Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

Sydney’s Chiswick unveils plans for winter including a new seasonal menu

Chiswick food table hands

Woollahra’s Chiswick is embracing winter with a series of exciting activities that will delight guests all season long. Live Music Tuesdays, Roasts & Jazz Sundays and the highly anticipated annual Truffle Dinner are among the highlights. Throughout June, Chiswick will host an array of live bands every Tuesday evening from 6 pm onwards, while guests dine on Head Chef Taylor Cullen’s garden harvest menu. Meanwhile, truffles take center stage in special menu items throughout the winter season, culminating in the annual truffle dinner on June 21st. In July, Roasts & Jazz Sundays will feature rotating menu options of succulent pork and beef accompanied by live jazz performances. The series of events will culminate in ‘Christmas in July’ on July 30th, featuring a special menu of Matt Moran’s honey glazed ham, Chiswick roast turkey, duck fat potatoes, and spiced parsnip and carrot. Chiswick’s winter cocktail selection, including Penny in NY, Yulefest Records, and Sorreal Clarity, perfectly complements the cooler season. Alongside the cocktails is a wine list curated by Head Sommelier Georgie Davidson-Brown, featuring sustainable, elegant drops from the country’s top producers. Experience the true essence of winter at Chiswick, where enticing flavours, captivating performances, and warm hospitality blend together harmoniously to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Tread Softly: The eco-conscious gin and vodka brand that’s winning awards

Pink gin

Fourth Wave Wine’s eco-conscious brand, Tread Softly, has been making waves in the spirits industry with its award-winning gin and vodka. Tread Softly recently received recognition at the London Spirits Competition 2023, International Wine and Spirits Challenge 2023 (IWSC), and Dan Murphy’s Decoded Spirit Awards 2023. The brand’s Tread Softly Dry Gin and Tread Softly Pink Gin were both awarded gold medals at the London Spirits Competition, with scores of 92 and 90 points, respectively. Tread Softly Native Botanical Vodka and Tread Softly Native Botanical Pink Vodka received silver medals at the same event. Furthermore, Tread Softly Native Botanical Pink Vodka was awarded a silver medal at the IWSC, with an impressive score of 94 points. At the Dan Murphy’s Decoded Spirit Awards 2023, Tread Softly Dry Gin won the Best Value Pick Award in the Gin – Australian category among 450 entries. The award-winning Dry Gin features native citrus and floral jasmine notes, creating a bold flavor profile that has captivated gin enthusiasts. Nicholas Crampton, Director of Fourth Wave Wine, expressed his delight at Tread Softly’s recent awards, stating that they reflect the company’s commitment to crafting high-quality spirits and providing unparalleled quality to customers. Tread Softly is also known for its eco-friendliness, planting an Australian native tree for every six bottles sold. In 2021, the brand received its dedicated planting site, the Tread Softly Forest, in the Yarra Yarra biodiversity corridor. To date, it has planted over one million native trees and is still growing. Tread Softly Botanical Pink Vodka, Dry Gin, Pink… Read More

End of an era: Cuckoo Callay on Crown Street Sydney closes

Candy Mountain Cuckoo Callay

ESCA Group is bidding farewell to Cuckoo Callay after six years of unforgettable memories. This eclectic venue will be closing its doors on 11 June, making room for an exciting new venture. But before they say their final goodbyes, Cuckoo Callay is bringing back their all-time favourite dishes for a limited time. The iconic Return of the MacDaddy, a combination of bacon, mac and cheese all stuffed into a flaky croissant, is making a comeback along with the mouth-watering Lemon and White Chocolate Hotcakes. For those feeling a little savoury about their departure, the Lamb Rendang Roti Tacos are also returning. Co-Founder of ESCA Group, Ibrahim Moubadder says, “It’s bittersweet to bid farewell to Cuckoo Callay. The venue wriggled its way onto Crown Street and brought locals a quirky combo of delicious food and great memories. However, we do believe it’s time to embark on a new adventure that pushes the boundaries and challenges the ordinary.” Dine with Cuckoo Callay before they close and fill out a ‘goodbye postcard’ to thank staff members for the memories. Filling out one of these cards will give patrons a chance to win 1 in 5 exclusive double dinner experiences to be the first to experience the newest venue at the soft opening. But don’t worry, ESCA’s newest Japanese Izakaya-style restaurant, It?, will be opening later this year in place of Cuckoo Callay. So mark your calendars and don’t miss your last chance to try their quirky creations before they close their doors forever on 11 June.

Rose into winter – the best idea with Millon Wines

Millon rose wine bottle

If you’re looking for a refreshing and versatile rosé to enjoy year-round, look no further than 2022 Clare’s Secret Grenache Rosé from Millon Wines. Made with 100% Grenache grapes from their Clare Valley vineyard, this elegant wine offers delicate aromas of wild strawberry and pomegranate with a touch of savoury spice. On the palate, taste fresh-cut strawberries, subtle notes of citrus, and a refreshingly crisp finish. Buy wine from Australia at Vinomofo! This light and dry wine has already garnered Gold at the 2022 Australian Small Winemakers Show and Silver at the 2022 Melbourne International Wine Competition, proving it’s sure to impress. And at just $20.00, it’s a bargain for its quality. What sets this rosé apart from the rest is its ability to pair well with a wide range of food. While it’s best paired with delicate dishes such as fresh salads, seafood, or charcuterie, it’s a great choice for any occasion. What’s more, Millon Wines takes an environmentally conscious approach to winemaking, allowing the fruit to speak for itself. Each vineyard captures the essence of its region, producing small batches of wine with complex flavour profiles. At the end of the day, 2022 Clare’s Secret Grenache Rosé is a fantastic choice for those looking for a high-quality yet reasonably priced wine that can be enjoyed year-round. So why not try it out and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about? Get a bottle for $20 from them

Parisi is the hidden healthy lunch spot you need to visit in Barangaroo

parisi barangaroo

If you’re a city worker who falls into the Macca’s trap a little too often, you need to get yourself down to Barangaroo and discover the hidden gem that is Parisi. The cafe is located at the base of International Tower One right in the heart of Barangaroo, so if you’re not working in the building you could easily miss it. But look out for the sign, step inside and be transported into a world of healthy paninis, fresh salads, made to order juices and smoothies and delicious treats, all featuring originality and seasonality as key ingredients. This is healthy eating and lunch at it’s finest. When we say you won’t find fruit salads this diverse, or smoothies that inventive, we mean it! The reason for this focus on freshness and quality, is the team behind the cafe, Parisi Australia. Dating back to 1954, the team behind this fresh produce wholesaler service some of the best cafes (including their own) and restaurants in Australia. Their belief in offering quality products, ready to eat meals, gifting, catering and growing partnerships with local growers and farmers Australia wide, has been their bread and butter since the beginning. You can order groceries directly from them online, or visit their cafe in Barangaroo or Sydney Fish Market. Love the actual plates and dishes you see on the menu? Same. We found some similar!

Meet Jane: Sydney’s place for the best happy hour

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Foodies of Sydney, brace yourselves for the ultimate Happy Hour experience! Starting from May 1st, Jane founder and executive chef, Tristan Rosier, brings to you “Jane – Sydney’s Best Happy Hour” – a culinary and beverage experience unlike anything before. Running between 5pm and 6pm Monday to Friday, and with extended hours of 4pm to 6pm on weekends, Jane’s Happy Hour boasts an array of sensational snacks under $15.00 and drinks starting at just $6.00. And with the Covid-safe measures in place, you can enjoy all these delights in a beautiful, elegantly-lit atmosphere. One of the key selling points of Jane’s Happy Hour is the award-winning RHUBI Mistelle, a handcrafted rhubarb aperitif from Victoria that serves as the foundation of some of the most extraordinary cocktails on the menu. The signature drink, The Australiano, priced at just $6.00, is a popular favourite created with RHUBI Mistelle, Regal Rouge vermouth, bitter citrus, and mandarin. The drinks list also includes other imaginative cocktails, such as White Possum G&Ts, RHUBI and Soda, chilled red wine, VB, and the in-house special, Jane Martini. In addition to the remarkable drinks menu, Jane’s team of chefs serve up the perfect pairing of locally sourced, Australian inspired snacks or larger share dishes with highlights set to include Sydney Rock Oysters, Duck Croquettes, marinated Port Lincoln sardines with kingfish Nduja, Lamb Dumplings and the famously delicious Kangaroo Tartare. Priced between $2.00 and $15.00, the snacks have been curated to showcase a range of flavours from all over the region. For enthusiasts seeking the… Read More

The charm of Sydney’s family-owned restaurants

Roast cauliflower being spooned onto a plate

Sydney is an international hub for food, with cuisine from all around the world represented. However, among the many restaurants opening every month, there are some that truly stand out for their authentic flavors and commitment to tradition. These family-owned restaurants showcase the passion and creativity of generations of chefs and owners. Among those, four stand out as shining stars in Sydney’s culinary scene: Hello Auntie, XOPP, SAX, and Love.Fish – and more! Hello Auntie Owned by Chef Cuong Nguyen and his mother Thi Da (Lynda) Tran, Hello Auntie is a vibrant Vietnamese eatery in the bustling Darling Square precinct. Nguyen’s travels and culinary training have allowed him to bring a modern twist to traditional Vietnamese dishes, while still remaining true to the authenticity of the original flavors. “The food is a reflection of who we are and where we come from,” explains Nguyen. “Vietnamese culture is all about family, and that is something I want to share with our customers. Every dish is a story, and we hope to honor the Vietnamese culinary culture by telling those stories through our food.” The menu is an exciting blend of Vietnamese classics and innovative new creations. Must-try dishes include their signature crispy pork belly banh mi and modern variations of pho that reflect the chef’s London-based culinary training. XOPP XOPP, from the respected Golden Century Group, is a Cantonese restaurant that has persisted for over three decades. Founded by Eric and Linda Wong, the restaurant has been passed down to their sons, with Billy Wong now… Read More

Sydney brings back The Rocks Markets

Rocks markets outside Sydney sunny

Welcome to The Rocks Markets, a true icon of Sydney’s bustling city center. This historic harborside spot has been a hub of creativity and local craftsmanship for over 200 years, and it’s only getting better! The market is undergoing a refresh, with new makers and artisans joining original vendors to bring the best bites, live beats, and local crafts to this beloved destination. To celebrate the arrival of these new makers, The Rocks Markets is hosting a community taster event called Meet the Makers on April 15th and 16th. This two-day event is the perfect opportunity for Sydneysiders to shop for unique arts and homewares, devour tasty treats, enjoy live music, and take part in free workshops and special trader experiences with some of the makers themselves. Throughout the market’s footprint, you’ll experience a program of surprise pop-up maker demonstrations, tastings, trader interviews, and experiences, all free to attend for just one weekend! From leather goods to florals, from colorful art to gorgeous resin crafts, there’s something for everyone at The Rocks Markets. And the fun doesn’t end with the taster event! The Rocks Markets will be offering maker workshops and demonstrations as a permanent staple. Check The Rocks website and make a booking to get hands-on and make your very own item. Learn to create a flower arrangement with Jonima Flowers, explore geometric abstraction using collage and drawing with Emilio Frank Design, create the most famous and original Australian leather wallet with The Leather Trading Co., or make your own resin terrazzo coaster set… Read More

Brogan’s Way in Melbourne is doing gin right

Gin cheers hands drinks

Attention Melburnians! The end of the working week just got even more exciting with the launch of Brogan’s Way’s new Gin O’Clock specials. Starting from 5pm every Friday (beginning from April 14th), Brogan’s Way’s Distillery and Bar on North Street, Richmond is set to offer some irresistible gin and tonic deals that will help you forget the rising cost of living! For gin lovers, the specials start from as low as $5.50, which goes up by $1 every hour until closing time at 11pm*. So, starting from 5pm, you can grab an Everyday Salvation Gin & Tonic, Navy Strength Royal Blood Gin & Tonic, or a Strawberries & Cream Gin & Tonic, among many others. What’s more, if you’re feeling peckish while enjoying some of Brogan’s Way’s famous Gin and Tonic pairings, choose from their delicious food menu which includes small plates like Baked Chorizo, Flammekueche (available in Traditional, Vegetarian, and Garlic & Herb), Bandrillos, and tasty Bread & Dip. So, head over to Brogan’s Way, and indulge in a refreshing start to your weekend with their Gin O’Clock offer. This special is perfect for those looking to grab an after-work drink or catch up with friends over some of the finest gin in town. Larger groups are welcome, and bookings can be made via Brogan’s Way website Don’t miss out on the best gin and tonic specials every Friday from 5pm onwards, with Brogan’s Way’s Gin O’Clock. Visit the Brogan’s Way events website for more information

How to eat out in Sydney without breaking the bank

Frenchies food table

Here’s your ticket to affordable eating in Sydney again. Cost of living crisis, who? In good news, it’s back; TheFork, leading online restaurant reservation platform, is excited to announce Australia’s biggest dining event, TheFork Festival, has returned for another year from 1 March to 2 April.  TheFork Festival is all about discovery without breaking the bank – for four weeks, anyone who books a restaurant reservation through TheFork at any of their participating restaurants will receive up to 50% off their dining bill. That could mean dining out all day for less than $35 – that’s way below the average single-household grocery bill per week of $104! Here’s what a delicious day out in Sydney could look like! Enjoy $4 Hotcakes at On Conwell for breakfast, a Vietnamese Fried Rice $12 at 14 North 108 East for lunch and a Mix Plate Tacos at Roast Republic for dinner at only $15. For more info and to make your plan of attack for how to eat your way through Sydney, head to The Fork’s website, linked above.