Aveen Mitra stands at the front of one of his ‘Eastspirational’ events in Melbourne. He’s always been an engaging and entertaining host and over the years his dinner parties have become events that many people want to go to. In events passed he’s put together an eclectic mix of individuals from all walks of life, then devised ways to mix and engage the group in interesting and sometimes challenging ways.

At one Eatspirational event, he told everyone that we were forbidden from asking what people did for a living, thus forcing people to talk about something else in their lives other than work. A good challenge that was actually much harder than it sounds.

The dinner events would follow an informal format of delicious home-cooked food, maybe a game of some description, and then guests would watch and discuss a talk; usually a TED talk handpicked for its theme. In describing it in this way it’s hard to convey just how enjoyable these evenings always are. Most people who have been to one agree they are superb.

Some time ago Aveen, who is a flamboyant and enjoyable character, wanted to give his special dinner events a name and I came up with ‘Eatspirational.’ It encompasses what the events are about, food and inspiration! He adopted the name and for some time the evenings have been known as Eatspirationals.

This month Aveen took his love of being a host and inspiring people to a new level with his first ticketed Eatspirational event. Held in a venue in South Melbourne, the evening was a success, and for Aveen, it was a learning experience too. Taking feedback from veteran Eatspirational attendees he’s looking for ways to adapt and evolve the idea for future events.