Kiln, Ace Hotel Sydney Credit: Anson Smart
Kiln, the new restaurant from Chef Mitch Orr is a rooftop dining destination crowning the recently opened, Ace Hotel Sydney.
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From new bars and eateries that invite relaxed catch-ups, to revitalised hotels for stylish stays and experiences to enliven, Sydney is ready to celebrate the arrival of longer and warmer days.
NEW ACCOMMODATION
Wellbeing on the harbour
Sydney’s self-care rituals will be elevated with the opening of the two-storey Sofitel Spa at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in January 2023. The luxurious urban retreat will deliver a holistic and indulgent experience tailored to deeply rejuvenate body, mind and soul.
Crystalbrook connection
The Rydges Sydney Harbour will be welcomed into the five-star, environmentally responsible Crystalbrook Collection. This new acquisition adds to Crystalbrook’s growing luxury hotel portfolio in NSW, which includes Crystalbrook Albion, Crystalbrook Byron and Crystalbrook Kingsley.
A Rydges revamp
After being closed for an extensive refurbishment, Darling Harbour’s former Radisson Hotel and Suites Sydney relaunches with a revitalised offering under The Rydges brand. The 98-room property has transformed into the cosmopolitan Rydges Darling Square Apartment Hotel with an update on the apartments and studio rooms, restaurant, bar, and conference rooms elevating the hotel with a relaxed urban elegance.
Paris via William Street
Sydney adds to its collection of refined boutique stays with the opening of William Street’s The Strand Hotel. A sensitive restoration sees the 99-year-old Darlinghurst pub emerge as an elegant 17-room, French-accented inn, paying homage to the style of bohemian Paris. Once dusk settles on the city guests and locals can also head to the adjoining The Strand Bistro and The Strand Rooftop bar.
NEW FOOD & DRINK
Cronulla cantina
Cronulla’s new Mexican eatery, El Rey, serves up vibrant plates overlooking The Kingsway and undulating blues of the ocean. Adopting a contemporary treatment of fresh seafood, slow-cooked meats and well-tended cocktails in a breezy beachside locale, its casual style accommodates both post-swim bites and special occasions.
Park picnic
Visitors to the UNESCO-listed Parramatta Park will be able to end their walk with a satisfying meal at new eatery Misc, by Gogglebox star and restaurateur Jad Nehmetallah. Dishing up Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired fare from head chef Joel Bennetts (formerly of Fish Shop, Bondi), the restaurant is open just in time for long summer lunches.
Dinner for good
Diners can feel good about this new nine-course dinner ‘Degustation for Change’, where each dish is inspired by an individual’s story of change. Held from October 19 to 21 in Darling Harbour, the dinners are the brainchild of Shaun Christie-David (founder of Colombo Social, Kabul Social and #PlateItForward), and Nelly Robinson of nel. restaurant. Robinson has mentored each person to turn their dish into a masterpiece and all proceeds will go to Plate It Forward.
Dishes at The Strand Hotel, Darlinghurst Credit: Trent van der Jagt
The Strand Hotel on William Street, Darlinghurst has completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub with the new 17-bedroom The Strand Hotel and Rooftop Bar now open - joining the French-inspired Strand Bistro.
#feelnewsydney
Dishes at The Strand Hotel, Darlinghurst Credit: Trent van der Jagt
The Strand Hotel on William Street, Darlinghurst has completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub with the new 17-bedroom The Strand Hotel and Rooftop Bar now open - joining the French-inspired Strand Bistro.
The Rooftop at The Strand Hotel, Darlinghurst Credit: Trent van der Jagt
The Strand Hotel on William Street, Darlinghurst has completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub with the new 17-bedroom The Strand Hotel and Rooftop Bar now open - joining the French-inspired Strand Bistro.
#feelnewsydney
The Rooftop at The Strand Hotel, Darlinghurst Credit: Trent van der Jagt
The Strand Hotel on William Street, Darlinghurst has completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub with the new 17-bedroom The Strand Hotel and Rooftop Bar now open - joining the French-inspired Strand Bistro.
Only the Negroni
Bar Conte is the negroni-focused aperitivo bar Sydney didn’t know it needed. Launched in September with perfect timing to leverage spring drinks, the Surry Hills bar whips up 20 iterations of the classic and much-adored cocktail to delight aficionados.
Lobster breakfast club
Dine on a decadent lobster-filled breakfast experience 36 levels-high at the Shangri-La Sydney’s lofty Altitude Restaurant. Running from Thursday to Sunday, this crustacean-centred menu sets a luxurious tone for a perfect Sydney day.
Perfect pintxo
An homage to the original pintxo (small snack) of San Sebastian, which comprises three simple ingredients – a guindilla pepper, an olive, and an anchovy – chef Lennox Hastie’s new wine bar, Gildas, unleashes the flavours of Basque country in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
Hair salon to tapas salón
Adding to the swag of excellent establishments from the Porteño Group (which includes Porteño, Continental Deli, and Bastardo), the new Bar Louise whips up incredible Spanish tapas accompanied by good pours. Serving from the retro neighbourhood treasure that is the Mary-Louise Salon on Enmore Road, this is must-stop on a summer bar tour.
Kiln’ it
As if Sydney’s Ace Hotel wasn’t hot enough, the new rooftop, wood-fire restaurant is sure to set the city alight with head chef Mitch Orr’s (CicciaBella and ACME) flame-licked menu. Teetering 18 levels above Surry Hills, Kiln’s food offering draws from the culinary catalogues of Italy, Japan and Southeast Asia, and tote a drinks list curated by P&V’s Mike Bennie.
Delicate indulgence
Designed by master pâtissier and moment-maker Adriano Zumbo, QT Sydney’s QTea high tea experience now invites indulgence that caters to dietary differences with a new plant-based and gluten-free menu.
Hops to fresh brews
Freshwater Brewing Company has delivered the beer-loving Northern Beaches a new taproom, which opened on 21 September to become the eighth brewery in the local area. The Brookvale taproom is open Wednesday to Sunday and offers eats, such as fish sangas, to enjoy with your beer.
NEW EXPERIENCES
A walk through Gadigal history
The nine-kilometre curated walk from Pirrama (Pyrmont) to Wallamool (Woolloomooloo) offers an enthralling connection to Country with eleven interpretive markers highlighting historically significant Aboriginal people and places. Called Yananurala, a name from the Gadigal language that translates to ‘walk Country’, it is led by Indigenous curator Emily McDaniel and is part of the Eora Journey that brings Aboriginal histories and stories to life through public artworks and installations.
Dinner and a show
For one night only on Thursday 20 October, Sydney’s beautiful Beckett’s in Glebe will show the fourth instalment of their exciting theatre-dinner vignette series. Served as a theatrical intermission within a four-course meal, two excerpts from Walkley Award winner Victoria Midwinter Pitt’s brilliant new Australian play I’m With Her will be performed in the beautiful sandstone cellar by stage icons, Lynette Curran and Deborah Galanos.
Gildas, Surry Hills Credit: Nikki To
Lennox Hastie's 60-seat Surry Hills wine bar, Gildas.
#feelnewsydney
Gildas, Surry Hills Credit: Nikki To
Lennox Hastie's 60-seat Surry Hills wine bar, Gildas.
Kiln, Ace Hotel Sydney Credit: Anson Smart
Kiln, the new restaurant from Chef Mitch Orr is a rooftop dining destination crowning the recently opened, Ace Hotel Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Kiln, Ace Hotel Sydney Credit: Anson Smart
Kiln, the new restaurant from Chef Mitch Orr is a rooftop dining destination crowning the recently opened, Ace Hotel Sydney.
More News
Dorian RestaurantCredit: Dorian Restaurant
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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A line-up of globally renowned chefs will feature across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen as part of Vivid Sydney 2024
Tickets on sale from Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com
Imagery: here
From near and far, some of the hottest names in the culinary world will appear at Vivid Sydney this year as part of Vivid Food, embracing the festival’s 2024 theme, Humanity, and highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us through the universal language of cuisine.
This year’s roster of renowned local and international culinary talent across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen will craft diverse, innovative menus that celebrate our shared heritage and the rich tapestry of global cultures present in Sydney’s food scene, through a series of dynamic events spanning intimate fine dining experiences through to communal fire-cooked feasts.
Vivid Residence will bring Latin America’s best female chef 2022, Manoella ‘Manu’ Buffara of Manu Restaurant, to take over Peter Conistis’ waterside venue, Ploós, while hatted restaurants Fred’s, AALIA and The Charles Brasserie & Bar will be among the top dining spots hosting Vivid Chef Series events and unmissable foodie collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs including Max Coen, Sally Abé and Ivan Brehm.
Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to the Vivid Food program in a new home on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes including Christine Manfield; Firedoor's Lennox Hastie; Texas' Jess Pryles; Michelin-starred Swedish chef Niklas Ekstedt; LA’s Shalamar Lane and more, firing up The Goods Line with cooking demonstrations and tasty BBQ fare from tandoor and teppanyaki to First Nations tucker.
This announcement bolsters an already impressive Vivid Food 2024 program including the Our Shared Humanity series featuring leading Australian chefs; Atelier by Sofitel – A Culinary Connection; VividPlace Food Trail, A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez, the return of Aster Vivid 2024 and much more, all with a nod to Vivid Sydney, Humanity.
John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said:
“After a successful launch last year, I am pleased to see Vivid Food returning for a second year. Food is a cultural cornerstone, a fundamental part of the human experience, something we can all share and through that shared experience, enjoy new flavours and perspectives.
“Sydney has a wonderful food scene and Vivid Food is a great chance to explore that local scene. The Vivid Food program will range from headline experiences including the free BBQ demonstrations at Vivid Fire Kitchen. We invite Sydneysiders and visitors from across the globe to join us and enjoy one of Sydney’s great strengths.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director and Vivid Food curator Gill Minervini said:
“Vivid Food captures the essence of our shared humanity through the global language of food. It’s a celebration of how cuisine can mirror the diversity of cultures, while also being a bridge that connects us all. We’re thrilled to announce the incredible local and international culinary talent joining the Vivid Food program across Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen, who will bring to life the rich tapestry of Sydney’s food scene. Our diverse range of Vivid Food events, from intimate dining experiences to communal feasts, promises to bring people together and showcase the unique and collective culinary heritage that makes our city so special.”
Stephanie Calape, Vice President of Culinary Events at IMG, which produces Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen in collaboration with Vivid Sydney, said:
“Following the phenomenal popularity of last year’s inaugural Vivid Food experiences, which saw Vivid Residence sell out within 48 hours, we are excited to bring back another incredible, diverse array of experiences and chefs for 2024. From world-renowned Chef Manoella Buffara’s one-of-a-kind fine dining Vivid Residence experience at Sydney’s Ploós, to Vivid Chef Series’ unmissable mash-up of Sydney and the world’s most exciting chefs, and the star-studded, immersive Vivid Fire Kitchen festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
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Manoella Buffara Credit: Manoella Buffara
Manoella Buffara for Vivid Residence
Vivid Residence
Culinary artistry meets social responsibility at Vivid Residence as Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2022, Manoella Buffara of Manu Restaurant, Brazil, which was awarded the The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023, graces Peter Conistis’ waterfront venue, Ploós, right in the heart of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Renowned for putting Curitiba on the global culinary map, Buffara’s approach integrates local produce with a commitment to environmental and social sustainability. During her Vivid Sydney residency, Buffara will showcase her pioneering approach to fine dining for the first time in Australia, celebrating New South Wales’ produce alongside her team and Ploós's esteemed chefs.
Chef Manoella Buffara said: “I’m incredibly excited to be part of Vivid Food in Sydney, an event that highlights the importance of cuisine in our culture. As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney becomes a hub for vibrant flavour exchanges, bringing together top chefs and local producers to create memorable food experiences. In the heart of this bustling city, I will launch a pop-up that showcases my love for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Sharing my cooking and stories with Sydney is a true honour, and I look forward to being part of this amazing food event that Vivid Food offers.”
Buffara and the team will create two menus, with a nine-course tasting menu for dinner, and a seven-course tasting menu for lunch. Tickets for the nine-course dinner menu are $420 per person, with the shorter lunch tasting menu costing $320, with bespoke beverage pairings also available. Vivid Residence will run from 24 May to 2 June 2024 offering a unique dining experience in the middle of the Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
Vivid Chef Series
The Vivid Chef Series will take over Sydney’s food scene, with the city’s best hatted restaurants and chefs pairing with some of the world’s most exciting culinary talent to bring the global contemporary culinary scene to Sydney for a limited number of nights.
The series of exclusive dinners will see local and international talent collaborate to create a never-to-be repeated menu that celebrates the best NSW produce and suppliers, imbued with global culinary sophistication.
London chef Sally Abé, who will take over The Charles Brasserie & Bar as part of Vivid Chef Series, said: “As a passionate chef, I am thrilled to be a part of the Vivid Food series in Sydney. It is an incredible platform that celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, allowing me to showcase my culinary skills in a vibrant and innovative setting. I am excited to immerse myself in the diverse food scene of Sydney and collaborate with talented chefs from around the world, creating unforgettable culinary experiences.”
Chef collaborations include:
- The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abé | Once comrades in arms on the other side of the globe whilst working at the three Michelin-starred restaurant The Ledbury in London, Sally Abé of The Pem will be reuniting with Billy Hannigan of Sydney’s hatted The Charles Brasserie & Bar, for three unmissable lunches and dinners. The menu will merge Hannigan’s European-inspired cooking style with Abe’s passion for nostalgic British cuisine. Joining them in the kitchen will be head pastry chef Rhiann Mead, who will add her signature sweet and innovative flair to the evening.
- AALIA x Ivan Brehm | Ivan Brehm of Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, Nouri and Paul Farag of AALIA (two hatted Sydney restaurant, previously named Gourmet Traveller’s NSW restaurant of the year, 2023) will collaborate on two exclusive dinners that celebrate global food traditions. The dinners will blend AALIA’s expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine with Nouri’s celebration of global food traditions, for a menu that honours diversity of cultures paying tribute to the richness of our collective culinary heritage.
- Fred’s x Max Coen | Max Coen of London Michelin-starred Dorian and Ben Greeno of acclaimed Sydney restaurant, Fred’s will unite for four exclusive dinners that fuse their culinary philosophies. Chef Coen’s meticulous focus on ingredient-focussed wood-fired grilling will meet Greeno’s farm-to-table approach and hyper-seasonal cooking, for a menu that celebrates the beauty and artistry found in simplicity, all while utilising the best in local produce.
Tickets go on sale Friday 19 April at vividsydney.com/food.
The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
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The Charles Brasserie Credit: Steven Woodburn
The Charles Brasserie & Bar x Sally Abe, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Fred's x Max Coen Credit: Steven Woodburn
Fred's x Max Coen, as part of the Vivid Chef Series in Vivid Food.
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Vivid Fire Kitchen will light up its new home of The Goods Line across 23 nights, with the world’s best pitmasters and BBQ heroes joining forces with acclaimed local flame-focused restaurants for a festival of accessible fire demos, cooking sessions and exclusive BBQ dishes, with drinks, DJs and entertainment ablaze with Fire Sculptures, Flame Shooters and fire drums. Using the best NSW produce, a line-up of acclaimed local and international chefs will serve up a selection of flame-seared street food from around the globe, from tandoor and Argentinian Asado, First Nations tucker, alongside hearty sausages, tender brisket, charred eggplant, and aromatic satay, offering a nightly multicultural feast.
Guests will enjoy demonstrations combining local produce and raw-fire cooking from chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s two-hatted Firedoor who returns for Vivid Food 2024; one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and culinary ambassadors Christine Manfield; reigning Seafood Champion in the World Food Championships, John McFadden; chef, restaurateur, proud Bundjalung woman and owner of Karkalla restaurant, Mindy Woods; Michelin starred chef of Sweden’s Ekstedt at The Yard, Niklas Ekstedt; Texas-based live fire cook, author, TV personality Jess Pryles; Pitmaster of LA-based My Father’s Barbeque, Shalamar Lane and more.
Australian chef and restaurateur Lennox Hastie who will appear at Vivid Fire Kitchen, said: “For me, food is an integral part of my creative expression because it engages all my senses and allows me to connect with ingredients and people on a deeply personal level. Vivid Food celebrates the rich and diverse nature of our food culture of Australia, reminding us that food is not just about sustenance but a powerful form of connection supporting community, evoking emotions, and creating lasting memories.”
Alongside BBQ offerings and the blazing atmosphere on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk, Vivid Sydney audiences will also be able to enjoy dishes from a curated selection of Sydney’s hottest dining concepts at Vivid Fire Kitchen, from casual eateries to acclaimed restaurants, including Messina Milk Bar, a culinary time capsule that transforms beloved chocolate bars and classic sweets into modern gelato delights. A menu highlight: a warm Milo fudge sundae, specially developed to warm you up on cold winter nights.
Vivid Residence, Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen events are produced by IMG in collaboration with Vivid Sydney. IMG is the global events company behind the likes of Gourmet Escape, Taste Festivals, The Big Feastival, New York Fashion Week: The Shows and Frieze art fairs.
Vivid Food is part of Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, which will run from 24 May to 15 June 2024. Tickets for Vivid Residence and Vivid Chef Series will go on sale Friday 19 April via https://www.vividsydney.com/food. Vivid Fire Kitchen events, taking place at The Goods Line in Ultimo, are free for all to attend. Food and drink can be purchased on site.
For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
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Niklas Ekstedt Credit: Niklas Ekstedt
Niklas Ekstedt for Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
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Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Media contacts:
Hannah Fedeli, +61437166571 or hannah.f@thecru.agency
Shannon Blanchard, +61432543377 or shannon@thecru.agency
James Toovey, Vivid Sydney PR Manager, +61407828310 or james.toovey@dnsw.com.au
About Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, and transforming Sydney into a kaleidoscope of colour and events for 23 nights. Staged for its 14th year in 2024, Vivid Sydney will bring together mesmerising displays from the world’s brightest light artists, exhilarating live music performances, deep-dive discussions with thought leaders, and innovative experiences from food creatives. Vivid Sydney attracts domestic and international visitors, fuelling economic growth while fostering a cultural celebration across Light, Music, Ideas and Food. Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. For more information and tickets, visit vividsydney.com
About Destination NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
About IMG
IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.