Category: FOOD & DRINK

Escape to the Mediterranean in Sydney at Zephyr rooftop bar

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We can’t all be in Europe, in fact, it’s winter there so Sydney is the hottest place to be anyway (perhaps literally). If you are craving the Mediterranean vibes though of sipping a frosty beverage, staring at the water and feeling a million miles away from your problems, then there’s only one spot on Sydney you need to be and that’s Zephyr bar. Situated on the 12th floor of city centre located Hyatt Regency is a not-so-hidden gem of a rooftop bar. We say not-so-hidden, because while a peaceful oasis, the great views are coveted so we recommend making a booking! All through the summer months Zephyr is embracing the French Riviera energy and has redone the rooftop setting with trails of bougainvillea and upscale seaside decor in classy navy, white and orange palettes. Naturally they’ve also redone the menu to suit a spot simply screaming let’s have a kiki. “Zephyr’s latest cocktail creations are a sensory journey that brings drink trends and the flavours seen in the Northern Hemisphere summer to Sydney as we enter the warmer months and the timeless attraction of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after summer locations, such as St. Tropez, the Amalfi Coast and the Greek Islands straight to your glass,” explains Zephyr’s Mixologist, Jordan Rizk. With classics, twisty classics and new creations on the menu it’s hard to recommend just one drink that will be the perfect sundowner, however Jordan recommend the hero cocktail, the Zephyr St Tropez Spritz. Tastes of charred pineapple rum, deep of barrel-aged gin, sparkling rosé… Read More

Embark on a memorable New Year’s Eve dining experience at Stokehouse

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Get ready for an extraordinary culinary journey this New Year’s Eve at Stokehouse. With a curated 4-course dinner by executive chef Jason Staudt, this dining experience promises to be truly unforgettable. Starting from 7pm, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in opulent pre-dinner delights at STOKEBAR. Picture yourself savoring freshly shucked oysters and premium canapés, perfectly complemented by the light and crisp tones of Pol Roger champagne or one of Stokehouse’s signature cocktails. Once seated, prepare to be wowed by a stunning caviar service featuring Polanco Oscietra caviar, harvested in Uruguay and adorned with Stokehouse’s unique garnishes. Following this luxurious starter, guests will be treated to a show-stopping dish of poached southern rock lobster, melon gazpacho, and buffalo curd, all crafted using locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. For the main course, guests can choose between two premium options: an aged and glazed Macedon Ranges duck or King George whiting with summer peas and salmon roe caviar butter. These dishes will be accompanied by a choice of two sides, including a refreshing Ramarro farm tomato and stone fruit salad, as well as hot chips with citrus salt. To cleanse the palate, a refreshing lemon sorbet with Bellarine extra virgin olive oil will be served before moving on to the grand finale. Indulge in a popcorn mille-feuille with salted caramel ganache and old-fashioned baba, meticulously crafted by Head Pastry Chef Ash Smith. This decadent dessert is the perfect ending to an extraordinary dining experience. As you celebrate the new year, Stokehouse’s extensive cellar offers a wide… Read More

Green Cup expands to Hawksburn Village: a new oasis for health enthusiasts

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Green Cup, renowned for its delectable acai bowls and refreshing smoothies, has recently opened its seventh store in Hawksburn Village, much to the delight of health-conscious individuals in the area. This expansion showcases Green Cup’s commitment to providing delicious and nutritious treats to communities far and wide. Situated at the heart of Hawksburn Village, the new Green Cup store promises fast service and mouthwatering delights for those on the go. “We selected Hawksburn Village as our seventh location due to its vibrant and bustling community, which perfectly aligns with our mission of making healthy treats accessible to our customers,” explains Natalie Guest, Director of Green Cup. The new store aims to bring the unique Green Cup experience to the dynamic Hawksburn Village community. Green Cup’s latest venture boasts a fresh and distinctive look, courtesy of the renowned luxury interior design firm, Hecker Guthrie. With the use of raw materials such as timber, steel, concrete, and fibreglass, the store exudes a modern and sophisticated ambiance. The juxtaposition of industrial elements with refined touches provides customers with an elevated and unforgettable experience, while still capturing the essence of the beloved Green Cup brand. Patrons can enjoy their Green Cup experience both inside and outside the establishment, with comfortable seating available for up to nine individuals in each area. Whether it’s savouring a refreshing smoothie or grabbing a quick bite, the new store offers a welcoming space for health enthusiasts to relax and indulge. Green Cup’s journey began back in 2014 when they first opened their doors in… Read More

Westward Whiskey and The Whisky Club have teamed up for a sell-out release

Westward Whiskey Muscat

Whiskey (whisky if you prefer) is often times a collectors item, and Westward Whiskey is quickly becoming the item every true aficionado has in their collection. They’ve now teamed up with The Whisky Club, the ultimate subscription for every whiskey lover, for a VERY limited release of Westward Whiskey’s Vintage Muscat Cask. This first for the distillery is a love-child years in the making with Australia’s own Rutherglen region, where they’ve taken muscat barrels from iconic Stanton and Killeen vineyard to age their all-American mash in. Westward has won many awards, including Double Gold in the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Awards for their truly delicious Pinot Noir Cask, which is proof they’re a heavy-hitter in the whiskey market. Perhaps most inspiring though is the passion behind Westward. Westward’s legendary Master Blender, Miles Munroe flew out to speak at the launch and explained his ethos of believing “the future of whiskey is more interesting than its past”. A bold statement for a heritage product, but it’s clear to see the innovation coming out of new-age brewers who are being deliberately inefficient, trying new things and choosing flavour over volume. If you want to get your hands on one of these coveted bottles you’ll have to be quick as it’s sure to be a sell out range and it’s exclusively available through The Whisky Club as their December Whisky of the Month. The Whisky Club launched the Westward Rum Cask in 2021 to members and it was chosen by most as their winner for the year… Read More

A taste of authentic Italy in Sydney at Don Fred

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Imagine stepping into a vibrant, bustling street in Italy, where the air is filled with the tantalising aroma of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Now imagine experiencing this right in the heart of Sydney. Welcome to Don Fred, the newest gem on King Street in Newtown, that’s redefining the city’s culinary landscape. Opening its doors in February 2023, Don Fred has carved out a unique niche in Sydney’s food scene, offering a 100% plant-based menu that doesn’t compromise on the classic Italian flavours we all adore. The mastermind behind this innovative concept is Lorenzo Petrachi, former Restaurant Manager of Gigi Pizzeria, who has poured his passion and expertise into creating a dining experience like no other. As you walk into Don Fred, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight into a classic 1970s Paninoteca Bar in New York. The design choices are a nod to Petrachi’s Uncle Alfredo’s journey from Italy to New York in the early 60s, where he opened his own panino shop in the Bronx after overcoming numerous personal adversities. The burnt yellow walls, authentic Italian tiles, and brown timber tables resonate with the nostalgia of a bygone era, creating an ambience that’s both inviting and enchanting. But Don Fred is not just about aesthetics. Quality is at the heart of everything they do. Every ingredient used is ethically sourced and as fresh as can be, ensuring that customers enjoy the best plant-based alternatives available in the market. Petrachi sources local produce and ingredients, but also stays true to his Italian roots by… Read More

Johnnie Walker introduces blue room: a luxury whisky tasting experience in Sydney

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As the Christmas season draws near, a unique festive treat awaits shoppers in Sydney. Johnnie Walker, the legendary blender of fine whiskies, has opened the doors to the Blue Room. This opulent whisky tasting experience, nestled in the heart of Pitt Street Mall, introduces an indulgent twist to the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping12. This marks the first time a bar-style experience has been introduced in Sydney’s inner-city shopping precinct. The Blue Room is a tranquil oasis amidst the festive frenzy, offering Scotch lovers, first-time taste-testers, and gift-givers a chance to savour the rich flavours of Johnnie Walker’s extensive award-winning range, including the venue’s namesake – Johnnie Walker Blue Label12. From Friday 17 November to Friday 29 December, the Blue Room invites shoppers to swap their usual gift shopping routine for a new festive tradition at the Ritual Bar. This ornate centrepiece of the Blue Room offers guided tastings hosted by expert whisky connoisseurs12. After savouring a tasting at the Ritual Bar, guests can delve into Johnnie Walker’s storied history, explore its most popular premium selection, including limited-edition and rare varieties such as the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Edition and prestigious John Walker & Sons King George V1. Guests can also purchase bottles for themselves or as thoughtful gifts1. To enhance the tasting experience, specially designed glassware that highlights the unique flavours of the whisky will be available. Personalised engraving adds a special touch1. Melissa Barry, Marketing Manager for Johnnie Walker Australia, expressed her excitement about this new venture: “We’re delighted… Read More

Patrón is shouting Sydney-siders 10,000 caviar bumps with their next tequila cocktail

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If you thought tequila was tasty enough, try elevating it with a bump of caviar. Yes, you read that right! To celebrate the fast approach of summer and the launch of the world’s first quadruple-distilled prestige tequila PATRÓN EL CIELO, Patrón has teamed up with some of Sydney’s coolest Mexican bars and restaurants to give away 10,000 luxe Umai Heritage caviar bumps with every PATRÓN EL CIELO cocktail from a limited-edition menu. Naturally we had to sample this from our favourite tequila-joint, Taqiza (who have a new home in Bondi that is even prettier than the first on!). Trying the PATRÓN EL CIELO on the rocks was a heady, smooth and sweet experience, that was only heightened by the saltiness of the caviar. The perfect pairing nobody knows about, but now we can’t stop thinking of. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milpa Collective (@milpa.collective) If straight tequila isn’t your jam (no matter how smooth), there are also two delicious PATRÓN EL CIELO cocktails on the menu: If you want to live the luxe life and experience the new release from Patrón with some caviar, you can do so for a limited time from the following Milpa Collective Mexican venues:

A fresh taste of Vietnam at St. Cloud Eating House

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This month, the renowned St. Cloud Eating House in Hawthorn East breathes new life into its culinary offering. The restaurant, located at 644 Burwood Road, is set to tantalise tastebuds with an explosion of Vietnamese flavours, thanks to celebrated chef Jerry Mai. Since its inception in 2015, St. Cloud Eating House, under the stewardship of hospitality veteran James Klapanis, has maintained its commitment to serving ferociously fresh Vietnamese cuisine to the denizens of Melbourne. The exciting and vibrant menu revamp is spearheaded by none other than the remarkable Jerry Mai, known for her culinary masterpieces at Pho Nom, Annam, and Bia Hoi Beer Hall. Mai’s flair for Vietnamese cuisine is widely acclaimed, and she now brings her unique touch to the St. Cloud Eating House. The restaurant’s new culinary journey is further bolstered by the recent collaboration between Klapanis and Angie Giannakodakis, stalwarts of the Melbourne hospitality scene. This partnership brings a renewed focus on generosity – striving to put the hospitality back in hospitality, as Giannakodakis puts it. St. Cloud’s refreshed food ethos is all about sharing and savouring every bite. Jerry Mai has expertly curated a menu that balances familiar Vietnamese flavours with unexpected new elements. Diners can expect a tantalising array of small plates, from grilled scallops with wild onion butter and nuoc mam to sticky lamb ribs with tamarind caramel. A highlight includes an irresistible beef cheek green curry— a testament to Mai’s Thai culinary influences. For those with a sweet tooth, the restaurant offers a duo of indulgent desserts —… Read More

Centennial Homestead in Sydney launches ‘Rosé & Croquet’ activation

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Centennial Homestead, in partnership with AIX, reveals its latest summer sensation, the ‘Rosé & Croquet’ activation. Experience the ultimate garden party, filled to the brim with an abundance of rosé and complimentary mini croquet kits for patrons. This activation aims to immerse you in the quintessential family-friendly summer experience. By marrying the enchanting ambiance of parklands with the distinguished allure of AIX rosé wine, Centennial Homestead and AIX have concocted a delightful setting. Expect an expanded outdoor seating area equipped with additional seats, picnic blankets, umbrellas and abundant opportunities to create lasting memories. AIX is excited to roll out special prices on their premium Provence Rosé to celebrate this activation, with glasses at $16, standard bottles at $75, magnum bottles at $140, and the monumental Jeroboam bottle at $250, exclusively at Centennial Homestead. Centennial Homestead’s executive chef, Jeffrey Forrest, presents meticulously crafted picnic boards priced at $43 per person. It features a gourmet selection of the finest cheeses and cured meats. The casual dining menu will remain available throughout the activation period, offering fresh, contemporary dishes with a twist on traditional home-cooked favorites. AIX is thrilled about their summer activation. “That’s the beauty of AIX Rosé, its versatility to pair with any occasion. AIX tastes best when shared.” states Maison Saint Aix, Provence. Expect to bask in an unforgettable and inclusive atmosphere, celebrating leisure, enjoyment, and relaxation all throughout summer. The ‘Rosé & Croquet’ activation will continue until 31st December 2023, operating from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm – 5pm, aligning with the venue’s closing hours…. Read More

Embrace authentic fusion of tradition and innovation at Australian Gin Week

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In the heart of Australia, a unique partnership is set to celebrate the richness and diversity of the nation’s gin industry. For Australian Gin Week, Seven Seasons, an iconic gin brand known for its remarkable interpretations of indigenous Australian flavours, has partnered with the award-winning Rekodo Restaurant & Vinyl Bar at Barangaroo House. Together, they are unveiling the Green Ant Gin Martini, a bold new creation that captures the vibrant flavours of Australian flora. From the 15th of November to the 14th of December, patrons of Rekodo will be able to indulge in a special Green Ant Gin Martini and snack menu. This collaboration not only puts the spotlight on Seven Season Spirits’ acclaimed Green Ant Gin, but also entwines the rich history and flavours of Australian flora in an exciting culinary experience. Award-winning bartender, Jai Lyons, will be the mastermind behind the Green Ant Martini, while head chef Michael Dabbs has crafted a bespoke menu that perfectly complements the unique notes of the cocktail. Among the standout offerings is the Steak tartare temaki with koji, finger lime dressing, and a green ant garnish priced at $14. In addition, the Green Ant Gin Martini will feature at 50 of Australia’s top venues, including Margaret & West Hotels in New South Wales, Vue de Monde & Sunda in Victoria, Sasso Italiano & Rosellas Bar in Queensland, and Sofitel & Fleet Street Social in South Australia. Each venue will add their unique twist to the cocktail, further elevating the martini experience. Seven Seasons, founded by former AFL… Read More