Category: SYDNEY

Spice Temple Sydney is open again

Spice Temple Sydney

Sydney’s culinary gem, Spice Temple, has reopened its doors, unveiling a stylish new chapter in its illustrious 15-year journey. This beloved establishment, tucked away in a moody underground setting, has been pivotal in redefining modern Chinese cuisine in Australia. With its latest transformation, Spice Temple promises an experience that tantalises the senses while honouring its rich heritage. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Andy Evans, who has been at the helm since the restaurant’s inception, Spice Temple has introduced a series of exciting changes. The revamped menu offers a nostalgic nod to Chinese cuisine of the 1980s, featuring dishes like pork and prawn omelette, Yunnan pineapple fried rice with bacon, and Hong Kong chicken curry. These additions complement the restaurant’s original menu, inviting diners on a culinary journey through time and taste. This evolution isn’t just limited to the plate. Evans has crafted a sensory-led dining experience that goes beyond the conventional. The aroma of Chinese spices fills the air, setting the stage for a theatrical dining experience. Live cooking stations have been introduced, allowing guests to witness the artistry behind each dish, particularly the new array of hot pots crafted in full view of diners. The restaurant’s interiors have also undergone a sophisticated makeover, blending modern elegance with touches of tradition. Elements of burnt wood, distressed metal, brass accents, black exposed brick, and neon red highlights come together to create an energetic and chic atmosphere. The new design offers a refreshed aesthetic that enhances the overall dining experience, making every visit a feast… Read More

Why you should revisit Aria on Sydney Harbour next date night

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After a quarter-century of dazzling Sydney’s fine dining scene, Aria is shaking things up with a fresh approach to dining that’s as bold as a kangaroo on caffeine. This iconic restaurant, helmed by culinary maestro Matt Moran and the Solotel group, is renowned for its contemporary Australian flair, and it’s now embracing a new chapter with a dynamic menu that promises to keep diners on their toes. Gone are the days of the prescriptive seasonal menu. Instead, Aria is rolling out a flexible array of dining options that cater to both the casual lunch crowd and the full-blown gastronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re popping in for a two-course lunch or gearing up for an eight-course culinary marathon, Aria’s new offerings are designed to accommodate any appetite. The choices are varied: a two-course menu at $120 per person for a quick yet sumptuous bite, a three-course at $180 for a more rounded experience, or dive into the five-course ($240) and eight-course ($290) tasting menus for a complete sensory journey. Restaurateur Matt Moran shared his excitement about this evolution, saying, “Aria was created with the vision of bringing an exceptional dining experience to Sydney; 25 years on and we are still creating unforgettable experiences for those who dine with us. The eight-course menu will include a few surprises that do not feature on the main menu, providing a true taste of our team’s talent.” A significant shift also sees Aria’s kitchen aligning with Australia’s top producers, ensuring the freshest hyper-seasonal produce graces their plates. This means more frequent… Read More

New cafe in Atarmon, Sydney you need to try: Buckle Cafe Distillery

Sunny outside cafe

Nestled between the vibrant Inner West and the sophisticated North Shore, Artarmon is a suburb that beautifully blends casual café culture with an upper-market wine bar obsession. Adding a fresh twist to this mix is Buckle + Depot, Artarmon’s new bistro-meets-distillery and brewery, which offers locals a unique space to both pause and play. Following a successful soft opening earlier in October, the first half of this dual-venue, Buckle Cafe Distillery, is all set for its grand opening on Tuesday, 22nd October. Housed in a stunning glass atrium next to the heritage-listed building at 1 Frederick Street, this 150-seater venue aims to provide an inclusive experience for the Lower North Shore community. “We wanted to create a venue that seamlessly connects café and cocktail culture, where anyone can come to pause or play,” explains General Manager James Peters, alongside Executive Chef Johnny Sercombe. “This is something we’ve injected into every aspect of the venue from the interiors to the menu. We really wanted a transformative space – something that offered one thing by day, another by night, and a bit of both in between, depending on the experience customers want.” Johnny Sercombe, renowned for his work with top hospitality groups like Merivale, Solotel, and Applejack, brings a flavour-packed and versatile menu to Buckle. Patrons can enjoy a seamless transition from café lunches to evening dinners, with options like a Bacon & Egg Roll, Avocado On Toast, and Acai Bowl for brunch. As the clock strikes 12, the menu shifts to heartier offerings like a Falafel… Read More

Yentl at the Sydney Opera House: Queer, Quirky, and Utterly Captivating

Yentl Gallery 16x9 2

Who knew Yiddish could be this much fun? The latest Yentl production at the Sydney Opera House, directed by Gary Abrahams and produced by Moira Finucane, breathes new life into the 1962 Isaac Bashevis Singer tale, and it’s an absolute riot. It’s not every day you get full frontal nudity and emotional turmoil sprinkled with comedy—but hey, here we are. In this story reimagined with modern flair, Amy Hack dazzles as Yentl, the woman who defies Orthodox Jewish tradition by disguising herself as a man to study religious scripture. Her performance is heart-wrenching, but also hilarious, thanks in large part to Evelyn Krape, who narrates and plays multiple roles, including Yentl’s father. Krape’s witty quips and goofy antics lighten the mood just when things get heavy, ensuring you don’t get lost in the drama. Whether she’s poking fun at the solemnity of faith or teasing Yentl’s romantic entanglements, she keeps the audience giggling. Hack’s emotional portrayal is backed up by the impeccable cast—Nicholas Jaquinot as Avigdor and Genevive Kingsford as Hodes are particularly strong, creating the perfect love triangle. And let’s not forget, these actors learned Yiddish for their roles, adding authenticity and nuance to the performance. Whether in moments of passion or quiet reflection, the cast pulls you into their world, making it feel as though you’re right there in the shtetl with them. While the storyline remains true to the original Yentl—love, faith, and the search for identity—the modern twist of queerness adds depth to the narrative. The exploration of gender, tradition, and… Read More

Sydney’s new Japanese foodie precinct Prefecture 48 should be top of your list

prefecture 48 japanese

If you thought you’d tasted all Sydney has to offer, think again. Prefecture 48 has landed in the CBD with a bang, and it’s here to shake up the dining scene with six separate and unique Japanese-inspired venues spanning three floors under one (very, very stylish) roof. The entire ethos behind this venture from Azabu group is simple: good hospitality. Every venue, and there is quite the range from casual to fine dining, is centered around providing the finest aspects of Japanese tradition and transforming it into an experience that fosters connections and memorable experiences. Every dish is created to showcase each chefs mastery and the diverse tastes and food styles of Japan. Prepare for a culinary adventure that spans Japan’s 47 prefectures, and enter the (unofficial) 48th right here on Sussex Street Sydney. Whether it’s the elegant kaiseki at Garaku or the Tokyo-style robata grilling at Ibushi, every dish across Prefecture 48 is a nod to Japan’s rich and diverse food culture. Omakase enthusiasts, you’ll want to lock in a seat at their eight-seat sushi bar, where guest chefs bring their A-game with a rotating menu selected by them. With its fusion of Japanese and European dishes, FIVE is bound to become your new lunch break obsession. From elevated snacks to serious mains, it blends flavours with a finesse that feels very cosmopolitan. And when the inevitable post-meal sweet craving hits, the in-house patisserie Dear Florence is ready to indulge you on the ground floor. If you’re not looking to dine but drink, don’t… Read More

Sydney Beer Week – where to go in Sydney

Beer cheers

As the calendar flips to mid-October, beer enthusiasts in Sydney have every reason to raise their glasses in cheer. Applejack is pulling out all the stops for beer lovers with a week-long celebration, offering special deals across three of their buzzing venues: Taphouse, Forrester’s, and SoCal. Running from 18th to 25th October, this is the ideal time to rally your friends, indulge in delicious grub, and perhaps make a few pour decisions along the way. Kicking off the festivities, Taphouse in Darlinghurst is hosting a Grifter Brewing Tap Takeover on Friday, 18th October. Starting at 6pm, beer aficionados can snag one of the 50 free schooners up for grabs — but be quick, as it’s first come, first served. Even if you miss out on the freebies, you won’t be disappointed. All night long, Grifter Pale Ale schooners are served at a special price of just $7.50. Throughout the week, Grifter’s taps will be flowing with a selection of four beloved brews, including the refreshing Grifter Pale Ale, the quirky ‘Serpents Kiss’ Watermelon Pilsner, the intriguing Kool Thing IPA, and the tangy Pink Galah Lemonade Sour. But that’s not all Applejack has up its sleeve. They’ve teamed up with the local legends at Young Henrys to craft their first collaboration brew, ‘Hazy Love’. This tropical-inspired beer, with notes of toasted coconut and citrus, is a hazy New England IPA that promises the flavours of a Sydney summer. Donovan Binks, Applejack’s Group Beverage Manager, describes it as having a “smooth and creamy texture,” perfect for enjoying… Read More

Where to go for rose wine in Sydney this summer

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This spring, Sydney’s harbourside suburb of Rose Bay offers a lush escape into Mediterranean delights with the Rosé Bay long lunch experience at Martina. This unique dining affair, available every Sunday from 20th October through 1st December, promises a culinary journey through Italy and France with a spectacular four-course lunch, each dish thoughtfully paired with some of France’s finest rosé wines. Flávio Carnevale, the mastermind behind Martina, has crafted a menu that seamlessly marries the rich flavours of Italian cuisine with the elegance of French rosés. The collaboration features exquisite selections such as Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé, Sieur D’Arques Sparkling Rosé, Lyv Rosé, and Domaine De La Croix Le Cap, all of which enhance the dining experience with their vibrant, refreshing notes. As you settle in for this gourmet journey, the starter presents a choice of Carpaccio, Prosciutto, or Caprese salad, perfectly complemented by the crisp Domaine de la Croix Le Cap. This lively rosé balances the savory notes of the dishes, setting the stage for a tantalising meal. Next, the pasta course invites you to savour either Linguine Crab, Carbonara, or Puttanesca Vegana, each paired with the light and refreshing Lyv Rosé. This wine’s subtle charm makes it an ideal accompaniment, enhancing the flavours of the pasta with its effervescent profile. For the main course, diners can choose between Pesce and Bistecchina, accompanied by the illustrious Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé. Known for its bright acidity and rich flavors, this rosé creates a harmonious and elevated pairing with the main dishes, ensuring a… Read More

First Potts Point Bloom Festival is on!

Florist flowers

Spring has finally sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with a blooming spectacle right in the heart of Sydney? Potts Point Village is rolling out the green carpet this October with the Potts Point in Bloom Festival, a ten-day floral fiesta running from October 10th to 20th. If you’ve ever fancied yourself a connoisseur of all things vibrant and vivacious, then this is your chance to dive into a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity, all while exploring the newly launched Potts Point Village micro-precinct. Picture this: 30 local retailers joining forces to transform the streets of Potts Point into a living canvas of floral art. Each retailer will put their unique spin on the festival’s theme, promising a sensory overload that will have you wandering the streets like a wide-eyed child in a candy store. From fashion and interiors to dining delights, the festival invites you to sip, shop, and stroll through one of Sydney’s most iconic neighbourhoods. As Lorraine Lock, Precinct Manager and local legend who’s been part of the Potts Point community for over thirty years, puts it, “Potts Point Village has long been a cultural and creative hub. Our goal is to celebrate Potts Point’s rich heritage while inviting everyone to discover the exceptional design and culinary experiences our precinct offers.” Kicking off with an evening of cocktails and late-night shopping on October 10th, the festival promises exclusive promotions and drinks at local favourites like Potts Point Bookshop, Baz Inc, and Ms Cattea Tea Bar. And if you’re prone to… Read More

Ovata House is a new luxe experience to have in Sydney

1. Ovata House Ovata by Oakridge Event

This October, Sydney is set to host a dazzling event that promises to captivate wine enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. For one weekend only, on October 26 and 27, the premier Yarra Valley sparkling wine, Ovata by Oakridge, will transform the iconic Gatsby House in Darling Point into the exclusive Ovata House. This remarkable event offers guests an afternoon of indulgence, combining the pleasure of exquisite sparkling wine with the allure of a breathtaking setting and lively entertainment. Nestled in one of Sydney’s most prestigious neighborhoods, Gatsby House exudes 1920s Hollywood glam. Its manicured lawns, expansive 18-metre pool, and Mediterranean-inspired architecture provide an idyllic backdrop for this ultimate pool-club experience. The grandeur of the manor complements the vibrant festivities awaiting attendees, ensuring a luxurious escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Guests will delight in the exceptional Ovata by Oakridge, crafted by seasoned winemaker Teresa Heuzenroeder. With over 20 years of expertise in some of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, Heuzenroeder has meticulously selected chardonnay and pinot noir grapes from the Yarra Valley to produce this sparkling masterpiece. Ovata by Oakridge is bottle fermented and aged for an average of 18 months on lees, resulting in a wine that offers a harmonious blend of freshness and complexity. Its enchanting notes of fresh florals, citrus, brioche, and toast create a symphony of flavors that invite celebration and joy. The event, designed to capture the spirit of elegance and celebration, includes a selection of sparkling-based cocktails, complemented by delectable bites from Aplenty. As guests savor these culinary… Read More