Category: FOOD & DRINK

Valentine’s Day at Stokehouse Melbourne

Lobster

This Valentine’s Day, embark on a gastronomic journey that will leave you and your loved one with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a fan of fresh, succulent seafood or you prefer a delightful Mediterranean feast, Stokehouse and Stokehouse Pasta & Bar at St Kilda have you covered. For just $200 per person, Stokehouse offers a four-course menu meticulously curated by Executive Chef Jason Staudt. Showcasing Australia’s finest seafood and seasonal produce, this menu features delectable delights such as a fig tart with oregano and buffalo curd, Yellowfin tuna bite with compressed melon and pickled rind, and Stokehouse’s iconic seafood platter. For those wanting to bring a touch of luxury to their dining experience, an additional whole Victorian Lobster is available, served with Ancho chilli butter, pickled biquinho chilli, steamed buns, and thick-cut chips for $190. Crafted for two, this show-stopping dish is perfect for those wanting to turn up the romance this Valentine’s Day. The options downstairs at Stokehouse Pasta & Bar are equally enticing. For $120 per person, enjoy a four-course Mediterranean feast and a welcome drink. Kick off your exquisite dining experience with a refreshing glass of King Valley Rosé Prosecco, followed by an array of antipasti including white anchovy and olive gilda’s and bresola with oregano may gnoccho frito. For mains, make your pick between dry aged club steak with salsa verde and garlic or locally sourced John Dory with peperonata. And to top it all off, Pastry Chef Ash Smith has concocted a heavenly Ferrero Rocher and red velvet cake parfait to… Read More

Sydney Spirits Festival makes debut

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Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of taste and excitement at the inaugural Sydney Spirits Festival! From May 10th to 12th, 2024, the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney Cove will host the largest and most diverse gathering of its kind in Australia. With a remarkable array of 148 brands spanning whisk(e)y, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, and much more, this event is set to unleash your inner spirit and introduce you to a world of flavours. Indulge in Rare Finds and Exotic Tastes Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing adventure as the festival brings together rare and award-winning spirits from around the globe. From German and Japanese gin to American peanut butter whisky, Greek vermouth, Brazilian cachaça, and Australian gold medal-winning negronis, there’s something to excite every palate. This is your chance to discover unique flavours and fall in love with new favorites that will leave a lasting impression. Meet the Stars of the Spirits World The Sydney Spirits Festival is not just about the drinks, but also about the incredible personalities behind them. Prepare to rub shoulders with renowned figures in the spirits industry who will be making special appearances throughout the event. Tasmanian Bill Lark, Australia’s “Godfather of Whisky,” will be offering samples and signing bottles at stand 7. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Gee David from Buffalo Trace Distillery, an American bourbon expert pouring samples of their world-famous bourbon. And make sure to visit Mikey Enright of Hickson House, who will showcase his award-winning gin and whisky. Ester Spirits,… Read More

Johnny’s Green Room rooftop in Melbourne

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Johnny’s Green Room has recently reopened its doors, unveiling a stunning transformation that exudes Tuscan terrace vibes. This beloved rooftop watering hole, located at the corner of Lygon and Faraday Streets, has undergone a complete makeover under the guidance of award-winning designer Dion Hall. With a semi-retractable roof, patrons can now enjoy the captivating atmosphere of Johnny’s Green Room throughout the year. The venue’s new design showcases upgraded bar and kitchen facilities, as well as new bathrooms and furniture. The seating capacity has also been expanded to accommodate up to 260 guests. Drawing inspiration from the warmth and allure of Italian nuances, the venue boasts a palette of warm tones and incorporates materials such as Douglas Fir timber, terracotta tiles, tiled mosaic elements, and milled zinc. The result is a space that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with a vibrant and inviting ambiance. In addition to the physical transformation, Johnny’s Green Room has also undergone a brand refresh, masterfully executed by local branding studio Projects of Imagination. The iconic Johnny’s wolf symbol has been reimagined as a more nostalgic icon, while a secondary logo has been introduced to complement the original. The bar staff will sport custom-designed white waiter jackets, adding a touch of classic Italian style to the venue. When it comes to the culinary offerings, Johnny’s Green Room has enlisted the expertise of renowned chef and author Karen Martini as the Culinary Director. With a focus on pizza and a refreshed take on Mediterranean flavors, the menu features a delightful selection of Italian-style share… Read More

Where to celebrate Chinese NY

Chinese food

Spice Temple is not just honouring, but wholly immersing itself in the Chinese tradition of welcoming propitious times with special feasts containing dishes of good omen, exclusively curated for the forthcoming Lunar New Year celebrations. The restaurant’s Executive Chef for Sydney and Melbourne locations, Andy Evans, along with Melbourne’s Head Chef Maggie Chan, have put together exceptional banquet menus in celebration of the Year of the Dragon, which begins on Saturday, 10th February, with traditional festivities continuing for up to 16 days. These specially crafted Lunar New Year banquet menus, priced at $149 per person, are on offer from Monday 5th February to Sunday 18th February, for both lunch and dinner services at Spice Temple in Sydney and Melbourne. As Chef Andy explains, “We have included some of our most special dishes reserved for celebratory occasions, and have also developed completely new dishes that feature ingredients known to bring prosperity, happiness, peace, love, and other aspects of good fortune.” In the Sydney location, the Chinese New Year banquet menu highlights purse-shaped pipis symbolising fortune, tea eggs for fertility, noodles for longevity, and red ingredients such as baby tomatoes for prosperity. The Melbourne menu, on the other hand, features golden bao buns and abalone representing wealth and power, along with classic dishes usually consumed during Lunar New Year feasts, such as the raw fish Yu Sheng salad, colloquially known as ‘Prosperity Toss’, which stands for good luck in the coming year. “Diners are encouraged to toss the shredded ingredients of the salad high into the air;… Read More

The Cut: A Gastronomic Battle for a Cause

Chefs people

Four Chefs, One Night, One Winner, and You Choose. Gear up for a culinary showdown like no other as Mecca Coffee and The Ironclad Co. present an unmissable event, The Cut, for all Sydney food lovers. Witness the spectacle as four of Sydney’s emerging chefs, each with a dish to stake their claim, vie for your vote on the night of the 1st of February, 2024. Hosted by the renowned food aficionado, Myffy Rigby, The Cut is more than just a culinary competition. It is a non-profit initiative designed to build community spirit, foster a platform for young chefs to display their talent, and support Two Good Co., a social enterprise that empowers women with lived experiences of homelessness, domestic violence, and complex trauma. Imagine a duel of wits, skills, and culinary creativity, with each chef crafting a dish using Mecca Coffee and The Ironclad Co. cast iron cookware to bring their inventive recipes to life. You, our esteemed guests, will be the judges, bestowing the honor of victory on one deserving chef. Our participating chefs – Toby Stansfield from Lola’s Bondi, Jack Fitzhenry from The Wedge, Jen Shaw from Two Good Co, and Cathy Tran from Kiln – have been chosen for their shared values of innovation, creativity, and empowerment. Join us at 5:30 pm at Mecca, 26 Bourke Road Alexandria. For just $180, indulge in a cocktail or a glass of bubbles on arrival, sample a 5-course meal, enjoy a carafe of wine, and take home a goodie bag valued at over $50…. Read More

YAWYE new smoothie bar in Melbourne

Smoothie Yawye Melbourne

Melbourne’s Central Business District welcomes a new player to its bustling health food scene. ‘YAWYE’, located at 181 Little Collins St, is set to redefine smoothies and acai bowls, merging health benefits with unparalleled taste. YAWYE, Your Next Stop for Nourishment YAWYE stands out with a variety of unique, nutrient-packed smoothies designed meticulously by the acclaimed Chef and Food Consultant, Sarah Watson. Sarah brings her considerable expertise from working as a private chef for tennis superstar Roger Federer and developing recipes for wellness app Centr, founded by actor Chris Hemsworth. At YAWYE, Sarah’s unique concoctions aim to nourish the body while satisfying the taste buds, “We’re not preaching an agenda here, we’re offering delicious, nourishing smoothies and acai bowls that have the added bonus of being healthy and nutritious,” Sarah explains. The Menu, Beyond Delicious Each smoothie at YAWYE, served in clear 450ml PET cups, boasts up to twelve ingredients that cater to various health benefits, from boosting immunity to promoting gut health. The menu offers eight unique blends. The ‘Fountain of Youth’ is a unique take on a green smoothie, featuring matcha powder and marine collagen powder for skin benefits. The ‘Energiser’ is a caffeine-packed smoothie with espresso, banana, almond butter, and cacao powder, perfect for a morning boost. Vibrant Acai Bowls and Eye-Catching Branding In addition to smoothies, YAWYE offers a selection of acai bowls made with high-quality acai berry powder. Customers can customise their bowls with various toppings, from fresh fruits to homemade peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut spread. The brand’s identity,… Read More

Best Greek food at Australian Open

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Melbourne’s beloved Greek restaurant, Stalactites, is back at the Australian Open, partnering once again with Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas. This year, they are serving up a special menu that features Stalactites’ iconic dishes with a tennis twist, delighting all tennis enthusiasts. “This marks our fourth consecutive year collaborating with Stefanos Tsitsipas to celebrate the Australian Open. It’s always a joyous occasion where we get to combine our passion for Greek cuisine and the electrifying atmosphere of the tournament,” says Nicole Papasavas, owner of Stalactites. A Menu That Serves Up Winning Flavors Located at the Grand Slam Oval, the Stalactites pop-up will be serving a lineup of three delicious souvlaki and Greek dishes throughout the competition. Tennis fans can indulge in signature items such as ‘Stef’s Lamb Slam’, a souvlaki with roasted lamb shoulder giros, lettuce, tomato, onions, crumbled feta, parsley, hot chips, and Stalactites’ signature tzatziki, wrapped in warm pita bread. If chicken is your souvlaki filling of choice, ‘Chicken Kicker’ swaps out the lamb for marinated chicken gyros and spicy chili mayo. For those who are torn, the ‘Mixed Doubles’ souvlaki combines chicken and lamb for a delicious combo. Other delectable offerings include ‘The Net Game’ – a tasty duo of fried calamari and fries seasoned with Greek lemon oregano. Also not to be missed is Stalactites’ signature Greek oregano & feta fries, and a refreshing Greek garden salad – a staple to any Greek menu. A Partnership with Purpose “Stalactites has always had a strong place in my heart, serving the food… Read More

Experience luxury dining and entertainment at SORA

Sora Adelaide restaurant

Embrace the new era of dining and entertainment in Adelaide with SORA, the city’s premier rooftop bar and restaurant. Set to redefine the Pirie Street skyline, SORA, translating to “sky” in Japanese, signifies more than just a venue. This elevated space caters to the discerning palate, marrying expertly crafted culinary delights with unparalleled entertainment, all against the backdrop of panoramic city views. With a capacity of up to 400 patrons, SORA seamlessly transitions between a restaurant and bar experience. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Adam Liston, whose menu mirrors a fusion of Asian and Western influences. SORA promises an indulgent array of individual and shared dishes, each highlighting fresh, seasonal produce, offered in an ambiance that exudes sophistication while maintaining a relaxed refinement. But SORA’s allure doesn’t stop at its culinary offerings. The multi-level destination also features bars, a dance floor and exclusive VIP areas for top-tier members, ensuring a transformative dining and entertainment experience for all. So mark your calendars: on the 17th of January, SORA officially opens its doors, inviting you to experience the zenith of Adelaide’s upscale dining scene. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SORA (@soraonpirie)

Queen & Collins: Redefining CBD Dining Experiences

Queens restaurant

The GPT Group, one of Australia’s leading property groups, has unveiled the final phase of its audacious redevelopment project at the illustrious Queen & Collins tower. The crown jewel of this project is a premium dining precinct encapsulated within the iconic gothic façade. Queen & Collins has evolved to shatter the conventional mould of CBD dining hubs, providing an architecturally designed space that intertwines the site’s rich history with a modern celebration of culinary diversity. This dynamic precinct serves a broad customer demographic, including business executives, local residents, and tourists. Each corner of Queen & Collins is meticulously crafted to reflect the vibrancy of Melbourne’s famed laneways. It thrives as a lively community hub, imbued with character and texture, set to make its mark as a distinctive destination for gatherings this social season. Fine Dining and Artisanal Cafes Reine & La Rue, the French bistro nestled within the historic Grand Cathedral Room, brings a touch of old-world New York opulence. Managed by the renowned NOMAD group, the bistro has quickly achieved ‘icon’ status, winning Good Food’s 2023 Best New Restaurant of the Year. The grandeur of its vaulted ceilings, granite columns, and stained-glass windows pairs elegantly with a menu that leaves patrons wanting more. Rustica, the artisanal café and bakery, offers a more laid-back dining option. It’s the perfect retreat from the city’s hustle, marking the café’s fourth location in the CBD. Exciting New Additions This December, food lovers can look forward to the launch of the subterranean bar, Purple Pit, by culinary maestro Maurice… Read More