Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

Sydney’s Coogee Bay Hotel hosts Bottomless Seaside Session – the ultimate Sunday sesh

Hands of women around a table holding cocktails

Because no one wants the weekend to end, Coogee Bay Hotel’s new Seaside Sessions as of January is the ultimate excuse to indulge in sumptuous eats, bottomless drinks, and breathtaking beach views.  Every Sunday, the Balcony Bar transforms into a seaside paradise of live music, delicious 10-course share menu, and 90 minutes of unlimited Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, Peroni, Mimosas, and more. Plus, with its prime location perched above the hotel’s famous garden, you’ll have the best seat in the house (if not all of Coogee) to soak up the sunny vibes.  It’s not a walk-in thing, though. With a predetermined menu and gastronomic experience in-wait for you, you’ll have to sign up to try the bite-sized treats; try the tender pork belly bites with refreshing pea tendrils, tart pickled apple, and rich brandy jus. For a taste of the sea, dig into the succulent blue swimmer crab with orecchiette and a kick of lemon and chilli. And for a hearty main, enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth Josper grilled beef brisket with velvety whipped sweet potato, refreshing minted zucchini, and a generous drizzle of bourbon jus. That’s just some of the offerings on this delectable menu.  When: Sundays Time: 11:30am – late Where: Balcony Bar Cost: $129pp Menu: See menuBookings: coogeebayhotel.com.au/whats-on/seaside-sessions

Melbourne Wine & Cheese Fest is back this March

Women drink wine barn outside

If wine and cheese are your thing, then this is the news you want. There’s a one-day festival held on Sunday 5th March that will give Melburnians – and visitors! – the chance to experience 50 local wineries, cheese and artisan producers all under the one roof. Held at the Port Melbourne Timber Yard, which will be converted into an epic wine and cheese delicatessen that has to be seen to be ‘brie-lieved’. Running across two mouth-watering sessions, foodies can meet each boutique producer, sample free tastings and support local vendors by buying goods brought from all corners of Victoria and beyond.   he live music, DJs and roving artists will keep guests entertained while their taste buds take a trip around Victoria, whilst the little ones keep busy in the dedicated kids’ zone complete with face painting, lawn games, and more interactive games. And for those looking to get their feet dirty and take home some delicious prizes on the day, Wine & Cheese Fest will be running their famous Grape Stomp Competition between 3pm and 4pm. Expressions of interest are now open, wineandcheesefest.com.au/grape-stomp-comp When:              Sunday 5th March, 2023, 11.30am – 8pm (across two sessions) 1st session: 11.30am – 3pm 2nd session: 3.30pm – 7pm Where:             The Timber Yard – 351 Plummer St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Who:                50 local wineries, cheese, and artisan producers Why:                To celebrate the 10th year of bringing together local wine and cheese makers under one roof for all to enjoy. Cost:                 General Admission: $44-$59, Total Wine Indulgence (TWI) $89/$94, VIP $150

Where to go in Sydney for true blue Aussie food

TheAussieSydney

Whether you’re hosting a guest from overseas or just feel like embracing Australiana style food, we’ve found the best spot to spend your time: The Australian Heritage Hotel. Situated in the heart of The Rocks, Sydney, this heritage listed site ticks all the boxes of modern Australian vibes. Pub? Tick. Endless choice of local craft beers? Tick. Rooftop? Tick. Unique menu of classic with a twist? Tick. Good vibes? Tick tick. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating and is the perfect place to spend a summer evening admiring the wonderful city that is Sydney. Their craft beer fridge is very well stocked with latest releases and over 130 stand out brews, they’re dog friendly at street level and they also host pub games during the week for a bit of fun. Perhaps the real stand out is the menu though. Their signature pizza, the Coat of Arms, boasts both emu and kangaroo and is topped with a tasty lemon myrtle mayo. If that’s not enough native animals for you, there is also a crocodile pizza! The kitchen strives to use native plants and peppers to flavour the food, while also staying true to the classic pub favourites (yes, there is a chicken schnitty). If you’re after something on the healthier side, the salmon fillet is divine and there are plenty of salads to choose from. There’s truly something for everyone, especially the dessert which features a lamington ice cream sandwich and smashed pavolva (shhh, don’t tell New Zealand). Open 7 days and 7 nights,… Read More

Your new local public bar and wine shop in Brunswick, Melbourne is Bahama Gold

Bahama Gold roadside pub bar

Featuring $60,000 worth of sound equipment, access to a collection of 500 records and more than 500 bottles of wine collected over the last 20 years, this intimate venue in Brunswick East is a feast for the senses. Nestled next door to Brunswick East’s beloved Old Palm Liquor you’ll find Bahama Gold – a public bar and bottle shop conceived by Neighbourhood Wine and Old Palm Liquor founding partners and hospitality veterans Almay Jordaan and Simon Denman. They wanted to try a new venue that served as a case study on how space and sound joyfully intersect, while actually serving excellent beverages with a quality surround. As with their other venues, Simon and Almay have worked closely with a network of local artisan trades to bring the space to life, always keeping the mindset of ‘function over form’ – ensuring lighting and acoustics are front of mind with every design decision.  What makes it unique is the dedication to quality the founders put into the new venue. Each week, Simon and the wine team meet with approximately 20 winemakers to taste and purchase their products – and the team purchase so frequently, they admit that some bottles in their collection are so rare that not even the producers themselves have any left. Of course, there are beers and non-alcoholic sips from local producers available too, all of which have gone through the same rigorous taste-testing by Simon and wine team as the bottles housed upstairs.  While the concept of Bahama is ever-changing, don’t expect it to become a restaurant or gastro-led… Read More

High tea in Brisbane? Head to the Sheraton Gold Grand Mirage Resort

High tea Sheraton table flat lay

Homemade scones served with an Indigenous plum jam: the star of a decadent new High Tea menu at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast this summer. And we’re already there, where are you? The newest initiative by the sun-soaked resort, the high tea will be served daily in the elegant surrounds of Pearls Bar from December 1, where you will enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury dishes while sipping sparkling wine and unlimited herbal teas or coffee, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical palms in the background. The most interesting part about it, though, is the ‘indigenous’ plum jam. The resort has begun to work with Indigenous farmers to cultivate native fruits, herbs and seeds and The Australian Superfood Co sources the raw ingredients from the Northern Territory, before shipping it to Tasmania where it is manufactured for Trepang Foods. If ever there was a taste of true Australia, the Gold Coast is where you’ll find it. For more information and bookings, visit www.pearlsbar.com.au

Melbourne Latin fusion brunch you didn’t know you needed

Repeat Offender food table flat lay

Ask anyone what their favourite cuisine is and ‘Mexican’ is usually found in the top 5* answers. So, when Melbourne southside local and favourite, Repeat Offender brings in a new Latin-inspired brunch menu, you know most people – you, too – are gonna sit up. Staying true to its legacy, the new summer menu is completely gluten-free and has added a new lineup of tacos, a spectacular confit leg of lamb, as well as a pan-fried blue-eyed cod with sautéed spinach, red mole, and crispy kale. For their plant-based friends, they’ve also introduced a series of new small and large plates including the stuffed zucchini with vegetable mince, pasilla, almond, lemon cheese and micro-herbs grown in Elwood. And because they’re good like this, for those who don’t want to miss out on all the action, Repeat Offender is now offering several Banquets for any palette or budget, with seven course banquets starting at just $55pp right through to an $80pp feast featuring all the most craved menu items. Good food should be served with great wine, and Repeat Offender has refined its wine menu to serve local Central and South America drops, paying homage to its menu. Bringing the heat, Repeat Offender has now an extensive range, including 8 different Margarita’s – try each flavour from spicy to coconut, this is your excuse to indulge in a margarita everyday of the week. *Totally made-up, but you know it’s true.

Legendary food and wine master series in Melbourne and Sydney you don’t want to miss

Food red wine table

December is the season to treat yourself – and if doing Christmas right is your thing, then a little bit of overeating is the best way to do it! That’s why the news of Botswana Butchery, in partnership with leading Barossa winery, St Hallett, offering both Sydney and Melbourne food and wine lovers a luxurious dining experience not to be missed this November and December hit the desk, we got excited. Angel Fernandez – guys behind Botswana Butchery – has selected some of Botswana Butchery’s signature dishes, showcasing distinctive flavours and food mastery to curate an exclusive matched menu, paired perfectly with a selection of premium St Hallett wines. The decadent and limited time Little Black Book exclusive four course menu includes venison tartare and grilled quail both signature dishes on Angel’s menu. And the wine! St Hallett will be laying down bottles of the Butcher’s Cart Shiraz 2019, Higher Earth Shiraz 2018, Blackwell Shiraz 2019 and from this year’s vintage release collection, the Old Block Shiraz 2018. The wines have been handpicked by Helen to showcase the exceptional quality, rich textures, depth, and versatility of Barossa wine. Signature four course menu $180. Signature four course menu matched with premium StHallett wines $250. Prices are per person and the full table must participate. 23rd November – 18th December, Monday – Saturday between 12pm and 11pm. Offer availableat all sittings without pre-ordering. Book Melbourne and Sydney at the links below: St Hallett X Botswana Butchery Masters Series Sydney St Hallett X Botswana Butchery Masters Series Melbourne

Melbourne pubs and restaurants that are open for visits this Christmas

Prince York Sydney pub 1

Forget Christmas at your place – who needs the cleaning up?! This Christmas in Melbourne, it’s all about pubs and taking those you love on a gastronomic journey around the city at a range of the city’s finest that are open for all sorts this festive season. We’ve gathered some of the details for you… Garden State Hotel 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Tippy-Tay is putting an Italian spin on all the Christmas classics with a delicious Italian Christmas Feast. Enjoy your lunch in the perfect Italian setting at Garden State’s Tippy-Tay that includes a four course banquet menu, inclusive of 3-hour beverage package. Adults priced at $185pp, bambinos $75pp, from 12pm-3pm. Book here Middle Park Hotel 102 Canterbury Rd, Middle Park Enjoy a relaxing festive lunch near the bay at Middle Park Hotel with the family because you can. You’ll enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival and a mouth-watering three-course lunch in the refined surrounds of the Middle Park Hotel. Adults priced at $140pp and kids are $45pp and there are two seatings available; 11:00am & 2.30pm. Book here The Local Port Melbourne 22-24 Bay Street, Port Melbourne Enjoy all the Christmas classics at this Port Melbourne favourite, right in the heart of the city’s elite inner south. You’ll enjoy three courses with all of the favourite Christmas classics. Adults priced at $115pp and kids under 12 are $35pp. Book here The Duke of Wellington 146 Flinders Street, Melbourne Think a share-style festive feast in the heart of the city at The Duke of Wellington…. Read More

Where is open in Sydney on New Years’ Eve and New Years’ Day

A plate of chicken on a table with hands holding cutlery going to cut into it

Welcome to 2023 – almost. They say that where and how you ring in the new year will set you on the right – or in some cases, wrong! – path for the next 12 months of the year. So, choose wisely. Here are some places in Sydney that are offering options for New Years Eve and New Years Day. Anason  A modern Turkish restaurant and mezebar inspired by the seaside meyhanes of Istanbul. NYE Open Hours: 12pm – 10pm: NYE & NYD Maydanoz  An Aegean Turkish coast inspired bar and restaurant paying homage to the region’s vegetarian and olive oil driven casual meze bars. NYE Open Hours: 5pm – 10pm: NYE  Closed: NYD Portside Sydney Harbour A full house ticket ($995pp) includes outdoor seating with unobstructed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and firework display, access to the private VIP lounge with seating and table service, 5.5hr premium beverage package of free flowing French Champagne, premium wine and beer, continuous food service of canapes and grazing stations and live entertainment with the incredible mega DJ line up. $995 for a 5.5 hour food and drink package. More info here Barangaroo House: House Bar @ Barangaroo House NYE party with Sydney’s hottest DJs playing from 4pm and into the night. The bar will open for service with drinks and snacks. Book here.  Rekodo @ Barangaroo House NYE party with live vinyl DJs, Omakase menu, and a 3-hour beverage package for $250pp including a cocktail on arrival, free-flowing wine and Asahi and midnight Champagne. Book here.  Smoke Bar @ Barangaroo… Read More

Places doing Thanksgiving in Melbourne this year

Roast cauliflower being spooned onto a plate

Thanksgiving is an American tradition, sure, but why can’t we take the best bits and make it our own? Enter King & Godfree on Melbourne’s Lygon Street, offering a faultless American style banquet feast option for anyone who’s thinking about taking on the tradition, or just after a quality – and massive – feed. Bringing the iconic American festivities to Melbourne, King & Godfree is cooking up a celebratory feast drawing on traditional Thanksgiving fare with an Italian spin. For one night only, a set menu will be available for $85 per person for a 7pm sitting including a special cocktail on arrival. As per tradition, the centerpiece of King & Godfree’s Thanksgiving spread is a classic roast turkey with cranberry sauce, served with mashed potatoes and gravy and either vegetarian or Italian pork and fennel sausage stuffing. Cacio e pepe mac and cheese, green bean casserole, cornbread with honey butter, and a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows will also make a welcome appearance, best enjoyed alongside the evening’s special cocktail, a cranberry sour. On a sweet note, pecan pie with fior di latte gelato will be the final dish of the evening. With limited spaces, bookings and pre-payment is required and reservations can be made here.