Episode 33: 3 October
It's definitely the start of the social season with the Spring Racing Carnival about to hit full swing in Melbourne. The entire Postcards team checks out where to stay, where to play, and what to wear for this year's Caulfield and Mooney Valley events. They even catch up with another Channel 9 stable-mate and Caulfield classic style ambassador, Livinia Nixon.
Fashion and Moonee Valley
Shane is after some expert fashion advice, so he heads to Satch Men and Declic, at Chadstone The Fashion Capital, to find an outfit that will get him a first across the finish line. Meanwhile, the fillies will find everything they need at Melbourne's GPO, which is where Shane catches up with this year's Moonee Valley Fashion Ambassador, Kelly Laundry.
Moonee Valley, or "The Valley", as it's known to the regulars, is home to the Cox Plate, the race that makes legends. By a stroke of luck, Shane tracks down two racing legends, trainer Mark Kavanagh and jockey Michael Rodd, who were behind Maldivian's 2008 Cox Plate win.
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite before a bet or sitting down for an a la carte lunch, there's some fantastic food on offer, and some amazing views if you're lucky enough to get a seat in one of the luxurious dining boxes. Even if you have your blinkers on when it comes to backing a winner, you can bet each way that you'll have a great day.
Chadstone Shopping Centre
www.chadstoneshopping.com.au
Melbourne's GPO
www.melbournesgpo.com
Moonee Valley Racing Club
Ph: 1300 797 959
www.mvrc.net.au
City hotels: Budget, boutique and five star
Glen has found a trifecta of five-star, budget and boutique accommodation options to lay your head during the Spring Racing Carnival, which has some of the most stylish events on the social calendar. When it comes to style you cannot go past the Park Hyatt. The rooms here are sensational. Throw in some world-class facilities and great staff and you're in no doubt that this place is hot-to-trot.
The Georgian Court B&B is a little different to your city hotels. This is a real house and it's like you're the guest of honour. The man of the house is legendary singer, actor, director and car buff John Lidgerwood. With its cosy atmosphere and great hosts, you'll never want to leave.
The Hotel Lindrum was once a billiards and snooker hall and thus named after billiards champion Walter Lindrum. These days it's one of the most stylish and contemporary boutique hotels in the world. With its modern interior design, lavish rooms, award-winning restaurant and pool table, you know you're based right amongst the action.
Park Hyatt Melbourne
1 Parliament Square, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9224 1234
www.melbourne.park.hyatt.com
Georgian Court B&B
21-25 George Street, East Melbourne
Ph: 03 9419 6353
www.georgiancourt.com.au
Hotel Lindrum
26 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9668 1111
www.hotellindrum.com.au
Milliners
Melbourne's milliners are ready for the races. First up in the fashion stakes is Paris Kyne. With over 20 years in the biz, he's Melbourne's ultimate cool cat in a hat, and this year his Toorak salon is filled to the brim. There are over 150 hats here that are ready to wear and each is an original. Alternatively, you can opt for made to measure and because Paris owns Australia's largest collection of hat blocks, he'll happily pin, wire, edge, band and trim a design just for you.
Just down the road in South Yarra, Melbourne's fascination with fascinators continues at Ward and Wylie, where milliner Lucy Giblin designs a delectable array of exquisite, hand-crafted cocktail hats that are guaranteed to turn heads.
And if you're looking for a one-stop shop for all your spring racing fashions, drop in on That Perfect Day, where milliner Kerrie Stanley and fashion designer Mathieu Salem have collaborated to create complete outfits. Kerrie is a fan of smaller hats with plenty of light, flight and height, made from interesting materials, like vintage braids. She likes working with shapes, and not always colours, but as Australia's most awarded milliner, this has hardly stood in her way.
Paris Kyne Master Milliner
501 Toorak Road, Toorak
Ph: 03 9826 3300
www.pariskyne.com
Ward and Wylie
99 Station Street, South Yarra
Ph: 0416 243 254
www.wardandwylie.com
Kerrie Stanley
388 High Street, Prahran
Ph: 0412 670 865
www.kerriestanley.com
Matteo's and Bistro Thierry
If you've had a cracking day at Caulfield or Moonee Valley and you feel like kicking on somewhere for dinner, Blair has a couple of suggestions to save you trekking into the city. First filly at the starting gate is Matteo's in North Fitzroy's famous Brunswick Street. Among its many qualities is perhaps its dedication to a fine dining experience. After recent trips to Japan, chef Brendan McQueen has embraced a strong Japanese influence in all his cooking.
Across town in the leafy suburb of Toorak is Bistro Thierry. Here the influence is undeniably French. This very popular restaurant lays on the Parisian charm; the menu features a combination of classic and innovative French cuisine. It's always hard to find a venue that emulates the same sort of celebrations as at the track but the French definitely know how to enjoy a night of fine food with a great atmosphere. If you have any money left, this is a sure bet.
Bistro Thierry
511 Malvern Road, Toorak
Ph: 03 9824 0888
www.bistrothierry.com
Matteo's
533 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Ph: 03 9481 1177
www.matteos.com.au
Caulfield
The Spring Racing Carnival is always a great time to be in Melbourne and what better place to attend the races than at Caulfield? The famous track is home to The Age Caulfield Guineas next Saturday (10 October) and the Caulfield Cup on 17 October. Suzie firstly catches up with Lisa Eskander, who was registered as a bookmaker in 2006. Since then Lisa has achieved a number of accolades in the industry, making her a person to watch. Suzie flits from the betting ring to fashions on the field and a chat with fellow Postcards stable-mate Lauren Phillips and stylist Bronii Parker at the first heat of the Chadstone Fashion Stakes. With the day at the track drawing to a close it's time to meet with two of Caulfield's classic style ambassadors, Alistair Jack and Livinia Nixon.
The Age Caulfield Guineas Day
Saturday 10 October 2009
Caulfield Cup Day
Saturday 17 October 2009
Ph: 132 849
www.ticketek.com.au
What's on
Melbourne International Arts Festival
The annual Melbourne International Arts Festival has returned to town, bringing an unparalleled feast of dance, theatre, music and more.
When: 9 - 24 October 2009
More: Ph 03 9662 4242 or visit www.melbournefestival.com.au
Cancer Council Girls Night In
Donate the money you would normally spend going out to this years 'Girls Night In' fundraiser for the Cancer Council.
When: Throughout October 2009
More: Ph 1300 656 585 or visit www.girlsnightin.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Pinot Week
The Mornington Peninsula celebrates Australian pinot noir with a series of dinners, tastings and cellar door special invitations held both locally and in Melbourne.
When: Until 11 October 2009
More: www.mvpa.com.au
