Food & Drink News

food news

We round up the latest food and restaurant news from Australia and across the globe.

Bondi’s latest restaurant offering, Lola’s Level 1, is a Mediterranean restaurant and bar from Sydney hospitality veteran’s Marco Ambrosino and Manny Spinola, overlooking famous Bondi Beach. Co-owner Ambrosino said “we’re excited to finally open the doors to Lola’s Level 1 in Bondi. Lola’s is all about fun and we’ve assembled one of the best restaurant teams in Sydney that will be able to deliver that. We want Lola’s to be approachable, a place where you can drop in for a drink and some oysters; a place for a dinner with the family; or a long lunch on the balcony overlooking Bondi. The menu is focused on the plancha grill, and we’ll also be serving beautiful oysters shucked at the bar. The bar program is also really special, with an interesting cocktail list, and a wine list that includes interesting producers from Italy, Spain, Portugal and Australia.”

Co-owner Manny Spinola said: “Marco and I have been friends for a long time and have always had a deep mutual respect for one another. We believe we have created something quite special with Lola’s Level 1, and look forward to working with the team and seeing diners in enjoying Chef Paula’s food, with a glass of something nice, watching the sun go down over Bondi.”

Lola’s Level 1 is open daily, noon to 10pm.

lolaslevel1.com @lolaslevel1

Hot & Saucy

Cult hot sauce brand, TRUFF, has unveiled a premium pasta sauce range in Australia. An evolution of their signature blend of delicate herbs, black truffle, and red chilli peppers, they have introduced Pomodoro and Arrabiata sauces. This is fine dining beautifully bottled and the perfect answer to the weeknight ‘what’s for dinner’ call that rings in households across the country every evening. truff.com @truff.au

APPLE ISLE PIES

The Apple Isle’s iconic pie company Tasmanian Bakeries is capturing the best of the state’s produce in four new mouth-watering National Pies products, Classic Beef & Pepper Pie, Chicken & Camembert Pie, Chunky Beef, Red Wine & Mushroom Pie, and a Jumbo Sausage Roll. The new range are baked daily in Hobart and packed with local ingredients and produce. The pies are shipped fresh not frozen. tasmanianbakeries.com.au

FRENCHIES

Reopening post Sydney lockdown, Frenchies Bistro and Brewery has brought a new menu to its offering. Thomas Cauquil, Head Chef and CoOwner, says ‘with our new menu we wanted to cater to all tastes and occasions at all times of the day, including customers who enjoy our more refined dishes at night through to larger groups who regularly pop by for a few beers and bar food in the afternoons, and people seeking a space to host their special events and celebrations.

‘Our principles and approach remain the same, all of our dishes will be made in house using the freshest local, seasonal ingredients, and they are designed to complement our growing range of beers and cocktails, as well as extensive wine offering. We can’t wait to welcome our customers, both the regulars and the new ones, back to Frenchies very soon!’ frenshiesbistroandbrewery.com.au @frenchiesbb

MARY MARY

Mary Mary, a new Cocktail bar and Spirits Library, has announced its opening at The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, on 9 December 2021. Mary Mary takes its name from the former St Mary’s Hospital built in 1841, embracing its historical roots with a pioneering spirit, dedicated to the appreciation of the fine beverages of Tasmania. marriott.com

UNCLE SU

New Cantonese restaurant, Uncle Su, is now open at The Star Gold Coast, marking the first in several new dining and entertainment destinations to welcome guests ahead of the inaugural hotel and apartments tower opening in early 2022. Inspired by the cultural heritage and authentic Chinese family traditions of Executive Chef Song Yao Su, Uncle Su will offer an impressive selection of classic Cantonese cuisine, created with local Australian ingredients and a coastal sensibility.

star.com.au/goldcoasts @thestargoldcoast

RADICAL IN HONG KONG

Contemporary Italian restaurant RADICAL CHIC draws upon the evolution of Italian fine dining over the past 10 years to present a new culinary experience fusing innovation, artistic finesse, and avant-garde gastronomy. Led by Chef Andrea Zamboni, Radical Chic entrances guests with avant-garde cuisine coupled with its sky-high location on the 101st floor of International Commerce Centre, West Kowloon. radicalchichk.com @RadicalChicHK

After a rocky start with the pandemic, Margo’s in Queenstown, celebrates its first year in business. Scrapping their architectural plans and delivered on just 15% of the original budget, owners Bert Haines and James Ace engaged friends, family and the community to help deliver a colourful, rustic, street-styled venue serving vibrant soul food with its roots in the flavours of Mexico. margos.co.nz @margos_qt

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