Thursday, 29 October 2015

The new Eastland invites the community to ignite their cultural senses

Following the opening of the new Eastland today, as a gesture of thanks for the continued support of the local community, Town Square will come to life in a cultural celebration with a series of gourmet masterclasses, artisan workshops, films and street music designed to be a sensory festival.

Held over three days (October 30, 31 and November 1) the cultural festivities will follow different themes - Mediterranean, Latin American and Asian, all paying homage to Melbourne’s vibrant food culture and Eastland’s commitment bringing epicurean spirit to Eastern Melbourne.

Taking place in the days after the first stage of the new Eastland’s $665m transformation is officially unveiled on October 29 2015 – the development brings with it a new approach to retail, an incredible line up of gourmet providers and carefully curated selection of iconic Australian and international brands.

To illustrate the incredible line up of chefs arriving at the new Eastland, Luke Croston from Head Chef at George Calombaris’s The Press Club will represent the new Jimmy Grants Deluxe and Frank Camorra from Pacos Tacos and Movida will hold a series of masterclasses where they will share their epicurean wisdom and showcase the skills that have attributed to their ongoing success. Those wishing to take part are encouraged to book their place on the day as places are limited.

Joost Bakker the discipline crossing creative who is obsessed with botany and waste, will create an art installation that celebrates the Yarra Valley and Dandenong ranges. Bakker entitles the installation “it’s all about the soil. “50% of Australia's flowers are grown around the rich red soils of Monbulk. The heart of this country's nursery industry is also in the Dandenong's” Bakker said. Joost is proud to call this area home. The art installation will feature 96 separate 44 gallon drums planted with strawberries, grapes, herbs and trees celebrating the soils of the region.

On October 30, the Mediterranean will be in the spotlight as Luke Croston, Executive chef at The Press Club will be hosting a masterclass in the art of making taramasalata, alongside pasta, tomato passata and mozzarella making. In Town Square a curated collection of classic Italian films will play on the big screen along with music inspired by the region.

The following day (October 31), the community will be transported to Latin America, with demonstrations on hand making tortillas, roasting chipotles to make chipotle sauce as well as a workshop on creating the perfect chorizo. Frank Camorra of Pacos Tacos and Movida will also be teaching the art of making empadanas. In Town Square Latin American film will be showcased on screen, alongside flamenco music and displays of the Brazilian martial art, capoeira that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music.

On the final day of festivities (November 1), sensorium brings the ancient Japanese legend of the ‘Thousand Cranes’ with an immersive origami installation from Uniqlo. The crane has long been a symbol of good health, longevity, truth and fidelity and the legend suggest that when a thousand origami cranes someone’s wish will be granted. Guest will be invited to attend Origami Masterclasses taking in the art of origami and contributing a crane to the tree. At 4pm, a wish will be granted. Also on view will be noodle pulling, sambal creation as well as roti tossing, complimented by traditional lion dancers, taiko drummers and kung-fu displays.

Timings for the activities are below:

Day One – October 30
Activity
Time of session
Location
Taramasalata Masterclass with Luke Croston (The Press Club)*
1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm
The Northern Tenancy
Mediterranean street festival
10am-8:30pm
Town Square
* Bookings to be made at the dining concierge on the day

Day Two – October 31
Activity
Time of session
Location
The art of making empanadas with Frank Camorra (Pacos Tacos and Movida)*
12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Town Square atrium
Latin America street festival
10am – 5pm
Town Square
* Bookings to be made at Town Square concierge on the day

Day Three – November 1 
Activity
Time of session
Location

Uniqlo’s A thousand cranes
Every 20 mins between 10am – 4pm
Town Square atrium
Asian street festival
10am – 5pm
Town Square
* Bookings to be made at Town Square concierge on the day

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