THE ULTIMATE DINING EXPERIENCE WITH LONG LUNCHES AND BESPOKE FOOD AND DRINK POP-UPS FROM TOP CULINARY NAMES ACROSS THE SYDNEY AND PARRAMATTA CBDS AND CITY FRINGES TO TAKE OVER SYDNEY FOR ONE DAY ONLY

Sydney’s world-class and diverse dining scene has added another not-to-miss culinary experience to its calendar with the inaugural Sydney’s Open for Lunch on 3 December set to transform public spaces and bring together top local culinary talent for long table lunches and pop-up activations across the CBDs of Sydney, Parramatta and city fringes.

For one day only, Sydney’s Open for Lunch will bring together well-known names from Sydney’s culinary scene - Luke Mangan, Kylie Kwong, Palisa Anderson and Mike McEnearney - as part of an exciting program of long lunch dining events on Sydney’s George Street and YCK Laneways, South Eveleigh and Parramatta Square. The event will also include in-venue activations across Sydney,  Chinatown, Barangaroo and Parramatta.

Launched by the NSW Government as part of the CBDs Revitalisation Program to boost the state’s economic activity, Sydney’s Open for Lunch supports the recovery of Sydney’s hospitality sector, encouraging Sydneysiders to reconnect with their city and rediscover the vibrancy and diversity of Sydney’s food and drink offerings and the joy of sharing a meal with friends, family or work colleagues.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said Sydney's Open For Lunch would be a fantastic celebration of the culinary capital of Australia and would turbocharge the revitalisation of the city’s hospitality industry after a very challenging period.

“We’re signalling to the world that Sydney is open for business and that our world-renowned lifestyle is returning,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know the last few months have been tough, this event is a chance to revive the spirit of our city by bringing people together to enjoy some of our most talented chefs and performers.

“Our Government is throwing its support behind our hardworking hospitality industry - this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get behind them.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event was set to boost economic activity by enticing Sydneysiders and visitors to eat out and would be a great opportunity for businesses to make the most of diners wanting to enjoy the best of the city.

“This event will benefit the many businesses that were affected by COVID-19, as well as provide locals and visitors with new ways to reconnect and rediscover Sydney’s dining scene. This investment also aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and our ambition to provide world-leading food and wine experiences,” Mr Ayres said.

A headline event of Sydney’s Open for Lunch will be the George Street Long Lunch, which will turn the CBD’s iconic George Street, between Market and Park Streets, into the ultimate summer alfresco dining venue for 600 guests. Guests will dine on a three-course lunch prepared by Palisa Anderson of Chat Thai, Mike McEnearney of Kitchen by Mike, Luke Mangan of Glass Brasserie and Michael Nicolian of Continental Delicatessen. Live music will entertain diners, with performances by George Ellis Orchestra featuring Josh Pyke, plus the Hot Potato Band. 

In tandem, a Parramatta Long Lunch will also be held at Parramatta Square for 400 guests with local ambassadors for the event, DJ and author Andrew Levins and Julian Cincotta of Butter Parramatta and Surry Hills. The three-course lunch will be prepared by local dining establishments Ruse Bar & Brasserie, CicciaBella and LILYMU. Parramatta-based musician, Nardean, will entertain diners on the day with RnB influences and hip-hop beats.

Famed Sydney restaurateur and chef, Luke Mangan, one of the official ambassadors of Sydney’s Open for Lunch, is excited to be part of the culinary celebration and wants locals to embrace Sydney’s rich hospitality offerings once more.

"I can’t wait for Sydney's Open for Lunch to get our amazing city pumping again. We are so lucky to have incredibly talented chefs and restaurateurs with so many different offerings across Sydney involved in this event, so it’s time for Sydneysiders to show their support and appreciation for a scene that is sought after internationally,” said Mr Mangan.

Another star of Sydney’s culinary scene, Kylie Kwong, is also on board as Ambassador for South Eveleigh’s alfresco disco. Kwong said this event was extremely important to provide locals with renewed optimism for the future.

“After such a long period of lockdown, away from my community and daily collaborations, I really feel this event will be extremely healing and positive, offering an opportunity for all of us to reunite. There is no better way to reconnect with friends and loved ones, than over delicious food and drink, and great music. Just as important, the physical spaciousness, unique heritage buildings and glorious, natural outdoor environment of our South Eveleigh precinct allows people to feel relaxed, enchanted and safe all at once. This event will help bring our community back together again and is a magical way as we enter the festive season with a renewed sense of optimism, laughter and hope for a brighter year ahead," Kwong said.

The full schedule can be viewed at Ticketek with tickets available from 18 November. Hero event highlights of Sydney’s Open for Lunch include:

Parramatta

• Parramatta’s newest food precinct, Parramatta Square, will be taken over by 400 seated diners.
• Ruse Bar & Brasserie, CicciaBella and LILYMU will serve a three-course plated meal with entertainment by renowned indie, RnB collective Winston Surfshirt (DJ set), genre defining RnB star Milan Ring and soulful RnB hip-hop artist Nardean.
• 12pm-3pm, tickets $50.

South Eveleigh

• This inner-city precinct will become a food, drink and entertainment pop-up, celebrating the vibrant culture of the city’s inner west.
• Kylie Kwong of Lucky Kwong will curate the menu, with Matt Whiley of Re designing the cocktails.
• 10am–10pm, tickets $30.

YCK Laneways (York, Clarence, Kent Streets in the Sydney CBD)

• Experience the best of inner-city bar culture and take to the lanes in a celebration of Sydney.
• Several events will be staged including a long table luncheon at Barrack Street featuring a Japanese inspired progressive lunch amongst other activations within YCK laneways and live music.
• 12pm – 5:30pm, tickets range from $65-120.

George Street, Sydney CBD *SOLD OUT

• Taking place in the heart of Sydney’s CBD on George Street (between Market and Park Streets), George Street will feature a long table luncheon and a three-course plated lunch for 600 diners.
• Entertainment to include live music by George Ellis Orchestra featuring Josh Pyke, George Maple, Brendan Maclean and Liyah Knight plus the Hot Potato Band, with onsite Airstream bars.
• 12pm-3pm.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Marsha Rodrom, marsha.rodrom@dnsw.com.au, 0448 158 816