NO.801 DECEMBER 2023
SUMMER OPENINGS | RAKIJA | MURRAY COD CAVIAR | CUISINE-BENDING RESTAURANTS
CONTENTS // December
Contents DECEMBER 2023
6
Regulars 6 // IN FOCUS Chef Joel Bennetts on fronting Burger Park. 8 // NEWS The latest openings, books, events, and more. 10 // PRODUCE Tamarind provides a sweet and tangy kick to dishes. 12 // BEST PRACTICE Is your venue ready for 2024?
2 | Hospitality
20
14 // BAR CART Thirst quenchers, slow sippers, and all things beverage related. 16 // DRINKS Why rakija needs to be added to your back bar. 36 // EQUIPMENT Everything you need to know about sharpening stones. 38 // 5 MINUTES WITH … Erik Ortolani from Sydney’s Ito.
32
Features 20 // MURRAY COD ROE One of the world’s rarest caviars is an Australian innovation. 24 // SPRITZES Shake up your cocktail list with riffs on classic spritzes. 28 // SUMMER ROUND-UP Get the low-down on the venues opening this summer. 32 // FUSION Three restaurants on ditching labels and redefining the dining style.
serve with pride this Christmas
easy to whip returns excellent yields holds well after whipping
visit our website for Kirsten Tibballs’ no-bake choc berry cheesecake recipe
EDITOR’S NOTE // Hello
Social Keep up with the Hospitality team
HAPPY HOUR The $15 cheeseburger at Bistrot 916 goes down a treat. @_amynorthcott
A note from the editor
PLATE OF THE NIGHT Martinez knows how to put up a seriously memorable tagliatelle. @annabellecloros
WELCOME TO THE final edition of Hospitality
the feature on all the new additions to
for 2023. The warm weather is in full swing,
visit during the festive period. This issue,
spritzes are flowing, and it’s getting harder
we also cover rakija, Murray cod roe, and
and harder to snag a seat — all very good
restaurants that are combining different
things for the industry. As an observer, I
cuisines without any labels.
have to say the past year has been swell for
As always, thank you for your continued
operators. While cost-of-living pressures
support of Hospitality. While this is our last
have no doubt been a challenge for all,
print edition of the year, catch the latest via
diners have continued to go out, which has
our twice-weekly newsletters and
in turn fuelled the continued expansion of
@hospitalitymagazine. I hope you have a
establishments across the country.
stellar end of 2023 — see you next year!
The growth is poised to continue throughout the summer months, with many
Annabelle Cloros
venues swinging the doors open as we
Managing Editor
PUT A RECORD ON Busby’s wine and vinyl bar is now open in Oxford House. @hospitalitymagazine
Follow us
head into 2024 — make sure to check out
@hospitalitymagazine #hospitalitymagazine PUBLISHER Paul Wootton pwootton@intermedia.com.au MANAGING EDITOR Annabelle Cloros T: 02 8586 6226 acloros@intermedia.com.au DEPUTY EDITOR Amy Northcott anorthcott@intermedia.com.au
ADVERTISING NATIONAL Simon York T: 02 8586 6163 F: 02 9660 4419 syork@intermedia.com.au GROUP ART DIRECTOR – LIQUOR AND HOSPITALITY Kea Thorburn kthorburn@intermedia.com.au PRODUCTION MANAGER Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au
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DISCLAIMER This publication is published by Food and Beverage Media, a division of The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. Copyright © 2023 – The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd
4 | Hospitality
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IN FOCUS // Burger Park
Burger Park Bondi’s newest burger shop is fuelled by nostalgia and a new-wave pineapple ring. WORDS Annabelle Cloros CHEF JOEL BENNETTS teamed up with Fishbowl Co-Founders Nathan Dalah and Nic Pestalozzi in 2020 to launch the group’s
first restaurant: Fish Shop. The Bondi eatery would lead to spin-off venue Fsh Mkt, with Bennetts later deciding to move on and delve into the world of consulting. He released his first book (Food by
Joel Bennetts) and did a little travel, too, but it wasn’t long before the trio would come back together to develop a new concept centered around burgers.
Bennetts speaks to Hospitality about bringing Burger Park to life
and why there’s only four options on the menu.
Fish Shop is best known for its calamari with fermented chilli oil
and something else — a barramundi burger with slaw. The venue and sibling concept Fsh Mkt have slung their fair of burgers over the years. Whether it’s the OG, the tuna cheeseburger, or the swordfish sandwich — burgers have always been a hit.
Fish Shop recently celebrated its third anniversary, but the
group decided it was time to close Fsh Mkt back in August. It was a move that would lead to Joel Bennetts’ return to the Fishbowl world. “The boys said, ‘We really want you back in the business and we want to offer you a share’, so I am now a part-owner
and the culinary director of Fish Shop and Burger Park,” says the
chef. “The change in concept of Fsh Mkt to Burger Park was really interesting to me and I think the locals thought the two venues
[Fish Shop and Fsh Mkt] were too similar, so we decided to do a burger joint and give it a go ourselves.”
Burger Park is the group’s first foray out of seafood and focuses
on classic burger combinations — think chilli and chicken and beef with tomato, cheese, and onion — flavours that are both
familiar and nostalgic, which formed part of the creative brief for Bennetts. “I used to travel a lot down the South Coast and up the
North Coast of New South Wales as a kid and we would always go to petrol stations and get burgers with the lot,” he says. “It’s very 6 | Hospitality
“It’s easy to dominate a menu with so many options, and that’s why we thought it was a good idea to do add-ons.” – Joel Bennetts
IN FOCUS // Burger Park
Australiana … food from a Sunday barbecue where mum or dad would make a grilled chicken burger.”
There are just four options on Burger Park’s menu (five if you
count the iykyk smashed cheeseburger). “The classic beef burger
“I did a sweet and sour pickled pavlova with beautiful North Queensland pineapples,” he says. “A farmer pulled up in his
Land Cruiser and dumped 20kg of pineapples at the back of the restaurant, so I pickled them in coriander seeds.”
The chef has followed a similar thought train at Burger Park
has a grass-fed Angus patty, oak lettuce, tomato, Westmont pickles,
with the pineapple, dialling up the pickling liquid and thinly
but in burger form, so it has American mustard, white vinegar,
core part, so I wanted to maintain it — it’s the perfect fat cutter on
Australian cheddar, and a chunky burger sauce that is like tartar
onion powder, mayo, and cornichons and onions blended through for texture,” says Bennetts. “The smashed burger is doing well,
slicing the fruit — core and all. “I have always loved the crunchy a burger,” he says.
The buns are also worth a mention and are a collaboration
too, and so is the panko-crumbed chicken with fermented chilli
with Organic Bread Bar’s Andreas Rost. “It’s a fermented potato
made the cut in grilled form and of course, there’s a fish option
comes through when we put them on the grill,” says Bennetts. “We
mayo and shredded iceberg lettuce.” A second chicken burger has a la Fish Shop’s version which sees crumbed barramundi teamed with iceberg, tartar, and salsa verde.
There are also add-ons — a decision rooted in flexibility and
restraint. “I wanted to keep it light and leave heaps of room for
bun made with organic flours and the sweetness of the potato
worked on getting the right seed to bun ratio and when we cut
them in half every morning, they are so airy and light — they are
very different from the classic buns that look like a coin when you scrunch them up.”
A burger needs sides, and a lo-fi approach has been taken in
specials,” says Bennetts. And while burgers are commonplace in
this section of the menu as well. Fries are seasoned with table
rest which are mostly found in the add-on’s section. Beetroot and
too. “I think it’s easy to dominate a menu with so many options,
Sydney, it’s the small things that set Burger Park apart from the pineapple are polarising additions for some and essentials for others — but don’t expect any slices to come from a can.
XL beetroots are salt-baked and slow roasted in the oven before
slicing, with pineapples pickled in coriander seeds — a nod to a
dessert Bennetts made during a consulting gig in Rockhampton.
salt and there is a slaw with Green Goddess dressing on offer, and that’s why we thought it was a good idea to do add-ons,” says Bennetts. A highlight so far has come from a diner who
made their own version of surf and turf, adding crumbed chicken to the fish option. “You give people the joy of creating their own perfect burger.” ■
December 2023 | 7
NEWS // Entrée
Entrée
The latest openings, books, events, and more.
Kyiv Social opens in Sydney Plate It Forward has welcomed a new venue to its food for good portfolio in the form of Kyiv Social in Broadway. More than 15 newly arrived Ukrainians have been
EDITED BY Annabelle Cloros
employed by the group, who are plating up dishes developed by culinary experts Julian Cincotta, Nadiia Mohylna, and Travis Harvey as well as Executive Chef Vincent Dyevoich and Head Chef Borys Chernyk. Cabbage rolls are made daily, which join green sorrel borscht and plenty of pampushka on the menu. kyivsocial.com.au Photography by Kitti Gould
The toothpaste for chefs Tastebuds is revolutionising brushing for hospo workers.
Page-turner Vegan Chinese Food
The toothpaste is the brainchild of coffee professionals
Yang Liu
Tim Manning, Ben Grocott, and Jess Di Scipio who found
Hardie Grant Books; $45
cupping to be a challenge after brushing. The solution?
Author Yang Liu set out to create her own versions of classic Chinese
developing a product made without sodium lauryl
dishes that are completely plant-based in Vegan Chinese Food. The
sulphate, which is the ingredient that makes food and
book features 86 culinary creations from sauces and dumplings to
drink taste strange post-brushing. Now, culinary experts
noodles and desserts that are all made using traditional cooking
can brush without worrying about unbalanced dishes
methods — think Kung Pao king oyster mushrooms and Zhajiangmian
hitting the pass. tastebudstoothpaste.com
noodles. Recipes are accompanied by photography from Katharina Pinczolits as well as tips on how to nail each and every dish. Released 3 January 2024.
8 | Hospitality
NEWS // Entrée
Elevate your BBQ game Red Gum BBQ in the Mornington Peninsula is known for its Southernstyle meats, and now the restaurant has launched its own range of sauces and meat rubs. The collection is made from all-natural ingredients and includes spice mixes for beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Sauces range from Grandma Mildred’s spicy and sweet BBQ to the fiery Great Grandma Rosa’s Red. Available from select local retailers, in-store, or online. redgumbbq.com.au
Seven days of vermouth Melbourne institution Marion is celebrating summer in the best way — with vermouth. The wine bar is now open for lunch and is offering an extensive vermouth list alongside a dedicated snacks menu. Guests can sip on Saison’s Fallen Quinces or Ochota Barrels’ Botanicals and order octopus toast with spicy tomatoes or marinated chilled Diamond clams with chilli and parsley. marionwine.com.au
Brew time Campos Coffee has collaborated with local illustrator and graphic designer Annie Walter for its festive blend packaging. Walter was inspired by native flora and fauna across Australia as well as Campos’ signature green colour. The limited-edition Festive Superior blend features beans sourced from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Colombia and has notes of sweet caramel, butterscotch, and milk chocolate. Available at flagship stores in Sydney and Melbourne. Beans priced from $15.95. camposcoffee.com
Aaron Ward joins Bathers’ Pavilion Sydney restaurant Bathers’ Pavilion has snagged top culinary talent Aaron Ward as its new executive chef. Ward joins after time at Shell House and has designed a menu based on produce sourced from local producers, farmers, and fishermen. The chef says he is keen to break down the barrier between the kitchen and guests, with select dishes to be finished off tableside by the team. batherspavilion.com.au December 2023 | 9
PRODUCE // Tamarind
Tamarind trees feature in a Buddhist parable as Natural
a symbol of faithfulness
tenderiser due to its
and forbearance Originated in Asia
tartaric acid content
Commonly used as a base
and tropical Africa
ingredient in Indian and Southeast Asian curries
Trees can grow up to 25m in height
Pods contain 12 seeds Has a sweet—sour,
and a thick pulp
Combined with lime, honey,
Can be used in unripened
milk, and spices in traditional
tangy flavour profile
or ripened form
South Asian medicines
Tamarind
The secret ingredient in Worcestershire sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick to dishes. WORDS Amy Northcott
Origins
tropical and subtropical regions and should
Flavour and culinary uses
Tamarind is part of the pea and legume family
be exposed to dry weather when young
Tamarind pulp has a sweet—sour flavour and
Fabaceae and is known by the scientific
to build tolerance against frosts and cool
can be used ripe or unripe. Unripe, the pulp is
name Tamarindus indica. The tamarind tree
temperatures.
very tart and needs to be cooked or pickled
is native to tropical Africa and Asia, but is
Tamarind trees can be grown via grafting
before being consumed. It’s often used in
cultivated across India, Central America,
or seeds which need to be soaked for a few
chutneys, stews, curries, soups, or sweets
Mexico, and the Caribbean.
days before being planted in free-draining soil.
where it gives an acidic kick.
It is said tamarind trees were introduced to Australia via Makassar traders in the
Germination takes one to two weeks in a warm, sunny environment with regular watering.
As tamarind ripens, its sourness reduces and is akin to a combination of date, lemon,
early 18th century and there are now several
Tamarind trees grow up to 25 metres in
and apricot. Ripened tamarind is sold as a
native species grown across sub-tropical
height and have wide-spanning branches
paste, concentrate, extract, and powder. It is
regions on Australia’s east coast including the
that fall towards the ground in a curved
also available in whole pod form.
large-leaved tamarind (Diploglottis australis)
shape. Trees have dense, evergreen, feather-
and small-leaved tamarind (Diploglottis
like leaves that are about 5cm or less in
pad Thai where it is combined with fish sauce,
campbellii), however they are not related to
length and red and yellow flowers that form in
sugar, and vinegar. It’s also a core ingredient
the African and Asian species.
small clusters.
of Worcestershire sauce and is a natural meat
Growth and harvest
and grow up to 15cm in length and 2.5cm in
core ingredient in curries and other spicy dishes,
Trees are very resilient and can withstand
width. Each pod contains up to 12 tamarind
and is famously used in the Mexican dessert
drought and wind-borne salt found in areas
seeds that are coated in a soft, brown pulp
mangonada, which features straw-shaped
located near coastlines. The trees thrive in
which darkens as it ripens.
tamarind garnishes called tarugos. ■
Brown tamarind pods are pea-like in shape
10 | Hospitality
One of its most common applications is in
tenderiser thanks to tartaric acid. Tamarind is a
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BEST PRACTICE // 2024 ready
Make next year A GOOD ONE Tips to use the holiday season as a runway for a strong new year. WORDS Ken Burgin IT’S EASY TO slump on December 26. So
Collect customer data
and new year to summer relaxation and
much has happened and sales were great,
Simple competitions are a great way to do
remember to run a combination of photos
so can we just put our feet up for a few
this, especially ‘win on the day’ prizes or
from customers and staff along with
weeks? It sounds like the ’80s when many
raffles where people can see it’s for real. Is
pictures of food. Let’s make the new year
places closed in January — you wish! The
it worth giving a staff bonus on the numbers
a time for more ‘real’ social media via the
new mindset has to be around 12 months
they collect? There are good QR code
chefs, baristas, and bar people who love
of continual planning, not the on-and-off
raffle systems so people can enter from
their product and have a camera in their
pattern that creates inconsistency.
their phones
pocket — your talent pool is waiting.
events aren’t forgotten until the last minute,
Go hard on gift card promotion
Gather feedback for planning
and you coordinate with seasonal activities
They’re great for presents, which can lead
After the holiday season, use socials or
such as school holidays and tourism. Use a
to repeat business when recipients use
email to ask people who dined with you
shareable online planner such as Google
them in the new year. A digital platform
during November and December about
Calendar, and add all the dates you know
for these is essential; this way, you gather
what worked well and what they’d like
(Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day). You’ll soon
more customer information such as family
more of. Getting survey responses online
see there are a lot of gaps. Sites such as
structure and who the big spenders are.
without a small incentive is hard but
daysoftheyear.com have plenty of ideas for
Many people love gift cards because
spending $200 on this could give you
events or menu promotions.
they’re often stuck for gift ideas.
highly useful results.
single month, and work on a three-month
Run promotions for the new year
Roll out customer systems
lead time for each occasion. Three months
The well-known red envelope always
Updated QR code ordering, a new waitlist
prior, decide on the target audience,
resonates where Christmas customers
app to handle queues, online bookings
promotional concept, and budget. Two
are given a sealed envelope with a bonus
with better confirmation and reminders,
months prior, finalise the logistics, menus,
voucher inside that they can redeem after a
and even a new kitchen display system
staffing, design, and announce on socials.
certain date next year. If it’s opened before
to help the cooks manage bottlenecks.
One month before, roll out social media
redemption, it’s invalid. Visitors are sure to
January customers are a little more
campaigns, newsletters, advertising, and
spend much more for every $10 voucher you
forgiving and relaxed with new systems,
press releases. And don’t forget to create a
give out.
and there’s usually a genuine interest in
Start with a 12-month calendar — this way,
Plan something distinctive for every
unique hashtag to encourage sharing.
the ‘back of house’ operations — share
Schedule social media posts
some details and screenshots on your
come back to the Christmas rush to gather
Keep your social profiles active throughout
socials. ■
more opportunities for next year.
the holidays. Switch from Christmas
That’s the big-picture plan, now let’s
12 | Hospitality
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NEWS // Drinks
Bar cart
Thirst quenchers, slow sippers, and all things beverage related. EDITED BY Annabelle Cloros
Flying high Single O has ventured into the RTD game with an iced latte —
Flower power The Cabinet of Curiosities collection from Hendrick’s Gin has a new addition — Flora Adora. The house’s signature combination of cucumber and rose has been distilled with a fresh floral bouquet by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie on the
and there are just 8,000 cans up for grabs. Pilot is made with one shot of coffee combined with oat milk, and has notes of ripe berries and chocolate. Iced latte sales have doubled at Single O locations in Sydney and in Tokyo, with the brand creating Pilot in response to customer demand. Each can is printed with a QR code inviting drinkers to fill out a survey and give feedback on the product. Available in packs of four or 16. singleo.com.au
Ayrshire coast in Scotland. The seasonal release is best served with tonic and a slice of cucumber or in a Wildgarden Cup, a cocktail of gin, mint, raspberries, cucumber, and a lemon soda topper. $86 from liquor retailers. hendricksgin.com
Seasoned drinking Australian producer Olsson’s is elevating the cocktail game with a new range. There are two cocktail salt flake blends available: citrus and chilli. The Native Citrus salt is made with pink plum powder and lemon myrtle, while Smokin’ Chilli combines red gum salt flakes with chilli. It marks the family-owned company’s first foray into beverages, with the two products adding a new dimension to drinks. The salts are priced at $15 and are available from select retailers and online. olssons.com.au
One of a kind
Time to celebrate
It’s just not Christmas without a panettone (or
Japanese whisky leaders The House of Suntory
two), and now the festivities are even more
is celebrating 100 years of distilling with Hibiki
widespread thanks to Zonzo. The producer
21-Year-Old and Hibiki Japanese Harmony. The
has created a gin based on the Italian sweet
Harmony bottle is one for the collectors and
bread, with the spirit featuring aromas of
features a design that depicts the changing
orange, vanilla, and hazelnut and notes of
seasons of Japan. The dram has aromas of honey,
juniper, raisins, and spices. It’s a rich, luxurious,
candied orange peel, and white chocolate with
sweeter-style gin best served over ice for
a hint of Mizunara. The whisky sits at 43 per cent
maximum enjoyment. $68. zonzo.com.au
ABV and is priced at $460. beamsuntory.com
14 | Hospitality
For all your culinary creations
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DRINKS // Rakija 16 | Hospitality
DRINKS // Rakija
Rakija Shake up your cocktail offering with the Balkan fruit spirit. WORDS Amy Northcott ITALY HAS GRAPPA, Poland has vodka, but
their baba (grandmother). The Classic and Gold
a high-ABV, double-distilled fruit spirit crafted
Shiraz grapes which are double distilled in a
what about the Balkans? The answer is rakija, from grapes, plums, apricots, or apples. Like
most traditional liquors, many families make
their own versions, which has seen generational recipes preserved over the years.
Here in Australia, the commercial rakija scene
is a small one indeed, with only a handful of
producers making the spirit across the country. Sydney’s DNA Distillery, run by cousin duo
Monique Sutevski and James Projcevski, is one of them. The pair speak to Hospitality about
rakija and challenging bartenders to use the spirit to bring a new edge to drinks.
First-generation Macedonian–Australian cousins Monique Sutevski and James Projcevski have
long been familiar with rakija. It’s been the goto drink for their family, with five generations making the spirit so far. “To us, it’s the drink
of moments,” says Projcevski. “You drink it at
christenings, weddings, and funerals. It’s a staple of family life.”
In 2020, after graduating with a law degree,
Sutevski decided she wanted to try her hand at
rakijas are both crafted from organic Australian custom-made still imported from Poland. The
first distillation turns the fruit into a spirit, with
usually made
makes
highest potential. While that’s the end of the
from grapes,
Classic,
process for the Classic, the Gold undergoes an
plums, or
Gold,
infusion process using a secret family recipe
apricots
and Pear
Australian
The liquor can
Shiraz
easily replace
grapes are
vodka, gin,
the base of
and other
blend. The Pear rakija follows the same process
as the Classic but is made with Australian-grown organic pears instead.
When it comes to flavour profile, Sutevski and
Projcevski say they try to draw comparisons to
other spirits so unfamiliar consumers can get a
better idea of what rakija is. The Classic sits on the lighter and fresher end of the flavour scale and is comparable to tequila or gin minus the
juniper. “The Classic has a subtle floral character
Projcevski’s family recipes. The Classic is an
ode to the duo’s dedo (grandfather) and his own formula, while the Pear is in honour of
cocktails
“Our Gold rakija is much more like whisky,
bourbon, or rum and has a more complex taste. It’s a more structured and concentrated palate and has a vanilla, nutty flavour to it.”
meant the pair had to educate the industry
DNA now produces three rakija products —
spirits in
recipe
Whereas the Gold is more comparable to whisky.
Sydney’s first rakija brand in December 2021,
Classic, Gold, and Pear — using Sutevski and
the distillery’s
with a classical, fruity aroma,” says Sutevski.
When DNA launched, the distillery was one of
calling it DNA Distillery.
DNA Distillery
the second ensuring it has been distilled to its
making rakija according to the family’s recipe.
Projcevski was on board and the pair launched
Rakija is
just two rakija producers in Australia, which
and the wider drinking public on the spirit and how to use it. “It’s a lot of fun marketing rakija because you get to take people on a journey
and the Australian consumer is someone who is happy to try new things,” says Projcevski.
“We also get to see bartenders have fun with it. December 2023 | 17
DRINKS // Rakija We love seeing them play around with the spirit and making things that we never thought were possible.”
For Sutevski and Projcevski, rakija is always drunk neat —
but it’s not the only application they suggest. “We have been introduced to rakija by our family and they normally sip it
straight,” explains Projcevski. “But we also want to see how
everyone else drinks it and open our eyes to new ways. It’s a journey for us seeing how it evolves.”
The duo is keen for bartenders to try their hand at making
cocktails with rakija. But where to start? “If it’s a clear spirit that
goes into a cocktail, substitute the spirit for our classic rakija, or if it’s a gold spirit, go for our Gold,” says Projcevski.
One of the easiest combinations is combing rakija with soda
and lime in replacement of gin or vodka. “It’s really interesting
when you substitute it [rakija] for other spirits because the floral fragrance of the rakija and the Shiraz come through as a whole,” says Sutevski. Cocktail-wise, the options are endless — think a
Macedonian mule or a sour with the Gold rakija or an espresso
martini with the Classic. “We love to see the experiments people
make with it,” says Projcevski. “We want to work with bartenders and venues to help them come up with some amazing cocktails and show something different to their patrons.”
Sutevski and Projcevski believe rakija could be a gamechanger
in the industry. “In the same way gin and tequila had a
renaissance, we feel like rakija could be that next spirit,” says
Projcevski. “We really feel like once the education is there, we will have something everyone loves to drink.” ■ 18 | Hospitality
“In the same way gin and tequila had a renaissance, we feel like rakija could be that next spirit.” – James Projcevski
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FEATURE // Murray cod roe
The roe One of the rarest caviars in the world comes from our own backyard. WORDS Annabelle Cloros
20 | Hospitality
FEATURE // Murray cod roe
THE FIN-TO-TAIL MOVEMENT has seen many innovations — ice cream made
from fish eyes, hand rolls packed with tuna scrapings, and collars deep-fried
and covered in seasoning. Believe it or
not, caviar is one of the original seafood byproducts, selling for around $1 per pound in the 19th century before it became a sought-after commodity.
Eggs from sturgeon, salmon, trout,
and scampi are used across the globe by chefs, and now there’s a new addition
to the caviar family from our very own Murray cod.
Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod’s Ross
Anderson and Simon Johnson’s Lisa
Downs reveal how the product came to
life, the retrieval and curing process, and
how Murray cod caviar is one of the most unique products in the world today.
Trade shows are incubators for ideas, and
there’s no better hub to talk fish than at the Seafood Expo in Boston. It’s where caviar ambassador Lisa Downs met with reps
from Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod and a question was posed. “They said, ‘I wonder what it would be like to try the caviar?’”
says Aquna Chairman Ross Anderson. “It
was something I had thought about a few
the development of Murray cod caviar
selling fish we didn’t focus on it.” Aquna
industry’s go-to caviar figures and has an
years beforehand, but we were so busy
moved close to 500,000 tonnes of cod last year, to give you an idea of the demand. “Lisa saw Josh Niland had made some
[caviar] and it gave her the idea to have a
crack, so they developed it from there and she put the time and effort into it.”
Aquna has eight sites in the Riverina
region of New South Wales (plus contract
farms) where fish are hatched, reared, and processed. The cod are grown in native
river water from the Murray-Darling basin
a close-to sure bet. Downs is one of the
unrivalled knowledge when it comes to the product, having worked on farms across the globe alongside top-tier producers.
She identified an opportunity to develop a unique caviar from a part of the fish that
was once discarded. “They used to throw
the egg sacs away, and now we have made
a beautiful product from a byproduct,” she says. “We have added more value to the
female fish and it’s uniquely Australian.” The egg retrieval process takes place
and are both a localised and exclusive
during spawning season, which occurs from
commercial sale in Australia. “When we
the farming process. “We have three stages
product as there is no wild catch of cod for started a decade ago with 20–30 tonnes of
fish, people never thought we would sell it all,” says Anderson. “We have millions of fish in the water now, but the demand is always five to six times the supply.”
There’s no doubt popularity and consumer
awareness go a long way when it comes to launching spin-off products, which made
“They used to throw the egg sacs away, and now we have made a beautiful product from a byproduct.” – Lisa Downs
September until October each year. But first, of production where we start with larvae and hatching and then they go to juvenile and
then to grow out,” says Anderson. “Once the fish are in the grow-out area, it’s a matter of identifying larger female fish with the
capacity to spawn a year or so later. The fish
are sorted and then we put the larger females away for an extra year and harvest the roe when spawning season comes around.”
December 2023 | 21
FEATURE // Murray cod roe Downs flew to Griffith to demonstrate how
to remove the eggs from the sacs at Aquna’s
processing plant and now once the eggs have
been extracted on-site, they are snap-frozen and sent to Simon Johnson in Sydney’s Alexandria, where Downs and the team get to work. “We defrost the eggs and add 6 per cent Murray
River salt which is a nice synergistic thing,”
she says. “Once we mix in the salt, there is no
other interference. We don’t need to mature it in a mother tin like sturgeon caviar — we just
need the salt to penetrate the membrane a little bit. We pack them into 50g tins from the curing
mix, take all the air out, and let the salt interact with the membrane for about a week and then it’s ready.”
While the maturing process is comparable to
sturgeon caviar, the time required is vastly different
with a mound of crème fraîche, it’s best used as
are much lower than sturgeon eggs, which means
would sturgeon caviar,” says Downs. “The intent
— as is the mouthfeel. The fat levels in cod eggs
the salt only needs to interact with the membrane rather than penetrate it. The eggs also undergo
a colour transformation during curing, changing
a garnish. “You don’t eat a spoon of it like you for this product is to add texture and a briny,
Tins have
Should
Quay’s Peter Gilmore has been using it in
a 10-week
be stored between
smoked eel cream and sea cucumber crackling.
crunchy pop.”
from white to transparent Champagne once they
a dish of raw Abrolhos Island scallops with
shelf life before
-4–5 degrees
one week is a big plus for customers, as the roe is
“I like the fresh saltiness of it, and the crunch,”
opening
Celsius
interact with the salt. A short curing time of just
packed and distributed on a weekly basis by Simon Johnson. “We have fresh roe all the time which is the ideal scenario,” says Downs. “Quay has been buying 30 tins a week and the uptake has been
says Anderson. “Some chefs pair it with
carpaccio or run it through pasta which comes out beautifully.”
Murray cod caviar has already been attracting
really amazing.”
interest, with enquiries coming in locally and
The world caviar has certain connotations — the
also more accessible, and retails for $72.95.
words salty, rich, expensive, and buttery likely spring to mind. But cod caviar has a unique
flavour profile of freshwater notes and is best consumed in a different manner to sturgeon
caviar. While you can certainly enjoy it on a blini 22 | Hospitality
from restaurants overseas, too. The product is “I think it’s fairly priced with to enter the
marketplace,” says Anderson. “It is the rarest
caviar in the world we know of, and it comes from a unique Australian provenance with a unique Australian story.” ■
Roe size
Cured with
varies from
Murray River
2–2.5mm
salt
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FEATURE // Spritzes
Summer
of spritz The next generation of spritzes have arrived. WORDS Amy Northcott PHOTOGRAPHY Nikki To for Odd Culture; Earl Carter and Griffin Simm for Her Bar
24 | Hospitality
FEATURE // Spritzes
“The spritz is a proven winning formula.” – Jordan Blackman
WHEN YOU THINK of a spritz, Aperol is likely one of the first variations to come to mind. The Italian cocktail has long
tepache to olive shio koji and coffee shoyu using spent grounds.”
The tepache Blackman mentions is
additions of tequila alongside fresh lime and agave for balance,” says Blackman.
The beverage manager says the spritz
been a hit with Australian drinkers for its
the core ingredient in Odd Culture’s
is an approachable entry point for
and fruity Prosecco — especially during the
Mexico, tepache is essentially a fermented
great way to introduce people to the
combination of refreshing citrus liqueur
summer months. There’s no doubt Aperol kickstarted the spritz wave, but there are plenty of other versions of the format.
To find out which spritzes are ready
to have their time in the sun, Hospitality speaks with Odd Culture’s Jordan
Blackman, Her Bar’s Tom Younger, and Fú Cocktail and Wine Bar’s Geoffrey Hunt.
Tepache spritz Sydney’s Odd Culture is known for its obsession with all things fermented,
so naturally, the venue’s drinks are a showcase of fermentation from wild ales and natural wines to cocktails.
“Fermentation is the perfect way to add
house spritz cocktail. “Originating from
pineapple soda or ‘pineapple beer’ that’s
seasoned, spiced, and brewed over a few days,” he says. “Quite low in alcohol, it’s ultimately refreshing and particularly appealing in warmer weather.”
To make tepache, pineapple (with its
skin on) is fermented with a combination
of sugar, salt, cinnamon quills, cloves, and water. “The key to a healthy ferment is
attracting good bacteria and staving off the
before,” he says. The Tepache also works well as an alternate option when the
tequila is omitted, and is comparable to
a pineapple soda. “It’s refreshing and fun while still displaying levels of depth and complexity achieved through what is a very simple ferment.”
The Tepache spritz has been a popular
says Blackman. “It is also crucial the
has added it to the menu, too. “[It’s been]
properly sanitised as well as your hands,” percentage of salt to total weight of the batched ferment is 2 per cent.”
Once the tepache is ready, the bar team
“Our menu is inspired by it and there
wine glass filled with ice. “Our drink utilises
ingredients, everything from homemade
package as most people have had a spritz
choice on Odd Culture Newtown’s cocktail
combines tequila (Olmeca Altos Plata, in
is a focus on in-house ferments and
concept of fermentation in a familiar
bad by ensuring the ferment container is
layers of complexity and depth to drinks,”
says Beverage Manager Jordan Blackman.
fermented beverages for guests. “It’s a
this case), agave syrup, and lime juice in a a homemade tepache as the base for the
spritz rather than Prosecco or soda with the
list, so much so, the Melbourne location
extremely popular. Being both a spritz and
an agave-based cocktail, it has serious appeal with our guests,” says Blackman. “The drink has been on our list since day one and
doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. It’s the big ticket coming into summer.”
When it comes to spritzes in general,
Blackman believes they work well on a
December 2023 | 25
FEATURE // Spritzes cocktail list as a versatile yet approachable option for guests. “The spritz is
a proven winning formula. It’s easily one of the most universally recognised cocktails, is particularly malleable, and can be as simple or complex as one might like,” he says. “It can function as an aperitif before dinner or the drink of choice over an entire afternoon.”
Hugo spritz Italian bartender Roland Gruber has been attributed as the creator of the Hugo spritz. Funnily enough, it was born from a desire to create a variation on a spritz instead of the go-to Aperol or Veneziano. The
Hugo was first made in the early 2000s, and has finally resonated with
Australian drinkers for the same reason it was created. “The Hugo spritz
definitely seems to be having a (well-deserved) moment,” says Owner and Operator of Adelaide’s Fú Cocktail and Wine Bar Geoffrey Hunt. “Going
into what looks like a long, hot, dry summer, there’s nothing better than a refreshing spritz.”
At Fú, Hunt and the team stick to the classic recipe for the Hugo minus
the mint element. “Typically, you’d add the mint directly to the glass,
but it can be a bit messy, so we muddle it separately first,” he says. Hunt
“Going into what looks like a long, hot, dry summer, there’s nothing better than a refreshing spritz.” – Geoffrey Hunt
combines elderflower liqueur (his brand of choice is Massenez but admits
St-Germain is the original) and the mint in a cocktail shaker and muddles it lightly to release the aromatics. It’s then strained into a wine glass with ice and topped with Prosecco and soda. The bar team finish the drink with a garnish of edible flowers. “The way the floral prettiness of the
elderflower liqueur plays with the summery herbal aromatics of the mint is just undeniably appealing,” says Hunt.
Since putting it on the menu, the drink has been a popular order for
guests not only for its taste but the price point. “It’s easy and quick and
relatively inexpensive — so many cocktails are prohibitively priced for a
lot of consumers these days,” says Hunt. “To be able to get a phenomenal drink and not feel guilty about ordering more than one makes for a tempting proposition.”
Spritzes play an important role on a cocktail menu to provide a
refreshing, approachable, cheaper, and most importantly lower-alcohol option for guests. “For too long, consumers who chose not to drink a
lot have been left with sub-par options,” says Hunt. “Having delicious
no- and low-alcohol options (spritzes almost always fall into the low side of the spectrum) allows bartenders to cater to those who choose to be circumspect in their drinking.”
26 | Hospitality
FEATURE // Spritzes
Sbagliato spritz
Younger has crafted a dedicated spritz menu
Her Bar Cocktail Curator Tom Younger has
at Her Bar, with the Sbagliato described as
Melbourne venue’s offering, which he describes
options on the list. “With a natural fruitiness
recently added a Sbagliato spritz to the
as “the spritz of the moment”. The cocktail is
inspired by the Negroni Sbagliato which translates to ‘broken’ Negroni where the gin is replaced with Prosecco. The Sbagliato spritz consists of Imperial Distilling’s Ruby Bitter (akin to Amaro), Oscar
697 sweet vermouth, and Prosecco. “All in all, it’s
the perfect combination of sweet, bitter, and fizz,” explains Younger. “The aperitif has punch from
the Ruby Bitter with its grapefruit and rhubarb,
more of an aperitivo compared to the other from the aperitif and vermouth, plus the
brightness from the acidity of the Prosecco,
it’s more bitter and savoury than some of the others on the list,” says the bartender. “It’s
been really well received. Our bartenders tend to have some fun introducing it to guests
“Spritzes are a perfect drink that can easily be
To make the spritz, Ruby Bitter, Oscar 697,
combined in a wine glass with ice and finished
with a slice of fresh orange. “I like the rhubarb tones that come through both the aperitif and
an important part of any cocktail program.
enjoyed at any time of day or night — more often in summer, but at any time of year
really,” he says. “They’re accessible, easy to
incorporate a range of flavours into, and suit
spritz section
pineapple
of the menu
The Hugo
The
spritz was
Sbagliato
invented as
spritz is
an alternative
based off
to an Aperol
the Negroni
spritz
Sbagliato
It’s safe to say the love affair between the
drinking public and the spritz is enduring, but
so they’re similar but not too similar, so they pair
are plenty of ways to keep your options fresh
really well together.”
made from
every palate. Bring on spritz season!”
the vermouth,” says Younger. “Each have their
own unique expression of the same ingredient,
dedicated
Similarly to Blackman, Younger agrees
a sweet vermouth that also contains rhubarb but
and Prosecco (Younger suggests a drier style) are
has a
beverage
or third.”
the versatile format of spritzes make them
in a much sweeter, fruity style.”
Her Bar
and more often than not they order a second
and a sharp, bitter undertone from the gentian
and ginseng. It is balanced with the Oscar 697 —
Tepache is a fermented
as these drinks specialists have shared, there and unique. ■
December 2023 | 27
FEATURE // Summer openings
Heating up The year might be winding down — but restaurants aren’t.
Nico The North Shore is having a glow up of sorts, with operators heading over the bridge to cater to the suburbs. Nico is located in Cammeray and is run by Chef Nico Ronconi and business partner Ewa Witkowska.
WORDS Annabelle Cloros
Ronconi is no stranger to the fine-dining game, having worked at The Fat Duck in London and Michelin-starred eateries in Italy before
THE HOLIDAY SEASON is the busiest time of the year for
coming to Australia. With 20 years’ experience cooking on his CV, the
back and dialling down their work hours, some restaurants
it was the right time to show Sydney my philosophy of hospitality and
and now. Here, Hospitality rounds up the latest openings
same time feel like they are on a holiday,” he says.
the industry. And while most are looking forward to kicking
chef was more than ready to spearhead his own concept. “I thought
have chosen to do the opposite by making their debut here
open a place where we can make people feel at home but at the
in Sydney.
The concept of Nico is anchored by Italian cuisine with influences drawn from the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Puglia, Venice, and Lake Garda. Cicchetti is a must to start along with the kingfish crudo with
Easy Tiger
Aperol and black olives. Cacio e pepe with mussels is another dish
House Made Hospitality has opened two venues
fast resonating with diners. As for dessert? Ronconi has put his own
back-to-back — Martinez in the CBD and Easy Tiger
spin on a classic tiramisu which is made with lemons, a combination
in Bondi, a South-East Asian concept that marks
he first experimented with back home in Italy. “I had people drive
the group’s first foray into casual dining. Head Chef
miles just to have this one dish,” he says. “I’ve spent years making
Andrianto Wirya is running the kitchen after time at
adjustments to find the perfect combination of flavours.”
Merivale’s Queen Chow and Mr Wong and has put
Photography by Kera Wong
together a menu that’s wide-ranging in influence from his own Indonesian heritage to dishes from Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. “While you might recognise many of these dishes, we’re putting fun spins on them you might not see elsewhere,” says Wirya. “Our aim was to create a menu that’s affordable and exciting enough to make you want to come back for more.” Exciting is a good word for the menu — there is plenty to choose from. Larb has been reworked with twice-fried corn kernels, beef rendang is served in a pie format, and babi guling is covered in sambal matah and sandwiched by a bao. There’s also a Hainan chicken clay pot and the essential beef dish Crying Tiger which sees the protein cooked over fire. The drinks list is extensive, with beers sourced locally and from Asia and cocktails based on ingredients including tamarind, kaya, and coconut cream. Photography by Leigh Griffiths
28 | Hospitality
FEATURE // Summer openings
Busby’s Four hospitality experts have come together to launch Busby’s in Paddington’s Oxford House. Run by Public, the group’s Creative Culinary Director Clayton Wells is behind the food offering which is made up of all the plates you want to eat while drinking — think Sydney Rock oysters with blackberry vinegar; chicken liver parfait; and tuna crudo with grilled watermelon. Consultant Ed Loveday is in on the project, too, with go-to drinks figure Mike Bennie sourcing lo-fi wines from near and afar. For cocktails, Maybe Sammy’s Paolo Maffietti has chosen to focus on grapebased liquors. “Created aperitivo style and crafted in three to four steps, the cocktail list at Busby’s reflects our minimalist and no-nonsense approach,” says the bar whiz. “As a natural wine bar, we focus on flavour and origin of ingredients, and our cocktails embody Busby’s cool, laidback feel.” The venue will host five-hour artist residencies each Thursday, DJs on Fridays, and spin vinyls from start to finish on Saturdays. Photography by Parker Blain
Chez Blue 2023 has been the year of the French bistro, so here’s one more to add to the roster. Solotel has recruited former Bistro Moncur chef Mark Williamson to run the kitchen of Chez Blue on Rozelle’s Darling Street. The restaurant space has been split into a cocktail bar and a dining room with leather banquette seating, artwork sourced from France, mosaic tiling, and textured walls. “We want Chez Blue to be a place where people feel like they can pop in for all occasions from casual midweek dinners through to special family and friend meals,” says Solotel CEO Elliot Solomon. Williamson has put together a menu very much rooted in a classic approach, with most dishes designed for one. Expect tuna tartare with egg, green Tabasco, and crispy potato galette and steak frites with Bearnaise, with a few shared options also on offer. “There’s something lovely about sharing a dish with the table so we’ve also included a whole deboned pan-fried snapper served with clams steamed in lemon vinaigrette with samphire and herbs,” says the chef. “There’s also a one-kilogram New South Wales grass-fed ribeye that’s grilled to hero the incredible produce.” Master of Wine and Head of Beverage Annette Lacey has filled the wine list with mostly French drops, while cocktails are of the modern–classic variety. Photography by Steven Woodburn
December 2023 | 29
FEATURE // Summer openings
Penelope’s Cuong Nguyen of Hello Auntie and Hey Chu has announced his latest restaurant Penelope’s. Located in Quay Tower, Penelope’s is serving food inspired by Sydney, rather than a particular cuisine. “Our aim is to challenge stereotypes and defy preconceived notions of what ‘Australian cuisine’ should be — we thrive on diversity and various culinary influences from around the world,” says Nguyen. Nguyen is running the kitchen as executive chef, with Head Chef Bremmy Setiyoko given free reign with the menu. The culinary talent has put together dishes including chicken marinated with coriander seeds and turmeric that’s slowroasted and served with toum and a turmeric and lemongrass sambal. “Cuong has given me a lot of freedom to explore and create at Penelope’s, so I can cook [dishes] I’m really passionate about,” he says. Cocktails showcase Indigenous Australian ingredients, with the Jiminy Cricket combining whisky with peppermint gum, chocolate, corn, and koji and an Old Fashioned teaming aged rum with macadamia, wattleseed, and Vegemite caramel. Photography by Chad Konik
King Clarence The chef who spearheaded Sunda and Aru in Melbourne has officially moved to Sydney to front The Bentley Group’s latest restaurant. Khanh Nguyen announced he had exited The Windsor Group back in July, and said he was “eager to script the unwritten pages that lie ahead”. Now, his next move has been confirmed, with Nguyen appointed executive chef of King Clarence, which is slated to open its doors in the CBD on 1 December. It’s a full-circle moment for the chef, who worked for the group seven years ago. “Throughout my career I’ve always looked up to Brent [Savage] and Nick [Hildebrandt] as role models,” he says. “We built a great relationship when I was working with them and have stayed in touch. They’ve both been amazing mentors for me and I’m so excited to work alongside them once again at King Clarence.” The restaurant serves cuisine described as ‘contemporary Asian’, with Nguyen working alongside Savage to put the menu together. The kitchen is equipped with a custom BBQ and grill, and the venue also has its own live seafood tank. On the beverage front, Polly Mackeral has moved from Cirrus to take on the head sommelier role after a big year, which saw the team secure the Judy Hirst Award for Australia’s Wine List of the Year. ■ 30 | Hospitality
FEATURE // Fusion
Fusion Three chefs on redefining the ‘F word’.
THERE’S NO DOUBT fusion cuisine has come a
Italian household in the ’60s growing prickly
all trends, fusion peaked and fell in popularity,
shopping at an Asian market — that kind of
WORDS Amy Northcott PHOTOGRAPHY Declan Blackall for Nikkei Bar
with arguably more down time as the dish
long way from nacho pizzas and sushi tacos. Like
combinations became more extravagant and
mixing,” says Kelly.
The term suburban came from a state of
harder to understand.
confusion within the team and their experiences
from both the industry and the dining public,
and to have family from other cultures is to
Fusion cuisine generates mixed reactions
but restaurants combining multiple culinary
influences are beginning to reappear once again. Hospitality speaks with Baba’s Place, Nikkei Bar,
and Oborozuki about redefining the ‘F word’ and ushering in a new chapter for the dining style;
one that’s fresh, and most importantly, respectful of the origins it draws from.
Nestled in an industrial garage in Sydney’s
Marrickville, Baba’s Place is a food-led celebration of the meals enjoyed in suburban communities. The inspiration is personal for Co-Owners
Alexander Kelly, Jean-Paul El Tom, and James Bellos with the menu taking cues from their Lebanese, Macedonian, and Greek roots.
While the culinary offering came easy for
the trio, defining Baba’s was another story.
of immigrant communities. “To live in Sydney be somewhat confused,” says Kelly. “We try to
play with that and be a bit more generative and creative in the question of, ‘Who are we?’” Kelly admits that while they’ve gone with the label of
suburban for now, it is an ever-changing concept for the team. “I think we call it suburban more
as a metaphor for the fact that suburbs change; gentrification, money, migration, all that stuff,” he says. “It’s playfully confusing, too because suburban, like what suburbs?” he laughs. “It frustrates everyone just as much as we want
to figure it out.” On the flip side, the sense of ambiguity that comes with the tag grants the Baba’s Place team creative freedom with the
menu as the kitchen isn’t limited or expected to follow certain rules of cuisines.
Intertwining different cultural backgrounds,
As much as the suburban theme, the Baba’s
suburban. “The untold story is what goes on and
taramasalata toast: “It spoke to this domestic
dishes, and experiences led them to calling it
what went on in those backyards — imagine an 32 | Hospitality
pears, but then going down to Hurstville and
Place menu is also led by experience. Take the setting of having leftover dip your grandparents
but maybe it’s coming back? I don’t know.” – Alexander Kelly made and putting it on some bread — it’s
going on when [it comes to] fusion,” he says.
not a negative association, but it’s seen
matter what background you’re from.”
modern Australian. Or maybe, to be cynical,
explains the chef. “It does seem people see
a universal thing we all do. It doesn’t
The dish consists of taramasalata spread on shokupan with a garnish of praline,
bottarga, and house-made pickles. “We’re
“I guess that’s why it’s been subbed out for what we call suburban. Maybe it’s just
another way of calling something fusion?” But the co-owner believes there is a
constantly trying to be like, ‘Here’s the
respectful way to meld cuisines together
like right now’.”
people. “I think there is a genuine attempt
memory so let’s make it into what it looks
When it comes to fusion dining, Kelly
believes that while the term is not one
that’s widely used now, it is one that has the potential to evolve. “It [fusion] has
dropped out of fashion and I think there
has been a move in the last few years for
more poorly than established cuisines,”
fusion as a bit of a cheap trick [because] there’s no tradition or history behind it, which can be a negative factor.”
The chef understands why diners may
without diminishing cultures and their
assume Nikkei Bar is a fusion venue,
to pay respect or feel the beauty of certain
are important for guests to learn about
cultures through their food,” he says. “But I think it can go the wrong way when you fuse two stable cultures into one thing.
[There is also] the idea of a stable cuisine or a culture you can pick from.”
but he believes the origins of the cuisine when they dine at the venue. “It’s
understandable for people to be seeing
this as fusion cuisine, which is what it is in itself,” he says. “But it’s also important for people to see there is a history behind it.”
people to replace it with terms like modern
Sydney’s Nikkei Bar opened in 2019 and
The Nikkei Bar menu incorporates
might be a bad word and not a popular
Nikkei cuisine. Nikkei has been around
Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. “We
Australian or Australian,” he says. “Fusion word right now, but maybe it’s coming back? I don’t know.”
Kelly does believe the label does raise
questions around what makes a cuisine
and its people. “When we’re talking about cuisine, we’re inevitably talking about the
people of that country and their histories,” he says. “You can’t just go, ‘Let’s mix it all together’. Because what you’re doing is
erasing history and cultural differences.” The erasure of culture in fusion cuisine
is one of the reasons why Kelly believes it has a negative reputation in the industry.
“I do think people in the hospitality scene are trained to think there is some sort of
appropriation and watering-down process
serves Japanese–Peruvian food known as for more than 100 years and came about
after large groups of Japanese immigrants
arrived in Peru. Joe Valero is the head chef at Nikkei Bar and says the venue has often been tagged as a fusion eatery. “Initially, our venue was seen as fusion,” he says.
“But once we tell people it’s come to be
techniques and ingredients from both don’t try to just recreate and go, ‘Let’s do this traditional dish from Japan or this
traditional dish from Peru’,” says the chef. Valero lists the ceviche with ume leche de tigre and choclo corn as core examples
of the style of cooking. “The traditional
organically and it’s not just us saying,
‘Let’s mix Japanese and Peruvian food’,
it makes them more excited. When it’s a combination of two cuisines that don’t have much in common, it’s harder for people to warm to it.”
When it comes to the label, Valero
believes there is an association to a low-
quality offering. “From what I’ve seen, it’s
December 2023 | 33
FEATURE // Fusion
“Fusion might be a bad word and not a popular word right now,
FEATURE // Fusion
“ While the term fusion accurately describes our culinary approach, it’s also important to emphasise the balance and synergy we aim to achieve.” - Daeun Kang
marinade for ceviche would be done with just
the two cuisines instead. “Our offering hinges on
that’s it,” says Valero. “But we use the Japanese
and while the term fusion accurately describes
limes, seafood, chillies, and sometimes onion — ume plum and also use it throughout the dish.”
When Nikkei Bar opened, it was the only venue
in Sydney serving the cuisine, but the sector has grown, which Valero believes is a testament to an interest in new, unique cuisines. The chef
also believes Australia’s multiculturalism will see
the integration of Japanese and French cuisines, our culinary approach, it’s also important to emphasise the balance and synergy we aim
to achieve,” says the chef. “The flavours come
together in a harmonious manner, rather than as a chaotic fusion.”
The culinary team hopes the blend of Japanese
more cuisines like Nikkei emerge. “Migration is
and French elements is well-received by guests.
we have to embrace,” he says. “We have to come
where the integration of Japanese and French
not going to stop happening and it’s something up with exciting venues with new flavours.
There’s also something charming with having something less traditional.”
Sydney’s Oborozuki opened with a traditional
Japanese teppanyaki and kaiseki dining experience in Circular Quay in 2022. But last month, the
venue launched a Japanese–French menu from newly appointed Head Chef Daeun Kang.
The move from a traditional offering to a
more fluid approach was inspired by the venue’s hope to stand out from the crowd and bring in new diners. “As we sought to expand our
offerings and appeal to a wider demographic,
we recognised the need for a more diverse and dynamic menu rather than following a more
traditional route,” says Kang. “It was driven by
“Our goal is to offer a dining experience
elements is so seamless that it feels like a natural
Baba’s Place
Baba’s
serves a
taramasalata
Similarly to Valero, Kang believes Australia’s
suburban-
toast is a
style food
play on chips
fusion dining across the country. “Australia boasts
offering
and dip
Kang does note it’s important for venues to
Nikkei is a
Oborozuki
of the food offering. “As long as there is a clear
blend of
now offers a
Japanese
Japanese–
and Peruvian
French menu
progression in the world of fine cuisine.”
multiculturalism has led to the evolution of
an abundance of diversity with influences from a multitude of countries,” says the chef. “This
melting pot of cultures has not only introduced a wide variety of flavours but also fostered an environment of culinary exploration.”
have a purpose when it comes to the direction and compelling purpose behind the fusion, it
will continue to evolve and find its place in the culinary landscape,” she says.
Just like any dining trend, fusion has evolved
a desire to strike a balance between catering to
from its origins to recreate itself in various
Japanese cuisine.”
not to namecheck fusion, others believe the
the local audience while retaining the essence of When it comes to being labelled as fusion, Kang
says she prefers the focus to be on the balance of 34 | Hospitality
forms with different labels. While some prefer story behind the label is vital to its growth to respectfully showcase multiple cuisines. ■
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5 MINUTES WITH ... // Erik Ortolani
Erik Ortolani The Italian-born chef on teaming his heritage with a love of Japanese cuisine at Ito. PHOTOGRAPHY Jiwon Kim
I HAVE BEEN into cooking since I was a
paced environment where you’d work on a
fish suppliers in Sydney, and we have
foodie and would always tell me stories
but quickly.
what’s best whether it’s oysters, oily fish,
small child. My grandmother was a big about where you would go for the best
wok or hibachi and slice sashimi elegantly
I was then approached by Esca Group’s
panettone, the fanciest crudo di mare, and
Ibby Moubadder, and we started testing
and ’70s.
process by moving from a traditional
the richest chocolate in Milan in the ’60s My passion for Japanese and Asian
cuisine stems from my childhood. Most of the time, I was living with my mum
in the countryside near Lake Maggiore. Everything was very homogeneous
and everyone was Italian and quite conservative. I would spend a few
weekends a month in Milan and go to a
dishes for Ito in March. We started the
the Asian casual dining scene in Sydney. I joined Cho Cho San and loved the fast38 | Hospitality
The duck ravioli is a decadent dish on the
ravioli was my favourite food, and I would
food would be more interesting, and we noticed a lot of similarities between the two cuisines in terms of flavour profiles and [ethea] along the way.
We want Ito to be a modern, buzzy
available from your suppliers and running
Milan before I moved to Australia to explore
the peak of their season.
as an Italian immigrant cooking Japanese
approach. We thought owning my heritage
jellyfish salad as a five-year-old, which I had a brief chapter as a cook at Nobu in
doing specials with vegetables and fruits at
menu. Some people don’t get the texture,
izakaya with constant menu changes to
triggered my curiosity.
or crustaceans. I’m also looking forward to
Japanese menu to a more eclectic
Chinese or Japanese restaurant with my family where I would eat raw fish and
ongoing conversations with them on
keep it seasonal. Seeing what’s fresh and with it is a very Italian approach — nothing is set in stone.
I am a big fan of seafood and Japanese
and Italian cooking offers me a huge
canvas to play with. We have amazing
but it’s probably my favourite. Growing up, steal Rana tortellini straight from the pack uncooked. The filling resembles agnolotti
del plin which is a northern Italian braised veal pasta dish. But instead of veal, I use
duck legs braised in master stock that are
then shredded and whipped with parmesan and cabbage. The mixture is wrapped in egg wonton pastry, cooked with brown
butter and ponzu, and dusted with sansho pepper. Seeing quality produce, especially from smaller growers, brings me so much
joy. Ortolani means greengrocers in Italian, maybe that’s why... ■
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