Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

Newest place to eat on the Peninsula in Victoria: Stringers Sorrento

A low angle photo of a couple eating food on a table

Standing proud on the corner since 1896, Stringers Sorrento has reopened its doors on the Mornington Peninsula recently after having been brought back to life after a long hiatus. Having seen many incarnations over the years, the landmark merchants store ‘up the hill’ occupies a special place in the fabric of the Peninsula’s history, feeding locals and visitors since its inception and making its relaunch a special new chapter for all. Preserving its spirit and iconic limestone walls, the reimagined Stringers now has an artisanal providore fit with both deli and grocer, a pizzeria with a custom pizza oven, a gelateria scooping Sorrento’s finest local gelato, bar, large rear courtyard and underground wine cellar featuring rare and fine wines. With trading hours from 7am until late, the light and breezy space is a welcoming refuge from the buzzy main street of Sorrento. For more and to book a table, head to the Stringers Sorrento website

Restaurant for father’s day: Best restaurants to take Dad this Australian Father’s Day in Sydney and Melbourne

Restaurant for father's day

Father’s Day is fast approaching on Sunday 4 September, so now is literally the time to get planning and making reservations to take the ol’ man if you’re not planning on getting him a gift! There are some great gift options and chances to win here, if you’re interested. NOUR Sydney Nour is a sophisticated dining space providing Sydneysiders with quality service and impeccable produce. With a fresh and exciting take on traditional Lebanese, Nour’s stylish food and signature cocktails have earned them the accolade as the best restaurant in Sydney on TripAdvisor. Dine from any available banquet menu this Father’s Day (September 4) and all Dad’s present will receive a $50 voucher redeemable across the ESCA Group. Book a table LILYMU Sydney Lilymu is where the culture, cuisine and traditions of Southeast Asia collide. Through an unrestricted approach in the kitchen and bar, Lilymu’s dishes and drinks are traditionally inspired and curated from China and South East Asia, incorporating a fresh, yet delightfully modern perspective. Dine from any available banquet menu this Father’s Day (September 4) and all Dad’s present will receive a $50 voucher redeemable across the ESCA Group. Book a table at Lilymu STOKEHOUSE Melbourne This Father’s Day, Stokehouse St Kilda is celebrating dads with a specially curated three-course menu by Executive Chef Jason Staudt.  Combining only the best seasonal produce and Australian beach luxe, the seafood-centric menu includes starters, your choice of main, sides and an incredible dessert by Group Pastry Chef Ash Smith.  You can expect to see fan favourites like Yellowfin… Read More

Sydney’s new 25 Martin Place has officially launched its theatre and dining precinct

25 martin place restaurants

With a $170 million redevelopment behind it, the new precinct 25 Martin Place is open and ready to welcome visitors, so for the moments you’re wandering through the middle of Sydney with food on the mind, this is where to go. Located at Martin Place Sydney, the multi-storey dining district and late-night bars overlook the plaza and feature an enticing mix of local and international cuisine, lively bars, fine dining and casual cafes, along with the state-of-the-art refurbishment of Theatre Royal Sydney. Here are six new offerings from restaurants in the area to look forward to…

Your favourite Aussie bartenders add local flavour to 4th of July cocktails

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The 4th of July may pass Australians by with nary a thought, but what if we told you it was worth celebrating this year with an American classic cocktail in hand, but with a local twist.  Partnering with ‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA’, 22 well-known Australian bartenders and mixologists lent their expertise to creating a free cocktail book for Independence Day, containing a range of cocktails that hero American spirits, but with an Aussie twist, and designed specifically to be made and enjoyed ar home.  The cocktail list highlights the quality and versatility of American spirit brands including Angel’s Envy, Jack Daniels, Koval, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Wild Turkey, Westland, Westward American Single Malt Whiskey and Woodford Reserve. Once you download the cocktail book, the recipes are yours to keep, but if you do prefer someone else making your drinks (you’re only human), the participating bartenders will also have them available at their venue from June 27-July 4.  Have a gander at the below list of bartenders and their creations, plus the venue to find them at:  Simon Hopkins (Jolene’s Sydney – NSW) puts a chocolate spin on the classic Old Fashioned using Westward Whiskey. Dan Gregory (The Gresham Bar – QLD) is showcasing a Woodford Reserve Goin’ Out West. Adam Lau (Grain Bar – NSW) develops the DJ Sutherland celebrating Westland American Oak Whiskey. Grace Rawlins (Memphis Slim’s House of Blues –  SA) is using Westland Peated Whiskey in the innovative Spicy Peat cocktail. Chris Garner (The Barrie – NSW) is highlighting Wild Turkey… Read More

8 places in Melbourne to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee

Melbourne rooftop view city

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 70 years on the throne. If that’s not cause to celebrate – even for the strongest non-monarchist amongst us – then what is? But where? I hear you ask. Well, here you go. Eight of Melbourne’s finest establishments to celebrate the milestone none of us will ever reach, but we’re so happy someone else did. Fargo & Co – bottomless brunch, DJs until late and exclusive cocktail list 216 Swan St, Richmond Friday 10th June – DJs on the decks until late. Sat 11th and Sunday 12th June – O.G. Bottomless Brunch from 12-2 pm and 3-5 pm ($69pp), with the option to upgrade to be seated in a lush après ski lodge cabin and enjoy a chocolate fondue fountain for an extra $10pp, at $79pp. Bookings essential. DJs on the decks until late plus an exclusive cocktail list. Harlow – open all long weekend for live music, bottomless brunch and drag trivia 447 Church St, Richmond Friday 10th June – Live music in the beer garden, then DJs until late. Saturday 11th (11.30 am and 2 pm) and Sunday 12th June (12 pm) – Disco Drag Bottomless Brunch, which includes 2 hours of bottomless beverages (Bacardi cocktails, Moon Dog seltzers, house wine, sparkling and beer), plus a choice of dish from the new lunch menu, hosted by a fabulous Drag Queen. $69pp, bookings essential. DJs on the decks until late. Monday 13th June- Open for normal trade, Drag Queen trivia in the main bar from 7:30pm. Free… Read More

Date nights for VIVID Sydney in 2022

Harbour View Sydney food

If you’re not climbing up Sydney Harbour Bridge or getting together at one of the many gin opportunities that lie before you this VIVID Sydney 2022, then perhaps date night’s on the cards. The Harbour View Hotel is putting on the festival of lights and visual art in their own way. And by offering delicious takeaway meals with drinks so there’s no need to worry about dinner before exploring the exhibitions around The Rocks. The Harbour View Hotel will be launching a special pop-up glow bar, serving glow in the dark cocktails outside their historic venue in The Rocks. This limited edition glow bar will be available throughout Vivid (from 27th May until 18th June), making it easy to sip on cocktails while you take in the stunning light installations of Vivid.  The Harbour View Hotel will also be selling takeaway packs so you can wander through The Rocks and find the perfect picnic spot overlooking the harbour and Vivid lights. The Harbour View Hotel Vivid Takeaway pack (for $95) includes: Antipasto for 2 Stir fried noodles with chicken bites and capsicum x 2 Flatbread bread with roasted capsicum dipping sauce  x 2  4 x Smirnoff Seltzers  1 x Blanket For more information, head to the Harbour View website

Pubs in Melbourne: The Orrong Hotel is back

Orrong Hotel pub dining room

A new look, a new menu; the new Orrong Hotel in Melbourne is open and ready for you. Standing proud on the corner of Orrong Road and High Street in Armadale is the iconic Orrong Hotel, which after three years of closure is back open for business after having been lovingly restored to its former glory by new custodians who have ensured the pub’s old bones remain intact. There’s a full gamut of weeknight specials and local community initiatives, plus a variety of spaces perfect for if you want to catch a game, play some pool, grab a feed or settle in and let life pass by.  It’s time to rediscover this iconic neighbourhood corner pub and fall in love with it again. Find out more at the Orrong Hotel website.

Newcastle Food Month is back this April

Newcastle Food Month:

Back with a program of events spanning the month of April and highlighting the culinary and creative talent of Newcastle’s burgeoning food scene, the second Newcastle Food Month is on! With a generous spread of events – think Opera over dinner in a brewery, dine in a gin distillery and degustation’s any way you like them – Spanish, Italian, Thai, Seafood or even matched with cocktails, there’s even a sustainable progressive lunch taking over a floor of hotel suites. And if that’s not quite up your alley enough, the signature event, Le Diner en Blanc also returns to Newcastle for its second year. The chic, French inspired pop-up picnic took Newcastle by storm in 2021 and will absolutely be a sell out with 1,250 guests expected do ascend on a secret location in the city on Saturday 2 April. For more head to the Newcastle Food Month website at newcastlefoodmonth.com.au

Melbourne cafe: Repeat Offender in Elwood back with a bang

The Honey Post Cocktail

Elwood in Melbourne is idyllic. Popular, but chill; quiet ,but bustling; friendly, but cool. Which is exactly why Elwood local, Repeat Offender is back with a bang this summer. With a whole new menu and a brand new look to the venue, Repeat Offender’s bringing back all the joy that existed in the local area before being forced to shut down for nine months thanks to the pandemic. Running at full capacity and delivering its most flavoursome menu to date – which also happens to be 100% gluten-free – it’s the new cafe to visit for quality plates of truffle tacos, chorizo croquettes and jackfruit fritas. And much more. Oh and for those who are in the mood for a little more adult beverages choices; two words: there’s margaritas. Think: nine unique flavours to sip on including coconut, spicy and grapefruit to take the edge off a long week. Or put the edge on the next one to come. To make a booking, see more of the menu or just check out what’s in-store, head to the Repeat Offender website