Sydney’s world-class and diverse dining scene was showcased today at Sydney’s Open for Lunch events across Sydney and Parramatta. More than 600 guests secured their dining seat at George Street Long Lunch, while another three long lunch events hosted diners across the city in Parramatta, South Eveleigh and the network of YCK Laneways.

Sydney’s Open for Lunch was developed to put on a culinary show and turbocharge the revitalisation of the city’s hospitality industry after a very challenging period. Well-known names from Sydney’s dining scene - Luke Mangan, Kylie Kwong, Palisa Anderson, Mike McEnearney and more – came together to collaborate on an exciting program which fused food, drink and entertainment.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event delivered on its intention to entice Sydneysiders and visitors to get out and explore Sydney, showcasing the culinary scene that Sydney is famous for.

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

Hero events of the program included:

• The sold-out George Street Long Lunch which transformed Sydney’s iconic street for one day only into the ultimate summer lunch party for over 600 guests. Guests dined alfresco with 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 musical performances by George Ellis Orchestra featuring Josh Pyke, plus the Hot Potato Band, and surprise performance by Hot Dub Time Machine contributed to the celebratory mood as their music entertained guests.
• A lunchtime disco fever took over the piazza in Locomotive Street for the South Eveleigh Alfresco Disco where Kylie Kwong served a noodle feast from her Cantonese eatery Lucky Kwong, complemented with cocktails by neighbouring Re cocktail bar and kitchen.
• The network of York, Clarence and Kent streets a.k.a. YCK Laneways became a sit-down soiree as several independent venues put on themed long lunches that will continue into the evening, for diners to settle in and experience the best of inner-city bar culture over delicious bites.
• Parramatta Square turned into a lunchtime foodie fiesta with three of its neighbourhood restaurants teaming up to welcome and wow diners. CicciaBella, LILYMU and Ruse Bar & Brasserie each served a three-course plated meal. The musical talents of renowned indie, RnB collective Winston Surfshirt (DJ set), RnB star Milan Ring and soulful RnB hip-hop artist Nardean entertained guests during the lunch.

A NSW Government initiative delivered by Destination NSW, Sydney’s Open for Lunch was developed to support 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.

For more on Sydney’s Open For Lunch: www.sydney.com/sydneys-open-for-lunch

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

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About Sydney’s Open for Lunch
Sydney’s Open for Lunch is a one-day dining event which will transform public spaces and bring together top culinary talent from the city’s most renowned restaurants for long table lunches, pop ups and in-venue activations across the CBDs of Sydney and Parramatta and city fringes on December 3. Launched by the NSW Government as an initiative to support recovery of Sydney’s hospitality venues and operators, Sydney’s Open for Lunch aims to encourage Sydneysiders to reconnect with their city to rediscover the vibrancy and diversity of Sydney’s food and drink offerings and the joy of sharing a meal with friends. Sydney’s Open for Lunch is managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.   

About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State’s tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State’s visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.