Category: FOOD & DRINK

South Melbourne restaurant Lucia does it well

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From the team behind suburban gems Riserva, Baia Di Vino, and San Lorenzo comes a new dining destination in Melbourne’s inner south. Lucia, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar located at the base of Eleven Eastern Road, South Melbourne, promises to redefine the traditional European dining experience. Co-owners Frank Ciorciari and Anthony Silvestre have set out to bring the same much-loved style of warm, old-school hospitality as their other venues, to the local area. Elevated Design and Ambiance Brought to life by Melbourne architecture practice Rothelowman and Melbourne/New York-based branding studio Blurr Bureau, Lucia draws inspiration from European heritage and the Renaissance period. The light-filled dining room is exquisitely designed, featuring earthy tones of maroon and moss green, floor-to-ceiling windows, banquette seating, marble tops with brass detailing, and mood-lighting, all contributing to an ambiance that accentuates the space’s European feel. The Culinary Experience Lucia follows the same ethos of the owner’s other venues through simple, well-executed food complemented by an iconic wine list. Head Chef Jordan Clavaron, who honed his skills under his father, a Michelin Star chef, curates a masterfully simple Mediterranean menu, characterized by signature recipes with seasonality at its core. The menu draws inspiration from Clavaron’s travels around France, Italy, and Spain, offering a seamless transition from day to night with share plates, mains, and larger share plates, all crafted with a Mediterranean flare. An Unparalleled Wine Selection Heading the expansive 400-bottle list is Head Sommelier Simone Garro, aiming to delight diners with some of the world’s most iconic wines, designed to… Read More

Asian degustation for Good Friday at Cocobei

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Cocobei, the quintessential Melbourne-style cafe nestled in Docklands, is poised to elevate your Good Friday experience with an exclusive Good Friday Degustation event. Renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional culinary delights, Cocobei, with over two decades of industry expertise, invites guests to savor a 4-course seafood feast in a degustation style to celebrate the Easter weekend. Embracing the essence of Melbourne’s vibrant culture, Cocobei seamlessly blends Australian, French, Mediterranean, and Asian fusion brunch options to create an adventurous degustation full of flavor, promising to provide an unforgettable Good Friday. Drawing from his Chinese heritage, Martin Sun, Head Chef of Cocobei, incorporates traditional cooking techniques and aromatic spices commonly found in Chinese cuisine, infusing dishes with unique Chinese elements such as dehydration and broth-making techniques to enhance flavor. Sun also draws inspiration from Italian cooking techniques such as osmosis, and French innovations such as the sous vide, consommé, and crème practices. The degustation begins with a Gazpacho with Almond Cracker, Avocado Crème, and Torched Prosciutto, the perfect cleanser, with a hit of salt to prepare the palette for the remaining courses. The second course unveils a succulent Confit Salmon adorned with Watermelon Jerky infused with smoked oils and an aromatic blend of herbs. This advanced culinary practice, characterized by a meticulous 15-hour baking process and an additional 15 hours in the dehydrator, unveils a distinct and unparalleled flavor experience—a groundbreaking approach to culinary experiences. Elevating this creation further, it is complemented by the delicate addition of passionfruit vinegar and the vibrant burst of finger lime,… Read More

New bar in Sydney: INNA Lounge

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Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s bustling CBD, INNA Lounge emerges as a beacon of luxury and nostalgia within the historic walls of The Republic Hotel. This latest addition to Sydney’s nightlife is not just a bar; it’s a cultural revitalisation of one of the city’s iconic landmarks. With the promise of combining unapologetic sophistication and a wink to the past, INNA Lounge invites patrons to indulge in an experience unlike any other. Stage One of an Ambitious Renovation INNA Lounge marks the beginning of an ambitious facelift for the beloved Republic Hotel. A multi-million dollar renovation aims to breathe new life into this four-story building, preserving its rich heritage while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary edge. The transformation of INNA Lounge sets the tone for what’s to come, offering a glimpse into a future where history and modernity coalesce seamlessly. A Cocktail List That Nostalgically Innovates At the heart of INNA Lounge’s charm is its inventive cocktail menu. Spearheaded by Rusty (James Russell), the Virtical Group Beverage Manager, the menu draws inspiration from the vibrant art deco era of the 1930s and post-World War I innovation. Featuring reimagined classics that spotlight iconic Australian ingredients, such as Milo and Arnott’s biscuits, each cocktail tells a story. The ‘Biscuit Tin’, a peach cobbler homage to Arnott’s, and the ‘Mayne Meal’, a marriage between Milo and the Espresso Martini, are just a taste of the creative flair INNA offers. Culinary Creations to Complement Your Cocktail Complementing the sophisticated drink selection, Chef Derek Bell curates a series… Read More

Yakimono’s night of sake appreciation

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Get ready for an extraordinary evening as Yakimono proudly presents the return of the much-anticipated Sake-Mono event! After the overwhelming success of last year’s sell-out extravaganza, we’re thrilled to announce that this exclusive experience is back – for one night only! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 9th, as Yakimono teams up once again with Yukino Ochiai, Australia’s esteemed certified sake expert and Director of Deja Vu Sake. As the country’s first female Sake Samurai and WSET certified Level 3 Japanese Sake Educator, Ochiai-san brings unparalleled expertise to guide guests through an enchanting exploration of Japanese sake. Prepare to be captivated as Ochiai-san expertly curates a tasting journey featuring extraordinary pours from renowned sake producers such as Tsukinokatsura, Kenbishi, Dewazakura, and more. These premium drops are rarely found in Australia, making this event an exclusive opportunity to savor the finest offerings from the world of Japanese sake. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a signature sake cocktail, setting the stage for an evening of pure delight. Executive Chef Daniel Wilson has artfully crafted a menu of vibrant Japanese delicacies, meticulously paired with each pour. From the tantalizing Tuna Tartare Tempura and succulent BBQ King Salmon to the divine Yuzu Bombe Alaska for dessert, every dish promises to be a symphony of flavors. With tickets priced at $99 per person and limited spots available (last year’s edition sold out in a matter of days), we urge you to secure your place now to avoid missing out on this extraordinary event. Event Details: Don’t miss out… Read More

Meal prep has never been easier thanks to the Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer

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If you’e not an air fryer convert by now, where the bloody hell have you been?! Air frying is fast, simple and requires very little clean up since minimal oil is used and any splatter is contained. However, if you’re a meal prepper (how very Doomsday vibes!), you’ll know that not many air fryers can house your food demands. Enter the new Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer air fryer with it’s whopping 10.4L capacity. This is the big daddy of all air fryers and brings the Ninja Kitchen tech expertise to your home for easier group, family and batch cooking. It’s defining features is the FlexDrawer that transforms your air fryer from a DualZone, capable of cooking two seperate dishes for their own set time and temperature, to MegaZone, with extra-large capacity of 10.4L which is big enough to cook a whole chicken (#gains) or a Sunday lamb roast, including the veggies! The DualZone is perfect if you’re prepping protein and sides concurrently as you can easily sync the finishing times using the timer and temperature functions so your meals are all done in one go. Don’t despair if you’ve got a sweet tooth and want to prep baked oats or protein muffins, the FlexDrawer isn’t just for meats and veggies, you can even bake a whole pavlova in the air fryer! That’s the kind of meal prep I think we can all get behind… Need some inspo to get started? Try this spicy tofu with green beans for a healthy lunch prep, or this gluten-free salmon… Read More

New YAWYE juice bar in Melbourne

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Just a few months after opening its first store on Little Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, YAWYE is popping up in South Yarra, with a second location at the base of Goldfields House at 627 Chapel Street. Making waves in the health food space and on social media, YAWYE is taking Melbourne by storm one swirly smoothie at a time. Located on the ground floor of Goldfields House, where Daly St meets Chapel St, YAWYE’s newest home has a striking design, developed by Melbourne-based studio Rodeo Rodeo, which features a spacey blue fit out made from recycled sea plastics. Serving the eye-catching, ingredient-packed smoothies and acai bowls YAWYE has quickly become known for, the menu has a few exciting updates too. The crowd-favourite ‘Cosmic Coffee’ caffeine smoothie can now be upgraded to a double shot of coffee free of charge. Smoothies can also be customised by taking out or adding ingredients to suit your tastes, such as adding unflavoured protein powder for $2. Fans can also order all their usual favourites, including YAWYE’s signature ‘Blue Lagoon’ smoothie featuring Blue Majik spirulina and marine collagen powder, or the soft-serve acai bowls with any combination of toppings from fresh fruit to housemade peanut butter. “We’re so excited to bring YAWYE to South Yarra,” says Chef and Food Consultant Sarah Watson. “Our flavours are fun, with an element of surprise. Whether you’re looking for a protein-rich post-workout snack or an energy booster in your work break, we’ve designed the menu so that it caters to all different needs.”… Read More

Melbourne city dinner options if you’re seeing Wicked

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The Westin Melbourne is excited to announce its partnership with the internationally acclaimed Broadway musical WICKED, bringing the magic of musical theatre into the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. From March 2 through to June, an array of wonderfully WICKED-themed experiences will be on offer for guests and theatregoers, including bespoke accommodation packages, a decadent high tea, and a new cocktail menu of enchanting concoctions – sure to be ‘pop-u-lar’ with fans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wicked Musical Melbourne (@wickedmusicalmelb) Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte shares, “Creating this menu has been a lot of fun and the friendship between WICKED’s main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, has been the inspiration to bring it to life. Using local and sustainable produce, I’ve paired ingredients that share a camaraderie and complement each other when served together, yet hold its own distinct characteristics and identities, just like the main leads. The show’s bright and vibrant colours also lead the high tea, with the iconic WICKED green taking centre stage”. Fans will get a fix of wicked flavours in the enchanting WICKED High Tea ($85 per person), sure to charm diners with every bite. Available daily from 11 – 5.30pm, the high tea serves up a selection of sweet and savoury treats, inspired by the whimsical world of Oz, accompanied by an Elphaba Fizz cocktail. Savoury items will include: A decadent assortment of sweets will follow, such as: Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from WICKED’s Melbourne home, the Regent Theatre, guests can turn a… Read More

Scenic dining in Australia

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Australia’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, offering not just exceptional menus, but also breathtaking views and iconic locations. Whether you are a food enthusiast or an avid traveller, these destinations provide a window into the country’s unparalleled beauty. Location: 78 Penfold Road, Adelaide SA 5072 Highlights: Nestled in the beautiful Adelaide foothills, Magill Estate Restaurant combines modern dining with stunning scenery. Enjoy contemporary dishes and an impressive wine selection amid breathtaking views that make every meal memorable. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magill Estate Restaurant (@magillestaterestaurant) Location: Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide SA 5000 Highlights: Situated within the picturesque 51-hectare Adelaide Botanic Garden, Restaurant Botanic offers a dining experience that evolves with the seasons. Chef Justin James crafts a menu to engage all your senses, ensuring a relaxed four-hour culinary adventure. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Restaurant Botanic (@restaurantbotanic_adl) Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000 Highlights: Dine with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the city at the iconic Sydney Opera House. The menu celebrates Australian cuisine with elegant meals crafted from top-quality local ingredients. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bennelong Restaurant (@bennelong_sydney) Location: 1 Macquarie Street, Sydney Highlights: Aria boasts stunning views of Sydney’s landmarks paired with a versatile menu. Whether opting for a full degustation or a selection of dishes, the best of Australian ingredients are showcased in every bite. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aria Restaurant (@ariarestaurant) Location: 270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000… Read More

Summer lunches while you can at Johnny’s Green Room

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As summer unfurls its final golden rays, Johnny’s Green Room adds yet another charm to its rooftop allure. Between the breezy hours of 1PM and 3PM on weekdays, this haven offers an enticing invitation to indulge in the quintessentially Italian delight of Pucce. These sumptuous bread pockets, brimming with seasonal freshness, echo the soul of Salento’s street food traditions. Crafted under the visionary guidance of Culinary Director Karen Martini, the menu promises a tantalising trio of variations. Whether it’s the crunch of fried local calamari contrasted with the zest of fresh lemon, the creamy dreaminess of buffalo mozzarella paired with heirloom tomatoes, or the rich tapestry of flavours married in the Mr. Canubi Mortadella option, each Puccia is a carefully curated symphony of taste. Encouraging the spirit of sharing, why not seize this culinary adventure with a colleague? After all, delights doubled are delights doubled.

New Vic’s Meat at Chatswood

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Calling all meat enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs! It’s time to rejoice as Anthony Puharich, the visionary owner behind Victor Churchill & Vic’s, kicks off his grand 2024 expansion with the spectacular debut of Vic’s second store at Chatswood Chase today. Expanding Horizons: A Meat-Lover’s Delight The sizzling excitement doesn’t end there, as two more Vic’s stores are set to grace Bondi Junction and Chadstone Melbourne later this year, marking an exhilarating phase in the brand’s journey. Already an iconic presence at Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont, Vic’s continues to redefine the meat industry landscape with its unwavering commitment to premium quality and unparalleled culinary experiences. A legacy of excellence For nearly three decades, Vic’s has been the epitome of premium quality meat, serving as the trusted supplier to the nation’s top restaurants, earning accolades for its award-winning cuts. Beyond the realms of haute cuisine, Vic’s has opened its doors to the Australian public, offering access to the most exceptional meat selections. Since its inception in 1996, Vic’s has been steadfast in its mission to unite Australia through the shared love for exceptional food. Vic’s Chatswood Chase: A Culinary Oasis Located at 345 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067, Vic’s Chatswood Chase promises an indulgent meat-shopping experience like no other. With doors open from Monday to Sunday, meat aficionados can embark on a gastronomic expedition to explore the finest cuts, expertly crafted to elevate every culinary creation. Join the Culinary Celebration As the aroma of sizzling steaks and succulent roasts fills the air, we invite you to… Read More