Sydney Eat Street: Parramatta Nights street festival food delights
Parramatta is kicking off a month of stellar outdoor events for the whole family including the popular music and food-centric festival, Parramatta Nights.
Food
Don't miss out on the headlines from Food. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Parramatta has bid summer farewell in a grand style with a month of stellar outdoor events for the whole family to enjoy including two weekends of the popular music and food-centric festival, Parramatta Nights, from March 18-27.
“The City of Parramatta is renowned for its international cuisine and you’ll definitely get a taste of that at Parramatta Nights,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said.
“It’s the perfect event to sample some incredible mouth-watering flavours and dishes alongside great entertainment.”
Take a tour of Sydney’s best eateries with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street. Are you hungry for more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram or Twitter. #SydneyEatStreet
Raza Central
Husband and wife team, Laura Reyes and Marvin Barahona, owner of El Salvadorian food truck Raza Central, have had quite the adventure.
“The journey this truck has taken us on is incredible,” Marvin says.
“Not just places, but experiences and opportunities. In seven years, we’ve done over 1000 events.
“We do quite a few dishes in the truck, but our main focus is the pupusa, it’s El Salvador’s national dish. There’s even a special day in November when everyone celebrates it.”
A pupusa is a thick and fluffy griddlecake or flatbread stuffed with different ingredients such as cheese, meats, and beans.
Marvin notes that their truck is the only one in Australia that mainly offers pupusa and it all started because he wanted to “share my culture; show people there is more to El Salvador than what you see in the news”.
“I want (Raza Central) to represent us. Parramatta is a multicultural city with so many different types of food that people are receptive to trying new things. They come, and I want to give them a taste of El Salvador, its main dish. Once they try it, they always come back.”
Their food has become so popular, they’ve even opened a restaurant in Camden.
“Like our truck, it’s very colourful,” he says.
“In El Salvador, colour is our culture. Every house has to be coloured.”
So, their homes away from home — the food truck and restaurant — are both painted with vibrant murals by an El Salvadorian artist. This will also be their first Parramatta Festival.
“I think this one will be more multicultural than other events we’ve done before,” Marvin says.
“A little bit of everything. After all, that’s what Australia is about. It’s unbelievable where life takes you — if you do the right thing.”
Do the right thing indeed and make your way to the Erby Place Block Party for music spun by Inner West Reggae Disco Machine, March 18-20, and mixed tunes presented by Trackwork and HomebaseSundaze, March 25-27.
— atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights/erby-place-block-party
Jamaican Delight
It may only be a single letter but the difference between “jerk” and “jerky” for the uninitiated are worlds apart.
Unlike “jerky” — which is dried, dark salted meat — “jerk chicken” is succulent, full of flavour and, owners of Jamaican Delight Anna and Wayne Chambers says it is 100 per cent unique to Jamaica.
It’s also the defining element of their signature dish, jerk chicken. The term, “jerk” gets its name from being “jerked” around as the meat’s skin is pierced so that their unique marinade is fully infused before being grilled over charcoal in a “jerk pan”.
Anna explains that these ad hoc grills made from a half-cut oil drum are usually homemade and painted with vibrant colours.
“Everything in Jamaica is filled with colour,” she says.
Traditionally, the meat is smoked in an open pit over pimento wood, (but for practical purposed, they use charcoal). First, though, it’s marinated in a blend of pimento, Scotch bonnet chilli pepper and thyme then cooked on-site for 30-45 minutes.
Anna and Wayne launched Jamaican Delight in Darwin in 2013.
“We wanted to make sure that our (Jamaican) culture was accurately represented,” she says.
“We’re very passionate about our culture. We love to share it, but it has to be done right. Food is a key part of our culture. Food, socialising, and entertainment. Often when we have events, people will come to buy food, but they’ll stay all day for the music, conversation and even games of dominoes.”
Just look for the most colourful stand at the festival.
“We’ll have our flags and signs out — you’ll be able to see us from a mile away,” she adds. “We’ll be wearing our colours.”
Appropriate for the Parramatta Nights street festival, they’ll also be serving a Jamaican food that is literally called ‘festival’ - sold along the streets, and it’s “a slightly sweet fried dumpling that you eat along with something savoury served on a piece of tin foil”.
On hand as well is Sorrel — a refreshing, deep red coloured drink made with hibiscus flower. Perfect to help stay cool on the last of our warm weather nights.
You can catch Jamaican Delight along with some of Australia’s best hip-hop artists on the Eat Street Carpark Rooftop, March 25-27.
— atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights/eat-street-rooftop
Ryan Gozleme by Gourmet Gozleme
It takes a family to create ‘The Best Gozleme Ever’ declares Gourmet Gozleme co-owner Mustafa Marsap, quite literally the parent company of Ryan Gozleme.
They’ve been catering events since 2008 when their kids were toddlers. Now that they have grown into teenagers, Mustafa says their help is a vital part of the family business.
“We’re still a micro family operation relying heavily on the help of our awesome teenage kids,” he says.
“Our gozleme is second to none and we stand by our claim of serving ‘The Best Gozleme Ever’.”
The family is looking forward to the Parramatta Festival, another opportunity to feed the masses.
“Parramatta Nights is a perfect fit for our business because it is about promoting Parramatta and its many attractions and offerings,” he adds.
“We’re based five minutes from Parramatta, and we love it here. Serving our cooked fresh to order menu to happy customers gives us great joy.”
They also do “smash” burgers, a particular way of cooking patties by “smashing” them on the grill to sear the outside to retain the juices. These are done fresh to order.
Homemade authentic Turkish pastries — served hot and fresh out of the oven in our truck — are also on the menu.
Gourmet Gozleme, the “parent” business has an extensive menu that is adjusted for different events and different demographics.
“We’ve seen Parramatta grow over many years and we love that everything we need is within reach,” Mustafa says.
“From shopping to entertainment to dining and so much more, Parramatta is alive and kicking and we just love it. All of this is just amazing for the local economy and can only make Parramatta a go-to destination.”
Join the family at the Justice Stage for two weekends of music from both established and up and coming artists, plus on Sunday family days, there’ll even be live dance workshops. Work up an appetite at Justice Stage, March 18-20, and March 25-27.
— atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights/justice-precinct
Flavours of Spain
Paella, in an old regional Spanish dialect, refers to “frying pan” – not to be confused with the actual rice-based dish with generous portions of meat or seafood, but that is cooked in the wide and shallow pans.
Technicalities aside, it’s the star of the show for Flavours of Spain director Fabio Funai.
“One of the most magical things about providing a Paella service is how interactive the experience is,” he says.
The imposing feature tended to by skilful chefs adds an element of theatre to the event, and for those familiar with Spanish cuisine.
“The familiar smell of smoky paprika, the intense aroma of Spanish chorizo, the vibrant colours of saffron and a rainbow of vegetables that complete this delicious dish will transport you directly to summer in Spain,” Fabio says.
And for those new to Paella, after that sensory sensation they’ll definitely be making plans for a holiday in Spain.
“We do so enjoy the energy of a crowd,” says Fabio noting how their participation in Parramatta Nights, what is certain to be a welcoming multicultural crowd, is an opportunity to introduce more people to this specific element of Spanish cuisine and show how their use of a premium ingredient that bring out the more-ish flavours.
“We believe in quality; we believe in sourcing the most authentic ingredients and we take time and energy to ensure those standards,” Fabio says.
Appropriately enough, you’ll be able to find Flavours of Spain at Phillip Lane, the destination for entertainment of all sorts - musicians, theatre performers, and dancing on Friday and Saturdays with Sunday afternoons targeted to kids with fun-filled science-based activities.
For some culinary entertainment visit Phillip Lane, March 18-20, and March 25-27.
— atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights/phillip-lane
Butter Parramatta
On paper, you’d think Butter’s business would be an impossible initiative, but the only thing impossible there is thinking that the pedigreed team behind the venture can’t pull it off.
In fact, they’ve developed a cult following for that mix of eclectic offerings: fried chicken, ramen, cinnamon doughnuts, bottomless champagne brunches, hip hop tunes and … sneakers.
Butter’s executive chef and general manager, Julian Cincotta (Rockpool, Nomad) says: “We were very excited to be asked to be part of these amazing events Parramatta Council has arranged. They are always great events, full of amazing energy and wonderful people.
“We love being part of the Parramatta community. It is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and whipping up some of Butter’s fan favourites including the 3Pac Tenders (chicken tenders with fiery hot sauce), classic beef burger, the vegan Impossible (a plant-based meat product) beef burger and their addictive warm cinnamon doughnuts.”
See (and taste) what all the fuss is about at the Eat Street Rooftop Carpark, March 18-20, and March 25-27 as well as the First Nations hip hop Festival, Ngana Birrung, on April 3. You can also visit Butter at their stand-alone Parramatta location at 3/140 Marsden St.
— atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights/erby-place-block-party
Archie Rose
Local distillers, Archie Rose, have become renowned not just for their award-winning spirits, but also their engagement with Greater Sydney’s entertainment events so it’s no surprise that they’ll be onsite at the Erby Place Block Party.
To keep the good times flowing (rather than spilling), they’ll be offering their relatively new canned cocktails, from their completely new pop-up bar. New beginnings call for nothing less. (March 18-20, March 25-27).
— atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights/erby-place-block-party
Jazz After Dark at Parramatta Square
Things are getting cool, real cool at Parramatta Square with Parramatta Nights’ Jazz After Dark Sessions.
Taking place in one of the city’s popular dining districts, there’s an abundance of eateries to choose from including contemporary pan-Asian at Lilymu, scrumptious diner dishes at Betty’s Burger, fresh and filling poke bowls at FISHBOWL, and decadent desserts at Riverano Gelato.
Or head to Italian hotspot CicciaBella, the latest venue from restaurateur Maurice Terzini (Icebergs Dining Room) for a selection of festival specials: The Italo Snack Pack, a great choice for the peckish, includes Pane Fresca & Grissini, house pickles & marinated olives, prosciutto e melone, parmigiano Reggiano & mozzarella, Calabrian white anchovies, and mushroom & taleggio arancini.
For a heartier appetite, opt for a slice or slab of Pizza Romana al Taglio including Margherita, tomato, fior di latte, and basil; tomato, artichoke, capsicum, and olive; potato, gorgonzola, and rosemary; diavola, pepperoni, and capsicum; and prosciutto, rocket, and Stracciatella.
Should the mood have you checking out the cocktail list, try one of CicciaBella Trattoria + Bar’s three Negroni variations (classic, Sbagliato or the Boulevardier). March 17-20 & March 24-27, 6pm-8pm.
— atparramatta.com/parramatta-nights/jazz-after-dark
Got a news or entertainment tip? Email weekendtele@news.com.au
Originally published as Sydney Eat Street: Parramatta Nights street festival food delights
Woolies gets in early on Christmas meal ideas
With just two months remaining until Christmas, supermarket giant Woolworths has released a range of festive meal ideas and budget friendly feasts.
Restaurateur update after Nazi symbol furore
A prominent hospitality group has cut ties with one of its co-founders after he was arrested for displaying a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestine rally.