Jo here again! Let me start by saying eating and drinking well is something that I don’t take lightly. I make no attempt in saying that I’m an expert – I just know what I like, what I don’t like and what type of stays are worthy of our hard-earned penny.

To say the least, I’ve eaten my way around Australia and travelled throughout most parts of the globe. So with that in mind, welcome back to my unsolicited monthly round-up of newly opened restaurants, a cocktail special, chefs to take note of, where to stay and venues you’ll find us making a reservation or two. 

Enjoy!
xx Jo Hombsch 

NEW SOUTH WALeS

Book a stay at the award-winning and crowd favourite, Cupitt’s Estate Winery. The south coast estate welcomes to you enjoy artisan living and high ceilings at your stay in one of their new luxury pod accommodations.

Enjoy complimentary breakfast, a private outdoor bath on the deck, appreciate the luxe interior or take a stroll to Cupitt’s Estate cellar door and restaurant just moments away. My tip: unwind at dusk in a steamy bath overlooking the farm with a bottle of their Chardonnay.

Bondi’s favourite Italian restaurant Totti’s has just opened a third venue in Sydney’s Inner West now calling the historic 3 Weeds pub home. Rozelle Totti’s channels everything we all love about the original venue, while the refurbishment sees the old pub transformed into a modern space with beautiful natural light.

On the menu you’ll find all of your current favourites, along with a few new additions thanks to a new Brazilian-style charcoal grill.

Sokyo at The Star Sydney will be introducing their own twist on a Sunday Brunch taking a creative spin on modern Japanese cuisine. Chase Kojima’s Sunday brunch menu features matcha and black sesame-infused pastries, Yuzu Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s with wasabi salt and a breakfast take on the traditional Japanese Okonomiyaki pancake, served with bacon, black pepper teriyaki and poached eggs.

Launching December 5th from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm every Sunday, there will also be a resident DJ and calligrapher creating bespoke monogrammed artwork for guests.

Three Blue Ducks Rosebery will be offering Bottomless Brunches and BBQ Sundays every weekend over the Summer season.

If you’re in the mood for unlimited Mimosa’s or Bloody Mary’s, order the signature Three Blue Ducks breakie or try some of their brunch classics such as Ducks’ huevos rancheros and the classic breakfast roll with your Bottomless Brunch ($60pp) every Saturday and Sunday.

Three Blue Ducks’ popular BBQ Sundays ($50pp) have also returned. Perfect for get–togethers with friends and family over quality food whilst enjoying live music and drinks to end the week off on a relaxing note.

The Mexican favourite tequila-based, pink grapefruit cocktail just got a whole lot fruitier and more fun this summer. From the 1st – 8th December, Patron Tequila is launching Paloma Week. The Ping for Paloma Hotline (1800 952 542) is your personal concierge to find your Refreshingly Perfect Summer with Patrón – whether you’re making it at home or finding it in-venue.

The service is available throughout Paloma Week and the Paloma Hotline will be able to point you to all participating venues across Australia. With over 88 locations hosting Paloma events throughout the week and across the whole summer you’ll be sure to find a venue near you.

A new cosy Italian restaurant, bar and bottle shop has opened down the business end of things on Oxford Street. Paski Vineria Popolare aka Paski founded by vino expert Giorgio De Maria, and by his side is Mattia Dicati and chef Enrico Tomelleri.

The two-story venue fitted with a bottle shop and wine bar on the ground level, offers you the opportunity to enjoy the selection straight at the bar or to take home. Upstairs you’ll find Paski Sopra, a small and intimate Italian restaurant.

Indulge in pure relaxation and luxury next time you’re staying at Canberra’s Ovolo Nishi. The boutique hotel has partnered with urban sanctum Adytum to offer Canberra’s newest luxury holistic health and wellness retreat.

Whether it’s a vacation or a staycation, escape the day to day grind and indulge in a little relaxation, recharge and retreat designed to last long after you checkout.

Manly Wharf Bar has spent the past couple of months hibernating whilst being transformed into the ultimate summer harbourside destination with a brand new look and culinary offerings just in time for Summer.

The space has been transformed with coastal and industrial finishes, pops of warm colour and a touch of Palm Springs. Along with the fresh new look, the venue is reopening with a Mediterranean inspired restaurant, Bar Tropic. On the menu there is a big focus on seafood, think freshly shucked oysters, prawn cocktails,  lightly fried school prawns and crowd favourites like wood-fired bread and burrata.

Pullman Sydney Hyde Park and interior design brand Coco Republic have collaborated and launched, Park Suite by Coco Republic.

Situated on the 20th floor with a stunning view of Hyde Park and the city skyline, the room has been styled and furnished in Coco Republic’s breathtaking trademark design combined with the elegance of Pullman Hotels.

The boys behind Bondi’s favourite Neighbourhood Bondi, are opening another venue in the heart of the beachside suburb. Chuck Trailer’s is a new dive bar with a difference, bringing a little grunge, a touch of debauchery, and a whole lotta-style to Bondi.

During the day, the bar spills out on to Roscoe Street with outdoor seating in the sun, come night, the windows close, curtains are drawn and the “anything goes” vibe comes into its own. The venue is set to open on December 10th.

As the city starts to become alive again, Hilton Sydney welcomes back diners with a new alfresco dining space by Glass Brasserie. Make the most of being back in the city with outdoor dining and drinking right on George Street.

Enjoy a delectable platter of charcuterie meats served with two glasses of chilled Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial priced at $60, or grab the lunch menu featuring a selection of summer dishes. Runs from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

Join the Public House in Petersham for an evening of Natty wines. Natty Social, kicks off at midday and will be hosted by some local heroes in natural wine production & distribution; Doom Juice, Imbibo and Vinsight, each bringing a hand-picked selection of juice for you to try.

Tickets are $49 and include wine tastings from all hosts, antipasti & nibbles to share and DJ’s all arvo.

Barangaroo House will be partnering with Peroni bringing to life a program that features the best in local design, music, art and fashion plus the release of a new special food and drinks menu throughout the summer. House of Peroni at Barangaroo House runs from 1 December until February.

Spice up your summer social calendars with a few bites to eat at Small Lane Friday Night Food Trucks at Green Square. Running every Friday night until 10th December, are a series of pop up Food Trucks. Think pasta pop-ups and Malaysian street food with options like Laksa.

After an extensive refurbishment, the historic Pumphouse Sydney has now reopened to show off its incredible facelift. Enjoy the plentiful collection of craft beers, explore the new wine room and delve into the elevated menu in the new space that boasts an industrial design with high-end finishes.

On a balmy summers evening relax on the open terrace and watch the hustle and bustle of the Darling Harbour or come winter guests can cosy up by one of the fireplaces.

VICTORIA

Brunswick East is now home to Baketico Bakeri & Larder, a bakery, greenhouse and art gallery all in one. The bakery-grocery offers artisanal handmade bread baked daily, along with owner Raymond Capaldi’s world-famous Wonder Pies, Australia’s Best Sausage Rolls, and other goodies such as the Cheeseburger Pastie, Lasagne Pie and Cacio Pepe Sausage Roll that are game-changers in the world of baked goods.

Docklands Melbourne welcomes the first international five-star hotel in the harbour suburb. Melbourne’s Marriott Hotel Docklands is set to elevate dining and inspiring experiences for both locals and travellers. The hotel boasts 189 guest rooms and a one-of-a-kind infinity pool.

Monti Food and Wine in Melbourne’s Albert Park is a local favourite having just reopened with a new menu for spring. The modern Australian Mediterranean influenced menu is top on our list to be the next brunch, lunch and afternoon wine destination.

Must-tries include the Ricotta Hotcakes, Smoked Ocean Trout and Slow Roasted Spiced Lamb Shoulder.

Mysterious and tucked away,  Curious Bar at W Melbourne Hotel opened earlier this year, and it’s a venue you’ll need someone in the know to find. Down a secret laneway entrance on Market Street, you’ll find the hidden entrance that leads you down a spiral staircase. Inside you’ll find the cocktail bar and an extra-large cocktail list that is bound to impress all cocktail connoisseurs.

ACT