Category: FOOD & DRINK

Have a cocktail in Sydney, save a tree in the Daintree

Daintree cocktail bartender drink

It’s not often you find a bar with an interstate social purpose and manifest that benefits so much more than its own tills. Especially not in Sydney! That is until you discover Daintree Sydney, the social enterprise first cocktail bar that’s putting the benefit of the Daintree Rainforest and the greater Australian ecosystem at its core. At a time when we need it most! The unique micro-bar is a proud partner of HalfCut – an environmental movement that engages people to raise funds to protect rainforests and wildlife. HalfCut, with Daintree Sydney’s fundraising support, is currently focusing on preserving the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, working closely with the Traditional Owners of the low land Daintree. Daintree Sydney donates half of all its profits to HalfCut. Since opening its doors in July 2022, the bar has raised more than $52,000 and counting via their HalfCut fundraising page. The cocktail list features drinks with seasonal native ingredients and where possible, fresh herbs grown by the bar. Cocktail classics with a native twist include a Gumnut Negroni, Quandong Daiquiri and a Piña Nut, Daintree Sydney’s take on the Piña Colada with coconut-wash white rum, macadamia butter and wattle seed. Alongside the cocktails is a wine and beer list that champions New South Wales producers and highlights minimal intervention and natural wines. As a further nod to Daintree Sydney’s transparent environmental pledge, the menu also points out how far each of their wines and beers have travelled as a real carbon cost. Find Daintree Sydney at 106b George Street,… Read More

This futuristic plant based burger is dropping at Soul Burger for World Vegan Month

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ICYMI November is World Vegan Month and plant-based burger chain Soul Burger is dropping a funky new burg in collaboration with DJ Tigerlily to celebrate. This not-so-fishy burger features Future Farms Tvna, a vegan alternative to tuna. Introducing the fish-tastic vegan burger ‘DJ TVNALILY’. Just in time for World Vegan Day, international food tech company Future Farm and plant-based burger chain Soul Burger enlisted the help of Australian DJ and animal rights activist, Dara Lawson aka DJ Tigerlily to create a bright, plant-based burger. The eye-catching aqua-coloured burger was sculpted based on its muse, DJ Tigerlily, who is known for her colourful wigs and fun style.  Dara Lawson aka DJ Tigerlily said she is honoured to be the inspiration behind DJ TVNALILY, and that it was an opportunity she felt drawn to being a devoted vegan and animal rights activist: “I went vegan over six years ago for three main reasons: my health, my love for animals and the environment. This burger blends some of my most important values, not to mention it tastes just like real tuna which is so cool. I’m so excited for everyone to try the DJ TVNALILY!”  While it’s ‘grammable, what does it taste like?! Marcos Leta, Future Farm Founder said this new burger may look wacky, but it’s filling feels and tastes just like real tuna, highlighting just what Future Tvna is capable of: “Future Tvna is flaky, 100% vegan, non-GMO, and made with our signature triple-protein blend, making it a healthy and hearty vegan option. Delicious shouldn’t cost… Read More

5 dishes to look forward to at this year’s Melbourne Night Noodle Markets

Wonderbao food

The annual Melbourne Night Noodle Markets are back in Melbourne – and that means food; plenty of food. On from 10-27 November 2022 at Melbourne’s Birrarung Maar, the Melbourne Night Noodle Markets bring the best food providers from Melbourne and the country and stick them right at your doorstep. Here’s what to look forward to… Mr Miyagi, Hoy Pinoy, Mazda x Bumplings, Wonderbao, Gelato Messina, Donut Papi, Flying Noodle and more, this year’s markets are promising Melbournians a feast for the tastebuds.  We’ve compiled five delicous dishes to keep an eye out for: Mr Miyagi’s Bao Burgers – bao buns just got bigger, better and more instagrammable thanks to Windsor’s own Mr Miyagi showing up at the markets! These bao burgers are available exclusively at the markets – so get in quick.  Messina’s Milo Fry Club – deliciously deep fried milo gelato in messinatella (Messina’s own take on everyone’s favourite spread) pudding, oreo crumble topped with warm messinatella. Yes – it’s that good. Mazda x Bumplings Pork & Ginger Dumplings – celebrity chef Brendan Pang’s lip-smacking dumplings filled with pork and just the right amount of ginger.  Flying Noodles –these gravity defying noodles taste even better than they look! Hoy Pinoy’s legendary skewers – just follow the infectious smell of Hoy Pinoy’s unmissable pork, chicken or beef skewers, marinated and barbequed to perfection.

The importance of a good refrigerator for keeping food safe and fresh

Food Luva gnocchi wine Sydney

Even though food safety is at a high level today, according to some estimates, Australia has more than 5 million, while the US has 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses every year. The statistics are similar all over the world, actually. While they can’t be eradicated, foodborne illnesses can be prevented if we store the food in the fridge and cook it properly. Most foods are best kept cold to prevent the formation of bacteria. And your fridge is the best way to keep the ingredients and foods cold and safe from the elements. Let’s see just how important your fridge can be for food safety:  Avoiding the “danger zone”  Refrigeration is the key when it comes to keeping your foods free of bacteria. Pathogens grow in most natural environments, but they prefer temperatures between 40 and 140°F, AKA the “danger zone”. All foods kept in this temperature zone for more than two hours have the predisposition to develop a lot of bacteria. Check the temperature of your fridge often and make sure to keep it 40°F or 5°C (or below that). This cold environment will keep your foods defrosted yet free of pathogens. Luckily, most modern refrigerators have a built-in thermostat, so you can always monitor the temperature. If not, consider keeping a thermometer in the fridge, which might look silly, but is crucial for situations like power outages. When the power returns, you can check the temperature and if it’s still below 40°F, you can keep your food.  Proper storing is important Best… Read More

Luke’s Table launches at the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout

Luke Mangan

The Sydney Harbour Bridge – other than being the icon it already is – has a lot going on. And now, in November, the Bridge has partnered with celebrity chef Luke Mangan to launch Luke’s Table at the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout. What to expect when you’re a visitor? Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a tour of the Pylon Lookout & Museum as you make their way upstairs to the Lookout where you will be seated at a long, communal dining table for a signature three-course menu featuring the finest and freshest Australian ingredients, paired with Penfolds wines including their signature, Grange. Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout will see up to 20 guests seated at a long, communal dining table where you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime intimate dining experience as the sun sets over Sydney Harbour. Iconic! For more info and to book, head to the Sydney Harbour Bridge website

How to make the famous Negroni Spagliato cocktail by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke

Negroni spagliato cocktail campari

Because a drink’s never a bad choice, why not try something new? Negronis are obviously the preferred choice of so many around the world, but what about one of the classic cocktails with a little something diffferent? Google searches for ‘Negroni Sbagliato’ have increased by 501% over the past week, after an audio clip of HBO’s House Of Dragons actors discussing their favourite drinks went viral on TikTok.  Discussing favourite orders at a bar, actor Emma D’Arcy reveals they opt for ‘A Negroni sbagliato with prosecco in it’, which co-star Olivia Cooke agrees as also being her own tipple of choice.  We spoke to NIO cocktails about how to make the Negroni Spagliato: Ingredients 25ml prosecco 25ml sweet vermouth 25ml Campari ice For the garnish slice of orange And if making one at home seems like too much work and you’re in Melbourne, try going to Neighbourhood Wine‘s open air parklet to order a Negroni Sbagliato ($22) from the pros, featuring Walcher ‘Venticinque 25 Bio Bitter’, Del Professore Rosso Vermouth & Lemoss Prosecco, all poured over ice in a short glass with a fresh slice of orange and a green olive to garnish.  Neighbourhood Wine is open 12pm-12am, from Wednesday – Sunday, and can be found online at neighbourhoodwine.com

Experience the heart of Surry Hills at this month long festival

Restaurant for father's day

Beloved Sydney suburb Surry Hills is showcasing the best it has to offer (which is a lot) over the month of November. From 1-30 November, the Heart of Surry Hills festival will bring together the area’s renowned and unique culinary flavours and experiences in one all-encompassing showcase. The month-long program of food and beverage, art, markets and music includes a community art project, signature cocktails and brews, bespoke dining menus, walking tours, and even a free showcase event in Shannon Reserve featuring live music, DJ’s, food and beverage all celebrating the local brewers and distillers of Surry Hills. City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said, “The City of Sydney is proud to support the month-long program. This activation for the month of November highlights the very best of our world-class hospitality venues, distilleries, and breweries as well as connecting communities through art and music.” A culinary adventure awaits those bold enough to sample the specialty dishes and cocktails being created across more than 40 Surry Hills participating venues. Dining Experience Ambassador Jimmy Wong said, “At the Heart of Surry Hills, come and discover the vibrant and often surprising food, dining and drinks scene, right here in my Surry Hills. From the early hours of breakfast right through to the night, there is always something exciting to be discovered. Try a special cocktail at Eileen’s bar at the Four Pillars Laboratory, dine with an enviable degustation at The Blue Door, revel in urban chic at Tokki and savour stunning Italian cuisine at Mille Vini.” On… Read More

Doing work drinks? Head to Baby Pizza in Richmond

Lasagne pasta

As the weather in Melbourne gets nicer and the sun stays up for longer, the time’s now to get your after-work drink on. And who doesn’t love an alfresco afternoon? With Baby’s new spring aperitivo special available daily from 3pm to 5pm until the end of November, there’s never been a better reason to knock off work early or gather your crew. Sip on a spritz for only $8.50, a Peroni or Rosé for $6.50, or try Baby’s newest cocktail, the elderflower Chandon Garden Spritz for $8.50.  Baby PIzza sits almost on the banks of the Yarra, offering direct access to after dinner walks and an uninterrupted route into South Yarra by foot, if you’e keen – or need somewhere for kick-ons. And if you’re thinking of a visit this month, don’t forget, in celebration of World Pasta Day on Friday 21 October, Baby are offering up $20 bowls of pasta for lunch – yes you read that right, $20 bowls of pasta! With the return of crowd favourite Cacio e Pepe for one day only, this is one special you definitely don’t want to miss.  For more and to make a booking, head to the Baby Pizza website

Pumpkin spice and all things nice now at Nespresso

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Spooky season has arrived and with it Nespresso have released their (very) limited edition Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule. If the Halloween vibes aren’t for you, fear not, because they have also released a delectable coffee collection designed specifically for Australians: the Barista Creations for Milk,  Nespresso’s Barista Creations for Milk range is specially curated to suit Australia’s love for milky coffees, which is extremely thoughtful. Co-created by Australia’s Nespresso Coffee Ambassador Mitch Monaghan, the Barista Creations range is designed for to be used with the Vertuo Next machine and features three coffee blends: Bianco Forte, Bianco Doppio, and Bianco Piccolo – a Nespresso- first coffee blend, crafted specifically for plant-based milks.  The range includes delightful blends such as Vanilla Éclair, Chiaro (which has sweet biscuit notes) and Corto (with spicier notes complemented by milk).  As part of the Barista Creations for Milkrange, Nespresso has also released their widely-requested and popular Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule. As mentioned, it’s VERY limited edition and available across both the Original and Vertuo Lines only until it’s gone. Shop the Pumpkin Spice Cake pods before they’re gone. Hot tip: sold out online? Head into your nearest Nespresso store. If you do manage to get your hot little hands on some pumpkin spice pods, try out this latte recipe! Nespresso Pumpkin Spice Latte with Vertuo Pumpkin Spice Ingredients: 1 x Vertuo Pumpkin Spice Cake capsule 35g White Chocolate 125ml Oat Milk Pinch of Ground Allspice Materials: Barista Milk Device Nespresso Vertuo Next Vertuo Mug Method: Place 35g White Chocolate into your… Read More

Italy meets Mexico at Giorgio de Maria’s wine takeover of Sonora

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In case you missed it, Italian wine and delicious Mexican food have made a marriage at Sonora this month. Prominent wine connoisseur Giorgio de Maria is taking over the wine menu at Milpa Collective’s Potts Point venue, Sonora for the entire month of October. Highlighting the fusion between Italian wines and Mexican cuisine, de Maria has selected a curated range of tipples from bubbles, to whites, reds and even digestives, with by the glass available and full bottles ranging from $80-140. Key menu highlights include La Morella II Monte 2020 as a white wine option, Le Coste Litzorro Rosato 2020 as a Rosé option and Camigliano Nero del Gobbo 2020 as a red wine option. Our personal favourite (and acknowledged bougie choice) was the Alice Bonaccorsi Etna Rosso 2016, which paired up beautifully with Sonora’s signature BBQ Eggplant.  The best part is that this collab goes both ways, with Milpa Collective lending its expertise in the world of mezcal and spirits to de Maria’s venue Paski Vineria Popolare, with The Messicano cocktail. The Messicano is a Culatta infused (cured ham from Parma) mezcal, with luli aperitivo, soda and Paski’s own fermented green sauce, and it’s exclusively available at Paski Vineria Popolare during October.  We love to see hospitality thriving as life returns to normal, and we especially love seeing two iconic places team up to create fresh, innovative menu items together. Hurry! These collaborations are only available until the end of the month. Bookings are essential.