Category: FOOD & DRINK

Introducing Rasa House: new must visit restaurant in Rose Bay Sydney

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Updated: 19/07/2025

Ras? House, the latest venture from first-generation restaurateur and creative Vinay Matta, has opened its doors in Rose Bay. Located next to his family’s iconic Jewel on the Bay, this marks Vinay’s solo debut in hospitality, inspired by his background as a screenwriter, traveller, and storyteller. A Celebration of Flavour and Essence The name Ras? means “flavour” in Indonesian and “essence” in Hindi, perfectly capturing the heart of the restaurant’s philosophy. The menu, crafted by chefs from India, Nepal, and Indonesia, celebrates regional traditions rather than fusion. Each dish is a journey, shaped by Vinay’s travels through Mumbai, Berlin, Morocco, and beyond. Highlights include the Afghan-Indian Lamb Shank Boti with hung curd and pomegranate, Nepalese Jhol Momos in coconut gravy, Bhutanese-style Khow Suey with charred broccolini, and the Indonesian Yellowfin Tuna Gohu Ikan – a zesty ceviche with lemongrass and bird’s eye chilli. A Space with Soul Ras?’s interiors are eclectic yet inviting, blending earthy tones, mid-century details, and warm materials. Framed photographs and vintage posters line the walls, while soft lighting and curved design elements create a cosy atmosphere. A hand-painted mural by Sydney artist Mali Pilgrem Blasco adds a surrealist touch, and a vinyl record player sets the tone for Saturday sessions. For those who prefer dining al fresco, the outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the Rose Bay Marina – the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or drink by the water. Drinks to Match the Mood The wine and cocktail menu, curated by Yohan Darriere (formerly of Table Manners, UK),… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

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Discover the Magic of Winter at Cruise Bar & Restaurant

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Posted: 17/07/2025

When the temperature drops and Sydney Harbour glimmers under the crisp winter sky, there’s one destination that brings warmth, indulgence, and entertainment to your season — Cruise Bar & Restaurant. This iconic venue has landed back in style, and its winter offerings are everything you need to elevate the colder months. From a spectacular new menu showcasing the famed Manjimup black truffle to live music and a thrilling late-night program, Cruise Bar proves once again why it’s a cherished part of Sydney’s vibrant harbourfront. Whether you’re a seasoned Sydneysider or a first-time visitor, here’s why there’s no better time to return to Cruise Bar & Restaurant. A Decadent Seasonal Menu to Savour Head Chef Han Chen, renowned for his culinary expertise at top-tier venues like Amare and Felix, has crafted a winter menu designed to celebrate Australia’s most decadent produce. At the heart of this limited-time offering is the highly prized Manjimup black truffle. Hailed as one of the world’s most exquisite ingredients, these black truffles bring a touch of luxury to dishes that showcase the best of the season. The menu features showstopping dishes that promise to delight your senses and satisfy your cravings. Among the highlights: Gundagai Free Range Lamb Rack This succulent dish pairs tender lamb with winter flavours to create a meal that’s as hearty as it is elegant. Featuring locally sourced free-range lamb, it’s a testament to the freshness and quality that Sydney diners have come to expect. Stone Axe Wagyu Beef and Mushroom Burger with Truffle Aioli For lovers… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Cecilia is North Sydney’s newest Italian gem

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Updated: 17/07/2025

Step off the metro platform and straight into Italy at Cecilia in North Sydney. Tucked just a few steps from the brand-new Victoria Cross Metro Station, Cecilia isn’t shouting for attention. She doesn’t have to. This quietly confident Italian restaurant is doing everything right without the fuss. We may as well start at the pinnacle: the pasta. It’s made fresh, in-house, every single day. Not reheated. Not packed with random ingredients. Fresh and authentic. It’s the kind of silky, golden dough that would make a nonna weep with pride. Whether you go for the delicate handmade spaghetti or a rich vodka sauce draped over rolls of rigatoni, this is proper Italian food done properly. The best part is they know their audience, and serve their enviable sauces and pastas packaged up ready to heat and eat at home for those in too much of a rush to dine in. The menu is a tight edit, no 47-page novella here, and that’s exactly how we like it. Every dish has a job to do, and every ingredient earns its keep. You might start with anchovy toast with miso bagna cauda, or the burrata, which is frankly so creamy it should come with a warning. Then comes the pasta, obviously, and if you’re still standing, a classic tiramisu or cannoli for dessert. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure holiday to the Amalfi coast, and you don’t even have to leave North Sydney. Wine-wise, Cecilia keeps things classy with a short but smart list, including some very good Italian varietals, yes,… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, ITALIAN FOOD

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Mountain Culture Beer Co. opens its first Brewpub in Melbourne

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Posted: 11/07/2025

The wait is over for Melbourne craft beer enthusiasts! Mountain Culture Beer Co., the brewery that Aussie cricket captain Pat Cummins has a stake in, is set to open its first Melbourne venue on 11 July 2025. This marks the fourth venue for the award-winning brewery and the first step in its expansion into two new states, with a Hobart venue set to follow later this month. A Big Move for Mountain Culture Mountain Culture Beer Co., founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo DJ and Harriet McCready, has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Katoomba, nestled in the Blue Mountains. Known for its innovative approach to craft beer and its ability to attract younger drinkers, the brand has grown rapidly, winning the GABS Hottest 100 three years in a row with its flagship Status Quo Pale Ale. “This was a big move for Mountain Culture,” said co-founder and CEO DJ McCready. “We started as a humble brewpub in the Blue Mountains and expanded to Sydney, but Melbourne is quickly catching up as our biggest market. It’s never lost on us that the fans we first met in Katoomba are what built this brand into what it is today, and we hope to build a community that’s just as strong in Melbourne now that we have an incredible venue in Richmond.” The Richmond Venue: A Slice of Melbourne Located in the vibrant suburb of Richmond, the new brewpub is set to become a must-visit destination for beer lovers. “Richmond is a little slice… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

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Your next exclusive dinner reservation for whiskey lovers is waiting

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Posted: 09/07/2025

This July, Society, the iconic 80 Collins restaurant from Chris Lucas, is set to host an extraordinary culinary event that celebrates the essence of modern Australian flavour. In partnership with acclaimed Wagyu producer Westholme and pioneering whisky brand Starward, this exclusive collaboration dinner promises an immersive, produce-led dining experience that honours time, provenance, and exceptional craftsmanship. Taking place in Lillian Brasserie on Thursday, 31 July, the evening will feature a five-course menu meticulously curated by Lucas Restaurants chefs Joachim Lim (Society) and Vincenzo Ursini (Grill Americano). Each dish will hero Westholme Wagyu, renowned for its unparalleled marbling and depth of flavour, and will be paired with speciality whisky cocktails and neat pours from Starward’s award-winning Melbourne-made range. A celebration of seasonality and locality The dinner will showcase the finest seasonal and local ingredients, elevated by the chefs’ expert techniques and attention to detail. Guests can expect dishes that highlight the unique qualities of Westholme Wagyu, such as: Each course will be thoughtfully paired with Starward whisky, including exclusive cocktails crafted by Starward founder Dave Vitale. Highlights include: Westholme and Starward: redefining modern Australian flavour Westholme Wagyu is celebrated by chefs worldwide for its exceptional quality, marbling, and Japanese lineage. Raised on 16 million pristine acres across northern Australia, Westholme’s cattle benefit from a nature-led approach that produces a signature flavour found nowhere else. Starward Whisky, on the other hand, is a trailblazer in the world of Australian spirits. Known for its innovative use of red wine barrels and commitment to sourcing all ingredients within a… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

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Le Bon Ton’s plans this July in Melbourne

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Posted: 09/07/2025

Big things are happening at Le Bon Ton this July, and you’re invited to the feast! From bottomless brunches and 4th of July celebrations to a whiskey lover’s dream menu, this Collingwood institution is serving up a month of bold Southern-style flavours and unforgettable experiences. Here’s what’s on offer: Big Easy bottomless feasts Every Saturday and Sunday in July, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Le Bon Ton is turning up the heat with its Big Easy Bottomless Feast. Known for its New Orleans-inspired BBQ and whiskey bar vibes, this Collingwood hotspot is the perfect place to indulge in two hours of bottomless cocktails and share-style Southern dishes for just $69 per person. Menu highlights: Bottomless cocktail carafes: 4th of July celebrations From 31st June to 7th July, Le Bon Ton is bringing the spirit of Independence Day to Collingwood with a week-long Loaded Hot Dog Menu, Budweiser buckets, chicken wings, and a special US-themed trivia night on Tuesday, 2nd July. Hot dog highlights: Winter warming Rye July Whiskey lovers, rejoice! Throughout July, Le Bon Ton is celebrating the versatility of rye whiskey with a special Rye July Menu. Featuring exclusive cocktails, whiskey flights, and unique pours, this is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the bold, spicy notes of rye. Cocktail line-up: Rye July flight ($25): A curated tasting of Sazerac 6yo, Angel’s Envy Caribbean Cask, The Gospel Solera, and Michters US*1. Join the celebration Le Bon Ton’s July calendar is packed with bold flavours, indulgent feasts, and spirited gatherings that capture the essence… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, MELBOURNE

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Monthly Whiskey Club night for drinkers and newbies in Brisbane

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Updated: 09/07/2025

Brisbane’s hospitality powerhouse, The Tassis Group, is raising a glass to whisky lovers with the launch of their new monthly whisky club night, Angel’s Share. This exclusive event series will debut on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the chic inner-city venue, Dark Shepherd, with a special unveiling of a whisky never before seen in Australia. Named after the poetic term for the portion of whisky lost to evaporation during barrel aging, Angel’s Share is a celebration of rare, exceptional, and beautifully aged spirits. Each month, the event will rotate between The Tassis Group’s acclaimed venues, including the riverfront charm of Opa Bar + Mezze, the moody elegance of Fatcow, the seductive French glow of Pompette, and the urban sophistication of Longwang. Every gathering will offer a unique experience, from tastings of iconic Japanese whiskies to small-batch Australian distilleries, paired with storytelling and curated food pairings. A Grand Debut with Glendronach’s Exclusive Master’s Anthology Series To mark the inaugural Angel’s Share event, The Tassis Group has partnered with the iconic Scottish distillery Glendronach to offer attendees an exclusive first taste of the Master’s Anthology Series. Released in limited quantities in the UK and Germany in December 2024, this collection will make its Australian debut at Dark Shepherd. Curated by Glendronach’s master blender Rachel Barrie, the Master’s Anthology Series features three non-age-statement single malts: Ode to the Valley, Ode to the Embers, and Ode to the Dark. Each expression explores the distillery’s signature sherry cask maturation style, showcasing the aromatic depth and character that have made Glendronach… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, BRISBANE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK

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Wellness on a Plate: why spa cuisine is the next big thing

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Posted: 01/07/2025

Imagine a holiday where the indulgence isn’t just about luxury spa treatments or pristine beaches, but also about the food on your plate. Wellness travel is evolving, and at its heart is a rising trend that’s both delectable and nourishing: spa cuisine. Gone are the days when wellness escapes were only about massages and yoga sessions. Today’s travellers are looking for a comprehensive rejuvenation that begins from within. Enter spa cuisine, a concept rooted in fresh, seasonal, and nutrient-rich ingredients, offering a whole new way to recharge on holiday. What Is Spa Cuisine? Spa cuisine takes the idea of indulgence and transforms it into a celebration of mindful eating. It’s about creating dishes that not only taste incredible but also support long-term well-being. Unlike traditional holiday fare often associated with indulgence and overconsumption, this approach prioritises your body’s health and joy simultaneously. Think vibrant salads dressed with tangy miso and ginger, wholesome plant-based mains, and desserts that leave you satisfied without regret. Spa cuisine is an invitation to enjoy food that energises, aids digestion, and sustains wellness well beyond your vacation. Samantha Gowing: A Visionary in Wellness Dining At the forefront of this movement is Samantha Gowing, an award-winning clinical nutritionist and celebrated wellness chef. With a career that bridges evidence-based nutrition science and luxury hospitality, Chef Gowing is redefining what it means to indulge while travelling. “Spa cuisine is about redefining indulgence. It’s food that fuels joy, supports digestion, and celebrates local, seasonal ingredients in ways that are both delicious and deeply nourishing,” Gowing… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FEATURES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

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