Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD

Why do Sundays in the Shire at FIOR

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Spring has sprung, and with it comes a whole lot of excitement at FIOR, the Shire’s beloved foodie paradise. Nestled in the heart of the Shire and masterminded by the culinary geniuses behind Surry Hills hotspots Jane and Arthur, FIOR is about to shake things up with their new “Every Other Sunday” series. Launching on October 6th, just in time for the long weekend, these events will run throughout November and bring a slice of city life to the Shire. Imagine lounging on FIOR’s sun-drenched balcony, sipping on a cocktail crafted by none other than Dan Ritchie, the Archie Rose brand ambassador, or Evan Stroeve of The Waratah/RHUBI fame. These two legends have teamed up to create a drink menu that promises to delight your taste buds without breaking the bank. And if you bring along five mates, you’ll score a complimentary cocktail pitcher—now that’s what we call a Sunday well spent! The October lineup is a tantalising teaser of what’s to come: Since its inception, FIOR has been a standout in the Shire, beloved for its fresh take on Australian cuisine with an Italian twist. Executive chef Tristan Rosier and head chef Will Lawson have crafted a menu that celebrates local produce through traditional Italian techniques. With every bite, you’ll experience a fusion of flavors that keeps diners coming back for more. FIOR’s space, with room for 120 patrons, offers a relaxed atmosphere complete with a wrap-around balcony, buzzing open kitchen, and a welcoming bar—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a local or from… Read More

Sydney’s Streets of Barangaroo launches Festival of Food this October

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Hold onto your taste buds, folks, because this October, Sydney’s buzzing Barangaroo precinct is set to sizzle with the inaugural Festival of Food at The Streets of Barangaroo. This fresh celebration promises a mouth-watering mix of culinary collaborations, immersive experiences, and vibrant entertainment, offering a feast for every palate. As the seasons change, so do the reasons to celebrate. This festival not only highlights the delectable dining scene but also marks the launch of the new metro line, making it easier than ever to dive into Barangaroo’s dynamic precinct. Lendlease’s Head of Asset Management, Scott Meehan, captures it well: “The Streets of Barangaroo is recognised as one of Sydney’s go-to food and dining destinations. The Festival of Food is designed to celebrate the best of what the precinct has to offer from leading cuisine to diverse culture and will be welcomed by our well-established community and visitors alike.” Here’s a taste of what’s on the menu: With over 90 unique operators in food, lifestyle, and fashion, The Streets of Barangaroo is a culinary playground nestled on Sydney’s waterfront. Partnering with Good Food Events, this festival is a scrumptious celebration of all things food, fun, and fabulous. Ready to savour the best of Barangaroo? For more info and to secure your spot, head to The Streets of Barangaroo’s website. Don’t miss out on this feast of fun and flavour!

Melbourne food festival in the suburbs you need to visit

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Hold onto your hats and ready your taste buds because the 7th annual East Malvern Food & Wine Festival is making its grand return. Coming to the stunning Central Park on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 12 noon to 6 pm. This isn’t just any old gathering—it’s a gourmet gala that’ll have your senses singing. And guess what? Entry is absolutely free! Yes, you heard right. Free as a bird. Set against the lush backdrop of Central Park, this festival is a tantalizing tapestry of the finest wines, scrumptious food, and toe-tapping tunes. Picture this: you, a glass of Victorian wine in one hand, a gourmet treat in the other, all while swaying to live pop-up musical performances. It’s not just a festival; it’s where your weekend dreams come to life. Speaking of wines, prepare to be spoiled for choice. We’re talking about a lineup that reads like a who’s who of Victoria’s finest: Petronio Wines, Steels Gate Wines, Noble Red Wines, and so many more. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just love a good tipple, there’s something to suit every palate. And if wine isn’t your thing, don’t fret! Our local craft beer heroes, Hop Hen Brewing and Two Doors Brewing, along with top-notch distillers like Hobson Distillery, have got you covered. Feeling peckish? The festival’s food scene is a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Dive into Bao Melbourne’s fluffy clouds of goodness, or spice things up with Spanish Paella. There’s sushi, arancini, dumplings, wood-fired pizza—it’s a food lover’s paradise. And for the sweet-toothed among… Read More

Coffee and brunch in Bondi at Piazza D’Oro

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Attention all coffee lovers and budding baristas! Piazza D’Oro is inviting you to indulge in a caffeinated celebration like no other. Ahead of International Coffee Day, they’re rolling out the beans at Meidy’s Cafe in Bondi with an exclusive latte art workshop that promises to turn your coffee-swirling dreams into reality. This special event, in collaboration with the Nathan School of Coffee, will take place on the 28th of September 2024. It’s your golden ticket to becoming a latte art aficionado. Under the expert guidance of Nathan, you’ll dive into the world of latte artistry, learning to transform your morning brew into a masterpiece. And for those who love a bit of bragging rights, a certificate in latte art will be awarded to showcase your newfound skills. But wait, there’s more! Arrnott Olssen, renowned chef from My Kitchen Rules, will be curating a brunch menu that’s as delightful as it is inspired. Drawing from his Fijian roots, Olssen has crafted dishes that pair beautifully with Piazza D’Oro’s Organic Blend. Picture yourself savoring french toast with a heavenly Piazza D’Oro coffee cream or enjoying a tropical bircher muesli drizzled with coffee caramel. And yes, there will be free-flowing coffees and even an espresso martini to cap off your experience. Meidy’s Cafe, nestled in the heart of Bondi, will set the scene for this coffee extravaganza. Known for its multicultural vibe, this beloved local haunt is just the spot to brew up some fun and flavor. For just $25, you’ll enjoy two hours of coffee creativity, gourmet… Read More

New restaurant in Bronte opens: Table Manners

Table Manners dining room Sydney

Bronte’s culinary scene is set to get a refreshing splash of European flair with the opening of Table Manners on Macpherson Street this Wednesday. This neighbourhood restaurant and bar marks the first solo venture of renowned hospitality figure Alex Cameron, who brings with him a passion for European dining and a vision for a relaxed yet refined local haunt. At the helm of the kitchen is head chef Luke Churchill, whose impressive pedigree includes stints at Parlar and Oncore by Clare Smyth, promising an exciting menu that’s bound to delight. Alex Cameron, a Bronte local himself, couldn’t be more thrilled about unveiling Table Manners. “I am excited to be opening the doors to Table Manners; it has been such a labour of love. Welcoming guests and offering something new to my local community has been the driving force behind those late nights. Bringing my love of European dining to Bronte is the icing on the cake. We hope everyone loves what we put on the table,” he shared. The seafood-leaning menu at Table Manners takes its cue from the diverse cuisines of Europe, crafted for a laid-back yet exquisite dining experience. Diners can anticipate dishes like tuna belly toast; Hervey Bay scallops with nduja butter and macadamia; Moreton Bay bug club sandwich; Murray Cod with pickled carrots and sauce Jacqueline; crispy spaghetti ‘all’Assassina with chilli, tomato, and king prawns; and lemon polenta madeleines. Cameron’s collaboration with Churchill has been a dream in the making. “To work alongside Luke has always been on the agenda; we… Read More

New restaurant, Sefa, opens in Byron Bay

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Byron Bay, brace yourself for a culinary treat as the much-loved Bondi gem, Sefa Kitchen, prepares to open its doors in your coastal paradise from August this year. With its reputation firmly rooted in the bustling streets of Sydney, this marks the third venture at Nourishing Habitat for restaurateurs Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse. After the runaway successes of Commune Canteen and Gitana Spanish Wine Bar, Sefa Kitchen is set to add a delicious new layer to Byron Bay’s vibrant food scene. Sefa Kitchen, a Bondi institution since 2013, is celebrated for its rustic yet refined take on Middle Eastern cuisine, drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse flavours of the Levantine and North African regions. This is a cuisine that has transcended borders for over 400 years, blending the ancient cooking traditions of culturally rich areas. With a focus on legumes, dairy, grains, spices, and seasonal produce, Sefa Kitchen brings this culinary heritage to life, offering a dining experience that is both exotic and familiar. At the heart of Sefa Kitchen Byron Bay is its wood-fire oven and open-flame grill, where dishes are infused with unique, smoky flavours that only this style of cooking can impart. The menu is designed around generous share platters, inviting diners to wrap the delicious offerings in bread and enjoy them with their hands. While plates and cutlery are available, owners Utku and Nico encourage guests to embrace the mess and dive in with their hands, adding a fun, interactive element to the dining experience. Diners can look forward… Read More

Tzatziki in a cocktail? Give it a go at Douglas Bar

Douglas Club

In the ever-evolving world of cocktails, the classic martini is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, reclaiming its place in the limelight on bar menus across the globe. Yet, this isn’t just your grandfather’s martini making a comeback; it’s the martini with a twist—literally. Bars are pushing the envelope, infusing this timeless favourite with bold, unexpected flavours that challenge and delight the palate. At the forefront of this trend is The Douglas Club, a moody, sophisticated hideaway nestled in the heart of the CBD. Known for its daring approach to cocktail crafting, The Douglas Club has given birth to the Tzatzikitini—a Mediterranean-inspired marvel that redefines what it means to sip a savoury cocktail. This daring concoction begins with a base of cucumber-infused gin, providing a crisp and refreshing backbone. Greek yogurt clarification adds an unexpected creaminess, while zesty lemon injects a vibrant brightness. The pièce de résistance? Dill-infused vermouth, which delivers a herbal kick, evoking the essence of a Mediterranean garden. The result is a uniquely unforgettable sip that promises to intrigue even the most adventurous drinkers. As the martini undergoes this bold transformation, the trend of savory cocktails influenced by food is gaining traction. No longer satisfied with sweet and fruity, cocktail enthusiasts are seeking out drinks that challenge their taste buds with savory, umami-rich profiles. These innovative creations often draw inspiration from culinary techniques and ingredients, blurring the lines between food and drink. The Tzatzikitini is just one example of how bartenders are embracing this movement, crafting beverages that are as much about the experience… Read More

Nour Sydney embarks on a new chapter with new chef

Nour Rush Aug24 Credit Jiwon Kim 1

Nour Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in the vibrant heart of Surry Hills, is set to embark on a tantalizing new chapter with the appointment of Ibrahim Kasif as its new Head Chef. Known for its contemporary spin on Middle Eastern classics, Nour has long been the darling of foodies who crave a sophisticated yet warm dining experience—think Lebanese flavors with a trendy pastel backdrop. This exciting evolution follows the impressive tenure of Executive Chef Paul Farag, who has left an indelible mark on Nour’s reputation. As Farag sets his sights on new ventures within ESCA, he hands over the culinary reins to Kasif, a maestro of Middle Eastern cuisine with more than a decade’s worth of spice-infused experience. Kasif’s culinary journey is nothing short of legendary, having previously owned and headlined the hatted Stanbuli. His creative genius is poised to shine at Nour, introducing a menu that’s as bold as a kangaroo in a boxing ring. Expect dishes like woodfired stuffed mussels with pine nut rice and chicken fat butter, and raw kingfish tabbouleh with a horseradish cacik kick. And let’s not forget the vegetarians—your taste buds will dance with joy at the sight of woodfired mushrooms with burnt leeks and muhammara. It’s safe to say, Kasif’s menu is set to turn heads and tantalize taste buds. Ibby Moubadder, Co-founder of the ESCA Group, couldn’t be more thrilled: “Kasif is the perfect person to lead Nour into its next chapter. Paul has set an extremely high standard, and we know that Kasif’s passion and expertise… Read More

Tombo Den Japanese opens in Melbourne this September

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Melbourne’s dining scene is about to get a vibrant new addition with the opening of Tombo Den, the latest venture by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas. Set to open on Saturday, September 7th, at 100 Chapel Street, Windsor, Tombo Den promises to transport diners straight to the bustling streets of Tokyo with its reinterpretation of the city’s late-night dining culture, infused with a touch of Melbourne flair. Tombo Den captures the essence of Tokyo’s izakayas—those lively, labyrinth-like pubs known for their relaxed atmosphere and adventurous eats. Chris Lucas, whose passion for Japanese cuisine and culture was sparked during his time living in Tokyo in the 90s, is excited to bring this experience to Windsor. “I can’t wait to bring a slice of this to the area,” Lucas shares, reminiscing about his days savoring street food in downtown Tokyo. Leading the culinary charge is celebrated chef Dan Chan, whose impressive resume includes stints at the Michelin-starred Yardbird in Hong Kong and Melbourne’s own Supernormal. Alongside Lucas, Chan has crafted a menu that pays homage to Tokyo’s dining culture while incorporating Melbourne’s sensibilities. The sushi offerings are a standout, with Kisumé Sushi Masters Toaki Kyo and Carlos Lopez bringing their expertise to a menu that honors sushi’s beginnings as a street food staple. Diners can enjoy a rotating selection of sashimi and nigiri, including deluxe options like scallop and wagyu, served from a central counter. The à la carte menu is a testament to the creativity and skill behind Tombo Den. Small Plates feature tempting bites like Sapporo… Read More