Bistro Vite - Shop GR3C, River Level, Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct

Say farewell to the chill of Winter with an evening of fine dining with fellow FunFF foodies at a Winter Progressive Dinner.

Savour three deliciously different courses at three different Southgate restaurants. Our chosen menu includes the following restaurants:
Entree: Bistro Vite
Main: P.J. O'Brien's
Dessert: Kouzina

Entree and main are each served with a glass of wine and dessert is served with tea or coffee - additional food and drinks at own expense.

So as the cooler weather gets ready to move on, there is even more reason to brave the last few days of Winter and enjoy some of the best dining Melbourne has to offer all under one roof!

Southgate’s Progressive Dinners are now in their 13th year and are still as popular as ever, so it’s essential to book early, to ensure we don't miss out!

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the first restaurant for our entree. Sunday Progressive Dinners begin at 6pm sharp at the first restaurant, so please arrive on time!

Sun, 5 September

5.45pm - 9.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: $70

Bertha Brown - 562 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Get those brain cells warmed up with your friends from FunFF at the Bertha Brown trivia night, starring the delectable Mr Sparx. You will laugh, you will learn… it will change your life, but best of all, you'll be having a great time!

In addition to a Middle Eastern-inspired menu (or, if you prefer, you can take advantage of the $9 Pizza All Day, Every Day offer), Bertha Brown provides a great cocktail menu. Naturally, there's also a selection of local and imported beers on hand, including an eclectic mix of home brews, alongside a decent wine menu. All this in a sprawling venue with an eclectic look and a casual atmosphere.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) reserved for FunFF (trivia is held at the back of the venue). All food and drinks at own expense.

See the Bertha Brown website for more venue info and menu options.

Wed, 8 September

6.30pm - 9.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 7 September

Portland Hotel, Cnr Russell and Little Collins Sts, Melbourne

If theatre and stand up comedy met one night in a smoky bar and after a few drinks found themselves in a compromising position in the back of a clapped out ’67 Volks Wagon, the result of this sordid tryst would be The Big HOO-HAA!

Join fellow FunFF lovers of comedy for a great Friday night out with lots of fun and laughter at The Big HOO-HAA!

The Big HOO-HAA! is a night of comedy that will help you forget your troubles and have you laughing out loud from start to finish.

Two teams (the Hearts and the Bones) will battle it out against each other armed with only audience suggestions and a handful of props as they leave no song unsung, no joke undelivered and no pun unpunished in their mad dash for the punch line. The show is completely improvised therefore every performance is wonderfully unique and created just for you.

Meet Kerrie-Anne for a pre-show drink or two at the Portland. Doors for the The Big HOO-HAA! open at 7.30 and the show begins at 8pm. Prepayment is required to guarantee a seat.

Fri, 10 September

7.15pm - 10.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Wed, 8 September

Astor Theatre, cnr Chapel Street and Dandenong Road, Windsor

Come and enjoy the hugely popular sci-fi adventure fantasy at a bargain price at the magnificent old Astor cinema theatre.

Avatar is the story of an ex-marine who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an Avatar in a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people.

Look for Ian in the foyer. The Astor theatre is only 3 minutes from Windsor Station. Tickets purchased on the night. Film starts at 7.30pm.

Wed, 15 September

7.15pm - 10.15pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 14 September

Hofbräuhaus - 18-24 Market Lane, Melbourne

Come and join us for a fun night out to celebrate Oktoberfest with delicious German food, plentiful German beer, schnapps, dancing and live music in true Bavarian style at Hofbrauhaus, the only German restaurant of its kind in the centre of Melbourne.

Oktoberfest traditionally takes place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October.

The Hofbrauhaus menu is packed with great German food including Schnitzels, Sausages, Potatoes and Meat in generous portions. On tap German beer favourites include DAB, Hofrbauhaus, HB Dunkel and Bavarian Weissbier. There is also a large range of local and imported bottled beers available.

A great selection of Schnapps is also on offer including fruit favourites like Apple Schnapps through to herbal Jagermeister Schnapps and extra strong Killer Schnapps.

Live German entertainment includes a floor show with Slap dancing, Yodeling, Cow bells and singing. Musicians clad in Lederhosen perform spirited German songs sweeping away the floor in polkas, marches and drinking songs.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) for FunFF. All food and drinks at own expense. Live entertainment starts at 7pm.

Fri, 17 September

6.30pm - 10.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Wed, 15 September

Location details will be provided to participants prior to the event via email.

This month see us take our popular Afternoon Pub Crawl series to the other side of the river to Windsor.

We'll be sticking to our usual plan of keeping it simple and will visit 5 pubs all on Windsor's main drag. The route will suit those who prefer not to have to walk too far between beers!

As always, we will be making a mandatory dinner stop along the way to ensure we all remain in good spirits and last the duration of the event!

With luck, our final venue for the day will feature live music for those of you wanting to kick-on a bit. Otherwise, you can just soak up the vibes until you're ready to make your way home.

We will be restricting numbers to ensure we don't encounter any difficulties with entry to the selected venues, so be sure to book early to avoid missing out on the fun as places do tend to fill up quite quickly.

Participants will be provided with a proposed pub crawl map via email a day or so before the event, but please be aware that this is only a guide and may be subject to change on the day. You will also receive an SMS reminder with the address of our first port of call for the day.

Look for Kerrie-Anne at the bar of the first venue. All food and drink at own expense. FunFF encourages responsible drinking for all events involving alcohol - driving definitely not recommended, cycle at your own risk!

Note: As this is a limited numbers event, we ask that members please be considerate of other members when booking and be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you find you can no longer make it. This ensures that others get to participate in your place!

Sat, 18 September

3.30pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 16 September

Strike Bowling, Pran Central 325 Chapel Street, Prahran

Come and enjoy the bowling at this funky venue in Chapel Street. We had such a great time on our last visit to Strike that we are heading down to Strike again

The cost will include 2 games of bowling inclusive of shoe hire. Latest movie previews playing on screens.

Strike on Chapel completely redefines the fun and age-old bowling experience for the 21st Century: giant lane- end video projections, on-lane special effects lighting, comfortable soft seating, and a full service cocktail bar.

Venue is near the corner of Chapel Street and Commercial Road and Tram 72 stops at this corner.

Look for Ian and David and the FunFF table in the bar area on arrival.

Tue, 21 September

7.45pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 20 September

Sotano, Ground floor of Hilton Melbourne, 29 Lorimer Street, South Wharf.

Come and enjoy the Salsa in the City experience at the gorgeous new wine & tapas bar Sotano incorporating a large open dancing space, stunning city views and an outdoor dance floor for those warm nights.

There are live Latin big bands, salsa DJ'S and a salsa dance class at 9:00pm.The dress code is sexy & sharp - no runners, shorts & singlets.

Sotano is located on the ground floor of the new Hilton. Secure car parking is available near entrance of the hotel and free street parking located on Munro street off Montague street (5 min walk). Entry fee is $15 on the door.

Meet Tamara near the entrance of Sotano at 8.45pm

Fri, 24 September

8.45pm - 10.45pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 23 September

nr St Kilda

A group of recreational Melbourne cyclists from Fun, Food and Friendship meet up for an early morning monthly cycle ride from Melbourne and returns to the start point cafe to enjoy a fantastic breakfast that generally includes a mixture of fresh fruit salad, cereal, croissants, waffles, orange juice, tea/coffee.

We join a cycling breakfast club whose aim is to bring the European social experience surrounding the sport of cycling to Melbourne.

There is an annual fee of $30 that is payable on your first visit to the cafe. This fee will give you a complimentary breakfast each month (11 months of the year) and a selection of food/beer vouchers.

The ride takes us along the Beach Road until Black Rock and returns to the cafe start point (unless we decide as a group to complete an alternative route)

Meet David at the cafe. Details of meeting point will be given on booking.

Sat, 25 September

7.45am - 11.00am

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 24 September

Madame Brussels - Level 3, 59 Bourke St, Melbourne

Cucumber sandwiches and croquet anyone? Join fellow FunFFsters and FunFFettes for high tea at Madame Brussels with rounds of sandwiches, cupcakes, scones and sausage rolls. Also a glass of Madame Brussels’ secret home brewed punch.

Madame Brussels, named after the Melbourne brothel owner and entrepreneur from the 1830s, is a trip down the garden path into a world of whimsy, wonder and fruit punch. With staff in cricket whites, English garden party décor including artificial grass, vintage white metal chairs and colourful parasols, this bar is something special.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) reserved for FunFF out on the terrace (or should the weather prove too cold for outdoors, in the garden settings upon the lush green grass indoors). All additional drinks at own expense.

Sun, 26 September

NOON - 3.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 23 September

Tuscan Bar, Level 1, 79 Bourke Street (near corner Exhibition Street), Melbourne

** BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!! Please DO NOT simply turn up on the night without booking. Show your membership card to get a free drink. **

Come and join the team at FunFF for our end of month drinks night at one of Melbourne's classiest bars, the Tuscan Bar. Enjoy a night of social networking and receive a complimentary of glass of premium sparkling, white or red wine for our members with their membership cards. There will also be complimentary nibbles for the group from chef’s selection for members and guests.

The Tuscan Bar is an upstairs lavish bar/restaurant with a rooftop terrace, heavily Florentine in its decor, with lots of sitting, drinking and snacking space. It is a sophisticated establishment that oozes Mediterranean cool so come and enjoy the taste and style of Tuscany.

Look for the groups of FunFF tables on Level 1 and if the weather is good, we can visit the terrace bar as well later in the evening for more networking on the rooftop.

All additional food and drinks at own expense.

If you are not a member, book in and join us at this end of month drinks night. Meet some of our hosts and members, learn more about the best and liveliest social activities in Melbourne and start enjoying a great social life.

Thu, 30 September

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: FREE

Southern Cross Railway Station (V- Line Information Booth)

Come have a stein or two of beer with your FunFF mates and celebrate the final days of Oktoberfest at Otway Estate Winery and Brewery, located at the foot of the Otways in Victorias south-west.

The third annual Otway Oktoberfest is a feast of local and international beers - a day full of traditional German Culture with local and international beverages, cuisine, games and atmosphere.

Enjoy a great day out!! You'll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in tutored beer tastings and try the specially-brewed Oktoberfest Lager


• Enjoy traditional German Music with an authentic oompah band, Alpine Cocktail


• Feast on hearty Bavarian fare such as giant pretzels, schnitzel, strudel and much more!!

Sat, 2 October

7.45am - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: $115

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Thu, 30 September

Y Rowing Centre, Powerhouse Function Centre (cnr Queens Road and Lakeside Drive) Albert Park Lake

Come and try rowing at Albert Park Lake, and have fun learning about rowing.

During this introductory session you will receive basic tuition in crews of 4 in an olympic-style shell (boat).

The introductory session starts at 10am sharp and finishes at around 11.00.

Unlike canoes, rowing shells don't roll over. All you need is a thick pair of socks, t-shirt, bike shorts or track pants and a warm top if it is a cool day.

Look for Ian and his bicycle at the Rowing Centre. The Powerhouse Function centre is located near the Sebel hotel (old Carlton Crest Hotel) at the intersection of Kings Way and Lorne Street. Melways 2L A11.

Afterwards we can take a coffee or early lunch at a cafe on St Kilda Road. Lunch and drinks at own expense.

Sun, 3 October

9.40am - 11.30am

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 1 October

Station Hotel, 96 Greville Street, Prahran (next to the train station)

Come and enjoy Funky Bunch Trivia with your FunFF friends.

The trivia starts at around 8pm so dinner is available before trivia starts at own expense.

Funky Bunch Trivia is a multi media trivia night.. Watch video clips, listening to music, and test your general [& not so general] knowledge.. It's a great fun night out.....

$100 Bar tab up for grabs each week plus spot prizes

The Station Hotel has a selection of dishes and a great selection of beers and wines and usual special meal deals. Steaks were $14 and pizzas $8 on our last visit and $12 jugs of beer and $5 specials on glasses of wine.

Look for Ian and the table(s) for Funff. All food and drinks at own expense.

Tue, 5 October

7.30pm - 10.15pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 4 October

Brunch:The European - 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
Market: Shed 4 Docklands - Victoria Harbour, North Wharf Road, Docklands

Join FunFF for a cruisy Sunday morning brunch at The European, followed by a quick tram trip down to the Docklands to browse whats on show at the Finders Keepers Markets.

Sitting opposite the Victorian grandeur of Parliament House and reminiscent of old world Europe, The European mines the traditions of rural France, Italy and Spain.

The European serves honest, simple food, sourcing only the best produce from Australia and Europe. This institution is a must visit, even if it’s just for one of this cities finest coffees.

If you have never been to a Finders Keepers event you are in for quite a treat! The markets have a festival feel with live music, cafe & bar with thousands of people celebrating independent art & design.

The Finders Keepers Markets are a bi-annual event that showcases the work of emerging designers and artists from all around Australia & even New Zealand!

The first markets were held in 2008 in Sydney, followed by Brisbane in 2009. 2010 sees the Finders Keepers markets debut in Melbourne. The first Melbourne markets will be held at Shed 4 - a massive warehouse space in Docklands.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) for FunFF at The European. All food and drinks at own expense. If you wish to meet us at the markets, you will need to call us on the FunFF mobile to see where we're at.

The markets are free entry and parking is available however it is limited. There is no ATM at the markets and most stalls will trade cash only, so please be prepared.

Sun, 10 October

10.00am - 2.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 8 October

Hotel Nest - 111 Victoria Ave, Albert Park

Do you fancy sipping Pinot Noir as you groove along to salsa music? Or perhaps you’d prefer a spot of Chardonnay as you tap your toes to the funky beats of Cuban jazz? Whatever your poison, music and wine always ensure a swinging day out so get ready to get down to some sexy and sultry beats among the vines at Vibes on the Vineyard Cuban Jazz.

Join FunFF and dance the day away upon the green lawns of Rochford Winery as you soak up the sounds of two live Cuban bands, Carlito's Way & Songo Sorongo belting out tunes on bongos, sax, trumpets and drums.

Grab yourself a dancing partner and brush up on your salsa dancing skills at one of the lessons held before each set, or funk it up a little for the DJs blending contemporary beats on the main stage.

All that dancing is bound to work up an appetite, so take a break on a picnic blanket and refuel with lunch and a glass of Rochford wine, or why not take some time out at the "Bubbles And Oyster Bar" where you can kick back with a glass of sparkling wine and a live funky vineyard jazz band.

Swing in the cane baskets, lay in the lounges or jump on the congo train with the live 5 piece bongo band performing all afternoon. Whatever your musical preference try all 4 entertainment areas and follow your own musical adventure around the vineyard to experience the vibe that is right for you...

Price includes:

• return coach transfers from Melbourne


• Cuban Jazz entry ticket


• 1 x lunch


• 1 x glass wine and vineyard entertainment

Sun, 24 October

9.00am - 7.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: $115

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Fri, 22 October

Waterfront City Marina, Docklands

Capture the excitement of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with an all inclusive cruise package to Flemington races on Derby Day.
Enjoy an ideal Derby Day at Flemington that includes a fantastic lunch by the boat in a private outdoor entertaining area by the river, drinks package, exclusive access to the bar and toilets on the boat and has easy access to the grounds at Flemington.
The boat is a comfortable, fully enclosed vessel with excellent facilities and a unique design, including an open upper Sun deck.

Your Derby Day cruise begins with a glass of Champagne on arrival at the boat, followed by hors d’ouvres served on the way to Flemington races, arriving at the race course at 11am.

Lunch is a gourmet buffet lunch including seafood platters, sushi, hot and cold meats, fresh salads followed by desserts. There is a private outdoor entertaining area at Flemington by the river.
The bar will be available all day and the drinks package includes all red, white and sparkling wines, light and heavy beer and soft drinks (spirits are also available at bar prices).

We depart Flemington 15 minutes after the last race. After the cruise, we will visit the Melbourne Yacht Club Hotel.

Price includes:
* Return transfers and use of the boat for the entire day.
* Use of private outdoor entertaining area at Flemington by the river.
* Souvenir Race book.
* TV monitor for race viewing on board.
* Gourmet Catering.
* Bar available all day
* Avoid the heavy traffic !

NOTE: For those wishing to enter the grounds at Flemington races, tickets must be purchased in advance. These tickets can be arranged on your behalf at $79 which includes a booking fee.
Be sure to book early as this is a popular Melbourne Derby Day cruise and we are restricted by the number of guests allowed on the boat.

Note: At this stage, a non-refundable deposit of $50 will secure your place with full payment required 3 weeks before the event

Meet Ian at the dock at Waterfront city marina quay.

Getting to the marina
Catch the FREE City Circle tram direct to the Waterfront City stop, or Tram 70 (via Finders Street) or Tram 86 (via Bourke Street).

Alternatively, take the train to Southern Cross Station and walk over the Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge to Harbour Esplanade. Follow the promenade along to Waterfront City / Harbour Town Shopping Centre.

Sat, 30 October

9.00am - 6.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: $269

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Sun, 10 October

Waterfront City Marina, Docklands

Capture the excitement of the 2010 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival festival by taking the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic Melbourne Cup cruise to Flemington.

Enjoy an ideal Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington that includes a fantastic lunch by the boat in a private outdoor entertaining area by the river, drinks package, exclusive access to the bar and toilets on the boat and has easy access to the grounds at Flemington.
The boat is a comfortable, fully enclosed vessel with excellent facilities and a unique design, including an open upper Sun deck.

Your Melbourne Cup Day cruise begins with a glass of Champagne on arrival at the boat, followed by hors d’ouvres served on the way to Flemington races, arriving at the race course at 11am.

Lunch is a gourmet buffet lunch including seafood platters, sushi, hot and cold meats, fresh salads followed by desserts. There is a private outdoor entertaining area at Flemington by the river.
The bar will be available all day and the drinks package includes all red, white and sparkling wines, light and heavy beer and soft drinks (spirits are also available at bar prices).

We depart Flemington 15 minutes after the last race. After the cruise, we will visit the Melbourne Yacht Club Hotel.

Price includes:
* Return transfers and use of the boat for the entire day.
* Use of private outdoor entertaining area at Flemington by the river.
* Souvenir Race book.
* TV monitor for race viewing on board.
* Gourmet Catering.
* Bar available all day
* Avoid the heavy traffic !

NOTE: For those wishing to enter the grounds at Flemington races, tickets must be purchased in advance. These tickets can be arranged on your behalf at $77 which includes a booking fee.

Be sure to book early as this is a popular Melbourne Cup Day cruise and we are restricted by the number of guests allowed on the boat.

Note: At this stage, a non-refundable deposit of $50 will secure your place with full payment required 3 weeks before the event

Meet Ian at the dock at Waterfront city marina quay.

Getting to the marina
Catch the FREE City Circle tram direct to the Waterfront City stop, or Tram 70 (via Finders Street) or Tram 86 (via Bourke Street).

Alternatively, take the train to Southern Cross Station and walk over the Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge to Harbour Esplanade. Follow the promenade along to Waterfront City / Harbour Town Shopping Centre.

Tue, 2 November

9.00am - 6.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: $299

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Fri, 15 October

Waterfront City Marina, Docklands

Capture the excitement of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival festival by taking the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic Oaks Day cruise to Flemington and enjoy an ideal Oaks Day at Flemington by the river.

Enjoy an ideal Oaks Day at Flemington that includes a fantastic lunch by the boat in a private outdoor entertaining area by the river, drinks package, exclusive access to the bar and toilets on the boat and has easy access to the grounds at Flemington.
The boat is a comfortable, fully enclosed vessel with excellent facilities and a unique design, including an open upper Sun deck.

Your Oaks Day cruise begins with a glass of Champagne on arrival at the boat, followed by hors d’ouvres served on the way to Flemington races, arriving at the race course at 11am.

Lunch is a gourmet buffet lunch including seafood platters, sushi, hot and cold meats, fresh salads followed by desserts. There is a private outdoor entertaining area at Flemington by the river.
The bar will be available all day and the drinks package includes all red, white and sparkling wines, light and heavy beer and soft drinks (spirits are also available at bar prices).

We depart Flemington 15 minutes after the last race. After the cruise, we will visit the Melbourne Yacht Club Hotel.

Price includes:
* Return transfers and use of the boat for the entire day.
* Use of private outdoor entertaining area at Flemington by the river.
* Souvenir Race book.
* TV monitor for race viewing on board.
* Gourmet Catering.
* Bar available all day
* Avoid the heavy traffic !

NOTE: For those wishing to enter the grounds at Flemington races, tickets must be purchased in advance. These tickets can be arranged on your behalf at $69 which includes a booking fee.

Be sure to book early as this is a popular Melbourne Oaks Day cruise and we are restricted by the number of guests allowed on the boat and this event has sold out 3 years in a row.

Note: At this stage, a non-refundable deposit of $50 will secure your place with full payment required 3 weeks before the event

Meet Ian at the dock at Waterfront city marina quay.

Getting to the marina
Catch the FREE City Circle tram direct to the Waterfront City stop, or Tram 70 (via Finders Street) or Tram 86 (via Bourke Street).

Alternatively, take the train to Southern Cross Station and walk over the Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge to Harbour Esplanade. Follow the promenade along to Waterfront City / Harbour Town Shopping Centre.

Thu, 4 November

9.00am - 6.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: $299

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Sun, 17 October