Category: FOOD & DRINK

New restaurant, Sefa, opens in Byron Bay

Falafel with Hummus Horizontal sefa food

Byron Bay, brace yourself for a culinary treat as the much-loved Bondi gem, Sefa Kitchen, prepares to open its doors in your coastal paradise from August this year. With its reputation firmly rooted in the bustling streets of Sydney, this marks the third venture at Nourishing Habitat for restaurateurs Utku Ayhan and Nicolas Degryse. After the runaway successes of Commune Canteen and Gitana Spanish Wine Bar, Sefa Kitchen is set to add a delicious new layer to Byron Bay’s vibrant food scene. Sefa Kitchen, a Bondi institution since 2013, is celebrated for its rustic yet refined take on Middle Eastern cuisine, drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse flavours of the Levantine and North African regions. This is a cuisine that has transcended borders for over 400 years, blending the ancient cooking traditions of culturally rich areas. With a focus on legumes, dairy, grains, spices, and seasonal produce, Sefa Kitchen brings this culinary heritage to life, offering a dining experience that is both exotic and familiar. At the heart of Sefa Kitchen Byron Bay is its wood-fire oven and open-flame grill, where dishes are infused with unique, smoky flavours that only this style of cooking can impart. The menu is designed around generous share platters, inviting diners to wrap the delicious offerings in bread and enjoy them with their hands. While plates and cutlery are available, owners Utku and Nico encourage guests to embrace the mess and dive in with their hands, adding a fun, interactive element to the dining experience. Diners can look forward… Read More

Tzatziki in a cocktail? Give it a go at Douglas Bar

Douglas Club

In the ever-evolving world of cocktails, the classic martini is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, reclaiming its place in the limelight on bar menus across the globe. Yet, this isn’t just your grandfather’s martini making a comeback; it’s the martini with a twist—literally. Bars are pushing the envelope, infusing this timeless favourite with bold, unexpected flavours that challenge and delight the palate. At the forefront of this trend is The Douglas Club, a moody, sophisticated hideaway nestled in the heart of the CBD. Known for its daring approach to cocktail crafting, The Douglas Club has given birth to the Tzatzikitini—a Mediterranean-inspired marvel that redefines what it means to sip a savoury cocktail. This daring concoction begins with a base of cucumber-infused gin, providing a crisp and refreshing backbone. Greek yogurt clarification adds an unexpected creaminess, while zesty lemon injects a vibrant brightness. The pièce de résistance? Dill-infused vermouth, which delivers a herbal kick, evoking the essence of a Mediterranean garden. The result is a uniquely unforgettable sip that promises to intrigue even the most adventurous drinkers. As the martini undergoes this bold transformation, the trend of savory cocktails influenced by food is gaining traction. No longer satisfied with sweet and fruity, cocktail enthusiasts are seeking out drinks that challenge their taste buds with savory, umami-rich profiles. These innovative creations often draw inspiration from culinary techniques and ingredients, blurring the lines between food and drink. The Tzatzikitini is just one example of how bartenders are embracing this movement, crafting beverages that are as much about the experience… Read More

A new Australian shiraz by Peter Lehmann

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If you’re someone who believes rules are meant to be broken and nothing pairs better with a Friday night than a bold glass of Shiraz, then it’s time to meet your new best mate: BAROSSAN X. Crafted by the legendary Peter Lehmann, these wines don’t just sit quietly on the shelf—they dare you to redefine everything you thought you knew about enjoying a glass of red. Let’s be honest, Australian winemaking has always had a bit of a rebellious streak, and BAROSSAN X is here to push those boundaries even further. This isn’t your grandma’s Shiraz. It’s vibrant, fresh, and has more personality than your mate who thinks he can surf. Each bottle is a testament to the creativity of winemaker Lauren Hutton, who’s taken the classic Barossa Valley Shiraz and given it a cheeky twist, blending tradition with innovation like a true Aussie master. But before you start thinking you’ll need to dust off your formalwear just to pop a cork, let’s set things straight. BAROSSAN X is for those who like their wine with a side of adventure. Want to sip it from your favourite mug while devouring a takeaway pizza? Go for it. Prefer a more sophisticated setup with crystal glassware and hard cheese? Absolutely. This Shiraz isn’t about following the usual pairing rules—it’s about making your own. And for those of you ready to dive into this bold new world of wine, the BAROSSAN X Twisted Shiraz is waiting for you at Dan Murphy’s. It’s got everything you love in a… Read More

Hickson House has released a new Oyster Shell Gin

Hickson House Oyster Gin 10

In a spirited nod to the Australian coastline, Hickson House has unveiled its latest creation, the Oyster Shell Gin, a tantalising tribute to the pristine waters and native botanicals of the land down under. Born at the foot of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, this uniquely Australian distillery has infused its small-batch gin with crushed Sydney Rock Oysters, crafting a spirit that embodies the essence of the sea with a smooth, creamy texture and vibrant citrus notes. The foundation of this savory delight lies in Hickson House’s award-winning Classic Dry Gin, ingeniously blended with seaside botanicals and complemented by the subtle brininess of old man saltbush, seaweed, and tarragon. The gin also features bright citrus notes from native finger lime and ruby grapefruit, creating a refreshing and complex flavor profile that captures the senses from the first sip. Head Distiller Tim Stones explains, “Gin is a very sociable spirit, whether you’re celebrating with friends and family or enjoying a quiet night at home. It really needs to be versatile, but gin enthusiasts are looking for a liquid that transports them beyond the bottle.” Stones continues, “With the Oyster Shell gin, we aimed to create a sea-to-glass texture and taste. Each botanical is carefully selected from seaside locations across Australia to tell a sensory story of our unique coastline.” Aromas of bright citrus and ocean spray greet the nose, while the palate experiences a harmonious dance of juniper, citrus, saline, and subtle minerality. The finish is long, dry, and slightly salty, with herbal and mineral notes… Read More

Nour Sydney embarks on a new chapter with new chef

Nour Rush Aug24 Credit Jiwon Kim 1

Nour Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in the vibrant heart of Surry Hills, is set to embark on a tantalizing new chapter with the appointment of Ibrahim Kasif as its new Head Chef. Known for its contemporary spin on Middle Eastern classics, Nour has long been the darling of foodies who crave a sophisticated yet warm dining experience—think Lebanese flavors with a trendy pastel backdrop. This exciting evolution follows the impressive tenure of Executive Chef Paul Farag, who has left an indelible mark on Nour’s reputation. As Farag sets his sights on new ventures within ESCA, he hands over the culinary reins to Kasif, a maestro of Middle Eastern cuisine with more than a decade’s worth of spice-infused experience. Kasif’s culinary journey is nothing short of legendary, having previously owned and headlined the hatted Stanbuli. His creative genius is poised to shine at Nour, introducing a menu that’s as bold as a kangaroo in a boxing ring. Expect dishes like woodfired stuffed mussels with pine nut rice and chicken fat butter, and raw kingfish tabbouleh with a horseradish cacik kick. And let’s not forget the vegetarians—your taste buds will dance with joy at the sight of woodfired mushrooms with burnt leeks and muhammara. It’s safe to say, Kasif’s menu is set to turn heads and tantalize taste buds. Ibby Moubadder, Co-founder of the ESCA Group, couldn’t be more thrilled: “Kasif is the perfect person to lead Nour into its next chapter. Paul has set an extremely high standard, and we know that Kasif’s passion and expertise… Read More

Tombo Den Japanese opens in Melbourne this September

Japanese food

Melbourne’s dining scene is about to get a vibrant new addition with the opening of Tombo Den, the latest venture by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas. Set to open on Saturday, September 7th, at 100 Chapel Street, Windsor, Tombo Den promises to transport diners straight to the bustling streets of Tokyo with its reinterpretation of the city’s late-night dining culture, infused with a touch of Melbourne flair. Tombo Den captures the essence of Tokyo’s izakayas—those lively, labyrinth-like pubs known for their relaxed atmosphere and adventurous eats. Chris Lucas, whose passion for Japanese cuisine and culture was sparked during his time living in Tokyo in the 90s, is excited to bring this experience to Windsor. “I can’t wait to bring a slice of this to the area,” Lucas shares, reminiscing about his days savoring street food in downtown Tokyo. Leading the culinary charge is celebrated chef Dan Chan, whose impressive resume includes stints at the Michelin-starred Yardbird in Hong Kong and Melbourne’s own Supernormal. Alongside Lucas, Chan has crafted a menu that pays homage to Tokyo’s dining culture while incorporating Melbourne’s sensibilities. The sushi offerings are a standout, with Kisumé Sushi Masters Toaki Kyo and Carlos Lopez bringing their expertise to a menu that honors sushi’s beginnings as a street food staple. Diners can enjoy a rotating selection of sashimi and nigiri, including deluxe options like scallop and wagyu, served from a central counter. The à la carte menu is a testament to the creativity and skill behind Tombo Den. Small Plates feature tempting bites like Sapporo… Read More

Mary’s opens on Sydney’s North Shore

Marys chicken burger

Sydney’s North Shore has just become a little tastier with the opening of Mary’s VX at Victoria Cross, marking the renowned burger joint’s first foray into this part of the city. Nestled above the new Sydney Metro Victoria Cross Station, this new space invites both North Sydney workers and locals to dive into their classic and vegan menus, topped off with a sweet collaboration with Grumpy Donut. To wash it all down, P&V Wine + Liquor Merchant is offering a splendid selection of natural wines and craft beers. Victoria Cross itself is transforming the heart of North Sydney CBD, welcoming its first wave of retailers in sync with the Sydney Metro City launch. Mary’s VX stands out with its fresh take on the dining experience, featuring an open kitchen concept that brings the vibrant atmosphere of the kitchen right to the diners. Inspired by the bustling ramen joints of Tokyo, the lively tapas bars of Barcelona, and the friendly diners of the American Midwest, the kitchen counter becomes the focal point of Mary’s VX, fostering a sense of community and connection among guests. The unique design of the space, with 10 exclusive kitchen counter seats for walk-ins, allows guests to catch all the burger-flipping action up close. Inside, booths and tables offer direct views of the kitchen, while outside, 20 seats are available under heated umbrellas, making it a cozy spot come rain or shine. Co-founders Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham are particularly thrilled about the new venture. “We want our guests to see and… Read More

New brunch spot in Melbourne at Green Cup

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Green Cup, beloved for its acai bowls and refreshing smoothies, is set to elevate the health food scene with the launch of Green Cup Canteen at its Armadale location. They opened in August and this exciting expansion introduces a Nourish Bowl menu that is both enticing and customizable, catering perfectly to the local community and health-conscious food enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of High St Armadale, the Green Cup store has undergone a six-week transformation, emerging with a fresh design overhaul and a new identity. Wherever you spot the Green Cup Canteen branding, you’ll know there’s a vibrant salad bar ready to serve. Founder and Director Natalie Guest expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Reopening our doors on High St Armadale with an exciting new salad bar offering is very exciting. We’ve been listening to our community… I’m always craving a clean, fresh and simple salad.” The new menu offers a delightful range of options for every palate. Patrons can choose from four featured bowls—Chicken, Tofu, Salmon, and Tuna—or craft their own culinary masterpiece. Start with a protein selection such as Sashimi Tuna, Sashimi Salmon, Tofu, or Chicken, and pair it with a base of Brown Rice, Mixed Leaves, or Sushi Rice. Add vibrancy with up to four fresh salads from a selection that includes Avocado, Cabbage, Bean Sprouts, and Edamame, and finish with herbs like Mint or Coriander. For that extra crunch, options like Crispy Shallots and Wasabi Peas await, all complemented by dressings such as Ponzu and Sesame Soy. With three bowl sizes—small, medium, and… Read More