Chowing down with Charlie

The Melbourne Museum will host a dinner with a difference this evening – a menu that has evolved over billions of years.

Developed by the museum’s head of science Dr John Long, this evening’s chow-down spectacular in honour of Charles Darwin’s birthday will start from the beginning, with a crusty arancini to symbolise the earth’s crust.

Things get exciting when life begins, with a course of sushi wrapped with nori to represent the appearance of algae.

“The oceans thickened to form a primordial soup – represented by shots of seafood bisque – and filled with invertebrate life – represented by scallops, prawns and oysters,” Long said.

Fish then make an appearance, before evolving into fish and mammals. The asteroid that allegedly wiped out the dinosaurs will be honoured by a Spanish-style doughnut or churro filled with a lava centre.

Primates will do the eating, but will not be eaten, Long said.

The dinner is part of this week’s public celebration of Darwin’s birthday. For more information, see the website.