Kepos Street Kitchen, RedfernCredit: Kepos Street Kitchen
Kepos Street Kitchen mezze box with dips, pita, olives and crudites.
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The 2020 Sydney lockdown taught chef Michael Rantissi, owner of Kepos Street Kitchen in Redfern, what customers craved - to shop locally and elevate their at-home dining experience. The lessons he learned have ensured his Middle Eastern restaurant is booming this time around thanks to a new deli, fresh food market and takeaway menu. His approach, of offering customers components of a chef-prepared meal to make at home, has resulted in the deli making up 70 per cent of current profits. Rantissi sells more than 65 fresh items, bringing foot traffic to stock up on dips, marinated olives and Tel Aviv-style falafel.
“The deli concept kicked off in the first lockdown and, like many things, began by mistake,” he said. While Rantissi had switched to takeaway he hadn’t thought of selling produce. “People started asking, ‘Would you mind packing me up a container of hummus to add to my dinner tonight?” With his fridges overloaded with hummus, olives and other ingredients, he decided to sell this produce to customers.
“I dragged one of the fridges into the restaurant and packed it with our produce like our beautiful, marinated olives.” Rantissi was stunned at the number of people coming in to grab things from the fridge. “We now sell almost 500 tubs of hummus weekly. It’s become a world of its own. It got us through the first lockdown – it’s definitely getting us through this one.”
Rantissi’s wife and business partner, Kristy Frawley, has also hosted a series of artisan pop-ups. “We invite a producer or restaurant and create a one-stop shop,” he says. They’ve showcased Brooklyn Boy Bagels, PiOik Bakery and Crumpets by Merna. “We are introducing people to a producer and helping them shop local during lockdown.”
Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
Front room and deli, Kepos Street Kitchen.
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Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
Front room and deli, Kepos Street Kitchen.
Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
Kepos Street Kitchen deli fridge stocks a selection of signature dips and meals.
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Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
Kepos Street Kitchen deli fridge stocks a selection of signature dips and meals.
Shopping small and local is imperative during lockdown so smaller businesses can survive, says Rantissi. “In the first lockdown, my poultry supplier rang and said, ‘I have so many chickens and no one is buying them. Could you?’. I wondered who would buy a raw chicken from my café but said ‘yes’.” He marinated the chickens in 17 ingredients overnight, butterflied and packaged them for roasting at home. “We sell up to 500 of those a week.”
Kepos Street Kitchen opened with an elegant aesthetic and game-changing breakfast menu of falafel and shakshuka.
Rantissi, who was born in Tel Aviv and is passionate about the city’s street food, included falafel and shakshuka on the menu when he opened the restaurant 10 years ago. While he once thought no one would eat Middle Eastern cuisine for breakfast, Kepos Street Kitchen has evolved the way Sydneysiders brunch and has been busy ever since.
“In lockdown, it’s been a new busy that none of us expected. What Kepos Street Kitchen brings is a range of food cooked by chefs, ingredients from artisan producers and value for money.” Whether it’s falafel for breakfast or Rantissi’s go-to dinner of za'atar chicken, cauliflower salad and pita, he wants people to create their favourite meal from Kepos – “Food is so personal. If you enjoy it – it doesn’t matter what it is.”
Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
The Kepos Street Kitchen mezze box is available to order online.
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Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
The Kepos Street Kitchen mezze box is available to order online.
Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
Kepos Street Kitchen's mezze box, a great option for picnics.
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Kepos Street Kitchen, Redfern Credit: Kepos Street Kitchen
Kepos Street Kitchen's mezze box, a great option for picnics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.