Category: FOOD & DRINK

Discover the Refreshing Benefits of Mint Tea

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As the festive ‘silly season’ approaches, it’s time to introduce you to a party essential that promises to be both refreshing and calming—96° Mint Tea. Known for its delightful spearmint flavour and elegant pyramid tea bags, this tea is set to be a hit at any gathering. But beyond its delicious taste, mint tea offers a range of health benefits that make it a must-have in your pantry. Energy Boost and Concentration Enhancer If the hustle and bustle of the festive season leave you feeling drained, mint tea can be your secret weapon. The menthol present in spearmint tea has invigorating properties that can help improve energy levels and enhance concentration. Imagine sipping on a comforting cup of mint tea while its subtle aroma revitalises your senses and helps you stay alert through long holiday days and nights. Digestive Aid One of the standout benefits of mint tea is its ability to aid digestion. Whether you’ve indulged a tad too much during a holiday feast or are just looking for something to soothe your stomach, mint tea can help. Its natural compounds relax the muscles of the digestive tract, reducing symptoms of bloating and discomfort, making it an ideal post-meal companion. Sinus and Allergy Relief The ‘silly season’ can often bring with it the not-so-silly issue of sinus congestion and seasonal allergies. Mint tea, with its menthol content, provides a welcome relief. The cooling sensation it imparts can help clear clogged sinuses and alleviate discomfort from seasonal allergies, allowing you to breathe easier and enjoy… Read More

Culinary Magic Awaits at Arkhé & Friends Series Finale

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Adelaide’s renowned arkhé restaurant is wrapping up its year-long collaboration series, arkhé & friends, with three spectacular events featuring acclaimed chefs from around the globe. Since March 2024, this initiative has brought a rotating roster of culinary talent to partner with arkhé’s executive chef and co-owner, Jake Kellie, for exclusive takeover nights. The grand finale promises to be an exceptional culinary adventure. Vaughan Mabee – January 16, 2025 First up is Vaughan Mabee, the celebrated executive chef from New Zealand’s Amisfield, who will be gracing arkhé’s kitchen on January 16. Mabee is renowned for his innovative approach and commitment to showcasing the best of New Zealand produce through his 22-course gastronomic experience at Amisfield. His accolades include Amisfield being awarded Restaurant of the Year multiple times by the Cuisine Good Food Awards. Mabee’s reputation as a ‘mad genius’ precedes him, and his event promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary spectacle. Tickets are $450 per person and include eight courses, a Laphroaig cocktail on arrival, and wine pairing. Bo & Dylan – February 6, 2025 Next, the duo from Bangkok, Bo & Dylan, will bring their Thai culinary magic to arkhé on February 6. Known for their restaurant Bo.Lan, which champions local farming and traditional culinary methods, Bo and Dylan James have crafted a menu that fuses classic Thai flavors with their signature flair. Their Adelaide event will feature a fire-kissed menu exclusive to arkhé, with five courses, a Laphroaig cocktail on arrival, and wine pairing. Tickets are priced at $300 per person. Sean Gray –… Read More

There’s a new restaurant to try in Sydney: Wine Bar at the International

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The Point* Group, known for their standout Sydney venues like Shell House, has unveiled a new gem in the city’s CBD, The International. Nestled above Martin Place, this multi-dimensional destination is a trifecta of experiences with The Wine Bar, The Grill, and The Panorama Bar. Today, we’re taking a closer look at The Wine Bar, a place that redefines the wine bar concept with a global flair and a welcoming vibe. Upon entering The Wine Bar, guests are greeted by a vibrant, piazza-style courtyard restaurant, seating 60. Dominated by Charles Perry’s eye-catching yellow steel ‘S’ sculpture, this area offers its own bar, making it the perfect spot for all-day dining or a relaxing drink after work. The courtyard’s lively atmosphere invites patrons to unwind while soaking up the city’s energy. Move inside, and you’ll find the heart of The Wine Bar – an intimate, 40-seat space dedicated to the appreciation of wine. Here, banks of wine fridges glisten with an impressive selection, and a terrace overlooks the dynamic streets of Martin Place. An extensive by-the-glass wine list and an open kitchen add layers of intrigue to this central hub, encouraging exploration and discovery. For those seeking something a bit more refined, The Seidler Room provides the ideal setting. This 60-seat circular dining room, with its plush carpets, cozy banquettes, and mid-century timber touches, is a haven for special occasions. It’s poised to host long lunches, events, and the much-anticipated wine parties, offering a touch of elegance to any gathering. Behind the culinary magic is executive… Read More

Gyuniku is Sydney’s new All-You-Can-Eat Japanese hotspot

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Say hello to Gyuniku, the ultimate Japanese buffet in Haymarket that’s redefining the all-you-can-eat scene. Think premium wagyu, fresh sushi, sizzling DIY BBQ, and a dessert bar that will make your inner child squeal with delight. Step inside Gyuniku, where tradition meets trendy. With 30 BBQ stations and seating for 110 hungry diners, the space is a seamless blend of traditional yakiniku charm and modern Japanese convenience. Whether you’re rolling in with a big group or keeping it cosy, there’s room for everyone to grill, chill, and indulge. The highlight? Unlimited Wagyu MB9+, marbled to perfection and ready to sizzle at your table. Prefer a mix? The menu also features melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu MB7–9 cuts, short ribs, marinated chicken, and fresh seafood. But it’s not just about the BBQ. Sushi lovers, rejoice! The self-service sushi bar is constantly replenished with expertly rolled sushi, sashimi, and nigiri. Add to that a variety of hot and fried favourites, wakame salad, and sauces galore to customise every bite. And let’s not forget dessert. Gyuniku’s DIY frozen yoghurt station is a must-visit. Load up your fro-yo with sprinkles, tapioca pearls, or M&M’s and end your feast on a sweet (and highly Instagrammable) note. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. Grill your own meat, sip a cold Asahi, and laugh over endless plates of sushi with your mates. The self-paced, interactive setup makes it ideal for catching up with friends or breaking the ice on a first date. Gyuniku offers a 90-minute all-you-can-eat experience starting at just $45.90 for the… Read More

Sydney’s new Panorama Bar at The International

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In November 2024, The Point* Group, the masterminds behind some of Sydney’s most beloved venues, unveiled The International, a landmark multi-dimensional destination in the bustling heart of Sydney’s CBD at Martin Place. Perched high above the city’s vibrant social and civic core, The International offers guests a trio of distinct venues: The Wine Bar, The Grill, and The Panorama Bar, each promising a unique and captivating experience. At the pinnacle of The International, The Panorama Bar offers a breathtaking vista of Sydney’s iconic skyline. Nestled atop Martin Place, this rooftop gem provides an unparalleled perspective, where the modernity of the city meets the charm of heritage architecture, with the towering MLC Building standing sentinel. The Panorama Bar is the epitome of Sydney’s high-end ‘sip and snack’ culture, making it the perfect destination for sunlit lunches, golden hour gatherings, and spirited nighttime escapades. Culinary director Joel Bickford and executive chef Danny Corbett have curated a menu that celebrates the best of small plates and light snacks. The culinary offerings are a delightful play on taste and presentation, featuring a cold bar and a hot bank of Hibachi grills that serve up a variety of snacks. Whether it’s delicacies on a stick, nestled in a bun, presented on toast, or served chilled on ice, the menu is a culinary adventure. Guests can indulge in an ever-changing array of yakitori-style meat, fish, and vegetables, freshly shucked oysters, raw fish preparations like tuna and kingfish, crispy fried prawn toast, and the coal-kissed squid. Not to be missed are the… Read More

Three Blue Ducks, North Rivers at Brunswick Heads and a whole lotta good food

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Three Blue Ducks and Hotel Brunswick are thrilled to announce their exciting new collaboration, unveiling ‘The Ducks at Hotel Brunswick’ this December. This partnership brings together the laid-back charm of an Australian pub with the innovative culinary style of Three Blue Ducks, promising to deliver a unique dining experience on the banks of the Brunswick River. Known for their commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced ingredients, Three Blue Ducks chefs Darren Robertson and Andy Allen have teamed up with Hotel Brunswick’s Head Chef, Loki Lynch, and Group General Manager of Food, Ben Turner. Together, they’ve crafted a menu that showcases local produce from the Northern Rivers region, adding their distinctive twist to beloved pub classics. Diners can expect the likes of schnitzels, chicken ‘parmies’, fish and chips, burgers, and pizzas, alongside vibrant citrus-infused plates and spicy dishes such as ceviche and tacos. Seafood takes centre stage as a nod to Brunswick’s fishing and surf-side community, with offerings designed to pair perfectly with a refreshing beer in the pub’s expansive beer garden. “We’re really excited about this one,” Robertson shared. “We’ve put together dishes that we love to eat, in a quintessential Aussie pub (that we’ve been going to for years) across from the Brunswick River and the ocean. Think Australian bay lobster rolls; pickled octopus; prawn toast with nam jim; and even fried apple pie for something sweet. There’s also a brand new pizza oven going in, so we’re going to be serving epic pizzas, flatbreads and of course, there’ll be a couple of cheeky… Read More

Byblós Brisbane Unveiled: New Look, New Menu, Same Legacy

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Step into the enchanting world of Byblós, a culinary masterpiece that’s just been given a fabulous makeover. Nestled in the heart of Brisbane, this iconic venue is the cherished firstborn of the Ghanem Group, a family-owned restaurant dynasty that spans a delightful ten restaurants and bars, two of which are tucked away in Melbourne. The recent renovation of Byblós is nothing short of a revelation, inspired by a 2023 research trip to the Ghanem family’s ancestral homeland of Lebanon. Adonis and Nehme Ghanem, along with their cousin and Group CEO Vianna Joseph, and Executive Chef Jake Nicolson, embarked on a culinary pilgrimage to draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of Lebanese flavours and culture. Bringing a slice of Byblós, Lebanon to Brisbane, the team meticulously selected artworks, furnishings, and hand-crafted tiles from the ancient city. These intricate tiles now grace the table tops, telling a story of a modern city that beats with the heart of its ancient past. It’s a setting where you can almost hear the whispers of history as you savour each bite. But what’s a stunning restaurant without an equally impressive menu? Byblós doesn’t disappoint. Known for its generous, shared feasts, the menu pays homage to traditional Lebanese recipes, enhanced with a touch of contemporary finesse. Think vibrant mezat plates, perfect for sharing with mates. These small dishes are divided into cold and hot varieties, maintaining all-time favourites like Rakakat – those addictive filo pastries filled with mozzarella and feta that have a following more dedicated than a football fan club…. Read More

Asian street food, but better at Hochi Mama Melbourne

Hochi Mama

Melbourne’s buzzing food scene is set to sizzle this November as Hochi Mama, the beloved Asian-fusion gem, teams up with celebrated cook and MasterChef Australia alum Brendan Pang for an exclusive culinary collaboration. Running from 11 to 24 November, this partnership promises to infuse Hochi Mama’s iconic CBD and Richmond locations with the vibrant flair of Asian street food, all with a tantalising twist. Brendan Pang, renowned for his distinctive blend of Mauritian and Chinese heritage, brings a refreshing perspective to the table with his street food creations. Having captured the hearts of foodies nationwide, Brendan’s approach is both authentic and approachable, capturing the essence of Asian street markets in every bite. His latest cookbook, “This is a Book About Street Food,” invites readers on a delicious journey through Asia’s bustling markets, and now he’s bringing that culinary adventure directly to Melbourne’s diners. The star attractions of this collaboration are two irresistible bao offerings: the fiery Singapore Chilli Soft Shell Crab and the aromatic Salt and Pepper Mushroom. Each bao is a flavour-packed homage to the street food Brendan is celebrated for, deeply rooted in the comforting flavours of his heritage. These delicious creations are a nod to Brendan’s passion for street food, elevated with the signature flair of Hochi Mama’s kitchen. Thai Ho, founder of Hochi Mama, is thrilled about the partnership, stating, “Collaborating with Brendan has been an exciting journey, as our team at Hochi Mama shares his passion for redefining traditional flavours and creating unforgettable culinary experiences. Brendan’s dedication to his roots… Read More

New Sydney cafe in Atarmon: Buckle

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In the vibrant suburb of Artarmon, where the laid-back charm of Sydney’s Inner West meets the attitude of the North Shore, a new gem has emerged, promising to delight locals with its unique fusion of cafe and cocktail culture. Welcome to Buckle + Depot, a bistro and distillery that is not just a place to grab a bite or a drink, but a destination to pause and play. Having successfully completed its soft opening on 8 October, the first part of this dynamic duo, Buckle Cafe Distillery, is set for its grand unveiling on Tuesday, 22 October. Nestled within a stunning glass atrium adjacent to the heritage-listed 1 Frederick Street, the 150-seater venue is designed to offer an inclusive experience that caters to the diverse tastes of the Lower North Shore community. General Manager James Peters and Executive Chef Johnny Sercombe have meticulously crafted an environment that effortlessly bridges the worlds of cafe and cocktail culture. “We wanted to create a venue that seamlessly connects cafe and cocktail culture, where anyone can come to pause or play,” explains Peters. This ethos is reflected in both the design and menu, creating a transformative space that evolves from day to night. Under the culinary guidance of Johnny Sercombe, whose impressive resume boasts stints at Merivale, Solotel, and Applejack, the menu is a testament to quality and versatility. Brunch-goers can enjoy classic options such as the Bacon & Egg Roll, Avocado On Toast, and Corn Fritters. As the day transitions to evening, heartier dishes like the Reuben Sandwich,… Read More