Category: FOOD & DRINK

Discover the Allure of Hickson House: Your New Favourite Destination for Gin Delights

Hickson House Summer Cup cocktails 6

Hickson House in Sydney is redefining the gin tasting experience with an array of exciting updates, ready to transport you into a world of unique gin-centric exploration. Starting today, the doors will open daily from 10 am, with tasting flights guided by our knowledgeable distillery door manager amidst the captivating backdrop of our towering, copper stills. This tantalising experience is available for just $10, which can be redeemed off any bottle purchase. Our expansive distillery store is stocked with all five of our award-winning Hickson House gins – Australian Dry, Classic Dry, Harbour Strength, Seven Spice, and Summer Cup. We also offer a range of gin-related products, like our delectable Martini olives and house-smoked Gibson onions, to amplify your gin experience. Our new release, Hickson House Wild Rosé Summer Cup, has been the talk of the town. A contemporary Australian twist on classic British fruit cup aperitifs, this Limited Edition launched last Summer has swiftly become a crowd favourite. Having won both Gold and Best in Class (Flavoured Gin) at the Australian Gin Awards 2023, it now forms a permanent part of Hickson House’s range. We believe in sustainability and make conscious efforts to reduce our environmental footprint. We source ingredients and native botanicals locally whenever possible and use handmade stills from country New South Wales. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our bottle return policy, where patrons can bring used Hickson gin bottles back for refills or exchanges. Adding to the excitement, we offer Bottomless Gin Brunches from 11 am on weekends. These brunches… Read More

Embark on an Unforgettable Culinary Journey at Charlotte Bar & Bistro

Sydney dining room

Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible allure of Charlotte Bar & Bistro, brought to you by the internationally renowned Azabu Group. Meticulously positioned in the picturesque harbourside suburb of McMahon’s Point, this culinary gem is set to redefine Sydney’s dining panorama with its exceptional French cuisine. Our doors officially swing open on Friday, 13th October, extending an invitation to all food connoisseurs to partake in an extraordinary gastronomic voyage. Our menu, carefully curated by Head Chef Hiroshi Manaka, is an ode to the rich traditions of French cuisine, enhanced with a unique touch of Azabu. Manaka, a seasoned maestro of French gastronomy with a distinguished career in Michelin-star kitchens across Europe, promises an avant-garde dining experience that is both nostalgic and ground-breaking. Our crowning glory, the ‘Boeuf En Croûte Royal,’ is a tantalizing rendition of a French classic, masterfully reimagined with an Azabu twist. Guests can choose from a variety of dishes designed for sharing, or opt for our banquet menu, perfect for groups of four or more. With a capacity of 120 guests, Charlotte Bar & Bistro hosts a variety of distinctive spaces. The Terrace, a charming outdoor area, is reminiscent of the French Riviera’s coastline, offering a tranquil setting bathed in natural sunlight during the day. Additionally, we house three exquisite private rooms, ideal for intimate and personalized gatherings. As Azabu Group’s most ambitious venture yet, Charlotte Bar & Bistro represents our unwavering commitment to culinary innovation. This marks our fifth venue within three years, bolstering an already impressive portfolio of authentic… Read More

Sashay into Silly Season with The Imperial Erskineville’s Fancy Feast Drag Brunches

DRag queen bar

Prepare yourselves, Sydney! The iconic LGBTQIA+ venue, The Imperial Erskineville, known for its colourful entertainment and strong connection to the Inner West community, is set to redefine your weekend experience. Launching on the 4th of November, The Impy’s Fancy Feast Drag Brunches are promising a weekend that’s more fabulous than you could ever imagine. What does a typical Saturday at The Imperial look like? Picture an afternoon of decadent pleasures; a dynamic spectacle of Sydney’s beloved drag talents commanding the stage; a spread of delectable dishes that cater to every palate, whether you’re a vegetarian or omnivore; and a selection of luscious cocktails to toast with. The Imperial Erskineville has it all, and it’s all served with a side of electrifying atmosphere. Larger groups are invited to savour the ‘Fancy Feast Menu,’ priced at $50pp for vegetarians and $55pp for omnivores. For smaller assemblages of 4-7 guests, an exquisite ala carte selection from The Imperial’s new Main Bar menu awaits, featuring pub classics and indulgent dishes with a Mediterranean twist. And let’s not forget the $15 cocktail jug specials, the perfect accessory to your thrilling Saturday afternoon. Timed impeccably for the festive silly season, The Imperial’s Fancy Feast Drag Brunch is your golden ticket to a leisurely afternoon filled with drag artistry and culinary delights. To become part of this immersive experience, make your reservation at https://imperialerskineville.com.au/fancy-feast/. Felicitating creativity, self-expression, and inclusivity, The Imperial Erskineville, a beacon of the Inner West, continues to offer exceptional entertainment and meaningful connections to the community. Don’t miss out… Read More

Christmas puddings for the community: Lion’s Christmas cake

Christmas pudding

As the festive season approaches, Australia’s favourite Christmas treat makes its eagerly anticipated return. The iconic Lions Australia Christmas cakes, embraced by thousands of households across the country for their exceptional quality and flavoursome taste, are back on sale, with all proceeds going back to the Lions Clubs and their commendable initiatives nationwide. These cakes aren’t just renowned for their delectable taste and high-quality ingredients, featuring a sumptuous recipe packed with 50% fruit. What truly sets these Christmas cakes apart is their heart-warming purpose. By purchasing a Lions Christmas Cake, you aren’t just indulging your festive palate, but also actively contributing to a worthy cause. Lions Australia uses the proceeds from the Lions Christmas Cake to fund a variety of crucial projects in the community. Each club that participates in the program gets to use the profits towards a Lions project or donate it back to their local communities, according to Lions Australia CEO, Rob Oerlemans. The focus in recent years has been on emergency and disaster relief activities, particularly helping communities rebuild and recover in the aftermath of fires and floods. Since the introduction of the first 1-pound cake back in 1965, Lions Christmas cakes and puddings have become the organisation’s most significant annual fundraiser. To date, they have successfully raised over $70 million to drive a range of community programs and projects across Australia. The Lions clubs, which started their journey over 75 years ago in Lismore, have now grown into Australia’s largest service organisation, boasting over 1200 clubs nationwide. Their key focus… Read More

Where to eat in Sydney when you’re feeling fancy

Aria Sydney view

At Aria and North Bondi Fish, there’s a whirl of exciting activity as we prepare for the end of the year. North Bondi Fish (NBF) has reintroduced their much-loved takeaway menu, perfect for savouring as you enjoy the sun-soaked Bondi sands. You can indulge in a variety of delightful dishes, including the daily selection of sashimi with wasabi, pickled ginger & soy, and the NBF fish taco with cabbage, chipotle and green tomato. Not to overlook, classic fish and chips and the NBF fish burger. On top of this, NBF presents Seaside Cocktails of the World, an exquisite collection of refreshing cocktails that will transport your senses to sun-drenched shores around the globe. Every weekend, you can let loose to the tunes of Sydney’s finest DJs, as you enjoy spicy margaritas and fresh fish in the golden hour at NBF. Over at Aria, weekday lunches are a luxurious affair. Enjoy the most beautiful views of Sydney Harbour as you indulge in dishes such as sweet corn agnolotti with preserved truffle, potato & cured egg yolk, and blue eye cod paired with cauliflower, poblano & macadamia. Aria also offers a pre-theatre dining experience every evening until 6pm, curated for guests to indulge before a show at the neighbouring Sydney Opera House. The New Year’s Eve celebrations at Aria promise to be an unforgettable experience. With two sittings, an early evening dinner from 5pm and a main event from 7.30pm, the evening will offer stunning floor to ceiling window views of Sydney Harbour. So, whether you’re at… Read More

Melbourne’s best pubs and restaurants for Christmas Day dining

The Duke of Wellington Melbourne pub

As the Yuletide season approaches, bring out your festive spirit and join in the merriment at some of Melbourne’s finest pubs and restaurants. This Christmas Day, let these culinary destinations do the heavy lifting while you sit back, relax and indulge in a feast fit for a king. The Smith: A Family Affair The Smith, located at 213 High Street, Prahran, invites you to take part in their festive family-style lunch1. With two sittings at 11am and 2.30pm, this renowned establishment offers a tantalising three-course meal brimming with all the trimmings. Adults are priced at $145, and kids can join in the fun for just $45. College Lawn Hotel: A Classic Christmas At 36 Greville Street, Prahran, lies the College Lawn Hotel2. This Christmas Day, they’re serving a three-course sharing menu with a unique twist on Christmas classics. Catering to various dietary needs, they offer dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan menus. Seating times are set at 11am and 2.30pm, with adults priced at $130 and kids under 12 at $45. Sarah Sands Hotel: Festive Flavours The Sarah Sands Hotel at 29 Sydney Road, Brunswick, is ready to spice up your Christmas with their festive menu3. Their three-course meal features Christmas classics, with a vegetarian menu available. Sittings are available at 11am and 2.30pm, with adults priced at $130 and kids at $50. Station Hotel Footscray: Bubbles and Banquet Celebrate the festive season in style at the Station Hotel Footscray, located at 59 Napier Street4. Enjoy a three-course festive sharing menu filled with an array of Christmas… Read More

Give the gift of premium dining with the new ‘Gift to Dine’ card

Mexican food hands table

The Gift to Dine card introduces a smooth redemption process. Recipients have the flexibility to select from a plethora of restaurants on the Gift a Restaurant website. By entering their unique card number, they can receive a specific gift card for the eatery of their choice. Available from the 16th of October at leading retailers Woolworths and Coles, the Gift to Dine card will be offered in a $100 denomination. According to Keiran Nolan, Head of Commerce – Australia, BHN, this card is the ideal gift option for loved ones, friends, family, and a thoughtful way for employers to show their appreciation to their staff during the festive season. Brad Craine, General Manager at Gift a Restaurant, believes that the Gift to Dine card is the perfect solution for those tricky-to-buy-for individuals, as well as the food enthusiasts amongst your acquaintances, and indeed, anyone else. He shares the excitement of partnering with Blackhawk Network and launching a new physical gift card. The new physical card, available at local Coles or Woolworths, is ideal for the incoming holiday season. It optimises restaurant participation and consumer experiences. Only the finest restaurants with top-tier gift card software feature on their platform. In conclusion, the Gift to Dine card presents a unique, memorable gifting idea, combining the happiness of gifting with the satisfaction of a great dining experience. It is not just a gift; it takes the receiver on a journey towards culinary delight. How to win a $100 Gift to Dine card Entries close 11.59pm AEDST, 5 November… Read More

Experience the Revolution of spirit maturation with Goodradigbee Distillers

Goodradigbee

In an exhilarating development, Goodradigbee Distillers opens the doors to its state-of-the-art Brookvale distillery bar, The Good Bar, and cellar door today. This innovative distillery takes a novel approach to spirit maturation, eschewing traditional oak barrels in favour of accelerated maturation cubes made from Australian hardwoods, creating a completely new spirits category. With a higher wood-to-liquid volume than spirits matured in oak barrels, the process results in a distinctively Australian spirit. The Australian hardwoods, handpicked by Goodradigbee Distillers, include Jarrah, Ironbark Yellow, Ironbark Red and Tasmania Blackwood. Sourced from the Alps and the high country, these woods are hardened and dense due to the extreme weather conditions, leading to an intense and transformative interaction with the spirits. The result is a range of hardwood malt spirits that are sweet, complex, and nothing short of revolutionary. Goodradigbee Distillers also offer wood-infused gins like Sweetwater Gin, native botanical gins like Freshwater Gin and the complex pink Blush Gin, along with Orchard Road Dry. Their Grey Gum Vodka, aged in Grey Ironbark and double distilled, further exemplifies the influence of hardwood on their spirits portfolio. The use of Indigenous ingredients sourced from Bush to Bowl, adds an authentic Australian touch The Goodradigbee Distillers bar (The Good Bar) is located at 41 Orchard Road, Brookvale is opening is open Wednesday – Sunday. Online purchases of the Goodradigbee Distillers range of spirits can be found at select Dan Murphy stores and independent retailers as well as the goodradigbee.com

Devil’s Vine Introduces Its First White Wine: A Scarily Good Treat for Wine Lovers

Devils Vine Reds

Launching just in time for Halloween, Devil’s Vine is thrilled to unveil its first-ever white wine, joining its bold and approachable collection of wines. The Devil’s Vine Fruity Riesling 2023 is set to put the ‘treat’ into ‘trick or treat’ and adds a refreshing twist to the diverse lineup of easy-drinking reds. This new release boasts a refreshingly fruity character, embodying an off-dry style of riesling. With just the right touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect choice for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and newcomers to the wine category. The Devil’s Vine Fruity Riesling promises to be a crowd-pleaser at Halloween celebrations and beyond. “We couldn’t be more excited to expand our collection with the introduction of our first-ever white wine,” says the team at Devil’s Vine. “The new Fruity Riesling is scarily good, striking a delicate balance between fruit-forward refreshment and complexity, offering a mouthwateringly juicy palate.” The Devil’s Vine range has always been known for its devilishly tempting red wines, such as Pinot Noir, GSM, Red Blend, and Malbec. Now, with the addition of this tantalizing white wine, Devil’s Vine continues to push boundaries and offer a refreshingly different option for wine lovers looking for something unique on the shelves. “The Devil’s Vine range stands out not only for its delicious flavor but also for its refreshing and distinctive presence among other wines,” says Darren Leivers, Category Manager for White wine. “It’s a true standout choice that will captivate both connoisseurs and those new to the world of wine.” Those who dare to try… Read More

Experience the Culinary Excellence at Alfie’s: Sydney’s Premier Steakhouse and Bar

DSC03046 Dexter Kim

Alfie’s, a game changer in the Sydney restaurant scene, is now open. Reimagining the steakhouse model, this new venue from Liquid & Larder (the minds behind Bistecca, The Gidley, The Rover) serves up high-quality steak with an injection of charm and swagger. Alfie’s aims to disrupt the CBD’s trend of American steakhouses, offering an affordable, premium alternative. James Bradey, co-founder and director of Liquid and Larder, claims they are breaking the mould with Alfie’s, offering their signature high-quality food and drink in a fast-paced, vibrant setting. The restaurant, located on Bligh Street, is styled after the edgy underbelly of East London and offers a full sensory experience. The menu, curated by executive chef Pip Pratt and head chef Matt Thomson, is executed to perfection, featuring dishes like a $38, 220g Riverine sirloin, wet and dry aged on site for maximum flavour, and guaranteed to grace your table within 15 minutes of ordering. Side dishes designed to complement the perfect cut include Alfie’s bubble and squeak slaw, roast mushrooms, fire-roasted baby carrots, and hot chips with chip shop curry sauce. For the wine enthusiasts, Group Sommelier Kyle Poole’s list is filled with organic and sustainable classics. And for the early finishers, there’s a rotisserie ‘Beefetta’ special, Alfie’s take on porchetta, slowly cooked for five hours each day and available from 5pm each night. The striking bar is a destination in its own right, offering a daily happy hour from 4-6pm, with DJs spinning old UK grime and hip hop Wednesday to Saturday from 6-10pm. The drinks… Read More