Dessert First is being held by Port Phillip Council from 12 June to 7 August 2021 to encourage diners to enjoy the City's renowned hospitality during winter. There's 60 sweet treats on the menu, including nine warming winter drinks and cocktails.
From cheese cakes and platters to decadent dishes with a delicious twist, the line-up showcases a variety of delights from many cuisines. A chocolate "bomb" explosion with malted cookie dough ice cream, chocolate wafer, hazelnut white chocolate and hot caramel sauce is just one of the dishes waiting to be tried.
To enter, diners order a dessert at one of the many participating restaurants, cafes and bars with outdoor dining in Port Phillip. They then post a mouth-watering snap of the dish on Instagram, say why their dessert is the best in the City and tag #dessertportphillip, along with the venue that created the dessert.
The winner will receive a luxe one night staycation at the Prince Hotel in St Kilda for two, including breakfast at the Prince Public Bar and dinner at the Prince Dining Room. They will also receive an exclusive Starward Distillery Single Malt Experience for two, taking home a Starward Whisky Bottled Cocktail Pack.
The promotion is part of Port Phillip Council's Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Program and Live Love Local Winter campaign.
Mayor Louise Crawford said outdoor dining had been a great success during summer.
"Now that we've moved into the colder months, and out of lockdown, Dessert First is a great way to remind food-lovers about the fun of dining in the great outdoors while supporting our City's traders," Cr Crawford said.
"Thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government we have been able to offer free gas heaters, umbrellas and lighting to many business parklet and footpath trading businesses to make outdoor dining in winter even more enjoyable."
Council is also installing temporary activations at some high streets to encourage visitors, day and night. These include a colourful pop-up play and seating space at the Dundas Place Reserve and gorgeous, glowing lighting at the Burnett Grey Gardens and along sections of Glen Eira Road.
