October is a month that brings with it many celebrations in Australia, with perhaps one of the most exciting being the annual Good Food Month. All year people prepare for this month-long celebration of the Australian east-coast dining (and drinking) scene, with events not only aimed at reflecting on, and setting, the trends in how we eat and drink in this country, but also educating and creating progress in this very culturally rich and diverse landscape we often take for granted. It's all about exploring the many cuisines that have flourished in Australia over the years, and here are just some of the many happenings this month that will do just that. We're almost halfway through the month now, with the annual Omnivore Sydney kicking off Good Food Month in a spectacular fashion. Here are quite a few more tidbits to get you all excited about the weeks to come; you may want to hold off on that diet, there's a lot to get through.
NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS (10TH - 26TH)
A yearly fixture and one of the most salient events of Good Food Month is always the celebratory Night Noodle Markets in Sydney, which set up in Hyde Park with numerous stalls, recreating an Asian hawker market with all the characteristic colours, sounds, and smells. This year, the Night Noodle Markets will boast over 50 food stalls, giving guests an even greater range of the city's rich Asian cuisines. Stalls include those from Din Tai Fung, New Shanghai, Mamak, Longrain, China Republic, Harajuku Gyoza, and Melbourne's Wonderbao. The markets will also be open on Sunday evenings this year.
In addition Tanqueray Gin will host a charming Gin Garden Bar at the markets from now until Sunday 26th October. Tanqueray's signature Tanqueray and Tonic will be on offer all throughout, supplementing the landmark pop-up markets with a clean and refreshing palate cleanser. Tanqueray has long been associated with Good Food Month, so it makes perfect sense that they pop up this oasis in the middle of the city.
All photos of the Gin Garden Bar should include social media tags @tanquerayginau #TonightWeTanqueray
Location: Hyde Park, Sydney
Dates: October 10 - 26
Entry Cost: Free
Mon – Tue 5pm – 9pm
Wednesday 5pm – 10pm
Thursday - Fri 5pm – 11pm
Saturday 4pm-10pm
Sunday 4pm – 9pm
SHOOT THE CHEF GALLERY AT PULLMAN SYDNEY HYDE PARK
Australia’s passion for food and photography will be on show at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, as it is transformed into a gallery for the Shoot the Chef exhibition, part of Good Food Month Sydney. This popular competition sees professional, student as well as amateur photographers creatively framing chefs from all kitchens. The amazing works from the winners as well as finalists will be on display at Pullman Sydney Hyde Park this year for the first time. This year’s winner is James Ross for ‘Holly’. Visitors will get their say on their favourite shot as a ‘People’s Choice Award’ will be held for the duration of the exhibition from today till October 31. Visit the exhibition, snap a photo of the favourite, upload to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and state in 25 words or less why that is the People’s Choice with the hashtag #shootthechefpullman. Pullman Sydney Hyde Park must be tagged in the entry for it to be a valid entry.
Check out their Facebook at www.facebook.com/PullmanSydney, their Instagram at @pullmansydneyhydepark, and their Twitter @PullmanSydHP. For more information on ‘Shoot the Chef’, visit www.goodfoodmonth.com/shootthechef.
GOOD FOOD MONTH'S BAR HOP
Do you love Gin? Of course you do. Good Food Month knows you do and so they have designed a bar hop around Sydney for people to explore at their leisure. Each of the participating bars have come up with some brilliant cocktails to celebrate, pairing it up with food as well. $20 gets you a Tanqueray gin-inspired cocktail and matched bar snack at dozens of leading Sydney bars including BLACK by Ezard, Cafe Sydney, Star Bar, Mr Moustache, and Rockpool Bar & Grill. You can share the trajectory of your night through social media with #barhop. For a full list of participating bars visit http://sydney.goodfoodmonth.com/barhop
HUNTER VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL (11TH)
The Hunter Valley Wine Festival will attract a massive amount of exhibitors, keen to showcase some of the Hunter Valley's finest food and wine, many of which have driven the dining scene in 2014. It takes places at Crown Plaza in the Hunter Valley on Saturday 11th October and follows a very successful 2013 event. With the aim to support and celebrate local business, the festival will be a chance for the community to come together and enjoy a day of delicious food and wine in on the picturesque grounds.
Up to 40 stalls will be showcasing an array of food, wine, beer, and cider, with with exhibitors including Drayton’s Family Wines, Adina Vineyards and Hunter Valley Cheese Company.
Live music, lucky door prizes, guest speakers, and even face painting will all be spread throughout the day.
For more information visit: http://www.huntervalleywinefestival.com/
Date: Saturday 11th October 2014
Time: Stalls open 11:00am – 5:00pm
Cost: Entry is $20 + booking fee and includes cost of entry and 5 tasting tickets. Must be 18+ to participate
Bookings: http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/hunter-valley-wine-festival/71471
Location: The Marquee, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, NSW
For accommodation for the weekend, www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au
NEWTOWN GOOD FOOD FAIR (12TH)
Last year was the first Newtown Good Food Fair, and it seemed like something which was long overdue. After a successful first year, the fair returns to help celebrate Good Food Month and one of Sydney's most celebrated and progressive suburbs. With the introduction of a great range of restaurants and bars over the years, Newtown has been established as a wonderland for foodies and twelve of the suburbs most prominent eateries will gather at Newtown Square to reiterate this. Each restaurant will be offering up their signature favourites to present locals and visitors alike with a variety of food in an effort to raise funds for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.
Vendors participating include the much-loved mainstays of the Newtown food scene as well as a new wave of young guns who are quickly gaining a cult following. Those taking part in 2014 include Mary’s, Miss Peaches, The Animal at Newtown Hotel, Russo and Russo, Bloodwood, Rubyos, Mad Pizza e Bar, Suzy Spoon Vegetarian Butcher, Dehli ‘O’ Dehli, The Bank & The Coopers Hotel. Also joining in the festivities will be Milk Crate Kitchen, a duo who will prepare, cook, make & perform dishes from their kitchen made entirely from milk crates.
All dishes will be affordably priced, ranging from $8-$18.
The Newtown Good Fair takes place on Sunday 12th October from 11am-4pm in Newtown Square, outside the hub.
SUNDAY LONG TABLE LUNCH AT KINGS CROSS FESTIVAL (12TH)
The 2014 Kings Cross Festival will close off Macleay St on October 12 for visitors to enjoy a Sunday Long Table Lunch featuring food from some 20 local restaurants, alongside more than a dozen NSW winemakers showcasing their wines, plus cooking demonstrations and even cookbook signings from the star chefs Dan Hong, Damien Pignolet and Mike McEnearney. Star local foodies will feature the true diversity of fine and fun food on offer in Kings Cross from Mexican to Japanese, Italian to Middle Eastern with dishes costing just $6, $9 or $12 and served from 10am to 5pm. Participating restaurants and cafes include Chester White Diner, Popolo, Jimmy Liks, Kim Restaurant, Barrio Chino, Sweethearts BBQ, Café Dov, Harajuku Gyoza, Bottega Del Vino and Fei Jai to name a few. The highly anticipated Potts Point Kazbah will preview its October opening with a stall showcasing their fusion middle eastern fine food while RivaReno Gelato will delight for dessert. A pop up wine bar, and wine tastings stalls will feature over a dozen NSW vineyards, A street stage that will feature performances throughout the day, an Art and Photography program for the festival is headlined by Photographer Tim Denoodle’s exhibition titled Somewhere City at Gallery Mercure in Potts Point, and so much more! Find out more at http://www.kingscrossfestival.com.au
SWINE VS BEAST DINNER (13TH & 27TH)
Two of Urban Purveyor Group's most popular restaurants, Swine & Co and The Cut Bar & Grill, will be collaborate and compete in a 6-part nose-to-tail degustation menu fighting for meat supremacy. The night will consist of two head chefs from two different restaurants tasked with serving up six dishes in an exclusive event which is repeated across two different nights.
The two chefs have been tasked with creating a degustation that flows seamlessly and pays respect to the life of the animal in its entirety. On Monday 13th October the event will take place at Swine & Co while on Monday 27th October it will take place at The Cut Bar & Grill.
When: 13th October & 27th October 6:30PM
Cost: 6 courses $160pp; $110 without matched wines
OZ HARVEST TABLE FOR TEN DINNERS (13TH - 17TH & 20TH - 24TH)
As part of Good Food Month, Sydney-siders will get a chance to head along to a series of very special dinners hosted by Oz Harvest in celebration of their 10th birthday. Guests will get a sneak peek at the OzHarvest Headquarters, where food rescue happens daily, and for a limited-time will transform into a unique, ultra-cool dining space during Good Food Mont. As well as a surprise chef each night, Table for Ten will also showcase talent from OzHarvest’s nourish program which trains and mentors youth at risk. Beverages and alcohol will be included provided by event partner Vittoria Coffee.
The OzHarvest Table for Ten dinners are proudly supported by Virgin Mobile and Vittoria Coffee. The dinner will encourage all diners to have their phones handy to take snaps of all their meals, as for every food pic posted with hashtag #mealforameal, OzHarvest can provide a real meal to someone in need thanks to Virgin Mobile.
Ten years ago, OzHarvest became the first organisation in Australia to rescue all types of perishable food that would otherwise have gone to waste. Today, they have rescued over 9,000 tonnes of good quality food and helped share 28 million meals – a mammoth achievement!
Table for Ten event information:
Dates: October 13 – 17 and 20-24
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Venue: OzHarvest HQ, Alexandria (Warehouse G3/G4, 46-62 Maddox St, Alexandria)
Chef: Surprise!
Tickets: $150 per head available at Good Food Month online:
http://sydney.goodfoodmonth.com/details?deal=444155
FESTIVAL OF ASIAN STREET FOOD AT CROWNE PLAZA TERRIGAL (15TH)
Crowne Plaza in Terrigal launched four coastal dining experiences for Good Food Month, tasking Executive Chef Simon Quick in take diners on a culinary journey of traditional dishes with a modern twist. The internationally experienced chef showcases his talents at the stunning hotel, with focus on fresh produce from the Central Coast region and surrounds. The remaining dining experience is 'Festival of Asian Street Food':
The best of Asian street food will be brought to life in Seasalt Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Terrigal. Serving dishes from this well-loved and diverse continent known for its exceptional cuisine, our buffet showcases flavoursome treats from Thailand, China, the Philippines and Cambodia. A great day out for the whole family to enjoy.
Location: Seasalt Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Pinetree Lane, Terrigal
When: Oct 15; 06:00pm - 10:00pm
Cost: $65.00 per person
Bookings: Call (02) 4384 9111, or email logan.daley@ihg.com
PINOT NOIR TASING AT EST. (15TH)
One of the city's most loved three-hatted restaurants, Est., will be celebrating the wide-spread love of Pinot Noir by hosting an exclusive tasting with Merivale group sommelier Franck Moreau MS who has curated 40 Pinot Noir’s from around the world for guests to enjoy on the night. This will of course be paired with a lovely canape menu from head chef Peter Doyle
When: Wednesday 15th Oct 2014 6:00pm
Cost: $75 + bf
Tickets: http://merivale.com.au/whats-on/event/pinot-moi-at-est/
K-TOWN HAT'S OFF DINNER AT SAKE (15TH)
Head to this acclaimed contemporary Japanese restaurant for a bit of a different atmosphere than what you'd usually find. On this night there will be a seven-course degustation menu inspired by Sake's Korean chefs and their favourite staff meals. Matched with sochu, the bold and fiery flavours have been given the double thumbs up from Executive Chef Shaun Presland.
This will be a nice look into what top chefs chow down on to fuel up for a shift. Only 24 lucky guests will experience these flavours of kojujan, doenjang, yangnyeom, spices, sticky ribs and house-made kimchi. You want to be one of them.
When: Wednesday 15th October 6:30PM
Cost: $150pp, 7 course degustation includes matched shochu and sake
FORGOTTEN FRANCE AT ANANAS BAR & BRASSERIE (21ST)
One of Sydney's most loved French restaurants will be hosting a night that will take guests on a secret tour through France's rich and varied dining culture. An array of ultra rare French wines and varietals from lesser known regions will be matched with a unique six-course menu that is inspired by the undiscovered areas of France
When: Tuesday 21st October 6:00PM
Cost:6 courses $150, includes matched rare wines.
Wines:
2013 Pichot Brut – sparkling Chenin Blanc from Vouvray
2012 Mas Conscience L’in – Grenache Blanc, Rollé, Roussanne from Terrasses du Larzac
2009 Château Bouscasse Pacherenc Sec – Petit Corbu from a white appellation of Mandiran
2012 François Labet Île de Beauté – Pinot Noir from Corsica
2007 Agly Brothers – Carignan Grenache Syrah from Cotês-du-Roussillon
2009 Pierre Gaillard Cirera – Fortified Grenache from Banyuls
CROSSING TEAS AT SAKE (22ND)
Another event at Saké will be exploring the relationship between food and tea. A five-course degustation menu will have tea inspired food dishes and will be matched with tea infused shochu and sake.
Guests will be served with a variety of tea infusions to mix and create their own sake and sochu cocktails whilst enjoying dishes that will be smoked, cured, infused and created with tea. In partnership with Tea Amo.
When: Wednesday 22nd October 6:30PM
Cost: $120pp Includes matched tea-infused shochu and sake
HAVERICK MEATS DEGUSTATION AT ALPHA RESTAURANT (25TH)
In what is an essential lunch for those that can't get enough of their meats, the gorgeous Alpha Restaurant and Haverick Meats will be hosting a delicious and educational Meat Lovers Lunch on Saturday October 25th for Good Food Month. This one-off dining experience will draw on the talents of Alpha's head chef Peter Conistis and signature cuts from Haverick Meats to give guests a European style feast of meats, meats, and more meats. Haverick Meats' Peter Andrews will be on hand to give insight and background into the cuts used.
When: Saturday October 25th; 12:30pm
Cost: $75 pp, which includes food only, with suggested wine matches available on the day.
THE LOCAL TROTTER AT SWINE & CO (29TH)
Sydney's favourite pig-focused eatery will host a special three-course dinner that pays homage to the complexity of swine. The beautiful art deco setting will provide the right atmosphere while guests are taken through a menu with all ingredients sourced locally from NSW. Talented Head Chef Matthew Weller has has crafted an appropriate menu which will be matched with wines sourced from the regions of NSW.
When: Wednesday 29th October
Cost: $110pp 3 courses, includes matched drinks
Menu:
Entrée - Ham Hock with Rippon Riesling Gls
Main - Suckling Pig with Stonier Reserve Pinot Gls
Dessert - Bacon Chocolate brownie with Fonseca port Gls
HALLOWEEN AT SAKE'S HARAJUKU POP-UP BAR (31ST)
At the neon-dipped pop-up bar above Saké there will be a neo-Tokyo celebration of Halloween with Izakaya style food such as skewers, grilled fish, sashimi salad, sushi rolls and deep fried cheese burger gyozas. There will also be 8 new Halloween themed cocktails and DJs for a snippet of Harajuku! Dress to impress or spook.
When: 31st October; From 7pm till late.
Entry: Free
Menu offer: $45 per person - 3 cocktails and matching canapés.
GOOD FOOD MONTH AT THE STAR
The Star is an official event partner of Australia’s largest food festival, The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Month and will be hosting an array of mouth-watering events across its outstanding signature dining and casual food outlets throughout October. For a taste of the month-long celebration The Star’s signature restaurants including Balla, BLACK by ezard and Sokyo will be serving a special ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ offer. Or visit Momofuku Seiōbo for the ‘Hats off Dinner’, available October 13 – 18 from 6:30pm. Take a step back to in time to NYC and let The Star bring you the best of the Momofuku ssäm Bar 2007 menu. For world-class food by world-class chefs, book your Good Food Month day out at The Star Sydney. Visit www.star.com.au/goodfoodmonth for more details
• Asia Town street food festival with special guest, David Thompson
At this one-off, collaborative outdoor festival, The Star Sydney’s rooftop bar, Sky Terrace will be transformed into a bustling street food marketplace, with one of the most spectacular views in Sydney. Thai expert and special guest David Thompson of namh, will take Sydney’s foodies taste buds on an Asian adventure alongside fellow wok masters Dan Hong, Luke Nguyen, Chase Kojima of Sokyo and many more with tastings and a series of live demonstrations. Held on Sunday, October 19 from 12pm - 8pm, tickets are available for $125 per person including all tastings, drinks and demonstration sessions. Tickets are available at www.star.com.au/goodfoodmonth
• Balla's Hats Off Dinner
Balla will host an unforgettable four course dinner Hats Off Dinner, ‘The Food of Ancient Italy’, featuring a dish from each periods in ancient history. As they occurred before the discovery of the new world, the so-called ‘Columbian Exchange’, there won’t be a tomato in sight. Each course will be accompanied by a glass of an appropriately ancient wine variety. Tickets cost $95 from www.star.com.au/goodfoodmonth.
• Let's Do Dessert at BLACK by ezard
Pop into BLACK by ezard during October to taste the unique and mouth-watering Good Food Month dessert offering for ‘Let’s Do Desert’. Enjoy Rhubarb Cheesecake, with pepper and ginger and a glass of dessert wine for $20 in the surroundings of Teage Ezard's contemporary Australian Grill and stylish bar, set against the sweeping harbour views. This offer is available October 1 - 31 from 9pm. $20 Dessert at BLACK Bar. Walk-in's are welcome.
• 7 Days of Sokyo
Popular contemporary Japanese restaurant Sokyo at The Star will be meeting demand by opening for lunch on Thursdays and Saturdays, and dinner on Sundays. It expands the opening hours quite nicely throughout October and gives more people a chance to come along and try the acclaimed menu by Chase Kojima
• Cocktail of the Month at Cherry
Cherry is making a splash for Good Food Month, adding a special cocktail to the menu for October. Cherry will be serving up a delicious ‘Echo Friendly Cocktail’ mixing Tanqueray Gin, Dom Benedictine, Midori and Pomme Verte, combined with fresh mint and lime juice. Served with Cherry signature Prawn Twisters and lime Aioli $20.
• Cocktail Masterclass at Cherry
From team building functions to hens nights, make it a fun event with a difference at a private Cherry Cocktail Masterclass. The night begins with a specially concocted cocktail and a stunning harbour view. Next, learn to shake like a pro with a one-hour mixology session from the top bartenders in one of Sydney's most stylish cocktail lounges. Bookings are available for groups of eight to a maximum of thirty guests, at a cost of $88 per person.
THE GAZEBO REOPENS
It's often citied as the 'grand dame' of Elizabeth Bay, the iconic Gazebo has been shut down for a complete revamp lately and Sydney anxiously awaits it's reopening on 10th October. The venue will go through a transformation that nods to the 60s, the era in which the landmark was built. Leather booths and dark wooden fixtures will feature throughout the stunning luxurious look that has made Gazebo one of the city's most loved and unique venues. Chandelier lighting and a grand piano will set the indoor ambiance which opens out on to a large outdoor courtyard bar serving Gazebo’s signature Chilcano de Pisco cocktail on tap.
Negronis and martinis are also standouts on the cocktail list, as is the addition of a draught beer alongside an extensive list of craft beer and cider. The Keystone Group's sommelier Sarah Limacher has selected a short and vibrant list of the best Australian and international wines suited to locals strolling in after work for a glass or for diners looking to pair a bottle with their meal. Every month, Limacher will offer a selection of wine collected on her travels, as she shares the limited supply with locals on Gazebo’s special wine list.
Maintaining an emphasis on community dining, head chef Jason Dean, formally of Pier and Gastro Park, has devised a dining menu with contemporary dishes and plates to share, with flavours lending themselves to the smoke of a wood fired oven. Patrons dining in the courtyard bar will have a choice of snacks and share plates along with a fantastic selection of signature wood fired Pizzettas.
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 3pm – 12am
Friday – Sunday: 12pm – 12am
For more information on the many events that are still to come for Good Food Month head to www.goodfoodmonth.com.au