh of BBQ rainbow trout with chickpeas, chopped salad, tahini yoghurt, caramelised butter, cinnamon, fried nuts & fried pita
- BBQ green beans, toum and zatar
paired with Scott Wasley ‘Claríto’ single vineyard field blend Clarete of Viura-Garnacha 2021, DO Rioja, from The Spanish Acquisition

Second Course by Jerry Mai (Bia Hoi, Pho Nom)

- Bo kho Vietnamese braised beef stew with banh mi rolls for dipping
paired with Bodegas Roda ‘Roda 1’ Tempranillo 2016, DO Rioja, from The Spanish Acquisition

Dessert by Dave Verheul (Embla)

- Dried apricot tart, almond, white chocolate & elderflower vinegar meringue
paired with Saison Aperitifs: Summer Flowers

Win a Luxury Yarra Valley Gourmet Weekend Away worth $2500

Anyone who makes an extra $2 donation will go into the running to win a luxury, gourmet weekend away in the Yarra Valley for two worth $2500. This includes a two-night stay at the magical Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, dinner and a wine tasting at Jayden Ong’s Winery & Cellar Bar, a set menu with matched wines at TarraWarra Estate, another at Heartswood, lunch at Lulu’s Burgers and a Four Pillars immersive makers session (where you'll distil, snack, taste, take home goodies and be sent a bottle of what you distil on the day). Simply add the option to enter as you would a ticket.

Motor Neurone Disease 101

Motor Neurone Disease – also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Lou Gehrig's Disease – is a progressive condition in which nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable people to move, speak, breathe and swallow degenerate. There is no cure and life expectancy after diagnosis is one to five years. Just 10 per cent of people with MND live 10 years or more after their diagnosis.

About the Photographer

Greg Levin was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in January 2022. A former doctor and photographer, he is no longer able to use his arms. Grounded by MND is his inaugural exhibition, featuring photographs taken in different corners of the globe, from Cappadocia to Cuba.

“The paradox is that while the exhibit showcases my travels, since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, I have been quite literally grounded. There are many things I can no longer do independently, including my life-long love of photography. Learning to accept this diagnosis is a difficult and humbling experience, but the title of the exhibition also references the silver lining of my journey – the support of my family, friends and MND Victoria, which has indeed kept me grounded,” he says.

With special thanks to support from our generous sponsors: No Vacancy Gallery, Fini Frames, Anatomy Studios, Jana Langhorst, Tom Sarafian, Rosheen Kaul (Etta), Jerry Mai (Bia Hoi, Pho Nom), Dave Verheul (Embla), Ross Maganye (Serai), Natoora, Ash Bros Seafood, Ocean Made, University Meats, KURIĒTO Tableware, Flo & Co. Studio, The Spanish Acquisition, Four Pillars, Saison Aperitifs, KAIJU! beer, NON, Remedy Drinks, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, Jayden Ong, Heartswood, Lulu’s Burgers, TarraWarra Estate.

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