Last year's Menu for Hope, the charitable drive by the ever popular Chez Pim, which raised an astonishing $60,925.12, was well supported by local food businesses, including degustation menus with matched wines from some very well regarded restaurants, including Melbourne's Interlude and Sydney's Becasse, which of course was the Sydney Morning Herald's 2007 award for Restaurant of the Year.

Interlude's Robin Wickens and Bescasse's Justin North between them have won truckloads of awards, meaning they are highly respected and absolutely no slouches behind the stoves at their respective establishments; a dinner at either would almost certainly be a highlight of anyone's dining calender, but to eat at both would entail a trip to Melbourne and Sydney, a trip that would be well worth the effort, but wouldn't that be racking up the food miles? Okay, you would have bragging rights.

Nor would you be bored by the food, for the two chefs have totally different styles with Justin's food based on his interpretation of traditional French food in the modern European manner and Robin's food is more world fusion with interesting twists and surprises. You can see a review of Interlude by Anna of Morsels & Musings who actually won the prize in Menu for Hope and Helen's, of Grab Your Fork, review of Becasse.

Wouldn't it be great if these two chefs came together as a dynamic duo over a couple of nights, cooking up their magic on a plate, pushing each other to the culinary heights? Well, if you are in Melbourne this Friday and Saturday, the two chefs will be going hell for leather at Interlude in a fantastic degustation menu.

Want a peek? Robin's dishes in blue, Justin's in green.

Chives, Sour Cream, Smoked Salmon

Grits, Buffalo Wings, Mexican Truffle

Porcini Custard with a Brochette of Confit Pork Belly, Snail and Cured Pork Jowl

Salad of Endive, Quince, Truffle, Shaved Brazil Nuts and Balsamic Jelly

Lamb Neck, Black Figs, Coffee, Yoghurt

Tomato Explosion

Cod with Calves Cheeks and Cèpe Puree, Iberico Ham and Sherry Jus

Rock Flathead, Smoked Milk, Chowder 'Juices'

New Zealand Venison with Cocoa, Pear and Muscatel Tart, Confit Swede and Cocoa Jus

Carbonated Cucumber, Yuzu, Peppermint

Piña Colada

Caramel and Apple Trifle with Apple Jelly and Cider Granita

Pink Grapefruit, Sago, Rosewater, Almonds

Where: Interlude Restaurant, 211 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, (03) 9415 7300
When: Friday & Saturday, 24-25th August
Cost: $125 per person, food only
$200 per person, with matched wines