If you only head to Flemington for the Spring carnival then you are missing out. Autumn racing is just lovely: less crowds, (ironically) more likelihood of good weather and the quality of the racing is still top notch.

I went to the races last week and saw some of what’s going to be on offer and I also was invited to a media preview lunch during the week. Let’s just say Flemington is turning it on.

Adam D’Sylva of Coda and Tonka is the guest chef and will be demonstrating dishes like his pani puri an Indian street food. Wafer thin crisp pastry cups are filled with spicy potato, beans and chutney. You pop one in your mouth and bam it’s a taste sensation.

D’Sylva knows when to let the produce shine like his yellow fin tuna tossed in a salad with baby lotus root and kabu.  So refreshing and ideal for our current warm Autumn weather. 

Barramundi is doused in an aromatic sauce keeping the fish moist and tender and it’s served with crunchy mozzarella and zucchini fritters.  

I couldn’t get enough of D’Sylva’s crispy pork belly salad. The cubes of pork were so sticky and sweet and almost addictive.

He’s also a dab hand at dessert serving up a winning peanut butter parfait. It had Graham crackers for crunch, chocolate mousse for sweetness and a drizzle of caramel just to top things off. 

Other top restaurants to look out for tomorrow include Milk the Cow fromagerie and Burn City Smokers.

Gourmet Chick attended the Australian Guineas Day races independently and was a guest of the VRC for the Grazing Trail & Cellar Door preview lunch. 

Essentials
Details: Flemington Grazing Trail & Cellar Door, Flemington Race Course. 
Damage: A bargain. Admission is free with Super Saturday race day tickets which are $25 each. 
Kids: Welcome. There’s an amazing kids area just past the finishing post with free activities for kids in the kids zone including face painting, mini golf, pony rides and entertainers. 
9/10