SydneyTimes Food Guide

18/06/2025

Western Australia Unleashes a Torrent of "Exhilarating Wines" in Monumental Sydney Trade Tasting
-Exhilarating Wines of Western Australia - Trade Tasting at the Rocks

Sydney, Australia 17 June,2025

The vibrant and diverse wine regions of Western Australia have made an undeniable splash in Sydney with the "EXHILARATING Wines from Western Australia" trade tasting. Held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, this monumental event showcased over 300 wines from 50 iconic and emerging wineries, offering a comprehensive and truly "exhilarating" journey through the state's vinous landscape.
It was a great and memorable experience to attend EXHILARATING Wines from Western Australia trade tasting at the Watersedge, Campbells Stores, Hickson Rd, in the Historic Rocks district of Sydney right on the harbour opposit eht iconic Sydney opera House !

Apparently this is literally the the biggest tasting ever staged outside of the state of western Australia, and it really was a massive revelation for members of the Sydney Trade.
Billed as the most significant tasting of Western Australian wines ever staged outside of the state, the event drew a significant crowd of industry professionals, keen to explore the unique terroir and innovative winemaking that has earned WA wines a global reputation for excellence.

Attendees had the opportunity to delve into the offerings of seven distinct wine regions, including the internationally acclaimed Margaret River and Great Southern, the historic Swan Valley, and exciting up-and-coming areas that are not so well known,...like Geographe, Pemberton, Blackwood Valley, and the Perth Hills.

Larry Jorgensen, CEO of Wines of Western Australia, emphasized the trailblazing spirit of the region, noting that "the quality and winemaking creativity coming from Western Australia's wine regions has never been greater."He highlighted the artisan nature and magnificent seclusion of the industry, which, he believes, has kept these exceptional wines a "well-kept secret" until now.

https://www.sydneytimes.net.au/st-food-wine-guide/western-australi…ey-trade-tasting/

05/06/2025

What an incredible day at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur! 🤩 I had the immense pleasure of a guided tour with the Executive Marketing Manager, Nigel, who showed me some fantastic rooms, the stunning swimming pool, and the exclusive MO Club Room.
Mandarin Oriental Club Room benefits typically include exclusive access to a dedicated lounge, offering a variety of perks such as daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. Guests also often enjoy benefits like complimentary internet access, garment pressing, and the use of a business center or meeting room-How good is that!?
In the MO Club Room, I was treated to a glass of Bollinger Special Cuvée, and we had a delightful chat about the hospitality business and Malaysia's amazing development and progress. So insightful!
The evening concluded with a terrific dinner at the innovative Cantonese Chinese restaurant known as Lai Po Heen. We started with the delicious Oven Baked Scallops with Garlic and Cheese, followed by Lai Po Heen's Wok-fried Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper and Onions. But the real showstopper was the incredibly delicate Baked Black Codfish on a bed of Spinach with a light Honey and Soy sauce 🐟.
And for dessert? The exotic Musang King Durian Pancakes with whipped cream! Let's just say it made quite an impression, even on my Grab Limo driver on the way home after a good burp! 🤣
Truly a memorable experience from start to finish. Thank you, Nigel and Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, for the exceptional hospitality!

23/05/2025

The Counter Cut at Woodcut

Sydney Friday 23 May,2025

Woodcut has just introduced a new 'Counter Cut' offer (see below) for weekday lunches - it's the perfect spot in the house for busy office workers to have a luxurious feeling lunch without the wait-time, and get a theatrical show around the open kitchen as well.

Introducing Woodcut’s new Counter Cut menu, crafted for those after an elevated lunch break on a busy schedule. Take your seat at the chef's counter with a view over the open kitchen.

Choose from: One course for $55 per person or two courses for $70 per person.

Options include crab cakes, wagyu bresaola with burrata, O’Connor grass fed centre cut fillet with crisp potatoes, and Yellow Tail kingfish with romesco sauce. Served with a selected glass of wine, beer or soft drink.

Tuesday to friday, Lunch

Make your next lunch a front-row experience, and discover ‘The Counter Cut’.

Take your seat at the chef’s counter for effortless dining on busy days. Whether it’s a corporate lunch, client meeting or well-deserved midweek indulgence.

Choose from:

One course for $55 per person
Two courses for $70 per person

Served with a selected glass of wine, beer or soft drink.

Please note this menu is only available at the Chef’s Counter.
THE COUNTER CUT MENU

One course $55, Two courses $70 served with a selected glass of wine, beer or soft drink

Burrata, wagyu bresaola, aged balsamic, olive oil
or
Crab cakes, h**p seeds, saltbush, oyster mayonnaise
or
Shiitake mushrooms, shiso, seaweed, mushroom butter
O’Connor grass fed centre cut fillet, crisp potatoes, Paris butter
or
Yellowtail kingfish, romesco sauce, watercress
or
Squash flowers, organic rice, sheep’s yoghurt, vine leaves

ADDITIONAL SIDES
Skin on chips 14
Hasselback potato, burnt onions 18
Red velvet lettuce, Woodcut salad cream, miche crumb

Menu: crownsydney.com.au

https://www.sydneytimes.net.au/st-food-wine-guide/the-counter-cut-at-woodcut/

16/05/2025

SYDNEY’S EAST LINES UP FROM 5AM FOR THE OPENING OF PAPPA FLOCK
-Pappa Flock’s crispy crunch causes a frenzy in Bondi Junction

Sydney, 16th May.

Bondi Junction officially has chicken fever. Sydneysiders turned out in flocks this morning, with queues forming from 5AM - a full seven hours before doors opened - to be among the first to get their hands on Pappa Flock’s TikTok famous crispy, crunchy chicken tenders, Flock Boxes and iconic house-made lemonades.

The line snaked through the Junction well before breakfast time, proving once again just how insatiable the city’s appetite for crispy chicken really is.

Known for serving up seriously craveable American-style crispy chicken, Pappa Flock’s Bondi Junction opening marks the brand’s eighth store and their biggest launch yet - with fans braving the early morning chill just for a first taste.

“We knew Sydney’s East loved fried chicken, but this was something else. People weren’t just waiting, they were settling in and counting down to crunch-time - the crowd turned the wait into an event in itself,” said Rachel Korbel, Chief Marketing Officer for Pappa Flock.

Pappa Flock is rolling out some 'clucking good' deals across the launch weekend:

Saturday, 17 May: Free upgrade to freshly-squeezed lemonade with all Flock Boxes (until allocation exhausted)

Sunday, 18 May: An extra free chicken tender added to every meal order (until allocation exhausted)

Pappa Flock is now officially open at Westfield Bondi Junction: Shop 3023, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

PAPPA FLOCK LOCATIONS: Parramatta, Westfield Miranda, Frenchs Forest, Casula, Westfield Eastgardens, Macquarie Centre, Rouse Hill and Westfield Bondi Junction, with more locations opening throughout 2025.

09/05/2025

The Mum Blend from Veneziano

This is a reminder that Mother's Day is this weekend!

Be a legend and don’t leave it until the last minute, grab yours before Sunday.

To make Mum extra happy make sure you subscribe to a great coffee deal! Shop on line here:https://venezianocoffee.com.au/collections/

Whether you're into bold espresso blends, single origins, or a convenient caffeine hit on the go, Veneziano’s line-up is crafted for quality and flavour — backed by decades of coffee expertise.

Right now the Sydney Times Newsroom Team are enjoying coffee from Veneziano Coffee Roasters — one of Australia’s most celebrated specialty coffee brands — which offer you the chance to experience their premium range of beans, instant coffee and ready-to-drink (RTD) cans, available for editorial consideration or review.
The Mum Blend
$19.00

Tastes like Milk Chocolate, Nutty & Honey.

A limited-edition Mother’s Day release of our fan-favourite Elevate blend, made to honour the legends we call Mum. Expect a smooth, chocolatey cup with sweet, honey notes. Balanced, bold, and full of character. Just like her.

Whether Mum enjoys coffee black or as a milky, this is the all rounder blend she will love.

The Mum Blend consists of beans from:

Brazil Serra Negra 50%
Colombia Coocentral 50%

Take a look at the full range here Veneziano Coffee Roasters

https://www.sydneytimes.net.au/st-food-wine-guide/the-mum-blend-from-veneziano/

07/05/2025

25/04/2025

TASTING AUSTRALIA’S TOWN SQUARE RETURNS NEXT WEEK

Adelaide ,25 April,2025

Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond is now just a week away and will return with fresh new elements in its Town Square hub together with the state’s best eating and drinking experiences.
Based in the heart of Adelaide in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga and free to enter across all 10 days of this year’s festival, Town Square is home to Dining Galleries presented by Mitolo Family Farms, Seppeltsfield and Never Never bars, Journey Beyond’s The Ghan Experience and a range of food and beverage events, with tickets still available.
Town Square will be open from Friday 2 May to Sunday 11 May.

Please visit tastingaustralia.com.au for more festival information and to purchase tickets.

20/04/2025

Matthew Mirosevich, Owner of ‘Catered by Matt’ set to be the luxury chef in the all-new TV series ‘Billion Dollar Playground’ on Binge.

Matthew Mirosevich, Owner of ‘Catered by Matt’, is set to be the luxury chef in the all-new TV series ‘Billion Dollar Playground’. Billion Dollar Playground is a bold new Australian reality series that follows a team of luxury service experts as they work to cater to the uber-wealthy clients of LUXICO.
Matt is an incredibly talented chef, having worked in Australia’s leading restaurants for over six years, including the legendary Quay Restaurant.He is also the owner of one of Sydney’s premium catering companies, ‘Catered by Matt’ So, catering for the LUXICO experience is well within his capabilities. Matt says, “Beyond the TV show, this is what I do every day. I have a team of 8 incredibly talented chefs and waitstaff, and we cater to high-end events. We do everything from long-duration stay, to canapé birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and more.
When asked why Matt does what he does, he said, “I love the idea of building a really great team and creating a catering service that our clients can rely on. We were lucky enough to go out to the Catered by Matt HQ in Manly Vale and try a few of his favourite dishes. We had the delicious 36-hour slow-cooked beef short rib, with creamed potato and red wine jus,the Kingfish Tataki, and an amazing orange and chocolate mousse dessert.

When asked what the vision was for the company, Matt said, “I want to build a reliable service that our clients love and trust. Typically, when our clients book with us, it is for a special occasion, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or family gathering, and ensuring that we deliver an amazing experience is important to us”.

Matt’s team caters to all of Sydney and the Central Coast, and seeing that they are in high demand, they do book out anywhere from 4-8 weeks in advance. So if you would be interested in chatting to Matt about an upcoming event, make sure you enquire through their website. They now have over 200 five-star reviews and get to cater for companies like Porsche, Ferrari, and Luxico, so I believe we have done well so far”.
https://cateredbymatt.com/

07/03/2025

Celebrating the premiere of SBS programme Memory Bites with Matt Moran

Celebrating the premiere of Memory Bites with Matt Moran was hosted by Alexandra Jakob and transported attendees into a world of comfort and nostalgia, ahead of its SBS on Demand and SBS Food debut on March 10th.
Guests mingled with Matt Moran, Alexandra Jakob, and some of the key figures behind the show, while enjoying nostalgia-themed appetisers, drinks and sweet treats inspired by the program. Guests were sent home with goodies that would help you conjure up your own memory bites in the kitchen.
Memory Bites follows Matt Moran as he takes iconic Australians like Richard Roxburgh, Pia Miranda, and Courtney Act on a heartfelt journey back to pivotal moments in their lives, all through food and meaningful conversation.
For a sneak peek, you can watch the trailer.

28/02/2025

The ultimate indulgence at Marrow & Co.- A Review of Sydney's amazing new Steakhouse Gem at Bankstown Sports Club

Sydntey, Australia – February 26, 2025

When I received an invitation to "indulge in a curated tasting menu featuring premium Australian beef, signature dishes, and expertly paired wines and cocktails" from a top PR agency on behalf of the Bankstown Sports Club, I couldn't wait to attend.
I found myself among Sydney's professional foodies, Instagrammers, and media influencers who had convergedon the Bankstown Sports Club’s newest dining destination, Marrow & Co. This charming and sophisticated new steakhouse, integrated into two replica railway carriages, promises to become a standout culinary destination.

The culinary journey began with a deep dive into the heart of Australian beef. The menu, presented with a flourish, was a testament to the dedication to local sourcing, showcasing thirteen distinct cuts. My eyes were immediately drawn to the Riverine Tomahawk, displayed with pride in the specialized dry-aging fridge. The sight of the 1.5kg, deeply marbled steak, its rich color intensifying with age, was captivating.
The focus on steak is complemented by a selection of classic steakhouse starters that elevate traditional dishes with modern finesse. Guests can indulge in finely seasoned hand-cut beef tartare, a silky chicken liver parfait served with house-made pickles, and a decadent truffled brie cheese soufflé.t
The hand-cut beef tartare, served with a delicate quail egg yolk and crispy crostini, was a symphony of textures and flavors.]

The chicken liver parfait, presented in a charming ceramic jar, was silken and smooth, the richness cut through by the bright, tangy house-made pickles, which included miniature gherkins and pickled onions. The truffled brie cheese soufflé was a cloud of decadence, the airy texture yielding to the creamy, earthy notes of brie and truffle. The aroma alone was intoxicating.
The Beef Wellington arrived with a theatrical flourish, its golden puff pastry glistening under the warm light. The Beef Wellington is an unmissable highlight.

Featuring a 400g Grasslands Eye Fillet encased in flaky puff pastry, layered with prosciutto, mushroom duxelle, and rich pâté, this iconic dish is served with creamy mashed potatoes and your choice of sauce.
The cocktail menu offered sophisticated twists on classic drinks, reflecting a Manhattan-style elegance.

The wine list, curated by Sommelier Ben Moechtar (showcased a thoughtful balance of contemporary and iconic wines, perfectly complementing the menu.

Overall, Marrow & Co has successfully created a dining destination that transcends the traditional steakhouse experience.

20/02/2025

Toby's Estate Chippendale Crowned World's Best Coffee Shop

*This report based on a Toby's Estate web article and edited by Google Gemini AI- Fact checked by Toby's regular A.Ritenis

Sydney 20 February,2025

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – In a major win for Australian coffee culture, Toby's Estate's flagship cafe and roastery in Chippendale, Sydney, has been named the World's Best Coffee Shop at the inaugural World's 100 Best Coffee Shops Gala held in Madrid, Spain. This prestigious award recognizes not only the quality of the coffee but also the overall cafe experience, encompassing everything from barista expertise and customer service to innovation, atmosphere, sustainability, food, and consistency.

"At Toby’s Estate, coffee is at the heart of everything we do," said Jody Leslie, General Manager of Toby's Estate. "Our whole team puts in an immense amount of effort to make the best coffee possible, so we’re absolutely delighted to be awarded this incredible recognition.”

20/02/2025

One week until Ramadan! 🌙✨ Join us at Al Aseel for Iftar as we come together to welcome this blessed month with warmth, community, and delicious food. Reserve your table now and prepare for a meaningful Ramadan 🕌