Aplenty, SydneyCredit: Joey Clark
Aplenty’s ‘spread’ picnic boxes inspired by the Mediterranean.
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After recently moving from London to Sydney, Aplenty owner Michaela Johansson was well prepared for lockdown, immediately pivoting her new catering company to focus on pasta kits, picnic ‘spread’ boxes and virtual cooking classes.
Before lockdown, catering for events contributed to 80 per cent of Johansson’s income, so thankfully another arm of Aplenty’s business allowed for a swift and easy pivot. “My ‘spreads’, which are essentially a picnic box full of seasonal and fresh house-made food - were very popular during lockdown in London so I decided to introduce them here too,” Johansson said. The bountiful boxes, which are ideal for at-home grazing, include focaccia, pickles and dips with delicious cheeses and cured meats.
Johansson has also been focusing her time on developing pasta kits, coupled with online pasta classes for people to join from the comfort of their homes. The pasta kits, which serve two to four people, feature a Southern Italian-inspired dish using locally grown vegetables. They also include a bottle of natural wine from the Southern Highlands by Ari's Natural Wine Co. and a fruit shaped candle by Nonna's Grocer. “So far we've sold about 150 kits,” says Johansson. Johansson says collaborating with other like-minded businesses has been instrumental in the success of Aplenty. “You tap into each other’s network and create something new that people will be excited by.”
The idea to marry the kits with a cooking class, she says, was to create the ultimate night in, transporting customers to the Mediterranean during an isolating time. “They're more like cook-a-longs, and you don’t need to know how to make pasta to join,” Johansson says. “I try to make them feel as though we're all cooking together rather than it being a lesson. They're fairly simple recipes and it's more about learning a new dish, rather than perfecting your pasta.”
Aplenty, Sydney Credit: Joey Clark
Blood orange and rosemary galette, Aplenty.
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Aplenty, Sydney Credit: Joey Clark
Blood orange and rosemary galette, Aplenty.
Aplenty, Sydney Credit: Joey Clark
Aplenty’s ‘spread’ picnic boxes inspired by the Mediterranean.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
Aplenty, Sydney Credit: Joey Clark
Aplenty’s ‘spread’ picnic boxes inspired by the Mediterranean.
The classes have attracted people from all walks of life, with more than 300 people participating since lockdown began. “We have some families, lots of couples, housemate groups and friends doing a virtual meet up, where they re-join after the class to have a dinner party,” she says. “They've kept me busy and there's so much engagement with them, with people posting class pictures and telling their friends.”
The virtual classes have also helped to boost the sales of Aplenty’s ‘spread’ picnic boxes. In fact, sales on the website have increased by 50 per cent, while website traffic has grown by 200 percent.
She also says that businesses who are doing it tough should keep trying different ways to engage and interact with their customers. “Everyone is looking for ways to engage — not in a social media engagement sense – but in a way that is actually just participating in something that is outside the monotony of lockdown,” she says. “Just give something a go! People are very forgiving in lockdown.”
Johansson is also donating $5 from every Aplenty box to Bonnie Support Services, a women's refuge in South West Sydney. “I've donated a few pasta kits and held a private pasta workshop for some of the families. I think it's important to put into perspective our struggles and support some local organisations doing it much tougher at the moment.”
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The NSW Government via Destination NSW is sharing a series of NSW Success Stories – businesses of all types that have adapted their offerings to face the current environment and continue serving their community with a fresh approach and shining success. These innovative initiatives are nothing short of inspiring.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.