Source : the age
Melburnians love an event. And this is a biggie. How else can you explain to outsiders why the MCG is almost sold-out for an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and LA Rams on a chilly school day morning (10.30am on Friday to be precise)?
Whether you’re into the on-field action or not, there’s still plenty to sink your teeth into, with bakers, bars and hotels dishing up some creative specials to keep the celebrations going, before and after the game. Here are nine to check out.
Baker Bleu
The artisan bakery has teamed with Visit Victoria to dream up some delicious bespoke new American-inspired bakes.
Sweet tooths will love the S’more cookies, shaped like an American football and dotted with macadamia nuts and raspberry jan, marshmallow and chocolate.
Lean savoury? Choose between pepperoni and hot honey pizzetta with rosso sauce, mixed cheese or a cheese and jalapeño version with garlic cream, both served with house-made ranch dipping sauce. Touchdown!
Available until September 14 across all Baker Bleu stores in Victoria and NSW.
Builders Arms Hotel
The Fitzroy favourite will open at 10am to screen the game while you chow down on bacon and egg rolls, before prawn tacos with coriander salsa join the party from midday – a slight nod to the two Californian visitors, the Rams and the 49ers. Tip: the tacos go perfectly with a Paloma cocktail.
211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy buildersarmshotel.com.au
Apollo Inn
For American-style drinks and snacks with a dash of panache, head to intimate Flinders Lane bar Apollo Inn, where they’ll be serving hot dogs and smoked brisket sliders alongside their usual fabulous fare. Of course, you’ll be needing a bespoke cocktail or two to go with them. The Brown Derby with bourbon, grapefruit and maple, and the Pisco Punch, with pisco, lemon, pineapple, Falernum and champagne will keep the good times rolling until September 13.
Crown Melbourne
Love the LA Rams? Make a beeline to Crown and the official fan base, Rams House, where the food, drink and games will be flowing, alongside appearances from Rams legends, the Rampage mascot and the Super Bowl LVI trophy. Not enough? There’s also the Riverwalk fan zone for some Yarra-side action.
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank crownmelbourne.com.au
Heartbreaker
Kick on after Friday’s game with Heartbreaker’s 3pm-3am NFL after party featuring American games, drink specials and $5 slices of Connie’s pizza. Just remember not to post those very fun Insta selfies if you’ve called in sick to the boss.
234a Russell Street, Melbourne heartbreakerbar.com.au
Transport Hotel
49ers fans should flock to Fed Square on Thursday and Friday for the San Francisco 49ers takeover, featuring five Vince Lombardi Super Bowl championship trophies on display and a full 49ers experience. IYKYK.
Federation Square, Melbourne transporthotel.com.au
URBNSURF Melbourne
The Three Blue Ducks crew is getting in on the action with NFL games screened on Friday and Saturday and an American-themed menu including bottomless waffle fries for just $8 per person. Mmmm waffles.
309 Melrose Drive, Melbourne Airport urbnsurf.com
Quarterhouse
The Docklands destination pub is putting on a full day of entertainment on Friday from 9.30am with cheerleaders, face painting and hot dogs plus live music after the match. You’ll be … thunderstruck.
693 Collins Street, Docklands quarterhouse.com.au
Kickoff Festival at Melbourne Park
Melbourne Park is embracing the American football vibes with its three-day Kickoff Festival, featuring live entertainment, fan activations, food and more, including performances from Peking Duk and Sneaky Sound System. A bit like the tennis, only more chill (literally) and with much more NFL.
Melbourne Park, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne September 10-12
