Category: SYDNEY

New restaurant, Sefa, opens in Byron Bay

Falafel with Hummus Horizontal sefa food

Byron Bay, brace yourself for a culinary treat as the much-loved Bondi gem, Sefa Kitchen, prepares to open its doors in your coastal paradise from August this year. With its reputation firmly rooted in the bustling streets of Sydney, this marks the third venture at Nourishing Habitat for restaurateurs Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse. After the runaway successes of Commune Canteen and Gitana Spanish Wine Bar, Sefa Kitchen is set to add a delicious new layer to Byron Bay’s vibrant food scene. Sefa Kitchen, a Bondi institution since 2013, is celebrated for its rustic yet refined take on Middle Eastern cuisine, drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse flavours of the Levantine and North African regions. This is a cuisine that has transcended borders for over 400 years, blending the ancient cooking traditions of culturally rich areas. With a focus on legumes, dairy, grains, spices, and seasonal produce, Sefa Kitchen brings this culinary heritage to life, offering a dining experience that is both exotic and familiar. At the heart of Sefa Kitchen Byron Bay is its wood-fire oven and open-flame grill, where dishes are infused with unique, smoky flavours that only this style of cooking can impart. The menu is designed around generous share platters, inviting diners to wrap the delicious offerings in bread and enjoy them with their hands. While plates and cutlery are available, owners Utku and Nico encourage guests to embrace the mess and dive in with their hands, adding a fun, interactive element to the dining experience. Diners can look forward… Read More

Tzatziki in a cocktail? Give it a go at Douglas Bar

Douglas Club

In the ever-evolving world of cocktails, the classic martini is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, reclaiming its place in the limelight on bar menus across the globe. Yet, this isn’t just your grandfather’s martini making a comeback; it’s the martini with a twist—literally. Bars are pushing the envelope, infusing this timeless favourite with bold, unexpected flavours that challenge and delight the palate. At the forefront of this trend is The Douglas Club, a moody, sophisticated hideaway nestled in the heart of the CBD. Known for its daring approach to cocktail crafting, The Douglas Club has given birth to the Tzatzikitini—a Mediterranean-inspired marvel that redefines what it means to sip a savoury cocktail. This daring concoction begins with a base of cucumber-infused gin, providing a crisp and refreshing backbone. Greek yogurt clarification adds an unexpected creaminess, while zesty lemon injects a vibrant brightness. The pièce de résistance? Dill-infused vermouth, which delivers a herbal kick, evoking the essence of a Mediterranean garden. The result is a uniquely unforgettable sip that promises to intrigue even the most adventurous drinkers. As the martini undergoes this bold transformation, the trend of savory cocktails influenced by food is gaining traction. No longer satisfied with sweet and fruity, cocktail enthusiasts are seeking out drinks that challenge their taste buds with savory, umami-rich profiles. These innovative creations often draw inspiration from culinary techniques and ingredients, blurring the lines between food and drink. The Tzatzikitini is just one example of how bartenders are embracing this movement, crafting beverages that are as much about the experience… Read More

Hickson House has released a new Oyster Shell Gin

Hickson House Oyster Gin 10

In a spirited nod to the Australian coastline, Hickson House has unveiled its latest creation, the Oyster Shell Gin, a tantalising tribute to the pristine waters and native botanicals of the land down under. Born at the foot of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, this uniquely Australian distillery has infused its small-batch gin with crushed Sydney Rock Oysters, crafting a spirit that embodies the essence of the sea with a smooth, creamy texture and vibrant citrus notes. The foundation of this savory delight lies in Hickson House’s award-winning Classic Dry Gin, ingeniously blended with seaside botanicals and complemented by the subtle brininess of old man saltbush, seaweed, and tarragon. The gin also features bright citrus notes from native finger lime and ruby grapefruit, creating a refreshing and complex flavor profile that captures the senses from the first sip. Head Distiller Tim Stones explains, “Gin is a very sociable spirit, whether you’re celebrating with friends and family or enjoying a quiet night at home. It really needs to be versatile, but gin enthusiasts are looking for a liquid that transports them beyond the bottle.” Stones continues, “With the Oyster Shell gin, we aimed to create a sea-to-glass texture and taste. Each botanical is carefully selected from seaside locations across Australia to tell a sensory story of our unique coastline.” Aromas of bright citrus and ocean spray greet the nose, while the palate experiences a harmonious dance of juniper, citrus, saline, and subtle minerality. The finish is long, dry, and slightly salty, with herbal and mineral notes… Read More

Nour Sydney embarks on a new chapter with new chef

Nour Rush Aug24 Credit Jiwon Kim 1

Nour Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in the vibrant heart of Surry Hills, is set to embark on a tantalizing new chapter with the appointment of Ibrahim Kasif as its new Head Chef. Known for its contemporary spin on Middle Eastern classics, Nour has long been the darling of foodies who crave a sophisticated yet warm dining experience—think Lebanese flavors with a trendy pastel backdrop. This exciting evolution follows the impressive tenure of Executive Chef Paul Farag, who has left an indelible mark on Nour’s reputation. As Farag sets his sights on new ventures within ESCA, he hands over the culinary reins to Kasif, a maestro of Middle Eastern cuisine with more than a decade’s worth of spice-infused experience. Kasif’s culinary journey is nothing short of legendary, having previously owned and headlined the hatted Stanbuli. His creative genius is poised to shine at Nour, introducing a menu that’s as bold as a kangaroo in a boxing ring. Expect dishes like woodfired stuffed mussels with pine nut rice and chicken fat butter, and raw kingfish tabbouleh with a horseradish cacik kick. And let’s not forget the vegetarians—your taste buds will dance with joy at the sight of woodfired mushrooms with burnt leeks and muhammara. It’s safe to say, Kasif’s menu is set to turn heads and tantalize taste buds. Ibby Moubadder, Co-founder of the ESCA Group, couldn’t be more thrilled: “Kasif is the perfect person to lead Nour into its next chapter. Paul has set an extremely high standard, and we know that Kasif’s passion and expertise… Read More

Mary’s opens on Sydney’s North Shore

Marys chicken burger

Sydney’s North Shore has just become a little tastier with the opening of Mary’s VX at Victoria Cross, marking the renowned burger joint’s first foray into this part of the city. Nestled above the new Sydney Metro Victoria Cross Station, this new space invites both North Sydney workers and locals to dive into their classic and vegan menus, topped off with a sweet collaboration with Grumpy Donut. To wash it all down, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchant is offering a splendid selection of natural wines and craft beers. Victoria Cross itself is transforming the heart of North Sydney CBD, welcoming its first wave of retailers in sync with the Sydney Metro City launch. Mary’s VX stands out with its fresh take on the dining experience, featuring an open kitchen concept that brings the vibrant atmosphere of the kitchen right to the diners. Inspired by the bustling ramen joints of Tokyo, the lively tapas bars of Barcelona, and the friendly diners of the American Midwest, the kitchen counter becomes the focal point of Mary’s VX, fostering a sense of community and connection among guests. The unique design of the space, with 10 exclusive kitchen counter seats for walk-ins, allows guests to catch all the burger-flipping action up close. Inside, booths and tables offer direct views of the kitchen, while outside, 20 seats are available under heated umbrellas, making it a cozy spot come rain or shine. Co-founders Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham are particularly thrilled about the new venture. “We want our guests to see and… Read More

Listen to Beethoven live in Sydney

Beethoven

In a celebration of musical revolution and historical milestones, the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall will play host to a landmark event on 26 October 2024—an extraordinary concert commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This monumental piece, renowned for its powerful ‘Ode to Joy’ choral finale, redefined the symphonic form by integrating human voices, and has since become a resounding anthem for equality, freedom, and unity across the globe. Presented for one inspirational concert only, “Ode to Joy – Beethoven & Smyth” promises an evening steeped in musical brilliance and historical significance. Under the baton of the inimitable Elizabeth Scott, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ 400-strong Festival Chorus, alongside special guest soloists Bronwyn Douglass, Helen Sherman, Bradley Daley, and Michael Honeyman, will bring this masterpiece to life. Adding another layer of youthful exuberance to the performance, the Sydney Youth Orchestra will join forces in this magnificent collaboration. Not content with merely celebrating Beethoven’s legacy, the program also shines a spotlight on another trailblazing composer, Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for her fervent activism and defiance of societal norms, Smyth’s contributions to music and the suffragette movement remain inspiring. Her grand Mass in D, hailed as a masterpiece upon its premiere in 1893, will be performed, echoing the sentiments of George Bernard Shaw, who praised her work for dispelling the notion that women could not accomplish great feats in art. Smyth, a formidable figure in the male-dominated world of classical music, used her platform to champion equality. Her anthem, “The March of the Women,” composed during… Read More

Bridgerton candlelight concert comes to Sydney

Brigerton candle phone

Sydney is about to be swept off its feet as Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever join forces to present the exclusive Bridgerton Candlelight Concert. This enchanting event is set to transform St Stephen’s Uniting Church into a Regency-era wonderland on October 24th, 2024, with performances at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Imagine stepping into a world lit by thousands of flickering candles, where the air is filled with the familiar tunes of Bridgerton hits performed by a local string quartet. This multi-sensory musical experience promises to be a night to remember, featuring an eclectic setlist that includes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next,” and “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull, Afrojack, Ne-Yo, and Nayer, among others. With Bridgerton’s three seasons captivating audiences globally, this Candlelight Concert is a chance for Sydney-siders to immerse themselves in the magic of the series in a truly unique setting. To secure your spot at this highly anticipated event, sign up for the waitlist on Fever’s app or website. Doing so grants you exclusive pre-sale access to tickets, up to 24 hours before they become available to the public. Fever’s Candlelight Concert series is renowned for democratizing access to classical music, offering a fresh twist that appeals to a broad audience. Each concert is a celebration of music, performed in iconic venues worldwide, and this Bridgerton special will be no different, with limited tickets available for this fashionable event of the season. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dazzling evening. Tickets for the Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on… Read More