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Credit: Aileen Marr and Troyt Coburn
It’s time to dispel the notion that people working in the fashion industry don’t eat.
The truth of the matter is that they not only eat, but eat very well – probably a damn sight better than anyone still clinging to the notion that the fashion industry holds food at arm’s length, when in reality the two go hand-in-hand (preferably the hand not holding a flute, or at the very least, a phone).
As Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia approaches nears the home stretch, it’s time to look toward those venues where a well-earned drink and a meal (one not eaten with one hand between shows) can be savoured. Herewith, an assortment of classic favourites and newcomers alike (not unlike the schedule at Fashion Week itself) where you’d do well to drink and dine during (and long after) the lights go down on the final Resort 2018 collections.
Drink at The Winery and dine at Bad Hombres, Surry Hills
A tried and tested favourite, The Winery remains a perennial go-to thanks to its winning combination of al fresco finery and, well, a proven track record when it comes to living up to its name. With ample nooks and verdant surrounds, you’d be hard pressed to find better a way to wile away a few hours than by working your way through a very user friendly wine list. Start perhaps with a dry, zesty glass of Tempus Two Copper Prosecco, or perhaps a glass of Copper Moscato for those who prefer a floral finish. Our pick, however, would be a glass of the Varietal series Blanc de Blanc, a refreshing sparkling wine akin to a happy medium between the two with flavours of sweet peach and green apple balanced by a refreshing citrus finish.
From an established favourite to the new kids on the block, stroll down the hill to Bad Hombres, where Mexican share plates with a contemporary twist come flying fast and loose – much like the vibe of this tongue-in-cheek taquería. Many of the dishes also come with an understated Asian twist – try the ceviche tostadas with soy, lime, sesame, seaweed and avocado, or the charred corn on the cob with Japanese mayonnaise and furikake – plus, there’s guaranteed to be something on the menu to meet (and exceed) any dietary requirement. Come for the eponymous hombres, stay for the good times.
Drink: Tempus Two Varietal series sparkling Blanc de blanc at The Winery
Dine: Beef short rib in XO butter with salsa fines herbes, radish, lemon and chilli wrapped up in butter lettuce at Bad Hombres
Credit: Instagram
Drink at The Village Inn and dine at Saint Peter, Paddington
At the literal intersection of Australian designer retail’s future and Sydney’s nouveau pub scene is the Paddington Inn, the welcoming hearth at the centre of The Intersection boutique shopping precinct. And while the recently refurbished Inn has only been open for a couple of years, it still retains much of the charm and character instilled into it by its heritage credentials as one of Paddington’s oldest commercial developments. The menu enjoys a similar interplay between colonial and contemporary, balancing pub classics (hello, Schnitzel) with dining’s dish du jour – try the Salmon poké with a winning combination of avocado, coriander, quinoa, sesame, nori and tamari dressing, which finds its perfect match is a glass of Copper Prosecco, the citrus notes in which sing in perfect harmony with the textural dish.
Those looking to expand their seafood horizons would also do well to wander up the road to Saint Peter, a cabinet of subaqueous curiosities prodigiously prepared by twentysomething seafood savant Josh Niland, the chef and restaurateur with a canny knack for transforming whatever’s freshest that day into veritable works of art worthy of a runway unto themselves. And while the menu is subject to the whims of the daily haul, the picture perfect Petuna ocean trout rillettes with radish and witlof will always be in season.
Drink: Tempus Two Copper Prosecco at The Paddington Inn
Dine: The catch of the day, prepared with chips and condiments; with the ox-heart tomato and nectarine salad at Saint Peter
Credit: Instagram
Drink at Li’l Darlin, Surry Hills, and dine at Kindred, Darlington
In the heart of Sydney’s rag trade district lies Li’l Darlin, another convivial mainstay with ambiance to match its ambition and a menu that encourages sharing a diverse array of classic tapas fare served across sprawling wooden boards. As such, a classic Spanish drop like the Copper Tempranillo bodes well for pairing with marinated char-grilled lamb fillets with roasted capsicum and smoked chermoula (a kind of Moroccan spice rub), and perhaps a side of chorizo, chilli and cheddar cheese quesadillas. Actually, you might want to treat yourself to a Tempus Two GSM (that’s Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, for those of you without the show notes) with those.
Around the corner from L’il Darlin and within walking distance of the Carriageworks’ Fashion Week precinct is Kindred, a charming family eatery that as recently as last week celebrated its first birthday. With an admirable emphasis placed on, where possible, creating close to everything in-house and sourcing locally where not, the menu (like the interior) is comfortable and easily navigated – full of nourishing winners like the silken carrot triangoli with a burnt butter sauce and goat’s cheese punctuated by pistachios; thick sheets of pappardelle coated in lamb ragu cut with salty green olives; and featherweight pillows of gnocchi in corn purée with king brown mushrooms.
Drink: Tempus Two Copper Tempranillo at Li’l Darlin
Dine: Gnocchi with corn purée, king brown mushrooms and chives (with a side of house made sourdough and cultured buttered) at Kindred
Credit: Instagram
Drink at Buckley’s, Circular Quay and dine at Restaurant Hubert, CBD
Few things in life could be better than a crisp glass of Tempus Two Varietal Pinot Grigio and the view enjoyed by Buckley’s, a craft beer bar that enjoys panoramic views of the quintessential harbour vista from its promenade position.With tropical fruit and pear flavours, as well as subtle hints of citrus, the Varietal Pinot Grigio is the perfect accompaniment to Buckley’s signature Portuguese chicken with a white bean purée and salsa verde. So fresh, so clean.
Once the lights have gone out, stroll uphill into the underbelly of Sydney’s CBD and, provided the timing is right (read, late) you might be lucky enough to waltz right into Restaurant Hubert – a subterranean gastronomic speakeasy where a veritable feast of French-accented cuisine awaits. On the off-chance that the queues for a table haven’t subsided, you’re almost all but guaranteed to get a seat at Bar Normandy (one of the restaurant’s seven dining rooms) where the full menu is still offered, including a transcendent take on Tartare de Filet de Boeuf that will have you booking a flight in Paris before you’ve had to time to ask for the cheque.
Drink: Tempus Two Varietal Pinot Grigio at Buckley’s
Dine: Prime Wagyu topside beef tartare with classic condiments and French fries at Restaurant Hubert
Credit: Instagram/Restaurant Hubert
Drink at Mr Fox and dine at The Dolphin, Surry Hills
That Mr Fox has outlasted many of the small bars that characterise the area is testament to the strength of its unpretentious decor, easily devoured food offering and accessible drinks list. Enjoying a similar level of refinement and longevity is a glass of Tempus Two Pewter Pinot Gris, a medium-bodied wine that’s rich in crisp pear flavour with acidic notes redolent of passionfruit – the kind that cuts nicely through Mr Fox’s crisp pork belly served with soubise (a French onion sauce), pickle slaw and fresh apple. It’s the kind of combination you’ll want to spend the winter burrowing into.
The passing of another Fashion Week brings with it the first birthday of the revamped Dolphin under the watch of restaurateur Maurice Terzini and Executive Chef Monty Koludrovic. Terzini, the iconoclast behind another Sydney institution, the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, is no stranger to the demands of Fashion Week having thrice now presented the wares of his label with partner Lucy Hinckfuss, Ten Pieces, on schedule. With an interior that invokes the deconstructivist sensibilities of Martin Margiela and the artistic flare of Keith Haring and Christo, The Dolphin is an obvious choice for a post- (and mid) Fashion Week respite. Few things will restore the spirits as well as the crispy yet impossibly juicy chicken cotoletta with even crispier sage and guanciale. Bon appétit.
Drink: Tempus Two Silver Series Pinot Gris
Dine: Cotoletta with lemon, capers, guanciale and crispy sage, with a side of fennel and nectarine salad should it still be on the menu
Credit: Instagram/The Dolphin
Tile and cover image: Charlotte Stokes and Steven Chee
