Category: FOOD & DRINK

Allta does good Korean cuisine in Sydney

Allts Sydney Korean

Sydney is bracing itself for a culinary revelation as Allta, a degustation restaurant, is set to grace the dining scene on July 10th. This new addition promises to whisk guests away on a gastronomic adventure like no other, blending traditional Korean flavours with a touch of modern flair. At the heart of Allta’s allure is a meticulously curated 15-course menu that reads like poetry on a plate. Each dish, lovingly crafted and personally served by the esteemed Executive Chef Jung-Su Chang, is a testament to the culinary expertise behind Allta. As part of the esteemed Firestone group, helmed by Jangho So and Sunyoung Kim, Allta aims to redefine the perception of Korean cuisine in Sydney while offering patrons an unparalleled dining experience. Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavours with creations like the Tuna Bite, a marriage of cured tuna, grilled vegetables, and nori, or the tantalising Beef Tartare, featuring crispy taro, barley Doen-jang, and kimchi. Not to be missed are the exquisite Sweet Prawn, elevated with perilla oil, cured yolk, and capsicum, and the divine dessert, Makgeolli & Rice, a harmonious blend of makgeolli sorbet, rice granita, and pear. In the words of Chef Jung-Su Chang, “Allta transcends mere dining; it embodies a celebration of Korean culinary artistry and culture. Each dish narrates a tale—a fusion of tradition and modernity, a tribute to the kaleidoscope of flavours that define Korean gastronomy.” Beyond its culinary prowess, Allta exudes an ambiance of refined simplicity, where minimalism meets sophistication. The decor, awash with monochromatic tones… Read More

Executive Head Chef Joanne Lee shares 30 years of Korean cooking secrets

Arisun Flatlay

Joanne Lee, the culinary mastermind behind Sydney’s renowned Korean venues Arisun and Butcher’s Buffet, boasts over 32 years of experience in the kitchen. We had the honour of enjoying her tutelage and discovering her secrets to making Korean cooking easy, and now we’ll share the recipes with you! As the Executive Group Chef for Wannian Alliance, Joanne has become a celebrated figure in the culinary world, blending traditional Korean flavours with modern twists. Born in South Korea and relocating to Australia in 2005, Joanne’s journey began in her family kitchen, where she discovered her passion for cooking. Her formal education at Kyung Hee Hotel College and subsequent positions at prestigious hotels in Seoul and Sydney have shaped her into the chef she is today. We recently had the pleasure of attending one of Joanne’s cooking classes, a delightful experience that offered a deep dive into Korean cuisine. Her philosophy of ‘soul food’—meals that are both nourishing and comforting—was evident in every dish we prepared. Joanne’s leadership and mentorship shine in her kitchens, fostering an environment of creativity and excellence. Joanne’s secret recipe: Japchae Serving Size: 2 Ingredients: Sweet Potato Noodles cooked | 360g Noodle Dressing | 30g Cooked Vegetables | 150g To Make Japchae Joanne’s expert touch and dedication to her craft make every meal at Arisun and Butcher’s Buffet a memorable experience. Her ability to blend tradition with innovation continues to delight diners and inspire aspiring chefs worldwide.

Chef of the month is Danielle Alvarez in Sydney

Danielle Alvarez Spicy Tuna Melt Toastie 2

Danielle Alvarez is one of Australia’s most celebrated female chefs who has gained her passion for farm-to-table cooking from an impeccable pedigree of restaurants both in the US and Australia. With her time as the creative visionary behind Fred’s in Paddington, Danielle’s cooking style and produce-driven ethos were the cornerstones of the restaurant’s success. Today, she brings her culinary brilliance to the Yallamundi Rooms at the Sydney Opera House as the culinary director. A long-standing friend of the social enterprise Two Good, Danielle has contributed to their latest cookbook, Change the Course, and has recently designed the menu for the latest LOAM x Two Good Chef Dinner Series event. Through the Chef of the Month (COTM) program, Two Good partners with top chefs to create delicious menus served at their cafe in Darlinghurst’s Yirranma Place. These meals are also available for purchase through their catering service, with all proceeds supporting at-risk women affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and trauma, helping them find employment. Danielle’s menu for Two Good includes an enticing selection: the Spicy Tuna Melt Toastie ($16), Pumpkin, Curry Leaf & Coconut Soup with Roti ($14), and Brown Butter, Macadamia & White Chocolate Blondies ($6.50). The June COTM menu by Danielle Alvarez is now available at Two Good’s cafe located at 262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, or online at Two Good Catering. Through her remarkable contributions, Danielle Alvarez continues to inspire not just by her culinary expertise but also by her unwavering commitment to social good, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Beginners guide to gin tasting

Mr Foggs gin

Alright legends, let’s dive into the delightful world of gin. Gin’s roots date back to the 11th century, where some crafty European monks and alchemists were concocting it as a medicinal elixir. The first recorded gin, “Jenever,” hails from the Netherlands, a juniper-infused delight still popular today. So what’s in a gin? Essentially, it’s a distilled alcohol infused with juniper berries and a whole bunch of botanicals. Typically, it’s brewed from a grain base like wheat or barley, which kicks off with fermentation and then distillation. But remember, for anything to be called gin, juniper has to be the boss. It’s usually backed up by a posse of other flavours like citrus, berries, herbs, and spices. This brilliant mix has put gin on the map, making it a global fave. If you’re into your G&Ts and want to take it to the next level, stick with me. I’m the head mixologist at Cardea Bar, a hidden speakeasy in Barangaroo. I’ve been slinging cocktails for a decade now, and we run gin masterclasses for groups of ten or more. Perfect for birthdays, bucks, or hens dos, these interactive sessions come with canapés and nibbles. You’ll be mixing and sipping on a classic gin cocktail and three gin and tonic pairings with various botanicals. Now, the beauty of gin is in its variety — there’s a flavour profile for just about everyone. Here’s how to sip gin like a pro: Tips for sipping gin like an expert Give your gin a good sniff. You can add a… Read More

A taste of Venezuela: celebrating World Rum Day with Diplomático and Morena

Morena x Diplomatico Mark Sherborne Photography Menu 2

In celebration of World Rum Day this month, the premium rum connoisseurs at Diplomático have collaborated with the culinary masters behind Sydney’s newest Latin American dining experience, Morena, to launch an exclusive ‘A Taste of Venezuela’ menu. Created as an homage to Diplomático rum’s heritage and aptly aligned to Maestro Ronero (Rum Master) Nelson Hernandez’ inaugural visit down under, ‘A Taste Of Venezuela’ creatively blends authentic, traditional flavours with contemporary cooking techniques. Delivered in Morena’s distinct luxe fashion, the resulting menu provides diners with a unique perspective on modern Venezuelan cuisine, perfectly paired with Diplomático rum’s exceptional range. Exclusively available for one month from Monday 15 July, the four-course menu features nine mouth-watering dishes, including an indulgent MBS 5+ Black Opal wagyu girello drizzled with a jus enhanced with the sweet, fruity vanilla notes of Diplomático rum’s signature Reserva Exclusiva blend. There’s also rum-doused free-range chicken served with hallaquitas – a common Venezuelan holiday dish similar to a tamale – and, to end, a tropical twist on a classic Latin American flan that pairs coconut flavours with a rum-infused burnt caramel sauce. To complement the dishes, Morena’s expert mixology team have also crafted a duo of delicious Diplomático rum cocktails to top and tail the ‘Taste of Venezuela’ experience. The aperitif-style Joropo Encantando features a refreshing blend of Diplomático Planas white rum, fermented pineapple tepache, cumin-spiced demerara sugar and sherry. Meanwhile, the aromatic Aurora Express is designed to end a meal on an elegant note, combining Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva rum with Morena’s in-house coffee, warm… Read More

Santi’s Adelaide a new restaurant in Seaview Road

Restaurant dining room

South Aussies can prepare their taste buds for an exciting new experience as Santi’s opens its doors on Seaview Road. Transforming the former Relax Hair Salon into a unique hospitality destination, Santi’s promises an unparalleled dining experience. Inspired by The Alchemist’s Kitchen’s pizza and Alimentary Eatery’s coffee window, Santi’s design combines functionality and aesthetics. The venue maximises space with a front quarter dedicated to takeaway orders and the remainder offering an à la carte dining experience. Derived from Santiago in The Alchemist novel, Santi’s symbolises a new chapter. The menu features signature pizzas with a twist and a refined à la carte brunch, blending the best of both parent venues. Venue Owner, Deeb Miky, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to be opening up Santi’s, our third venue. When this opportunity for a third venue arose, we wanted to incorporate our existing two venues into the third and came to the conclusion it was like a third child to us – Santiago.” He continued, “For anyone who has read the book The Alchemist, you will know Santiago is a little boy on his personal journey and the main character of the book.” Opening hours will be announced closer to the launch date, with plans to operate 5-6 days a week. The takeaway section will offer quick service for pizza, juices, and coffee, enhancing convenience on the busy Seaview Road strip.

Yo-Chi’s Tribute Tuesday: honouring aged care and disability workers

Yochi yoghurt

Yo-Chi is proud to announce the latest instalment of its Tribute Tuesday initiative, a heartfelt endeavour aimed at giving back to the local community. As part of this wonderful program, Yo-Chi will be offering free Chi to some of its most valuable members. The next Tribute Tuesday is set to take place on July 9th, with a special focus on recognising the tireless contributions of Australian Aged Care and Disability Workers. These dedicated individuals, who play an essential role in supporting and caring for members of the community, are invited to visit their local Yo-Chi venue next Tuesday. This small gesture of appreciation includes a complimentary serving of Yo-Chi, a treat meant to honour their hard work and commitment. We hope that this initiative will be featured in food and weekly round-ups, aiming to spread the love and gratitude as broadly as possible. By sharing this event, we can ensure that many Aged Care and Disability Workers nationwide receive the recognition they deserve. Join us in celebrating these everyday heroes with Yo-Chi’s Tribute Tuesday! More info at the Yo Chi website

New fine dining at Bottega Coco in Barangaroo Sydney

Bottega food plates bowls

Historically, fine dining establishments and BYO (Bring Your Own) practices have been at odds, with BYO being the hallmark of more affordable eateries. However, as competition for diners intensifies, an increasing number of fine dining restaurants are adopting a BYO option. Bottega Coco, a distinguished Restaurant, Patisserie, and Cellar in Barangaroo, is uniquely positioned to embrace this trend, boasting a well-stocked cellar door open to the public. From July, Bottega Coco is introducing ‘Cellar Exploration Mondays,’ where guests can bring their own bottles purchased from the Bottega Coco cellar at retail price, plus a small corkage fee. Jon and Grant, Bottega Coco’s viral sensation Cellar Door managers (see the duo’s antics here), will assist you in selecting the perfect wine. For those wishing to enjoy a bottle of wine with their meal without the standard hefty 200-400% markup, Bottega Coco offers ‘BYO Tuesdays.’ Diners can bring their own vintage wines to pair with a three-course set menu priced at $99 per person, with no corkage fee. More about Bottega Coco evenings: Cellar Exploration Mondays BYO Tuesdays