Category: FOOD & DRINK

Queen & Collins: Redefining CBD Dining Experiences

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The GPT Group, one of Australia’s leading property groups, has unveiled the final phase of its audacious redevelopment project at the illustrious Queen & Collins tower. The crown jewel of this project is a premium dining precinct encapsulated within the iconic gothic façade. Queen & Collins has evolved to shatter the conventional mould of CBD dining hubs, providing an architecturally designed space that intertwines the site’s rich history with a modern celebration of culinary diversity. This dynamic precinct serves a broad customer demographic, including business executives, local residents, and tourists. Each corner of Queen & Collins is meticulously crafted to reflect the vibrancy of Melbourne’s famed laneways. It thrives as a lively community hub, imbued with character and texture, set to make its mark as a distinctive destination for gatherings this social season. Fine Dining and Artisanal Cafes Reine & La Rue, the French bistro nestled within the historic Grand Cathedral Room, brings a touch of old-world New York opulence. Managed by the renowned NOMAD group, the bistro has quickly achieved ‘icon’ status, winning Good Food’s 2023 Best New Restaurant of the Year. The grandeur of its vaulted ceilings, granite columns, and stained-glass windows pairs elegantly with a menu that leaves patrons wanting more. Rustica, the artisanal café and bakery, offers a more laid-back dining option. It’s the perfect retreat from the city’s hustle, marking the café’s fourth location in the CBD. Exciting New Additions This December, food lovers can look forward to the launch of the subterranean bar, Purple Pit, by culinary maestro Maurice… Read More

Frozen margs, Ritacolada at El Camino

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Tex Mex wild child El Camino Cantina is at it again, bringing the biggest and most audacious Margaritas to Australia. This time, they have launched a new limited-edition frozen drinks range: the Ritacolada! ?? For five weeks only, from January 8th until February 11th, experience the refreshing fusion of El Camino’s legendary frozen Ritas and the tropical coconut notes of the Pina Colada. Say goodbye to choosing between these classic cocktails because now you can have the best of both worlds in one glass! ??? Giles Adolphus, El Camino Cantina Food & Beverage Director, said, “We’re also serving up some exciting new taco and wing flavors to pair with our Ritacolada range, creating a trifecta of bold, new Tex-Mex menu items for the remaining weeks of summer.” So get ready to indulge in a Tex-Mex feast like no other! ?? The Ritacolada range features nine fantastic flavors, each more delicious than the last. From Loco Berry (Blueberry and Coconut) to Strawberry Bash (Strawberry Coconut), there’s something for everyone to enjoy. ?? You can find this mouthwatering line-up at all El Camino Cantina locations across the country. Whether you’re in Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, or Melbourne, you’re just a sip away from paradise. The Rocks, Surfers Paradise, South Bank, and Fitzroy offer all nine flavors, while other venues rotate between them, ensuring you always have a delightful selection to choose from. ??? To make this summer even cooler, El Camino Cantina is also introducing five new taco and wing flavors, available on… Read More

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Style at the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mahjong Club

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To welcome the Year of The Wood Dragon with flair, renowned Sydney chef Dan Hong and Crazy Rich Asians actor Remy Hii have teamed up for a modern take on the traditional tile game at the exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mahjong Club. On Saturday, February 17th, the iconic duo will transform Merivale’s Bridge Street landmark, Est., into a vibrant space for Sydneysiders to immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Lunar New Year. Guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at mahjong under the guidance of a local master, while indulging in a specially curated menu featuring Hong’s fusion flair and unique Johnnie Walker Blue Label-infused cocktails. In the beautifully designed blue-washed environment, combining Est.’s classic architecture with contemporary Chinese elements, Hong will delight attendees with six delectable bite-sized dishes. These include king crab and scallop potsticker dumplings, rock lobster bao with ginger and shallot, prawn toast with otoro tuna belly and finger lime, as well as a tantalizing hot and numbing wagyu skewer. Additionally, guests can savor a modern twist on longevity noodles with the chilled truffled noodle topped with caviar, and end the meal with Hong’s rendition of a Hong Kong-style warm egg tart. To complement the culinary delights and enhance the flavors of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, renowned mixologist Jonathan Liu has crafted three distinct cocktails infused with popular Asian flavors. Highball enthusiasts can enjoy the Hi-Prosperity, featuring notes of ginger, yuzu, and chrysanthemum. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the Blue Wishes, a cocktail infused with… Read More

Where Tokyo’s streets come to life

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DOPA, the retro Japanese fast-casual eatery created by The Devon Group, has recently opened its 7th store, marking its first ever location in the Eastern Suburbs. On December 8th, DOPA introduced Bondi Junction to its chemically transformative culinary experience, inspired by the chemical dopamine. The menu, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Zachary Tan and Executive Pastry Chef Markus Andrew, offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory dishes. Drawing inspiration from the streets of Tokyo, DOPA reimagines Japanese comfort food while adhering to its slow food ethos of quality, sustainability, and ethical food production. The stars of the menu are the Japanese donburis, with over twenty variations to choose from. To celebrate the grand opening of DOPA Bondi Junction, they are introducing the Bondi Don, a vegan donburi packed with flavor. This plant-based delight features a beef patty alternative, rice, tare, seaweed, sliced shallots, vegan cheese, secret sauce, and tomato sauce—a perfect choice for health-conscious Bondi consumers. Classic donburis include mouthwatering options like teriyaki chicken and karaage. For those seeking a unique twist, DOPA offers choices such as the cheeseburger wagyu, wagyu beef tongue, or glacier 51 toothfish. Dessert lovers will revel in the popular DOPA mochi daifuku, available in flavors like matcha, strawberry, and vegan mango. The signature matcha or original cheesecake tantalizes taste buds, combining the best of east and west flavors. Thirst-quenching signature drinks include DOPA’s home brewed iced tea in refreshing lychee, raspberry, and Yuzu flavors. Step inside DOPA and you’ll find its vibrant menu reflected in the sleek interior design…. Read More

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Melbourne in 2023

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As the clock ticks closer to midnight, and the anticipation of a brand new year is in the air, Melbourne transforms into a city of celebration! It’s famed for its spectacular fireworks display, bustling street parties, and glamorous soirees that light up New Year’s Eve. If you’re planning to bid farewell to 2023 amidst all the excitement, you’re in luck! Here’s our curated list of Melbourne’s finest venues where you can welcome the year 2024 in style, indulging in mouth-watering cuisine, sipping on premium beverages, and soaking in the electrifying ambiance. Let’s dive in, shall we? Mr Miyagi Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Mr. Miyagi, where a feast awaits you! Their exquisite ‘Feed Me Menu’ is bound to tantalise your taste buds. Available from 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM, this flavourful experience is priced at $99 per person. To make your celebration even more sparkling, opt for the premium free-flowing beverage package for an additional $29 per person. Reservations are open now. Check out their mouth-watering menu and the venue’s vibrant atmosphere here. Stella Restaurant and Bar Get ready to usher in the New Year in style at Stella Restaurant and Bar. They are offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve Dinner from 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM. Savour a sophisticated culinary journey for $225 per person, with the option of premium paired wines at an additional $75 per person. Book your spot here to enjoy the delectable menu in their elegant setting. Not to be missed is the Stella’s New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party. From… Read More

Escape to the Mediterranean in Sydney at Zephyr rooftop bar

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We can’t all be in Europe, in fact, it’s winter there so Sydney is the hottest place to be anyway (perhaps literally). If you are craving the Mediterranean vibes though of sipping a frosty beverage, staring at the water and feeling a million miles away from your problems, then there’s only one spot on Sydney you need to be and that’s Zephyr bar. Situated on the 12th floor of city centre located Hyatt Regency is a not-so-hidden gem of a rooftop bar. We say not-so-hidden, because while a peaceful oasis, the great views are coveted so we recommend making a booking! All through the summer months Zephyr is embracing the French Riviera energy and has redone the rooftop setting with trails of bougainvillea and upscale seaside decor in classy navy, white and orange palettes. Naturally they’ve also redone the menu to suit a spot simply screaming let’s have a kiki. “Zephyr’s latest cocktail creations are a sensory journey that brings drink trends and the flavours seen in the Northern Hemisphere summer to Sydney as we enter the warmer months and the timeless attraction of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after summer locations, such as St. Tropez, the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands straight to your glass,” explains Zephyr’s Mixologist, Jordan Rizk. With classics, twisty classics and new creations on the menu it’s hard to recommend just one drink that will be the perfect sundowner, however Jordan recommend the hero cocktail, the Zephyr St Tropez Spritz. Tastes of charred pineapple rum, deep of barrel-aged gin, sparkling rosé… Read More

Embark on a memorable New Year’s Eve dining experience at Stokehouse

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Get ready for an extraordinary culinary journey this New Year’s Eve at Stokehouse. With a curated 4-course dinner by executive chef Jason Staudt, this dining experience promises to be truly unforgettable. Starting from 7pm, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in opulent pre-dinner delights at STOKEBAR. Picture yourself savoring freshly shucked oysters and premium canapés, perfectly complemented by the light and crisp tones of Pol Roger champagne or one of Stokehouse’s signature cocktails. Once seated, prepare to be wowed by a stunning caviar service featuring Polanco Oscietra caviar, harvested in Uruguay and adorned with Stokehouse’s unique garnishes. Following this luxurious starter, guests will be treated to a show-stopping dish of poached southern rock lobster, melon gazpacho, and buffalo curd, all crafted using locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. For the main course, guests can choose between two premium options: an aged and glazed Macedon Ranges duck or King George whiting with summer peas and salmon roe caviar butter. These dishes will be accompanied by a choice of two sides, including a refreshing Ramarro farm tomato and stone fruit salad, as well as hot chips with citrus salt. To cleanse the palate, a refreshing lemon sorbet with Bellarine extra virgin olive oil will be served before moving on to the grand finale. Indulge in a popcorn mille-feuille with salted caramel ganache and old-fashioned baba, meticulously crafted by Head Pastry Chef Ash Smith. This decadent dessert is the perfect ending to an extraordinary dining experience. As you celebrate the new year, Stokehouse’s extensive cellar offers a wide… Read More

Green Cup expands to Hawksburn Village: a new oasis for health enthusiasts

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Green Cup, renowned for its delectable acai bowls and refreshing smoothies, has recently opened its seventh store in Hawksburn Village, much to the delight of health-conscious individuals in the area. This expansion showcases Green Cup’s commitment to providing delicious and nutritious treats to communities far and wide. Situated at the heart of Hawksburn Village, the new Green Cup store promises fast service and mouthwatering delights for those on the go. “We selected Hawksburn Village as our seventh location due to its vibrant and bustling community, which perfectly aligns with our mission of making healthy treats accessible to our customers,” explains Natalie Guest, Director of Green Cup. The new store aims to bring the unique Green Cup experience to the dynamic Hawksburn Village community. Green Cup’s latest venture boasts a fresh and distinctive look, courtesy of the renowned luxury interior design firm, Hecker Guthrie. With the use of raw materials such as timber, steel, concrete, and fibreglass, the store exudes a modern and sophisticated ambiance. The juxtaposition of industrial elements with refined touches provides customers with an elevated and unforgettable experience, while still capturing the essence of the beloved Green Cup brand. Patrons can enjoy their Green Cup experience both inside and outside the establishment, with comfortable seating available for up to nine individuals in each area. Whether it’s savouring a refreshing smoothie or grabbing a quick bite, the new store offers a welcoming space for health enthusiasts to relax and indulge. Green Cup’s journey began back in 2014 when they first opened their doors in… Read More

Westward Whiskey and The Whisky Club have teamed up for a sell-out release

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Whiskey (whisky if you prefer) is often times a collectors item, and Westward Whiskey is quickly becoming the item every true aficionado has in their collection. They’ve now teamed up with The Whisky Club, the ultimate subscription for every whiskey lover, for a VERY limited release of Westward Whiskey’s Vintage Muscat Cask. This first for the distillery is a love-child years in the making with Australia’s own Rutherglen region, where they’ve taken muscat barrels from iconic Stanton and Killeen vineyard to age their all-American mash in. Westward has won many awards, including Double Gold in the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Awards for their truly delicious Pinot Noir Cask, which is proof they’re a heavy-hitter in the whiskey market. Perhaps most inspiring though is the passion behind Westward. Westward’s legendary Master Blender, Miles Munroe flew out to speak at the launch and explained his ethos of believing “the future of whiskey is more interesting than its past”. A bold statement for a heritage product, but it’s clear to see the innovation coming out of new-age brewers who are being deliberately inefficient, trying new things and choosing flavour over volume. If you want to get your hands on one of these coveted bottles you’ll have to be quick as it’s sure to be a sell out range and it’s exclusively available through The Whisky Club as their December Whisky of the Month. The Whisky Club launched the Westward Rum Cask in 2021 to members and it was chosen by most as their winner for the year… Read More

A taste of authentic Italy in Sydney at Don Fred

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Imagine stepping into a vibrant, bustling street in Italy, where the air is filled with the tantalising aroma of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Now imagine experiencing this right in the heart of Sydney. Welcome to Don Fred, the newest gem on King Street in Newtown, that’s redefining the city’s culinary landscape. Opening its doors in February 2023, Don Fred has carved out a unique niche in Sydney’s food scene, offering a 100% plant-based menu that doesn’t compromise on the classic Italian flavours we all adore. The mastermind behind this innovative concept is Lorenzo Petrachi, former Restaurant Manager of Gigi Pizzeria, who has poured his passion and expertise into creating a dining experience like no other. As you walk into Don Fred, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight into a classic 1970s Paninoteca Bar in New York. The design choices are a nod to Petrachi’s Uncle Alfredo’s journey from Italy to New York in the early 60s, where he opened his own panino shop in the Bronx after overcoming numerous personal adversities. The burnt yellow walls, authentic Italian tiles, and brown timber tables resonate with the nostalgia of a bygone era, creating an ambience that’s both inviting and enchanting. But Don Fred is not just about aesthetics. Quality is at the heart of everything they do. Every ingredient used is ethically sourced and as fresh as can be, ensuring that customers enjoy the best plant-based alternatives available in the market. Petrachi sources local produce and ingredients, but also stays true to his Italian roots by… Read More