DINING PROGRAM

DINING PROGRAM
MAY 3–23, 2016
EXPERIENCE EXCLUSIVE DINING OFFERS AND EVENTS
AT AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS
australiastoprestaurants.com
#afrtoprestaurants
Where the ocean
tickles your taste
buds and your toes
D I S C OV E R F R E YC I N E T, TA S M A N I A AT AU S T R A L I A .C O M
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
HELP US CELEBRATE
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS.
We’re off and running, for a second exciting year of The Australian Financial Review
Australia’s Top Restaurants, presented by Qantas. What makes these awards unique
is that they are peer-voted by the chefs and restaurateurs themselves.
Last year’s results were, quite frankly, spectacular, with the number one spot going
to Sydney’s Sepia.
“The international recognition that came from winning has been enormous,” says Sepia
chef Martin Benn. “It really is the ultimate.”
Now we’re back for a second year, with over 100 new restaurants appearing on the list of the
Top 500, and increased representation from Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Who will make the list of Australia’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2016? Who will be crowned
Australia’s Top Chef and take our new award for Top Service team? And which of our
brilliant restaurants will you nominate for the prestigious People’s Award? All will be
revealed on May 2, and published in The Australian Financial Review on May 3.
It’s our special pleasure, in these pages, to bring you a series of exclusive, one-off dining
events from Australia’s Top Restaurants that run from May 3 to 23 May. Take a look and book
your seat at the great adventure that is dining in Australia in 2016.
JILL DUPLEIX & TERRY DURACK
Directors
Australia’s Top Restaurants
It’s confirmed. The response to last year’s top
restaurants awards showed how readers of
The Australian Financial Review really value
sophisticated dining based on quality, creativity
and style.
So we are delighted to come back for more by
presenting Australia’s Top Restaurants for 2016. With Australia fast
becoming one of the world’s great dining destinations, it is a timely
celebration of our very best; a great fit between our discerning
readership and our passionate restaurant professionals.
MICHAEL STUTCHBURY
Editor-in-chief
The Australian Financial Review
Qantas has always been passionate about
Australian food, wine and hospitality; it’s why
we form relationships with small producers
around the country and partner with renowned
Australian chef Neil Perry AM to design menus
for our flights and lounges.
The restaurants featured here are equally passionate about what
they do. They’re up there with the best in the world and, as national
carrier, we know that they’re a big part of the reason people love
travelling here from overseas, and Australians love exploring at
home. We’re so proud to be helping support their efforts and
showcase their talents as presenting partner of Australia’s Top
Restaurants for a second year in a row. Enjoy the events on offer
in May – and happy dining.
OLIVIA WIRTH
Executive Brand, Marketing an
and Corporate Affairs
Qantas Group
#afrtoprestaurants
australiastoprestaurants.com
3
YOUR INVITATION TO DINE
AT AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS.
PULL UP A SEAT AT ONE OF
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS.
Quite simply, we asked Australia’s Top 500
restaurants to come up with a unique way
of sharing their passion for good food and
wine with the people who most love dining
out – you. This is what happened: page after
page of excitingly diverse events that make
up our 2016 dining program, running from
May 3 to May 23.
The happenings range from special
one-off, behind-the-scenes dinners based
on Australia’s finest produce, to unique
chef-on-chef collaborations. Lucky diners
will experience everything from Andrew
McConnell’s dream team of chefs presenting
their ‘kitchen sessions’ at Cutler & Co. in
Melbourne, to Luke Mangan turning the
Sepia
2015
Winner
tables on the critics by inviting them to cook
for one special night at Glass Brasserie
in Sydney. If you love good food and
wine and going behind the scenes with
Australia’s top chefs, you’re in for a very
good time.
WHO ARE AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS?
It’s a fresh approach to recognising and
supporting a culture of excellence in
Australian food and wine. Launched by
Australia’s leading business publication,
The Australian Financial Review, Australia’s
Top Restaurants 2016 is presented by
Qantas, a distinguished Australian company
committed to excellence in the skies. Run
by Fairfax Events under the guidance of
renowned food writers and critics Jill Dupleix
and Terry Durack, it is designed to celebrate
and showcase Australia’s great dining scene,
uniting our top restaurants and chefs with
diners who share their passion for skill,
technique, fine produce and good times.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
First, a list of 500 of Australia’s top
restaurants is compiled each year in
consultation with a distinguished
Australia-wide panel of Good Food Guide
editors, reviewers and industry experts.
The 500 chefs and restaurateurs are then
invited to vote for their top ten restaurants
in Australia. The results give us – in order –
a list of the top 100 restaurants for the year,
to be announced on May 2, 2016. “It’s the
ultimate Australian foodies’ bucket list,”
says co-director Jill Dupleix.
AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME.
What makes a top restaurant? Of course
it’s the consistent excellence of the food
in terms of produce, skill and seasonality,
but it’s also the welcome, the lighting,
4
australiastoprestaurants.com
the wine and drinks, and the overall sense
of hospitality. “In the top places,” says
co-director Terry Durack, “it all comes
together in one glorious, memorable whole.”
For Jill, it’s a place you can’t wait to go back
to. “It could be a tiny detail, like taking your
coat, or something intrinsic like a generosity
of spirit, but you always know when you’re
in a place where good things will happen.”
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE
RESTAURANT AND WIN.
It’s not just the chefs who get to have their
say. Voting for the prestigious People’s Award
commences on March 15 and is as simple
as visiting australiastoprestaurants.com
to cast a vote on the pick of the bunch from
the Top 500 list. It could be the restaurant
you consider the finest in the country, or
simply a place that you love that does its
absolute best, day in and day out. All voters
go into the running to win the ultimate
dining experience of flights, accommodation
and dinner for two at one of the winning
Australia’s Top Restaurants. The People’s
Award will be announced in The Australian
Financial Review on May 3.
SPREAD THE JOY.
Get excited about your future dining options
by checking out australiastoprestaurants.com,
where you’ll find a full profile and key
details on each and every one of the Top
500 restaurants in Australia. It’s a free-for-all
insider’s guide to the best dining at
every level, an open invitation to get out
there and try a new experience. If you would
like to nominate a new restaurant for the Top
500 list for 2017, then please get in touch with
us via [email protected].
Connect with us on social and join the
conversation using #afrtoprestaurants.
We’d love to hear from you.
#afrtoprestaurants
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
AUSTRALIA’S TOP 100
RESTAURANTS 2015.
We were truly overwhelmed by the response from
the AFR awards. The reach was so broad, we had
congratulations from all over the world, literally. The
truth is nobody dines out more than chefs... They really
know the hospitality and what is going on, locally and
abroad. You don’t see that in many other industries.”
2015
WINNER
SEPIA
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Martin Benn – Sepia, owner and executive Chef
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ATTICA VIC
5
CUTLER & CO VIC
8
SIXPENNY NSW
3
QUAY NSW
6
VUE DE MONDE VIC
9
MR WONG NSW
4
BRAE VIC
7
CUMULUS INC. VIC
10
TETSUYA’S NSW
Flower Drum VIC
Rockpool NSW
Bentley Restaurant
& Bar NSW
Ester NSW
Movida VIC
Momofuku Seiōbo NSW
Garagistes TAS
(Closed April, 2015)
The Town Mouse VIC
Cafe Paci NSW
Cafe Di Stasio VIC
10 William St NSW
Saint Crispin VIC
Porteno NSW
Supernormal VIC
Est. NSW
The Bridge Room NSW
Estelle VIC
Lee Ho Fook VIC
Rockpool Bar & Grill NSW
Lake House VIC
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50
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Biota Dining NSW
Billy Kwong NSW
Marque NSW
Franklin TAS
Fratelli Paradiso NSW
Esquire QLD
Golden Century NSW
Monopole NSW
Sean’s Panaroma NSW
France-Soir VIC
Chin Chin VIC
Rockpool Bar & Grill VIC
Coda VIC
Magill Estate Restaurant
SA
Restaurant Amusé WA
Bar Lourinhã VIC
Orana SA
The Apollo NSW
Lau’s Family Kitchen VIC
Ezard VIC
Pilu at Freshwater NSW
#afrtoprestaurants
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Icebergs Dining Room
& Bar NSW
Wasabi Restaurant
& Bar QLD
Pei Modern VIC
Yoshii NSW
Moon Park NSW
Fish Face NSW
(Closed May, 2015)
Guillaume NSW
LuMi NSW
Africola SA
Spice Temple NSW
Provenance VIC
Pendolino NSW
Cho Cho San NSW
Il Bacaro VIC
Hentley Farm SA
Ormeggio at the Spit
NSW
Nomad NSW
Tonka VIC
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84
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Grossi Florentino VIC
Urbane Restaurant QLD
Oscillate Wildly NSW
Sokyo NSW
Gerard’s Bistro QLD
ARIA Restaurant NSW
Gingerboy VIC
Vasse Felix WA
Luxembourg VIC
Belle’s Hot Chicken VIC
The European VIC
Ms G’s NSW
Bodega NSW
Movida NSW
Moon Under Water VIC
Ethos Eat Drink TAS
Izakaya Den VIC
Print Hall WA
ACME NSW
Spice Temple VIC
Longrain VIC
Epocha VIC
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Peel St SA
El Publico WA
Ten Minutes
By Tractor VIC
95 Aubergine ACT
96 Longrain NSW
97 4Fourteen NSW
98 Buon Ricordo NSW
99 Da Noi VIC
100 Lalla Rookh WA
STATE WINNERS
ACT
NSW
NT
QLD
SA
TAS
VIC
WA
Aubergine
Sepia
Yots Greek Taverna
Esquire
Magill Estate
Restaurant
Franklin
Attica
Restaurant Amusé
australiastoprestaurants.com
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AUSTRALIA’S TOP 500 RESTAURANTS 2016.
AUSTRALIAN
CAPITAL TERRITORY
- A.Baker
- Akiba
- Aubergine
- The Boathouse By The Lake
- Capitol Bar and Grill
- Chifley’s Bar and Grill
- Courgette
- eightysix
- Italian & Sons
- Joe’s Bar
- Lanterne Rooms
- Les Bistronomes
- Lilotang
- Mezzalira Ristorante
- Močan & Green Grout
- Monster Kitchen and Bar
- Morks
- Ottoman Cuisine
- Pialligo Farmhouse
- Pod Food
- Pulp Kitchen
- Sage Dining Rooms
- Temporada
- Waters Edge
- XO
NEW SOUTH WALES
- 10 William St
- 121BC Cantina & Enoteca
- 4Fourteen
- A Tavola
- ACME
- Ajo
- Aki’s Indian Restaurant
- Alpha
- The Apollo
- ARIA
- Automata
- Bang
- Bar H Dining
- The Bathers’ Pavilion
- Bellevue
- Bennelong
- Bentley Restaurant & Bar
- Berowra Waters Inn
- Besser
- Billy Kwong
- Biota Dining, Bowral
- Bishop Sessa
- Bistro Molines, Mount View
- Bistrode CBD
- Bloodwood
- The Blue Swimmer
at Seahaven, Gerroa
- The Boathouse
on Blackwattle Bay
- Bodega
- The Bridge Room
- Buon Ricordo
- Cafe Nice
- Cafe Sopra
- Catalina
- Caveau, Wollongong
- China Doll
6
-
China Lane
CHISWICK
Cho Cho San
Circa 1876, Pokolbin
Continental Deli Bar Bistro
Coogee Pavilion
Cottage Point Inn
Cupitt’s Kitchen, Ulladulla
Da Mario
Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta
Darley’s, Katoomba
Esca Bimbadgen, Pokolbin
Eschalot, Berrima
est.
Ester
Felix
Fins, South Kingscliff
Firedoor
Fleet, Brunswick Heads
Flying Fish
Fratelli Paradiso
The Gantry
Gastro Park
Glass Brasserie
Glebe Point Diner
Golden Century
Gowings Bar & Grill
Guillaume
Hartsyard
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
Izakaya Fujiyama
Jonah’s
Josh’s Cafe, Berrima
Kensington Street Social
Kepos & Co
Lolli Redini, Orange
Longrain
Lox Stock & Barrel
LP’s Quality Meats
Lucio’s
LuMi Bar & Dining
Manfredi at Bells, Killcare Heights
Margan, Broke
Marque
Master
Missy French
Momofuku Seiōbo
Monopole
Moon Park
MoVida
Mr Wong
Ms.G’s
Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin
nel.
Nomad
One Penny Red
Ormeggio at the Spit
Oscillate Wildly
Osteria Balla
Osteria di Russo & Russo
Otto Ristorante
The Paddington
Paper Daisy, Cabarita Beach
Papi Chulo
Pearls on the Beach, Pearl Beach
Pei Modern
australiastoprestaurants.com
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Pilu at Freshwater
Pipeclay Pumphouse, Mudgee
Porteno
Public Dining Room
Quay
Racine Restaurant at
La Colline, Orange
Red Lantern on Riley
Restaurant Como, Blaxland
Restaurant Mason, Newcastle
The Restaurant Pendolino
Rockpool est. 1989
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Sagra
Sailors Thai
Salaryman
Sean’s Panaroma
Sepia
Silvereye
Sixpenny
Sokyo
South on Albany, Berry
Spice Temple
St. Claudes
St Isidore, Milton
Stanbuli
The Stunned Mullet,
Port Macquarie
Subo, Newcastle
sushi e
Tetsuya’s
Three Blue Ducks at The Farm,
Ewingdale
Tonic, Millthorpe
Town, Bangalow
Uccello
Ume
Via Alta
Vini
Wharf Rd Restaurant & Bar,
Nowra
The Wilmot
Yellow
Zanzibar Cafe, Merimbula
The Zin House, Mudgee
NORTHERN TERRITORY
- Char
- Hanuman
- Little Miss Korea
- The Pearl
- Pee Wee’s at the Point
- Yots Greek Taverna
QUEENSLAND
- 1889 Enoteca
- Alchemy
- Anise
- Aria, Brisbane
- Bacchus
- Black Bird Bar & Grill
- Bucci
- The Catbird Seat Bistro
- Cinco Bistro
- COAST, Hervey Bay
- Deer Duck Bistro
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E’cco Bistro
Esquire
Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach
The Euro
The Fish House, Burleigh Heads
The Foraging Quail
Gauge
Gerard’s Bistro
GOMA Restaurant
Gordita
Harrisons, Port Douglas
Hellenika, Nobby Beach
Homage, Grandchester
Il Centro
Kiyomi, Broadbeach
London Fields
The Long Apron, Montville
LONgTIME
Lutece Bistro & Wine Bar
Madame Wu
Malt Dining
Moda
Montrachet
Moo Moo, Gold Coast
Nu Nu, Palm Grove
The Peak, Maryvale
Public
Ricky’s River Bar and
Restaurant, Noosa Heads
Ristorante Fellini, Main Beach
Sails, Noosa Heads
Sake
Salt Grill, Surfers Paradise
Seaduction, Surfers Paradise
Social Eating House, Broadbeach
Spirit House, Yandina
Stokehouse Q
The Tamarind, Maleny
Ten Japanese, Broadbeach
Thomson’s Reserve
Urbane
Vanitas, Gold Coast
Verve, Broadbeach
Wasabi Restaurant & Bar,
Noosa Heads
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
- 2KW Bar and Restaurant
- Africola
- Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar
- Apothecary 1878
- Appellation, Marananga
- Assaggio
- Bistro Dom
- Botanic Gardens Restaurant
- The Bridgewater Mill,
Bridgewater
- Chianti
- Chloe’s
- Cinnamon Club
- Coal Cellar + Grill
- D’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant,
McLaren Vale
- The Elbow Room, McLaren Vale
- FermentAsian, Tanunda
- Fino Seppeltsfield, Seppeltsfield
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From Orient
Gaucho’s Argentinian Restaurant
Georges on Waymouth
Golden Boy
Gondola Gondola
Hentley Farm, Seppeltsfield
Hill of Grace Restaurant
Hispanic Mechanic
Jasmin
Jolleys Boathouse Restaurant
Kenji Modern Japanese
The Lane Vineyard, Hahndorf
Leonards Mill, Second Valley
The Lion Hotel
The Mayflower Restaurant
and Bar
Orana
Osteria Oggi
Parwana Afghan Kitchen
Peel St
Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant
Pipers of Penola, Penola
The Pot Food & Wine
Press Food & Wine
Ruby Red Flamingo
The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale
Sean’s Kitchen
Shanker’s Authentic
Indian Cuisine
Shiki
Skillogolee, Sevenhill
Street ADL
The Tasting Room at
Mayura Station, Millicent
Terroir Auburn, Auburn
Vardon
Vintners Bar & Grill, Angaston
Windy Point Restaurant, Belair
TASMANIA
- Aloft
- Black Cow Bistro, Launceston
- Black Footed Pig
- Ethos Eat Drink
- Frank Restaurant
- Franklin
- Frogmore Creek Restaurant,
Cambridge
- Josef Chromy Restaurant, Relbia
- Lebrina
- The Lotus Eaters Cafe, Cygnet
- Me Wah
- Mrs Jones, Devonport
- Mudbar & Restaurant,
Launceston
- Novaro’s, Launceston
- Osteria at Stefano Lubiana
Winery, Granton
- Peacock and Jones
- Red Velvet Lounge, Cygnet
- Remi de Provence
- Smolt
- The Source
- Stillwater, Launceston
- Templo
- Three Japanese
#afrtoprestaurants
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
VICTORIA
- A La Grecque, Aireys Inlet
- Abla’s
- Amaru
- Anchovy
- The Atlantic
- Attica
- Bacash
- Bar Lourinhã
- Belle’s Hot Chicken
- Bellota
- Bistro Gitan
- Bistro Guillaume
- Bistro Vue
- Bomba
- Brae, Birregurra
- Broadgauge, Wodonga
- Cafe Di Stasio
- The Carlton Wine Room
- Catfish, Ballarat
- Cecconi’s
- Centonove
- Chin Chin
- Chris’s Beacon Point,
Apollo Bay
- Cicciolina
- Circa
- Coda
- Copper Pot, Seddon
- Cumulus Inc.
- Cutler & Co
- Da Noi
- Dainty Sichuan
- Dandelion
- David’s
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
- The Dispensary Enoteca,
Bendigo
- Donovans
- Du Fermier, Trentham
- Easy Tiger Smith St
- Elyros
- Embla
- Emilia
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Epocha
Estelle Bistro
Estelle by Scott Pickett
The European
Ezard
Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel
Flower Drum
France-Soir
French Saloon
Gazi
Gingerboy
Gladioli, Inverleigh
The Good Table, Castlemaine
The Grand
Grossi Florentino Upstairs
Healesville Hotel,
Healesville
Hellenic Republic Kew
The Hot Chicken Project,
Geelong
Huxtable
Igni, Geelong
Il Bacaro
Innocent Bystander,
Healesville
Ipsos, Lorne
Izakaya Den
Kappo
Kazuki’s, Daylesford
Kenzan
Ladro Gertrude
Lake House, Daylesford
Lamaro’s Bodega
Lau’s Family Kitchen
Lee Ho Fook
Longrain
Lucy Liu
Lume
Lupino
Luxembourg
Maha
Mamasita
Marion
Masons of Bendigo, Bendigo
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Matteo’s
Merricote
Minamishima
Mister Bianco
Mister Jennings
Montalto, Red Hill South
Moon Under Water
MoVida
MoVida Aqui
No. 8 by John Lawson
Nobu
Northern Light
Oakridge Wines Restaurant,
Coldstream
Ocha
O.My, Beaconsfield
Paringa Estate,
Red Hill South
Pastuso
Patricia’s Table, Milawa
Pei Modern
Piqueos
The Point, Albert Park
Polperro, Red Hill
Pope Joan
Port Phillip Estate,
Red Hill South
The Press Club
Provenance, Beechworth
Public Inn, Castlemaine
Pure South
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Rockwell & Sons
Rosa’s Canteen
Rosetta
The Roving Marrow
Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld
Rumi
Saint Crispin
San Telmo
Sarti
Shira Nui
Simone’s Restaurant, Bright
Source Dining, Kyneton
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Spice Temple
The Stag, Port Fairy
Stokehouse City
Supermaxi
Supernormal
Tani Eat & Drink, Bright
Taxi Kitchen
Tempura Hajime
Ten Minutes By Tractor,
Main Ridge
Terminus at Flinders Hotel,
Flinders
Terrace Restaurant,
Wahgunyah
Tipo 00
Tonka
The Town Mouse
Tulip, Geelong Westar
Union Dining
Union Food & Wine
Vue de Monde
Woodland House
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
- The Aarli Bar, Broome
- Ace Pizza
- The Apple Daily Bar
& Eating House
- Asado
- Beaufort Local
- Bistro Felix
- Bistro Guillaume
- Bread in Common
- Brika
- Cape Lodge Restaurant,
Yallingup
- Clarke’s of North Beach
- Co-Op Dining
- Cullen Wines Restaurant,
Wilyabrup
- El Publico
- The Flour Factory
- Galileo Buona, Cucina
- Il Lido
- Lady of Ro
- Lalla Rookh
- Leeuwin Estate Restaurant,
Margaret River
- Long Chim Perth
- Low Key Chow House
- Manuka Woodfire Kitchen
- Marumo
- Miki’s Open Kitchen,
Margaret River
- Millbrook Winery Restaurant,
Jarrahdale
- Miss Chow’s
- Must Winebar
- Nine Fine Food
- Nobu Perth
- Nunam
- Petite Mort
- Petition Kitchen
- Piari & Co, Dunsborough
- Pleased to Meet You
- Post
- Prego
- Print Hall
- Propeller
- Red Cabbage Food & Wine
- Restaurant Amuse
- Rockpool Bar & Grill
- Sauma
- Shadow Wine Bar
- Shorehouse
- Silks
- St Michael 6003
- The Standard
- The Studio Bistro,
Yallingup
- Subiaco Hotel
- The Trustee Bar & Bistro
- Varnish on King
- Vasse Felix Restaurant,
Cowaramup
- Voyage Kitchen
- Wildflower
- Wills Domain, Yallingup
H E R E ' S TO T H R E E O F
A U S T R A L I A’ S B E S T
Congratulations Momofuku Seiōbo,
Osteria Balla Manfredi and Sokyo on making it onto
the 2016 list of Australia’s Top Restaurants.
To book visit star.com. au
O N E L O C AT I O N.
T H R E E O F T H E B E S T.
C H E E RS.
The Star is home to three of Australia’s finest restaurants.
So whether you fancy dining at the acclaimed Momofuku
Seiōbo, experiencing impeccable Japanese at Sokyo,
or the best in modern Italian at Osteria Balla Manfredi,
you’ll always find something that delights.
The Star is a proud Official Partner and Exclusive Hosting Venue
for Australia’s Top 100 Restaurants Awards.
To book visit star.com.au
THE ART OF CHAMPAGNE
AT GOMA, QLD
TOP PICKS.
Josue Lopez pays homage
to the famous Champagne
houses with a 6-course Champagne
degustation dinner illuminated
by bubbly Champagne doyenne
Bernadette O’Shea’s intimate
knowledge.
May 15; $300
Page 20
See your favourite restaurants in a fresh
new light, take the opportunity to try
somewhere new or create your own
adventure. Here are some of our top picks,
selected from the specially designed
one-off events in Australia’s Top Restaurants
dining program for 2016.
SLEEPLESS IN SIAM
AT SPIRIT HOUSE, QLD
BORDER CROSSING
AT BIOTA DINING, NSW
AND ESP, VIC
TEST KITCHEN
AT CUTLER & CO, VIC
Andrew McConnell’s Kitchen
Sessions are in-house masterclasses
and ideas incubators for top
staff. Get a taste of the action at
Marion, followed by a five-course
produce-driven degustation menu.
May 16; $195
Page 15
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
Two chefs, two states – and two
dinners! Scott Pickett from
ESP and Estelle, and James Viles
from Biota in Bowral stage a
6-course co-lab dinner in both
NSW and VIC.
May 16 & 18; $185
Page 13/15
Head chef Tom Swapp gets
inspired by the brilliant
street food feasts of Thailand.
May 8; $180
Page 21
THE GREAT
CULTURAL COOK-OFF
AT NEL. NSW
Watch Lee Ho Fook’s Victor
Liong and nel’s Nelly Robinson
smash out course after course
of east-versus-west – and you
get to score the winner.
May 5; $179
Page 11
CHEFS FROM THE SOUTHWEST
No fewer than four great chefs from
Victoria’s southwest combine
(and compete) in a five-course feast:
Matt Dempsey (Gladioli, Inverleigh),
Ryan Sessions (Fen, Port Fairy),
Geoff Lindsay (Dandelion, Melbourne),
Jake Nicholson (Blackbird, Brisbane).
At Thousand Pound Bend, VIC
May 12; $175
Page 17
SEAFOOD SPLENDOUR
AT SHOREHOUSE, WA
Shorehouse’s Ollie Gould,
2014 The Age Good Food Guide
Young Chef of the Year,
celebrates
es the ocean’s top
produce in this special one-off
seafood dinner that is his own
personall toast to the coast.
May 19; $119
Page 22
#afrtoprestaurants
#afrtopre
estaurants
FIREPIT LUNCH WITH TOP
RESTAURANTS THREE BLUE
DUCKS AND AFRICOLA
Anything could happen at this
four-course, long-table rustic
lunch from Duckie’s Mark Labrooy
and Darren Robertson from Byron
and Africola’s Duncan Welgemoed,
off the leash outside of their
normal kitchens.
At Fall from Grace, SA
May 22; $130
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NEW SOUTH WALES.
Sokyo
10
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AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
TABLES HAVE TURNED
AT GLASS BRASSERIE
Jonahs
Restaurant
LUXURIOUS PROGRESSIVE DINNER
AT CHINA DOLL
China
Doll
PIG FROM NOSE TO TAIL
AT BALLA
Come and join Gabriele Taddeucci as he puts a
play on his favourite dishes using Kurobuta Pork.
Recipes inspired by traditional Italian cuisine
with the signature dish of Porchetta Tuscan style
that has been handed down through family
generations, a dish close to his father’s heart.
WHERE
Balla, Level G, Harbourside,
The Star 80 Pyrmont Street
WHEN
May 24; 7–10.30pm
COST
$149; includes matched wines
BOOKINGS 02 9657 9129
NEAPOLITAN FEAST
AT BUON RICORDO
Armando Percuoco returns to his neapolitan
roots with a special menu from the region
that we know and love so well, done the Buon
Ricordo way. So pizza comes as a fried pizzetta
with ricotta, tomato and parmesan; pasta
e fagioli comes with mussels and cannellini
beans; lamb is slow-braised and served on the
bone with eggs, peas and parmesan; and the
ricotta, candied fruit and grano wheat that make
up their pasteria napoletana is perfumed with
orange blossom water.
WHERE
108 Boundary Street, Paddington
COST
$175; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 12 & 25; 6.30pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 02 9360 6729
HOMAGE TO OUR STATE’S FINEST
AT CATALINA RESTAURANT
Catalina believes there is no need to import
ingredients from all over the world when Australia
has such beautiful produce on our doorstep.
They have come together with their suppliers and
producers to create a five-course menu featuring
g
locally sourced, seasonal and
d sustainable produce.
WHERE
Lyne Park, Rose
e Bay
COST
$130; $65 extra
a for wine matches
WHEN
May 18; 6.30pm–11pm
m–11pm
BOOKINGS 02 9371 0555
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estaurantss
Meet at China Lane for a welcome drink and
entrees such as pulled pork bao, then be whisked
away on a luxury superyacht with onboard sake
tasting and canapes. Disembark at China Doll for
mains, which may include wokked marron, pork
belly with chilli caramel or Penang curry, and
a dessert platter. Progressive and luxurious.
WHERE
4/6 Cowper Wharf Road,
Woolloomooloo
COST
$400; includes transfers and
matched drinks
WHEN
May 18; 6pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 02 9380 6744
JAZZ & PINOT
AT ICEBERGS DINING ROOM AND BAR
Steal away with that special someone
(or someones) and immerse yourself in a night
of hedonistic pleasure. With jazz in your ears,
carefully matched pinots in your glass and
a series of artful Iceberg primi, pesce, carne and
dolce featuring seasonal flavours and prime
ingredients, this is one dining experience that
satisfies all senses.
WHERE
1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach
COST
Contact venue for further information
WHEN
May 12; 6.30pm–11pm
BOOKINGS www.idrbevents.com/jazzandpinot
FLAVOURS OF ITALY
AT JONAHS RESTAURANT
& BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Jonah’s Restaurant at Whale Beach will be
hosting a very special Italian inspired food and
wine dinner. Executive Chef Logan Campbell
(ex Lucio’s) will be creating a special four course
Italian inspired menu alongside Head Sommelier
Luke Collard who will be pairing each course
with perfectly matched Italian wines.
WHERE
69 Bynya Road, Whale Beach
COST
$160 includes matched wines
WHEN
May 19; 6.30–10pm
BOOKINGS 02 9974 5599
Glass Brasserie opens up its kitchen to five
of Sydney’s key food influencers, as they
stand to be critiqued. Join Terry Durack,
Jill Dupleix, Myffy Rigby, Callan Boys
and Ardyn Bernoth as they each design a
course for the diners to review. Luke Mangan,
Joe Pavlovich and Anthony Puharich join
the team with blow-by-blow accounts
throughout the evening, issuing the final
score! Featuring a four-course menu with
matching wines.
WHERE
2/488 George Street, Sydney
COST
$125; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 3; 6.30pm
BOOKINGS 02 9265 6068
LUNCH AT KEPOS & CO
AT KEPO’S & CO
Enjoy a lunchtime special fish of the day,
cooked with the Kepos flavours that diners enjoy,
matched to a glass of riesling.
WHERE
Shop 5, Casba, 18 Danks Street,
Waterloo
COST
$35; includes a glass of riesling
WHEN
May 3–6, 10–13, 17–18, 20;
11.30am–2.30pm
BOOKINGS 02 9690 0931
THE GREAT CULTURAL COOK-OFF
AT NEL. RESTAURANT
Watch award-winning chefs Victor Liong
of Lee Ho Fook and Nelly Robinson of nel.
conjure up dishes using the same seasonal
ingredients: pear, kingfish, duck, matcha
and chestnuts. Each chef presents a dish
for each course (ten altogether), with guests
scoring them out of 10. Diners can watch the
action in the large open kitchen.
WHERE
75 Wentworth Avenue,
Surry Hills
COST
$179; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 5; 6.30pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 02 9212 2206
Glass
Brasserie
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11
NEW SOUTH WALES.
A SPARKLING NIGHT AT ORMEGGIO
AT ORMEGGIO AT THE SPIT
DINE BY THE SEA
Chef Alessandro Pavoni’s home wine region is
Franciacorta in the region of Lombardy, which
produces a DOCG wine that is Italy’s answer to
Champagne. Enjoy a five-course degustation from
different Italian regions matched with five
spectacular Franciacortas.
WHERE
D’Albora Marinas, The Spit, Mosman
COST
$135; includes matched
Franciacorta sparkling wines
WHEN
May 18; 6pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 02 9969 4088
Head chef Mark Knox prepares his signature dish
of ‘melting’ Huon Valley Tasmanian salmon with
cucumber, ketchup, pickled onion and ginger
beurre blanc, a dish that exemplifies his ethos
about sourcing sustainable fish and heirloom
vegetables from small producers.
WHERE
2A, The Esplanade, Mosman
COST
$39; includes a glass of matched wine
WHEN
May 3–6, 9–13, 16–20, 23;
12pm–9pm
BOOKINGS 02 9968 4880
A SARDINIAN FEAST WITH GIOVANNI PILU
AT PILU AT FRESHWATER
RAMEN WARS: VOLUME ONE
AT SALARYMAN
COUNTRY NSW TOP CHEF S
CHARITY DINNER
Enjoy a Sardinian feast featuring traditional and
modern dishes in the company of executive chef
and owner Giovanni Pilu on one communal table.
This evening features a five-course menu with
matching Sardinian wines.
WHERE
Moore Road, Freshwater
COST
$180; includes matched Sardinian
wines
WHEN
May 3, 20; 7pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 02 9938 3331
The premise is this: Salaryman and one other
restaurant battle each another to create their
ultimate bowl of ramen, served with a matching
cocktail. You, as diner, slurp and then score the
noodles. One party is declared the winner at the
end of the night. To help you think, dessert is on
the house.
WHERE
52 Albion Street, Surry Hills
COST
$60; includes a cocktail
WHEN
May 15; 3pm–8pm
BOOKINGS 02 9188 2985
Blue Mountains and Central West chefs come
to Sydney with a very special collaborative
dinner for charity. Be there for the magic as
these Top 500 regional chefs hit the city to
present their favourite dishes.
Go to australiastoprestaurants.com for
further event details.
AT PUBLIC DINING ROOM
AUTUMN PRODUCE WITH
SUMMER PRESERVES
AT SILVEREYE
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SOKYO OMAKASE
AT SOKYO
Chef Sam Miller keeps summer flavours
going through the cooler months by preserving,
pickling or fermenting summer bounty.
His ten-course menu is built around a main
seasonal ingredient, with the rest of the dish
devoted to these preserves.
WHERE
20 Broadway, Chippendale
COST
$150; with matched drinks
$95 extra; with matched juices
$60 extra
WHEN
May 10; 6.30pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 02 8277 8520
Come and join Chase Kojima at Sokyo’s sushi
bar for an omakase degustation. The fivecourse degustation menu consists of abalone
katsu tempura, three different cuts of beef
from David Blackmore cooked over the robata,
Chase’s signature dengakuman and 10 pieces
of sushi in which aged big-eyed tuna feature,
finishing the night off with a contemporary
Japanese dessert.
WHERE
Sokyo at The Darling,
Level G The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street
COST
$200; includes matching
champagne, sake and wine pairings
WHEN
May 18; 6–8.30pm
BOOKINGS 02 9657 9261
A TASTE OF STANBULI
AT STANBULI
A TRIP TO LOMBARDY
AT VIA ALTA
Stepping into Stanbuli, you could be in a meyhane
in Istanbul. For one night, a special tasting
menu brings together the flavours of Turkey with
Northern Cyprus; be enchanted as you work your
way through a selection of raki mezesi, meze,
mangal and dessert dishes.
WHERE
135 Enmore Road, Enmore
COST
$75
WHEN
May 4; 7pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 02 8624 3132
Chef Alessandro Pavoni shares the time-honoured
and enduring classics of his beloved Lomardy in a
four-course dinner matched to Lombardian
wines. Savour the best of northern Italian dishes,
including treasured family recipes, as featured in
his Lombardian Cookbook.
WHERE
197 High Street, Willoughby
COST
$115; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 19; 6pm–9pm
BOOKINGS 02 9958 1110
Salaryman
12
Stanbuli
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AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
REGIONAL.
Biota
Dining
CUPITT’S MIDWEEK TREAT
AT CUPITT’S KITCHEN
Dine with sweeping views of rolling vineyards,
picturesque lakes and mountain ranges. Cupitt’s
produce their own cheese, beef, wine and
vegetables, and the provincial spirit translates to
the table, with food inspired by regional France,
anchored in seasonal produce. A long lunch
seldom sounded more enticing.
WHERE
58 Washburton Road, Ulladulla
COST
$60; includes two courses with
a matched drink, $70; three courses
with a matched drink
WHEN
May 4–6, 9, 11–13, 18–20;
12pm–2.30pm
BOOKINGS 02 4455 7888
Cottage
Point Inn
THE FARMER AND THE FORAGER
AT BIOTA DINING
TASTE OF THE SEA
AT COTTAGE POINT INN
SEAFOOD LUNCH AT SOUTH ON ALBANY
AT SOUTH ON ALBANY
Scott Pickett from Estelle and James
Viles from Biota come together to present
a six-course dinner in NSW. The chefs
and friends present dishes from their books
with their trademark commitment to
sustainability in their dishes’ provenance
and drama on the plate.
WHERE
18 Kangaloon Road, Bowral
wral
COST
$185
WHEN
May 16; 6.30pm–9pm
BOOKINGS 02 4862 2005
From chef Guillaume Zika comes a fivecourse degustation menu inspired by produce
from Australian waters, including oysters,
Moreton Bay bugs and seaweed, alongside
other favourite ingredients such as veal
and chocolate.
WHERE
2 Anderson Place,
Cottage Point
COST
$140; includes an aperitif on arrival
May 20; 12pm–3pm
WHEN
BOOKINGS 02 9456 1011
Chef John Evans presents a two-course lunch
menu based on his love of seafood and the finest
local produce. Share in entrees of freshly shucked
South Coast rock oysters and cured kingfish
followed by the fish of the day, matched to wines
from the South Coast and Southern Highlands.
WHERE
3/65 Queen Street (Cnr Albany Street),
Berry
$70; includes two matched wines
COST
May 7, 14, 21; 12pm–2pm
WHEN
BOOKINGS 02 4464 2005
BOOK
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ts
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VICTORIA.
Woodland
House
14
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AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
Ezard
TEST KITCHEN
AT CUTLER & CO
Andrew McConnell’s Kitchen Sessions are a
monthly gathering of talent across his restaurants
and industry professionals to exchange
knowledge. These in-house focus groups are an
important ideas incubator for the restaurant.
Sample the fruits of their labour over canapes at
Marion, followed by a five-course degustation
menu.
WHERE
55–57 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
COST
$195; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 16; 6.30pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9419 4888
TODAY’S SPECIAL
AT EMBLA
Embla makes every day special with a daily special
plate , using the best ingredients of the day paired
with a thoroughly compatible glass of wine.
Available at lunch, all afternoon and pre-theatre.
WHERE
122 Russell Street Melbourne
COST
$28
WHEN
Weekdays throughout the program
BOOKINGS 03 9654 5923
THE FARMER AND THE FORAGER
AT ESTELLE BY SCOTT PICKETT
Scott Pickett from Estelle and James Viles from
Biota come together to present a six-course
dinner in Melbourne. The chefs and friends
present dishes from their books with their
trademark commitment to sustainability in their
dishes’ provenance and drama on the plate.
WHERE
245 High Street, Northcote
COST
$185
WHEN
May 18; 6.30pm–9pm
BOOKINGS 03 9489 4609
AUSTRALIAN FREESTYLE
AT EZARD
The ezard food philosophy was built on the pillars
of hot, sour, sweet and salty for a cuisine Teage
Ezard called ‘Australian Freestyle’, with an
emphasis on luxurious seasonal produce and
technique. Teage Ezard and head chef Jarrod Di
Blasi honour the distinctive ezard touch and
flagship flavours with five completely
ompletely fresh and
novel creations, served as a tasting menu.
WHERE
187 Flinders Lane,
ane, Melbourne
COST
$200; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 18; 6pm–10.30am
0.30am
BOOKINGS 03 9639 6811
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estaurantss
LUXE FEAST WITH SEAN DONOVAN
& PAUL WILSON
AT FITZROY TOWN HALL HOTEL
LUXEMBOURG VIA TRENTHAM:
AN EVENING WITH ANNIE SMITHERS
AT LUXEMBOURG BAR AND BISTRO
Sean Donovan and Paul Wilson reunite to present
a four-course urban feast for Sunday lunch. Diners
can expect well sourced seasonal produce, big
flavours and generous shared platters of food that
show strong European technique.
WHERE
166 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
COST
$95 or $125; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 6, 22; 12pm–4pm
BOOKINGS 03 9429 5055
With a bounty of her homegrown produce and
classic recipes, Annie Smithers brings her love of
big homely flavours to Luxembourg for an evening
of French provincial cooking that celebrates the
rustic country style of her Trentham bistro. Over
five courses, Annie and Luxembourg’s Chris
Watson present a feast that emphasises the art of
simplicity: house-made charcuterie, freshly made
bread, ocean trout en crôute, dry-aged duck for
main, a signature cheese and a dessert that
celebrate Annie’s autumn fruit harvest.
WHERE
2/157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
COST
$120; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 11; 7pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9525 4488
CHEF GINGERBOY
AT GINGERBOY
Join Nicholas Boyle, the new chef on the Gingerboy
block, who presents his vision for the restaurant
over a five-course banquet. Experience a menu
of new and novel flavours from Southeast Asia,
bursting with bold, spicy creations and fresh
new ideas.
WHERE
27–29 Crossley Street, Melbourne
COST
$98
WHEN
May 11; 6pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9662 4200
DEATH ROW DINNER
AT THE GRAND RICHMOND
Head chef Andrew Beddoes has worked with some
of the world’s great chefs, and whittled his
experiences down to five dishes for his death row
dinner, matched with contraband such as
cellblock vino, jailhouse hooch, extra rations and
privileges for good behaviour. It would be criminal
to not attend!
WHERE
333 Burnley Street, Richmond
COST
$135; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 10–11; 6.30pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 03 9429 2530
THE WHOLE HOG
AT MERRICOTE
Nose-to-tail dining has always been a favourite
Merricote way of dining. This intimate dinner
makes use of a whole suckling pig, beginning with
canapes in their urban garden to charcuterie,
finishing with bacon ice-cream.
WHERE
81 High Street, Northcote
COST
$125; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 4; 7pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9939 4762
Gingerboy
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO ...
AT LEE HO FOOK
... I can do better. Chefs Victor Liong (from Lee
Ho Fook) and Nelly Robinson (from nel.) roll up
their sleeves once more and cook off against each
other, reinterpreting four signature dishes from
each other’s menu. An eight-course banquet
featuring Modern Australian versus Modern
Chinese. Who will win?
WHERE
11–15 Duckboard Place, Melbourne
COST
$148; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 19; 6.30pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 03 9077 6261
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VICTORIA.
TRUFFLE DINNER
AT MR BIANCO
THE TOWN MOUSE GOES ITALIAN
AT TOWN MOUSE
Taste Western Australian Terra Preta truffles
incorporated into Sicilian dishes as Joe Vargetto
prepares a truffle degustation to awaken the
senses. The five courses featuring these earthy
delights may include a tortellino of roasted scampi
with Jerusalem artichoke veloute and a risotto of
pumpkin, porcini and aged balsamic wine.
WHERE
285 High Street, Kew
COST
$130; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 10; 6.30pm–8.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9853 6929
The Mouse goes back to its Italian roots
(it was once home to the ground-breaking
Donnini’s) for one night only with a casalinga
menu from O’Tama Carey of Sydney’s Berta
and wine selections from Italian master
Giorgio di Maria.
WHERE
312 Drummond Street, Carlton
COST
$120; includes matched beverages
WHEN
May 18; 7pm
BOOKINGS www.thetownmouse.com.au
THE NOBU EXPERIENCE
AT NOBU
Savour dishes from Nobu’s Top 100 tastes. Start
with a Nobu-style seafood ceviche, followed by
a matcha green tea bun with tempura white fish
and creamy aji amarillo. Next is a Rangers Valley
black onyx beef with karashi-su miso, finishing
with a Suntory whisky cappuccino.
WHERE
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
COST
$70, $90; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 3–6, 9–12; 6pm–9.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9292 5777
Saint
Crispin
HOMER’S ODYSSEY
AT THE PRESS CLUB
LUNCH DATES
AT ROSETTA
Journey through cuisine and culture in
a special event inspired by Homer’s famous
Odyssey. Held as part of the Press Club’s weekly
experimental night, Kerasma Tuesday, guests
experience five courses of vegan food, themed
around the twists and triumphs of Odysseus’
epic voyage.
WHERE
72 Flinders Street, Melbourne
COST
$110
WHEN
May 10; 6pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9677 9677
Rosetta’s fast-paced kitchen turns out traditional
regional Italian fare that make for smart seal-thedeal business lunches or convivial catch-ups with
friends or family. Choose from two or three
courses of antipasti, primi and secondi, which may
include hand-cut pasta, wood-fired delights and
stylish mains.
WHERE
Shop 9, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
COST
$50 (2 courses); $60 (3 courses)
WHEN
May 3–6, 10–13, 17–20; 12pm–2.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 8648 1999
Estelle
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AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
Le Ho
Fook
FIN TO TAIL
AT THE ROVING MARROW
BEST OF BEEF
AT SAN TELMO
Young guns Josh Niland of Cafe Nice and Andrew
Grantham of the Roving Marrow join forces for a
roving seafood yum cha. Over around 12 dishes,
enjoy tastes such as John Dory roe tarama with
potato crisps, ocean trout in fig leaves and salt,
bouillabaise, tomato and nori in salt meringue
and other innovative creations.
WHERE
418 Lygon Street, Carlton
COST
$95
WHEN
May 3; 6pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 03 9347 7419
Whether you prefer your beef fed on grass
or grain, cured or raw, this all-beef dinner
is not to be missed. Chef Chris Moran and
San Telmo capture the essence of this staple
at their Argentinian bodega.
WHERE
14 Meyers Place, CBD
COST
$145 includes matched drinks;
$95 without drinks
WHEN
May 13, 21; 12.30pm–4pm
BOOKINGS 03 9650 5525
THE FIFTH TASTE
AT SAINT CRISPIN
Sweet, sour, bitter and salty are crucial to creating
the perfect dish, but there’s a fifth taste – and some
may argue, the greatest – umami. That celebrated
savoury flavour in a dish leaves you salivating for
more, and can be found in ingredients such as
mushrooms, meat and seafood. Joe Grbac uses his
favourite umami sources to create a three-course
menu.
WHERE
300 Smith Street, Collingwood
COST
$110; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 19; 7pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9419 2202
SOURCE LOCAL, THINK GLOBAL
AT TAXI KITCHEN
ELEGANT VEGAN
AT WOODLAND HOUSE
Executive chef Tony Twitchett and head chef Sam
Forte take you through Victoria’s backyard with
their five-course menu. Featured are sustainable
Victorian produce and wine alongside their
rooftop honey and pop-up patch: Greenvale Farm
free-range, rare-breed pork, Goulburn River Farm
king trout and Little Veggie Patch vegetables.
WHERE
Federation Square, Transport Hotel
Building level 1, CBD
COST
$120; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 4, 9, 11; 6.30pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 9654 8808
With increased awareness about where our food
comes from, the environmental impact of what
we eat and the choices we make when fuelling
our bodies, chefs Thomas Woods and Hayden
McFarland showcase their produce-driven
technique by offering a ten-course vegan tasting
menu. See what can be created without using
animal products, and discover how vegan cuisine
is more than just tofu.
WHERE
78 Williams Road, Prahran
COST
$140; $235 includes matched wines
WHEN
May 5, 9; 6.30pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 03 9525 2178
EXPLORING EMILIA ROMAGNA
AT TRATTORIA EMILIA
From Emilia Romagna, one of the world’s
richest gastronomic regions, comes beloved
Italian staples such as parmigiano reggiano,
prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, bollito and
mortadella. Head chefs Francesco Rota and
Luca Flammia celebrate their roots and this
bounty in a four-course tasting menu, complete
with matched wines, authentic dishes and
stories and experiences.
WHERE
Rear of 360 Little Collins Street,
Melbourne
COST
$110; includes matched wines
from the region of Emilia Romagna
WHEN
May 9; 7pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 03 9670 7214
Nobu
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estaurantss
Taxi
Kitchen
CHEFS FROM THE SOUTHWEST
There must be something in the waters
around Warrnambool and Port Fairy, for
no fewer than four chefs were born and
raised there. For one special night, Matt
Dempsey (Gladioli, Inverleigh), Ryan
Sessions (Fen, Port Fairy), Geoff Lindsay
(Dandelion, Melbourne) and Jake Nicholson
(Blackbird, Brisbane) each present a dish.
Expect standout flavours, top-notch
ingredients and razor-sharp technique.
WHERE
Thousand Pound Bend
361 Little Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne
COST
$175
C
WHEN
May 12; 6.30pm
W
BOOKINGS 03 5265 1111
B
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REGIONAL.
HIGH COUNTRY HARVEST DINNER
AT PATRICIA’S TABLE
Step inside the historic barn where the first
Brown Brothers wines were made for a special
menu by executive chef Douglas Elder, who
has a passion for the high country’s magnificent
produce. After a glass of sparkling, experience
four courses of food and wine matches not
to be missed.
WHERE
239 Milawa Bobinawarrah Road,
Milawa
COST
$140; $130 for Brown Brothers
members – includes a glass of
sparkling on arrival and matched
wines
WHEN
May 14; 6.30pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 5720 5434
Royal
Mail Hotel
XXXX
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XX
XXX
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CHARDONMAY
AT POLPERRO
To celebrate the best cool-climate
chardonnays of Red Hill, head chef
Daniel Kerekes and winemaker Sam
Coverdale team up to present a wine
dinner. Four other boutique wineries
in the region come along for the ride,
while Daniel incorporates fresh and
foraged produce into his seasonal menu.
WHERE
150 Red Hill Road, Red Hill
COST
Contact venue for details
WHEN
May 20; 7pm–12am
BOOKINGS 03 5989 2471
STROLL THE CELLAR
AT ROYAL MAIL HOTEL
With a glass of sparkling wine in hand, join the
Royal Mail sommeliers for a stroll through their
famous wine collection. Hear about the heroes
behind the wines, the stories of their genesis and
just how the restaurant manages its 26,000-bottle
collection.
WHERE
98 Parker Street, Dunkeld
COST
$25; includes a glass of sparkling wine
WHEN
May 3–23; 3pm–3.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 5577 2241
Tani
Eat & Drink
AUTUMN BRUNCH
AT TANI EAT & DRINK
Go natural, go real, go regional with Hamish
Nugent and Rachel Reed as they transform
classic brunch ingredients into a three-course
meal honouring autumn, Tani style. Expect
biodynamic nuts and wild mushrooms, local
organic free-range eggs, natural ferment breads
and spiked teas, including the signature soft
cow’s cheese baked in hay with Walkabout honey
from Mt Buffalo.
WHERE
100 Gavan Street, Bright
COST
$65; includes non-alcoholic drinks,
$89; includes matched alcoholic
drinks
WHEN
May 15; 10.30am–12.30pm
BOOKINGS 03 5750 1304
WIN AN ULTIMATE
DINING EXPERIENCE
The Australian Financial Review Australia’s Top Restaurants, presented by Qantas are
proud to bring you The People’s Award. From March 15 - April 22 we invite you to vote
accommodation and dinner for two at one of the winning Australia’s Top Restaurants.
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AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
QUEENSLAND.
GOMA
ALICE IN THE WONDERLAND OF ALCHEMY
AT ALCHEMY RESTAURANT AND BAR
VENICE IN MAY
AT BUCCI
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
AT THE CATBIRD SEAT BISTRO
Tumble down the rabbit hole, and encounter a
wonderland that combines chemistry, food and
wine for adventures in food pairing. In this
five-course degustation, the enchanted forest
meets magic mushrooms, oysters prosper and a
Cheshire Cat guides you through your meal.
Celebrate your happy unbirthday at the Mad
Cook’s tea party.
WHERE
175 Eagle Street, Brisbane City
COST
$150; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 20; 6.30pm–11.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 3229 3175
Bucci’s Shaun Malone and Massimo Mele offer
a three-course Venetian set menu in May
featuring classic dishes such as carpaccio,
baccala mantecato, risotto and tiramisu.
WHERE
11/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
COST
$45
WHEN
May 4–23; 12pm–9.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 3252 7848
Flock to dinner for a tasting menu that features
seasonal birds and bird products, sourced locally
where possible. Come for dishes such as ‘What
came first?’ and ‘Duck, duck, goose’, and prepare
to be plumped up like a foie gras duck. In true
Catbird style, be ready for dishes that are a little
outside the coop.
WHERE
2/888 Stanley Street East,
East Brisbane
COST
$150; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 21; 6.30pm–9.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 3392 2645
MANY FEASTS FROM ONE BEAST
AT BLACKBIRD BAR & GRILL
Be transported to Italy’s famous floating city by
Bucci’s Shaun Malone and Massimo Mele’s special
menu. Choose from a bellini or spritz on arrival,
then enjoy Venetian classics over four courses,
including the pasta dish bigoli and, for dessert,
fritelle.
WHERE
11/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley
$95; includes matched drinks
COST
May 3; 6.30pm–11pm
WHEN
BOOKINGS 07 3252 7848
Learn about the culinary delights that can be
created from one beast, with nothing left to waste.
This chef’s table dinner celebrates everything pork
and sustainable, through offerings such as
croustillant of rolled pork belly; black pudding
udding
with cabbage and bacon; and a ‘silk purse’
e’ made
from a sow’s ear.
WHERE
Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street,
Brisbane
COST
$95; $140; includes matched
d wines
WHEN
May 3–23; 6pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 07 3229 1200
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estaurantss
A VOYAGE TO VENICE WITH
MASSIMO MELE
AT BUCCI
DINE WITH QUEENS
AT CINCO BISTRO
Cinco’s Darren Bonhomme focuses on local
produce found within a 50-kilometre radius
of Brisbane to create a seasonal menu of dishes
such as soft shell crab with kohlrabi pickle,
sweetcorn emulsion, watercress and apple,
swee
Goose leg with red cabbage puree,
or Samford
Sa
potatoes and pears.
potat
WHERE
WHE
589 Old Cleveland Road,
Camp Hill
COST
$90
COS
ST
WHEN
May 3, 11, 19; 6.30pm–9pm
WHE
E
BOOKINGS
07 3844 6666
BOO
OK
australiastoprestaurants.com
19
Sake
QUEENSLAND.
EAST MEETS WEST
AT THE FORAGING QUAIL
Come for an East meets West dinner with
a Vietnamese twist, which, over ten courses,
includes octopus with chilli jam and prawn
salt; mackerel crudo with saffron onions,
verjuice and grapes; confit salmon with Thai
eggplant and yuzu snow; and saltbush lamb
belly. Leave with an enhanced understanding
of modern Australian cuisine.
WHERE
148B Merthyr Road,
New Farm
COST
$130; $260 includes matched wines
WHEN
May 6, 8; 5.30pm–11.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 3358 6414
TABUTHA
AT GERARD’S BISTRO
Head chef Ben Williamson, inspired by the ancient
Phoenician tabutha (banquet), throws one,
composed of dishes from carefully curated recipes
that date back 2000 and 3000 years. On offer are
delicacies served on banquet-style platters, with
three dishes matched to a cocktail or drink.
WHERE
Gerard’s Lane. 14/15 James Street,
Fortitude Valley
COST
$140; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 11; 6pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 07 38523822
CHAMPAGNE DEGUSTATION
AT GOMA RESTAURANT
Executive chef Josue Lopez pays homage to some
of champagne’s most famous houses with a
six-course champagne degustation that marries
bubbles with dishes featuring Queensland’s finest
produce. Champagne doyenne Bernadette O’Shea
shares her intimate knowledge of these exquisite
champagnes and the stories behind the houses
that produce them.
WHERE
Gallery of Modern Art,
Cultural Precinct, South Bank
COST
$300; includes matched champagnes
WHEN
May 15; 12pm–4.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 3842 9916
SUNDAY LONG LUNCH & JAZZ
AT LUTECE BISTRO & WINE BAR
Romain Bapst and chef de cuisine Debra
Qian Cao cook up a French–Chinese lunch
to honour two of the world’s most popular
cuisines. The five-course lunch, served from
two long tables d’hôtes, allows diners to
experience worlds old and new.
WHERE
1/60 Macgregor Terrace, Bardon
COST
$98; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 22; 12pm–3pm
BOOKINGS 07 3161 1858
20
australiastoprestaurants.com
Gerard’s
Bistro
MADAME WU’S ULTIMATE BANQUET
AT MADAME WU
Sit down to a shared Chinese banquet
of fifteen dishes by executive chef Brendon
Barker while looking over the Story Bridge.
Fresh local produce and seafood such as
Moreton Bay bugs star, and dishes such as
house-roasted duck and the classic duck bun,
rice-crusted brisket and smoked trout salad
make this a big-affair dinner to remember.
Two wine packages are on offer.
WHERE
71 Eagle Street, Riparian Plaza,
Upper Plaza Level, Brisbane
COST
Two different wine packages
on offer for $60 and $100
WHEN
May 8–13; 5.30pm–9pm
BOOKINGS 07 3229 5070
PARIS MEETS BARCELONA
AT MODA RESTAURANT
Javier Codina’s table takes inspiration from his
Spanish heritage and French training. Expect
beautiful, robust, classically Mediterranean
flavours coaxed from prime Australian produce.
WHERE
12 Edward Street, Brisbane
COST
$99
WHEN
May 18; 6.30pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 07 3221 7655
FROM BUNDABERG TO BURGUNDY
AT MONTRACHET
Chef Shannon Kellam recreates his culinary
journey from his hometown of Bundaberg
(to represent Australia in the Bocuse d’Or
in Lyon) to his various stints in different kitchens
in France as a six-course menu. The produce is
from Bundaberg, but the dishes are classical
and contemporary French.
WHERE
224 Given Terrace,
Paddington
COST
$110
WHEN
May 7; 6.30pm–11.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 3367 0030
Urbane
Restaurant
HARAJUKU POP-UP PARTY
AT SAKE RESTAURANT & BAR
Be transported to Tokyo’s Harajuku for one night
only, complete with colourful people, lively
performers and food stalls serving Japanese bites
through the night.
WHERE
Eagle Street Pier,
Brisbane
COST
$50; includes a cocktail on arrival
WHEN
May 20; 5pm–12am
BOOKINGS 07 3015 0557
TEST KITCHEN
AT THOMSON’S RESERVE
Ever wanted to be part of the creative process that
goes into putting together a new menu? Taste and
sample your way through new dishes, discuss
innovative flavours and have a say in what ends up
on the final menu at Thomson’s Reserve.
WHERE
73 Wickham Terrace,
Brisbane
COST
$85
WHEN
May 9, 23; 6.30pm–9pm
BOOKINGS 07 3226 8888
THE BEST OF THE BEST DINNER
AT URBANE RESTAURANT
Think crayfish flown from the Torres Strait islands
or Rangers Valley 9+ Kobe beef and other prime
Australian produce. Celebrate these and other topnotch ingredients, prepared with finesse and flair,
over six degustation courses.
WHERE
181 Mary Street, Brisbane
COST
$150
WHEN
May 11; 7pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 3229 2271
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AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
REGIONAL.
WHISKY DEGUSTATION
DINNER WITH WHISKYMASTER
DAN WOOLLEY
AT ETSU IZAKAYA
Renowned whisky ambassador Dan Woolley
believes Japan is about to become a whisky
powerhouse, with some of the greatest
already being produced there. He delves
into the finer points of the industry in an
open forum, and matches seven Japanese
whiskies to special courses. Bring your
questions. Another 45 Japanese whiskies
can be tasted (extra charges apply).
WHERE
2440 Gold Coast Highway,
Mermaid Beach
COST
$145; includes matched whiskies
WHEN
May 3; 7pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 07 5526 0944
LONG ANTHONY HALES
AT DEER DUCK BISTRO
From chef Anthony Hales comes a tasting menu
that highlights the flavours and local produce
available in May. Come ready to challenge your
palate and excite your senses and tastebuds
at this long-table dinner.
WHERE
396 Milton Road,
Auchenflower
COST
$150; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 4, 11, 18; 6.15pm–9.15pm
BOOKINGS 07 3870 8482
Deer Duck
Bistro
A NIGHT OF CAVIAR
AT THE FISH HOUSE
Experience a caviar and champagne night like
none other, with Beluga, Oscietra, Yasa,
Sterling and Sevruga caviar starring in five
courses, all paired with Louis Roederer
champagnes. The caviar has been sustainably
sourced from all corners of the world, including
Italy, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, USA
and Australia. Taste the difference between
each type of caviar, and how champagne
enhances their flavour.
WHERE
50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
COST
$250; includes matched Louis
Roederer champagnes
WHEN
May 4; 6.45pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 07 5535 7725
HOMAGE TO THE OLD SCHOOL
AT HOMAGE
Homage goes old school, as chefs serve a
seven-course tasting menu of local produce from
their smokehouse, coalpit and wood fire. Dinner is
by candlelight in front of an open stone fireplace
overlooking the 89-bed market garden.
WHERE
617 Grandchester,
Mount Mort Road,
Grandchester
COST
$150; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 20; 7pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 07 5465 5900
The Long
Apron
Restaurant
POSTCODE 4560 CHEF’S TABLE
DEGUSTATION
AT THE LONG APRON RESTAURANT
Over seven courses, chef Cameron Matthews
showcases all that’s ripe and in season in postcode
4560. Expect to see dishes using cranberry,
hibiscus and horseradish from the Falls Farm, veal
from Fortune Eight, native bee honey, macadamia,
avocado, pecans, birch leaves, sprout-fed beef,
hand-made buffalo-milk cheese from Cedar St
Cheeserie and more.
WHERE
68 Balmoral Road,
Montville
COST
$140; $220 with matched wines
WHEN
May 3, 5–23; 6pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 1300 252 380
THE PEAK TEST KITCHEN
AT THE PEAK
Every month Peak chefs experiment and
develop new dishes in an intimate, interactive
and fun atmosphere. Diners are encouraged
to venture into the kitchen to see the chefs in
action and offer feedback on the dishes. The
five-course shared menu features test-kitchen
dishes such as Blackmore wagyu with rhubarb,
sherry and malt.
WHERE
1 Wilkinsons Road,
Maryvale
COST
$150; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 17; 6pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 07 4666 1083
SLEEPLESS IN SIAM
AT SPIRITHOUSE
A dinner inspired by head chef Tom Swapp’s
late-night dining adventures in Thailand. Among
the eight tastings are steamed red curry mousse
with local spanner crab; banana blossom and Thai
basil; Moreton Bay bug with wild ginger sauce,
finishing with a banana roti souffle.
WHERE
20 Ninderry Road,
Yandina
COST
$180; includes matched wines
COS
WHEN
May 8; 7pm–10.30pm
WHE
BOOKINGS 07 5446 8994
BOO
#afrtoprestaurants
australiastoprestaurants.com
21
WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
BUSINESS LUNCH
AT MISS CHOW’S
THE STANDARD’S GREATEST HITS VOL. 1
AT THE STANDARD
If you happen to be near the Claremont Quarter
around lunchtime during weekdays, know that Miss
Chow’s is offering a special two-course lunch of
vegetarian spring rolls and a bowl of wonton noodles.
WHERE
Shop 119, Claremont Quarter,
Claremont
COST
$24; includes a bottle of Tsingtao
WHEN
May 3–6, 9–13, 16–20, 23; 11am–4pm
BOOKINGS 08 9383 3371
After a whirlwind first year, The Standard presents
its top six greatest hits, including crowd favourites
such as savoury mushroom donuts, finger-lickin
spiced-out chicken grill with rice noodles and
vanilla bean panna cotta with lemon thyme jelly
and housemade lemonade.
WHERE
28 Roe Street, Northbridge
COST
$75; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 4, 11, 18; 7pm–9pm
BOOKINGS 08 9228 1331
MUMBAI STREET-FOOD ADVENTURE
AT SAUMA
Shorehouse
HOTDOG DEGUSTATION
AT THE FLOUR FACTORY
Discover the delights of the humble hotdog at
The Flour Factory. From bun to garnish, taste
four hotdogs, each with a distinct flavour, ranging
from spicy to sweet and everything in-between,
all matched to drinks.
WHERE
16 Queen Street, Perth
COST
$80; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 4, 11, 18; 6.30pm–8.30pm
BOOKINGS 08 9485 1711
BUDDHA’S FEAST: ALL HANDS ON DECK
AT LOW KEY CHOW HOUSE
A traditional banana-leaf feast featuring a collage
of cuisines from Southeast Asia: coal-charred
satay, sticky wings and kimchi, Filipino sausages,
soft shell chilli crab, Vietnamese beef patties and
more. A feast best eaten with your hands, as they
do in Asia.
WHERE
140 Oxford Street, Leederville
COST
$55; includes a drink on arrival
WHEN
May 6, 21; 12pm–2pm
BOOKINGS 08 9443 9305
Varnish
on King
Share in the heady spice thrills of an Indian food
market in the heart of Perth. Over eight dishes,
Sauma brings Mumbai street food to the table, its
traditions and flavours intact, but using WA produce
and, just occasionally, with a modern twist.
WHERE
200–206 William Street, Northbridge
COST
$50; shared menu, minimum 2 people
WHEN
May 3–8, 10–15, 17–22; 6pm–8pm
BOOKINGS 08 9227 8682
SEAFOOD SPLENDOUR
AT THE SHOREHOUSE
From the ocean to the table in four courses.
2014 The Age Good Food Guide Young Chef of the
Year Ollie Gould pairs the ocean’s best with his
Mediterranean palate and culinary technique to
produce plates that capture the coast and show off
local produce.
WHERE
282 Marine Parade, Swanbourne
COST
$119; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 19; 7pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 08 9286 4050
THE BEST OF FRANCE
AT THE TRUSTEE BAR & BISTRO
Chef Andre Mahe hails from Brittany, and
spent the better part of his youth learning
the art of charcuterie at his father’s butcher
shop. He brings these techniques and his love
of rustic European dishes to create a special
Gallic feast.
WHERE
133 St Georges Terrace, Perth
COST
$99; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 18; 6.45pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 08 6323 3000
LUNCHTIME BOARD MEATING
AT VARNISH ON KING
Seal the deal over a shared lunchtime rib eye on
the bone, all 450 g of it, served with a pot pie and
house-made condiments.
WHERE
75 King Street, Perth
COST
$55; includes a house wine
or tap beer
WHEN
May 3–6, 9–13, 16–20; 12pm–2.30pm
BOOKINGS 08 9324 2237
Trustee
Bar & Bistro
MIKI’S OPEN KITCHEN
AT MIKI’S OPEN KITCHEN
Experience a seven-course set menu that changes
nightly. Using local seasonal ingredients based on
Japanese tempura techniques, the unique autumn
menu offer will feature Margaret River Jerusalem
artichoke with nuta sauce and Pemberton sweet
potato with hacchou miso.
WHERE
2/3 Bussell Highway, Margaret River
COST
$60; $88; includes matched wine or sake
WHEN
May 3, 5–7, 10–11, 13–14, 17–21;
6pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 08 9758 7673
22
australiastoprestaurants.com
#afrtoprestaurants
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
REGIONAL.
Cape Lodge
Restaurant
A NEW LUNCH EXPERIENCE:
COOKING WITH MICHAEL ELFWING
AT CAPE LODGE RESTAURANT
Executive chef Michael Elfwing has worked
at Bray’s Fat Duck and Adelaide’s Grange.
Learn how to prepare a three-course vegetarian
menu that can be recreated at home using seasonal
local produce. After the class, sit down to
a three-course long table lunch. The full list of
classes is available at australiastoprestaurants.com.
WHERE
3341 Caves Road, Yallingup
COST
$145; includes cooking demonstration
and Cape Lodge Estate wine
ne
WHEN
May 14; 11.30am–3.30pm
BOOKINGS 08 9755 6311
#afrtoprestaurantss
CHEF’S TASTING MENU
AT CAPE LODGE RESTAURANT
Executive chef Michael Elfwing draws on his
experience in some of the world’s best kitchens,
to create a six-course tasting menu that fuses
technique with the best of WA produce from
land and sea. Come for dishes featuring
Donnybroook marron, Manjimup truffles,
Albany oysters, zucchini flowers, White Rocks
veal, Margaret River venison, Arkady lamb
and Harvey beef.
WHERE
3341 Caves Road, Yallingup
COST
$160
WHEN
May 3–23; 6pm–10pm
BOOKINGS 08 9755 6311
MIXING BUSINESS AND
CHARDONNAY
AT MILLBROOK WINERY
Winemaker Damian Hutton takes you on
a barrel hall tour, then guides you through
a vertical tasting of ten vintages (2006–15)
of his limited release chardonnay. The wines
are matched to a three-course lunch by head
chef Guy Jeffreys, whose menu is driven by his
heirloom vegetable garden.
WHERE
Old Chestnut Lane,
Jarrahdale
$110; includes matched wines
COST
May 13; 12pm–4.30pm
WHEN
BOOKINGS 08 9525 5796
BOOK
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23
NORTHERN
TERRITORY.
AUSTRALIAN
CAPITAL TERRITORY.
FROM THE FARMERS’ TABLE
AT THE PEARL DARWIN
HERBS & SPICES
AT LANTERNE ROOMS
Spend an evening at a French farm table
without the plane ride. Dine on rustic French
provincial dishes that honour the produce
while nourishing the soul. Seating is banquet
style, so settle in for an evening of conviviality
and comforts such as French onion soup with
gruyere toast.
WHERE
The Vic Courtyard, The Mall,
Darwin
COST
$165; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 5, 8; 6.30pm–11.30pm
BOOKINGS [email protected]
Celebrate the way herbs and spices are used
in Asian cooking, in a menu that moves from
offerings such as India’s spiced lentil balls
to Thailand for tom yum-infused prawns to
Indonesia’s pork belly with a tamarind sauce,
the Chinese Malaysian herbal broth chick-kut
teh and more.
WHERE
Shop 3, Blamey Place, Campbell
COST
$85; includes drinks
WHEN
May 5–6, 11–13, 19–20;
6pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 02 6249 6889
SAKE TASTING FLIGHTS
AT LILOTANG
Pull up a barstool and work your way around
the Lilotang beer, champagne, cocktail and
sake menu, matched to favourite bar food
such as edamame, chicken yakitori or pork
belly skewers and octopus with potato and
yuzu kosho.
WHERE
1 Burbury Close, Canberra
COST
$35–$95; $95 includes matched
sake or Japanese beer
WHEN
May 5–7, 12–14, 19–21;
6pm–11pm
BOOKINGS 02 6273 1424
The Pearl
Lanterne
Fine food and wine, paired with points
Our award-winning wine collection is now complemented by a range of gourmet
food from the same iconic wine regions. Every purchase comes perfectly paired
with Qantas Points too, making it the rewarding way to enjoy the finer things in life.
Shop now at qantasepiqure.com.au
To purchase from Qantas epiQure you must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, 18 years of age and over and have an Australian delivery address.Liquor Act 2007: It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years.
Licence Number: LIQP770016736
AUSTRALIA’S TOP RESTAURANTS DINING PROGRAM
TASMANIA.
Frank
SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
THE TOP 500 LONG TABLE DINNER
AT CHLOE’S RESTAURANT
Chloe’s
Restaurant
Savour an eight-course degustation menu, matched
with wines from Chloe’s extensive cellar, amid
Victorian elegance. Dishes feature the best of local
and seasonal South Australian produce, with
Chloe’s inimitable blend of French and modern
Australian accents.
WHERE
36 College Road, Kent Town
COST
$220; includes matched wines
WHEN
May 5, 12, 22; 7pm–10.30pm
BOOKINGS 08 8362 2574
AFTERNOON IN THE MECHANIC’S GARDEN
AT HISPANIC MECHANIC
While away a fiesta afternoon in the Hispanic
Mechanic garden courtyard. Meet the chefs
making empanadas, totopos, tostones, tostaditas
and roasted suckling pig with fresh tortillas and
salsa, chat with winemakers and make new friends.
WHERE
205 Glen Osmond Road, Frewville
COST
$65; includes a glass of wine
WHEN
May 21; 1pm–4am
BOOKINGS 08 8338 6435
WINTER FEAST
AT FRANK RESTAURANT & BAR
Ease into the change of seasons and ready yourself
to face the coming Antarctic winds by feasting at
Frank’s on barbecued meats, fish and vegetables.
With a pisco sour or perhaps a malbec in hand,
choose from dishes such as roasted fish tortilla,
slow-cooked pork belly, warm pudding and
roasted quince.
WHERE
1 Franklin Wharf,
Hobart
COST
$85; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 5; 6pm–12am
BOOKINGS 03 6231 5005
SPANISH FEAST
AT SMOLT RESTAURANT
A Hobart institution, Smolt brings the
flavours of Spain to Tasmania. Using the season’s
best, Smolt offers a set menu with dishes such as
grilled baby leeks with almond romesco, mussels
with paprika and garlic, fried brandade with
anchovies and its famous paella.
WHERE
2 Salamanca Square,
Hobart
COST
$85; includes matched drinks
WHEN
May 12; 6pm–12am
BOOKINGS 03 6224 2554
#afrtoprestaurants
estaurantss
FALLING AFRICAN DUCKS
Mark Labrooy and Darren Robertson from
Byron’s Three Blue Ducks are in Aldinga to
huddle around the fire pit with Africola’s
Duncan Welgemoed to prepare a four-course
lunch of rustic fare, served on long tables.
At Fall From Grace
WHERE
COST
WHEN
BOOKINGS
Smolt
22 Old Coach Road, Aldinga
$130; includes matched wines
May 22; 12.30pm–6pm
[email protected]
REGIONAL.
HERITAGE EVENING WITH THE
HENTLEY FARM CHEFS
AT HENTLEY FARM RESTAURANT
In the farm’s beautiful converted stables
chef Lachlan Colwill and his team share
favourite dishes from their different cultural
backgrounds. Taste beloved dishes from
their childhood over seven courses, as they
recall the stories of their families’ cooking
culture and the dishes’ origins.
WHERE
Gerald Roberts Road,
Seppeltsfield
COST
$245; includes 7 courses
plus snacks and treats paired
with 8 Hentley Farm wines
WHEN
May 20; 6pm–8.30pm
BOOKINGS
08 8562 8427
australiastoprestaurants.com
25
THANK YOU.
Australia’s Top Restaurants is proudly owned and organised by The Australian Financial Review
and presented by Qantas. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our partners.
Event Producers
Presenting Partner
Major Partners
Media Partner
Managing Director, Life Media & Events.
Andrew McEvoy
General Manager, Operations. Lisa Dowsett
Co-Director. Jill Dupleix
Co-Director. Terry Durack
Head of Food. James Laing
Event Manager. Asha Xavier
Event Manager. Kate Vallis
Event Executive. Lisa Marshall
Event Executive. Tullia Mawter
Sub-editor. Foong-Ling Kong
Business Manager. Mark Delhaas
Senior Marketing & PR Manager. Lupe Prada
Marketing Manager. Kelly Paljusic
Marketing Executive. Sally Morris
Sponsorship Director. Catherine Bowe
Head of Sponsorship Servicing. Yael Reed
Sponsorship Servicing Manager. Roslyn McIvor
Sponsorship Development Manager. Jason Ampt
Managing Director, Australian Publishing Media.
Allen Williams
Editor-in-Chief. Michael Stutchbury
AFR Magazine editor. Katrina Strickland
Journalist. Lucille Keen
Editor, Life & Leisure Magazine.
Katarina Kroslakova
General Manager, Corporate Strategy. Sonya Hoyle
Digital Editor, Food & Wine. Sarah McInerney
Design and Studio Manager. Yany Kraljevic
Graphic Designer. Anna Roszko
Marketing Inventory Co-ordinator. Gail Galimam
Photo Credits
Front cover: with thanks to Sepia (photographer: Jennifer Soo). Page 24, The Pearl Darwin: image courtesy of Resident Magazine, Lanterne: Rebecca Doyle.
Page 25, Frank: Andrew Wilson. Page 3, 5, 9, 13, 19, 21, 23, Photos: Edwina Pickles. Food by: The Bridge Room and Ormeggio at the Spit.
26
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Rewarding good taste
Treat your taste buds
to our finest pairings
At Qantas epiQure we bring you nothing but the best wine from
around Australia, paired with a delicious range of gourmet food.
Every purchase will earn you Qantas Points, too*, making it the
rewarding way to enjoy what you love. Visit our online store today
and discover your own perfect pairings.
Shop now at qantasepiqure.com.au
To purchase from Qantas epiQure you must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, 18 years of age and over and have an Australian delivery address. *Qantas Frequent Flyer members who are not Qantas epiQure
Premium members will earn 1 Qantas Point per dollar value and Qantas epiQure Premium members will earn 3 Qantas Points per dollar value of Eligible Products and Services purchased or redeemed through
qantasepiqure.com.au. The earning and redemption of Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Terms and Conditions. Allow up to 6 weeks for Qantas Points to appear in your Qantas Frequent
Flyer account. Liquor Act 2007: It is an offence to sell or supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Licence Number: LIQP770016736