Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

Paddington institution Jackies Cafe is now open three nights a week

Jackies Cafe

Tucked away in a leafy courtyard on Glenmore Road in Paddington is iconic venue, Jackies. Perfect for lazy afternoon cocktails at the sushi bar, an intimate dinner in the main restaurant or a casual shared plate get-together with friends in the courtyard, Jackies is now open three nights a week from 5.30pm until late (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).  With the new opening hours comes an exciting Jackies by Night menu which includes signature dishes from the sushi bar and mouth-watering shared dishes such as the braised beef rib with wasabi mash and crispy fried calamari with ponzu sauce. The braised beef rib literally falls off the bone and sits on a delicious bed of wasabi mash. It’s a combination made in heaven. The crispy fried calamari is just as much of a hero on the evening menu, perfectly cooked with a light tempura batter that keeps you wanting to go back for more. Other exciting dishes that feature on the evening menu include typical Japanese favourite, okonomiyaki; pork and prawn ramen; teriyaki glazed quail and agedashi tofu.  And of course, there’s always dessert! Make sure you leave enough room for the Japanese inspired matcha ice cream, seasonal berries and black sesame praline; the dark chocolate mousse with miso caramel and espresso foam; or the dessert with an Italian twist, the affogato jersey milk ice cream with an espresso shot and biscotti.  In addition to the great vibe at Jackies, it’s also a fabulous space for events. With work Christmas parties on the horizon, or any… Read More

There’s a new reason to look forward to 5pm: ‘Eliza Hour’ at Eliza Food & Wine, Darlinghurst

Eliza food

Located on the corner of Victoria and Liverpool Street in Darlinghurst is a bright, stylish, yet casual venue called eliza food & wine. Conveniently located just a quick stroll from one of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, the Coca-Cola billboard, eliza is perfect for a quality Friday lunch that won’t break the bank or for catching up with friends over a leisurely cocktail and dinner. Handy location aside, eliza quite possibly features the best duck liver parfait in Sydney! But more about that in a moment.  Headed by respected chef Jermey Bentley (of hatted restaurant The Devonshire before its closure in 2017), eliza food & wine opened earlier this year. Also part of the team is talented head chef Shaz Akbar and manager Rory Fitzpatrick, delighting diners with incredibly delicious dishes and exceptional service, respectively.  The venue has just launched a new Friday Prix Fixe lunch offer as well as Eliza’s hour which includes a new spring snack menu. The three course lunch menu is only $39 and is available every Friday from 12pm to 3pm.  Eliza’s hour runs from Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm until 6.30pm, where you can enjoy eliza’s $10 signature cocktails, $8 house wine and $5 tap beer. Perfect timing for that spontaneous get together after a hard day at the office or a well-deserved weekend tipple.  To accompany your tipple is eliza’s spring snack menu, which is packed with dishes boasting flavour, colour and texture. Let’s start with that duck liver parfait we mentioned earlier. Ever so smooth, the duck liver parfait… Read More

Hendrick’s unveils a whimsical limited-edition Midsummer Solstice Gin

Hendricks gin

Hendrick’s has launched a new limited-edition gin; Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice. The small batch gin is the first innovation to reach Australian shores since the flagship gin was released over 20 years ago. Described as “an enchantingly refreshing twist and floral bouquet that is perfect for light drinking as Australia prepares for the warmer months and longer evenings ahead,” Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice gin makes the ideal drink for the warmer months. The Midsummer Solstice gin has notes of berries, violet, hibiscus and rose hips, making a delectably floral gin and tonic. To celebrate the launch, Hendrick’s has transformed Sydney’s Paddington favourite, the Paddo Inn; renaming it and adorning it with flower installations by artist Dr Lisa Cooper, who collaborated with Hendrick’s master distiller Lesley Gracie to create the floral fixtures. Temporarily renamed the Paddo (G)inn, the local will be serving up specialty Midsummer Solstice cocktails and menus including the Most Unusual Lunch, a two-hour bottomless lunch which promises diners the chance to escape the conventional with a culinary adventure laced with delicious surprises. Hendrick’s will be celebrating the unusual and rewarding curiosity throughout the season, with Sydneysiders encouraged to enjoy the floral festivities. Look out for Hendrick’s floral London cabs and penny farthings which will traverse the streets of Paddington offering a delightful journey from the bar to the beach.

Where to go for Asian deliciousness in Melbourne – plus wine

Jacob's Creek Night Noogle Markets 2019 #30

The Melbourne Night Noodle Markets are on in Birrarung Maar, so Jacob’s Creek is making people remember why wine and Asian food works so well together. Tipi’s are a far cry from being anything representative of Asia – maybe Bedouin? – but hey, they’ve got one and it’s full of wine and carbs and no one’s mad about it. It’s a quiet sanctuary away from the heaving noodle-hungry crowds of the Market, that provides the perfect spot for those wanting to grab a seat under cover and enjoy a glass of wine by the fire with their favourite thing (person or food will do). The wines have been perfectly paired for every kind of spicy, salty, sour or sweet delicacy found at the bustling Asian street food festival for you to enjoy the ultimate culinary wine moment in style and comfort. They’ve got it all on-hand, from the crisp Le Petit Rosé, to the rich and smooth Double Barrel shiraz, Jacob’s Creek has the perfect drop for your noodle market experience. Check it out in Melbourne from 7-24 November! Find out more about the Melbourne Night Noodle Markets here.

Chef Luke Mangan does a new bottomless brunch at Glass Brasserie Sydney

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

Dining at a hatted restaurant needn’t break the bank. And what better way to enjoy a superb, yet affordable five course brunch at a leisurely pace on a lazy Sunday, surrounded by elegant interiors and two hours of bottomless Aperol Spritz or French Rosé. With ‘Easy’ by The Commodores playing in the background, the scene is set for a pretty relaxed, yet memorable weekend graze.  So where is this sweet setting, you ask? It’s Sunday Brunch with Luke at glass, located on level two at Hilton Sydney. Now open on Sundays for lunch, Luke Mangan has curated a stunning five course menu to be enjoyed over two hours at a very reasonable $75 per person. Mangan says his new Sunday offering at glass has been designed to be both fun-filled and relaxed. The innovative Mangan and his talented team have delivered on both fronts.  “To me, in a world where we are all too busy, there’s no better way than putting food in the middle of the table to help us connect with each other and the incredible Australian produce you can experience right here in the heart of Sydney’s CBD,” says Mangan.  First course kicks off with delicious salmon rillettes with pickled cucumber and crumpets. This is followed by a colourful zucchini flower dish bursting with gorgonzola, on top with beetroot hummus with corn and soft herbs.  Third course is the Japanese-inspired crab omelette, okonomiyaki, bonito flakes with nori, Japanese mayonnaise and ginger garnish. The flavours in this dish are phenomenal and if you’re… Read More

The Mudgee Wine & Food Festival is coming to Balmoral Sydney

Mudgee Balmoral Food Wine Festival 3

From the bush to the beach, the best of wine region Mudgee in rural NSW is coming to the best of inner-city beaches, Balmoral for the annual food fest worth travelling for. The annual Mudgee Wine and Food Festival is back on 11 August 2019, turning out some of the region’s most popular wineries and producers to the city. Still the longest-running regional wine and food festival in Sydney, activities will run from 11am-5pm, launching the official 40th Mudgee Wine + Food Festival program and the 2019 Mudgee Region magazine. The beach will undergo a revamp for the day, transforming the entire foreshore of Balmoral Beach into a chill ground for wines by Craigmoor Wines, De Beaurepaire Wines, Moothi Estate, Robert Stein Winery and First Ridge Estate and other local producers like High Valley Cheese Co., Lomondo Olive Oil, Milnes of Mudgee and Rylstone Olive Press. Check out more about the day at the Festival’s website.

Nespresso launches ‘Reviving Origins’ to bring back lost coffees

Coffee cups

Nespresso not only makes good coffee, but they do good things for coffee, too. For example, they recently announced that they’re launching a new campaign to bring back life to coffee regions that’ve found themselves under threat. Called Nespresso Reviving Origins, the new program – through its AAA Sustainable QualityTM Program – is working with farmers in regions that have been devastated by conflicts, economic hardships or environmental disasters. Nespresso’s also launched two new single origin coffees for the hardcore lovers, one from Zimbabwe, Africa and the other from South America’s Colombia. Called Tamuka mu Zimbabwe and Esperanza de Colombia, these exquisite and rare coffees have been virtually unknown, slowly disappearing for decades. Now, through Nespresso’s investment and the commitment of partners, coffee farmers in these two regions are starting to rebuild sustainable livelihoods, restore their local economies and bring much-needed development to their rural communities. Tamuka mu Zimbabwe and Esperanza de Colombia will be available in Australia from May 2019 – one of only 18 countries to receive the rare seasonal blends, which Nespresso is working towards establishing as part of its permanent range through the Reviving Origins program. If quality, untouched coffee is your thing, then head to the Nespresso website to see more.

Melbourne Good Food Month feature events you want to try

Woman picking up an Italian canapae

Melbourne’s Custom House is about to become the hub-of-hubs for this year’s Melbourne Good Food Month. With chefs Adam Liaw, Jason Baratt and Nick Mahlook on hand, there’ll be a series of unique dining events that await any hungry foodie. Here’s what’s on: Adam Liaw x Keita Abe When: Wednesday, 12 June, 6:30pm How much: $170 Adam Liaw, television host of Destination Flavour and author of five incredible cookbooks, is inviting Melburnians on a cultural and culinary journey, with Keita Abe from Sydney institution, Chaco Bar. Abe is the master of yakitori, cultivating a cult following with his famous meat skewers, inspired by his native city of Fukuoka, Japan. Tickets include multiple courses with premium wines and beer supplied by James Squire. The Good Food Editor’s Dinner presented by David Jones When: Friday, 14 June, 6:30pm How much: $170 National Good Food Editor Ardyn Bernoth and Chief Restaurant Critic Gemima Cody have assembled the who’s who of the industry, sharing their insights and anecdotes into the wonderful world of food – Jason Barratt, head chef of Halcyon House’s two-hatted restaurant Paper Daisy, Nick Mahlook, whose ocean-to-plate philosophy keeps Melbourne’s The Atlantic Group very busy, and Nikki To, the woman behind the famous food images in the business and the person Australia’s top chefs call when they want to elevate a dish into an icon. Young Chefs Lunch with Marco Pierre White presented by Citi  When: Saturday, 8 June 1:30pm In this special event, Marco Pierre White will host a four-course lunch, prepared by four hotly tipped stars of Melbourne’s culinary scene – Jessica… Read More

SYDNEY: Dinner at 6HEAD in The Rocks: Why you need to go

6HEAD Sydney view

Behind every great venue is a story and the recently opened 6HEAD restaurant located in the stunning Campbell Cove waterfront precinct east of The Rocks has quite the story to tell. Headed up by talented Executive Chef Sean Hall, 6HEAD is all about providing an exceptional steakhouse experience, working in collaboration with some of the country’s finest producers of quality Australian beef including Collinson & Co, Mayura Station and Tender Valley. The name 6HEAD takes us back to 1788, when the first fleet arrived with only 6 head of cattle – two bulls and four cows – which were sourced from South Africa on the long voyage from England to Australia. On arrival, a convict was tasked with keeping an eye on the cattle, however after coming back from a break, he realised the cattle had disappeared. No word on what happened to the convict, but it wasn’t until 8 years later that stories emerged about 100 head of healthy cattle spotted across the Nepean River. It was suspected the herd were direct descendants of the original 6 head, raising hopes beyond the colony that Australia had the capability to produce excellent cattle. The rest they say, is history. Fast forward to 2019, where the spirit of this story lives on at 6 Head and is the driving force behind Hall’s team, resulting in an enjoyable culinary journey. 6HEAD is unpretentious and friendly with a menu that will have you salivating from the word go. From starters including braised short rib croquettes to possibly the… Read More

Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show: What to see this June

Melbourne Good Food Wine Show

On until 2 June in Melbourne, the Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show is on again, pumping out morsel-after-morsel of deliciousness for visitors and locals alike. It’ll bring together some of Australia’s most loved chefs, alongside over 250 exhibitors (120+ cheeses, over 800 wines, and more!), and a range of masterclasses for visitors to take part in and enjoy. The show moves on to Sydney from 21-23 June, but before it does, head on down to see these guys doing their delicious thing. Pinchy’s  The champagne and lobster bar in Emporium, will be hosting its first Pop-Up at GFWS, exclusive to the Melbourne Show! Pinchy’s operates under a traceable, sustainable process, distribution and production line, and focuses on a higher quality product. They work directly with fisheries in Maine and Alaska, where their world-leading international and environmental standards preserves the resources and offers the best quality and taste.  Emperor’s Champagne Parlour A first for the GFWS, the new Parlour is space dedicated to champagne in all its glory, and will feature the Champagne Dame, Kyla Kirkpatrick as a host throughout the weekend. Kyla will teach guests about the history of champagne, the different types, and the best ways to drink champagne (caviar included!). The Parlour will also feature the Emperor Champagne Truck, and Emperor’s newest beverage addition, Charles Collin (which launched two weeks ago) will be available only through Emperor (both during the event and in general). Glenfiddich The Good Food and Wine Show marks the beginning of a nation-wide Whiskey Wanderer tour, including the exclusive look at the… Read More