Category: FOOD & DRINK

Mad Mex is now doing steak

Naked burrito bowl

Mad Mex has set a new benchmark for authentic Mexican cuisine in Australia with the launch of its Carne Asada dish, blending tradition with the fast-paced world of fast-casual dining. This initiative, debuting on March 18, 2024, signifies more than just the addition of premium, pasture-raised skirt steak to its already vibrant menu. It’s an embodiment of Mexican culture’s rich culinary heritage, brought to life in a format that’s both affordable and accessible to its diverse Australian clientele. The Carne Asada offering at Mad Mex isn’t just about serving grilled steak; it’s about delivering an authentic Mexican experience. The skirt steak, preferred for its flavor and tradition in Mexican cuisine, undergoes a rigorous marination process in a bespoke blend of citrus and spices, mirroring the practices of the best Mexican taquerias. This meticulous preparation process, spanning six months of development, underscores Mad Mex’s commitment to authenticity and quality, while still aligning with their mission of offering healthier fast food options. Founded on the principle that Mexican food should be as nourishing as it is flavorful, Mad Mex differentiates itself by offering fully customizable meals that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. This approach not only caters to the growing demand for healthier eating options but also emphasizes the brand’s inclusive ethos, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The limited-time offer of Carne Asada in Mad Mex restaurants, on delivery, and via the Mad Mex app, starting from March 18, 2024, presents a unique opportunity for Australians to indulge in a premium… Read More

Rhys Nicholson and Melbourne Gin Company unveil exclusive collab

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In an extraordinary melding of talent and taste, Australian comedian, actor, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under” judge Rhys Nicholson is about to stir the gin industry with a splash of humour and a twist of creativity. Partnering with The Melbourne Gin Company (MGC), Nicholson is set to unveil their own signature gin line, The Rhys Nicholson Gin Company. This refined spirit, which marries a sense of comedy, artistry, and a flavour of Melbourne, will make its grand entrance at Comedy Republic on March 28, coinciding with the vibrant Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Renowned for a sharp wit and a vibrant presence both on stage and screen, Nicholson is taking a bold step into the world of spirits, infusing the industry with their unique charm. The Rhys Nicholson Gin, meticulously crafted by MGC’s owner and distiller, Andrew Marks, boasts a classic dry gin foundation accentuated with fresh citrus and abundant juniper. However, it’s the ingenious addition of fresh ginger and ruby grapefruit that mirrors Nicholson’s exuberant personality and refined taste preferences. “My body mass has been mostly premium gin for the better part of two decades, so it feels only right I attach my name to one. Having been a huge (and responsible) consumer of MGC for years, I am borderline hysterical to get to work with them on our little project. This is my dream Gin. Smooth, clean and refreshing, with a hint of citrus and ginger, and not that uncouth flavoured spirit vibe. Perfect for a martini. Or whatever, to be honest. I’m… Read More

Go and try Hills Distilling Co. in Rouse Hill

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Get ready to immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of craft and community as Hills Distilling Co. opened its doors in Rouse Hill this Friday, March 15th. This landmark launch marks the debut of the Hills District’s very first locally owned distillery, a venture that promises to redefine handcrafted premium spirits production within the vibrant local landscape. A Fusion of Artistry and Authenticity Managed by Momento Hospitality, a renowned Sydney hospitality group with deep roots dating back to a Baulkham Hill’s bottle shop in 1976, Hills Distilling Co. stands as a testament to a legacy of passion and dedication to the craft. The architectural design, masterfully led by the prominent firm Archebiosis, embodies functionality and industrial elegance, drawing inspiration from the core ingredients and botanicals that define the art of spirit production. Unveiling the Distillery Experience The venue encompasses a captivating mezzanine level, housing tanks for blending and an exquisite selection of barrels for the intricate process of aging different products, each to be unveiled once matured. The ground floor includes the inviting Cellar Door, featuring a chic bar, a retail space, and a communal tasting table accommodating groups of six. Every Friday, from 3-6 pm, the Cellar Door welcomes guests to savor gin tastings paired with a curated selection of premium mixers and uniquely crafted cocktails. To complement these delightful libations, Chef Sebastian Tan from JINJA presents a rotating menu of handmade dancing dumplings, ensuring a sensorial journey of flavors that harmonize with the spirits on offer. Embracing Community Spirit The open-plan seating area… Read More

It’s National Noodle Month at Sydney Place

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As we embrace National Noodle Month, the spotlight is on Sydney’s culinary landscape, particularly its bustling dining precinct, Sydney Place. If you’re on the hunt for a tantalizing noodle experience, look no further! Here’s a curated selection of venues that promise to elevate your noodle indulgence to new heights. 1. Yasaka Ramen, Sydney Place Established in 2014, Yasaka Ramen stands as one of the pioneering establishments in Sydney’s ramen scene. Renowned for its signature Tonkotsu broth, meticulously crafted from pork bones and water, this luscious broth has garnered a dedicated following over the years. The two-step cooking process ensures an intricately developed flavor profile, offering a delightful symphony of taste. Fresh noodles, crafted daily on-site, along with a rotating menu of innovative dishes, make Yasaka Ramen a haven for aficionados seeking an endless journey of ramen appreciation. 2. BoBo Dumpling Bar, Sydney Place A delightful offshoot of Cantonese eatery Tao, BoBo Dumpling Bar celebrates the art of dumplings and more. Embracing age-old recipes with a contemporary twist, BoBo presents a playful take on beloved classics. From delectable dumplings and dim sum to sizzling hot pan dishes and stir-fried noodles, each offering boasts a fusion of traditional flavors and modern flair. Whether it’s the Fried Chicken Gyoza, King Prawn Pot Stickers, or the aromatic Roasted Duck, BoBo Dumpling Bar promises a delightful exploration of Cantonese cuisine. 3. Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, Sydney Place Step into the world of authentic Malay culinary mastery at Malay Chinese Noodle Bar, where the aroma of carefully crafted laksa varieties fills… Read More

Pidapipo’s creations for Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2024

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As we step into the month of March, the excitement around the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) continues to soar, and there’s no shortage of remarkable events to captivate your taste buds. If you’re looking to add a dash of thrill to your MFWF experience, the Pidapipo collaboration promises a fusion of savoury and sweet flavors that will leave you craving for more! A Delectable Fusion: Salty Sweet Pidapipo, known for its innovative and delectable gelato creations, has joined forces with expert chef and restaurateur Dan Hong to introduce “Salty Sweet” as a captivating addition to this year’s MFWF lineup. This extraordinary collaboration brings together the expertise of Pidapipo and the culinary ingenuity of Dan Hong to offer an unprecedented culinary journey. Gelato Creations Beyond Imagination From the 16th of March throughout the festival, indulge in three unique and specially crafted gelato flavors exclusively available at Pidapipo stores. The one-of-a-kind creations include: Unforgettable Launch Party March 16th marks the much-anticipated launch day, where the Fitzroy Laboratorio will host an unforgettable party featuring Asian-inspired sweet and savoury treats with a Pidapipo twist, meticulously curated and tested by Dan Hong himself, alongside Pidapipo’s co-founder Lisa Valmorbida. Exclusive event-only dishes at this celebration include: This one-of-a-kind collaboration promises an unmatched culinary experience, blending the artistry of gelato with the culinary brilliance of Dan Hong, ensuring an unforgettable journey of flavors and creativity. For those seeking an adventure for the senses, the Salty Sweet collaboration is a must-visit, offering an exclusive opportunity to savor the unexpected and celebrate… Read More

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