Connex is the private operator of Melbourne's rail network and their sponsorship of the 2004 Hawker's Market three evening event at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival was a popular one. There were more than a few BMW's and Mercedes in the car park, and the visitors clearly matched that cross section of Melbourne life.

We paid $33 for four meals vouchers and could choose from fast food offerings from, Anton's Flying Woks, Aya Japanese Restaurant, Balas Café, Choi's, Chilli Padi, Dumpling King, Khan Mongolian BBQ, Little Malaysia, Tandoori Den Camberwell, Tea House on Burke and Vinh Ky. There was Boag beer, wines from six Victorian vineyards, including Brown Brothers, Shadowfax, Scotchmans Hill, and Hanging Rock wineries. Wine tastings, wine by the glass and bottle shop prices for bottles made for a happy crowd. There were cooking demonstrations on the Miele stage, lots of table spaces, entertainment (great Indian dancers - very Bollywood, a Chinese dragon, and drummers) and there were safe places for the kids to run around.

It was a lovely warm Melbourne evening, a great location with late afternoon light streaming through the smoke from barbecues. We learned how to make roti, okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes) and the Shadofax 2004 Sauvignon Blanc went well with the food.

The early session ran from 6.00 to 8.00pm, and there was another at 8.30 until 10.30pm. The early session was the popular choice on the Monday night we were there. The event this year ran 21, 22 and 23 March. If you're in Melbourne next year, it's recommended. Take a group of friends or your family.