Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

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.

Sydney’s best al fresco drinks and dining: the ultimate list

Pier One Sydney Harbour Harbour Bridge Balcony Suite 003

A hangover of darker days, street dining was a thing and now – thanks to the fact the NSW Government has made a good decision for once – it’s here to stay (until 2025, at least)! People have loved enjoying their street culture at home and around the city, so we’ve put together a list of some local favourites that are keeping the outdoor dining vibe going until 2025 – and until it gets too cold. Re, South Eveleigh Sip on sustainable spritzes in the industrial warehouse setting at the world’s first permanent no-waste bar. Re’s furnishing and tables are made from recycled bottles and plastic bags, and drinks follow suit using 99.9% wasted ingredients. The alfresco terrace is spacious and buzzing with activity each night. Botanic House Botanic House is currently hosting a pop-up outdoor bar ‘Gin in the Garden’ in collaboration with Tanqueray. Play board games on the lawn and sip on premixed bottles and cocktails from Thursday – Sunday, 2 – 7pm until Sunday 5th March. North Bondi Fish Steps from the sand and surf of one of the world’s most famous beaches, North Bondi Fish is outdoor dining at its best. Listen to live music on the spacious balcony every Sunday from 4-7pm, and watch the sun go down with fresh seafood and a spritz in hand. Shell House Terrace, CBD Dine sky-high on level nine of the CBD’s heritage clocktower building on the L-shaped garden terrace at Shell House. Sand-coloured umbrellas and fruiting cumquat trees set the scene for a… Read More

Breakfast is back on the menu at Carlton’s favourite Italian deli, King & Godfree

Brunch hands egg brunch lunch food

Because there are never enough brunch and lunch places in Melbourne, King & Godfree has kjoined the fray. And it’s more than welcome! This Summer, the Carlton deli King and Godfree is expanding its eat-in offering to include breakfast and brunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am – 3pm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by King & Godfree (@kingandgodfree) They’ve put together a curated selection of breakfast staples and brunch essentials delivered with an Italian spin. You can choose from an assortment of savoury and sweet items, from poached eggs with Barkley grandmother ham, melted scamorza, fried sage, hollandaise and crumpets to buttermilk waffles with coffee mascarpone, maple syrup and berries. Also on the menu is a selection of cold and hot panini’s prepared daily such as mortadella, fior di latte, pistachio pesto and rocket or polpette, napoli and scamorza. It’s never too early to imbibe something a little stronger, and King and Godfree’s cocktail selection does not disappoint. Pair brunch with a forza garibaldi, nonnino sour or bellini, or for a soft morning start, there’s an array of freshly squeezed juices, homemade iced teas and sodas, and of course, Italian coffee brewed to perfection. Find King & Godfree in Carlton