Sydney Eat Street: Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day 2020
Victoria might finally be out of lockdown but as travel to the state for Melbourne Cup Day is still out of the question, Sydney Eat Street reveals where to celebrate with great food and atmosphere.
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From casual lunches to full-on feasts, odds are there’s a perfect place for your Melbourne Cup celebrations.
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FRENCHIES BRASSERIE
For punters, the warmer weather is a prelude to the excitement of spring racing but to Jeremy Pace, head chef at Frenchies Brasserie, it’s a time to celebrate the season’s bounty with his four-course sit-down Melbourne Cup lunch ($100pp) and optional three-hour drinks package (additional $50pp).
“We have some amazing spring produce available – such as asparagus, lamb and spanner crab – and I love working with what’s in season to produce special dishes,” says Jeremy.
A particular standout on the day, the Paris Brest, a choux pastry and made in a circular-shape.
“This popular French dessert, was created in 1910 to celebrate a famous cycling event (a race from Paris to Brest and back to Paris), but on Melbourne Cup Day it can mark the Aussie race that stops a nation,” he says.
For those feeling a bit festive but stuck at home or in the office, he has also put together a canape package with such bites as kingfish ceviche tartelettes, duck parfait, salmon rillettes and more ($40pp).
And since the day calls for bubbles, Frenchies Brasserie’s wine expert can help with that as well.
— Shop 3, 54 Kelang Rd, Elanora Heights; frenchiesbrasserie.com.au
THE STAR
Whether you fancy a flutter with bubbles in hand or study the form guide over a burger and beer, The Star Sydney has your race day druthers sorted.
Go for something casual near the gaming floor or for those after some glitz and glam, veer toward one of three signature restaurants, for special set menus that start with a glass of NV Möet & Chandon on arrival.
For those after premium seafood with a delicate touch, Flying Fish’s share menu ($130pp) is the pick with such dishes as Moreton Bay bug, Garlic Butter Mooloolaba Scallops as well as Cape Grim Scotch Fillet or for creative and contemporary Japanese fare with dishes such as kingfish miso ceviche with green chilli and miso-glazed toothfish, Sokyo share menu ($130) is the ticket.
At BLACK Bar and Grill, head chef Dany Karam has put together a three-course meal ($175) with choices that include herb-crusted King Salmon, grilled cuttlefish risotto, and his famous, wood grilled, Wagyu MBS 7+ fillet.
In addition to a memorable meal, there’ll be plasma screens throughout the venues and prizes for best dressed. Definitely something worth celebrating.
— 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont; star.com.au/sydney/MelbourneCup
G.H. MUMM CHAMPAGNE LIVE FROM SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
This year, before the race that stops the nation, there’ll be a (cork) pop heard around the country as G.H. Mumm Champagne, the official Champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival invites fans of the blessed bubbles to join in a virtual celebratory toast, streamed live from the step of the Sydney Opera House at 1.30pm on Tuesday, November 3, followed by a 90-minute masterclass Mumm’s National Brand Ambassador, Emmanuel de Madre.
This epic event is one of the clever offerings from Drinks with Dave, an online alcohol delivery service that specialises in Experience Boxes — “virtual tasting experience delivered to your door”.
For Melbourne Cup, participants will receive and email with details for streaming the event, and delivery of a bottle each of Mumm Grand Cordon and Mumm Grand Cordon Rosé ($167) to pop at the given time.
You’ll need to move quickly though as orders close Monday, October 26.
— drinkswithdave.com.au/ghmumm-experience
OPERA BAR
The stunning view of Sydney Harbour will play second fiddle to the frocked-up fillies and damper gents who’ll head down to Circular Quay for an afternoon of fun, fabulous food and well-deserved levity.
The festivities kick off at noon with live music that will run through the day, save for the few minutes reserved for the race that stops the nation.
Following a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival, guests will enjoy a three-course share menu ($99pp) starting with a generous selection of sliced meats, cheese, dips, breads and more, followed by a choice of crispy skin barramundi, slow-roast lamb shoulder or roasted globe artichokes.
Throughout the day, as guests soak up the sun and revel in the celebratory vibe, there’ll be a number of prizes given away, culminating in the highly anticipated “Best Dressed” contest.
While the meal concludes with a scrumptious Olsson Sea Salt caramel tart, no need to pull in the reins on the celebrations as Opera Bar will be open until late.
— Sydney Opera House, Lower Concourse, Sydney; operabar.com.au
THE DOLPHIN HOTEL
With great food, creative cocktails and pumping tunes, The Dolphin Hotel’s trifecta of entertainment is the hands-down favourite for partying punters.
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tarting off with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne upon arrival, guests will be served an extensive share menu featuring such more-ish bites as Prosciutto Grissini, mini-Delfino cheeseburger and grilled lamb cutlets while on the bar side, there’ll be a selection of clever cocktails, impressive wines and tap beer.
Music is a must at The Dolphin, except for three-short minutes when the TVs take over to show the Melbourne Cup and hopefully, another few minutes for the victorious cries from winning bets. ($150pp, 12-3pm).
— 412 Crown St, Surry Hills; dolphinhotel.com.au
SoCAL NEUTRAL BAY
Add some spice to your Cup Day plans with TexMex fare and SoCal vibes, all up on the sunny terrace of this Neutral Bay hotspot.
Enjoy a banquet lunch with some of their most popular dishes including the lamb barbacoa and pan-seared sea scallops ($95pp; $150pp with 2.5hr drinks package).
There’ll be plenty of TVs showing the race and sweepstake prizes that will make everyone feel like a winner.
— 1 Young St, Neutral Bay; socalsydney.com.au
COOGEE WINE ROOM
Bubbles abound for Melbourne Cup at this Eastern suburbs wine bar where bottles of Bollinger will be available for $100 all day.
It’s a stellar addition to their five-course menu ($100pp) which starts with a complimentary glass of Bollinger followed by oysters and spring lamb.
There’ll be big screens playing throughout the two-level venue as well as sweeps and prizes for best dressed ladies and gents.
— 222 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee; coogeewineroom.com.au
NOLA SMOKEHOUSE AND BAR
Venture from the big city to the deep south this Cup Day at this New Orleans-inspired restaurant for a four-course shared menu with 12 dishes including NOLA’s slow-cooked smoked meats, fresh seafood and three desserts.
Lunch runs from 11.45am through to 3.30pm and starts off with a glass of Taittinger champagne on arrival. ($115pp; $175 with two-hour drinks package)
— Level 1, One International Towers Sydney 100 Barangaroo Ave Cnr Barangaroo Ave & Shipwright Walk, Barangaroo; nolasydney.com
THE SQUIRE’S LANDING
Located in The Rocks between the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, not only does this restaurant/brewery have one of the best views in town, it’s got one of the best Melbourne Cup Day offerings.
For $99pp you get a premium shared- menu plus a 2.5hr drinks package that covers sparkling, white and red wine, plus James Squire beers.
There’ll be live coverage of the race and prizes for best-dressed.
— Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks; jamessquire.com.au
CBD
BOPP & TONE
With its dark woods and gilded finishing reflects the grandeur of a bygone era that encapsulates the luxury of the Melbourne Cup.
Gather friends and opt for the banquet menu with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne on arrival ($190pp), or for a more intimate setting book their private dining room with dedicated waitstaff and bespoke banquet menu, which starts with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne on arrival ($250pp).
Put on your regal best as there’ll be prizes for best dressed male and female as well one for best-dressed table.
— 60 Carrington St, Sydney; boppandtone.com.au
MR WONG
Celebrated chef Dan Hong has created a decadent banquet menu at this hatted Cantonese-style restaurant which starts with a glass of 2012 Veuve Clicquot or Kirin on arrival ($250pp).
— 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney; merivale.com.au
IVY POOL CLUB
For true decadence, head to ivy’s rooftop pool for a full-service Mediterranean style spread and bespoke drinks. There’s a $2,500 minimum spend for tables with up to 10 people.
— 330 George St, Sydney; merivale.com.au
WESTERN SYDNEY
THE LOCKER ROOM
Whether you’re after a casual outing or something a bit more refined, The Locker Room has you covered.
Upstairs there’s a three-course set menu that includes a glass of sparkling wine and canapes on arrival ($90pp) or down the stairs on the ground level, indulge in a fresh seafood platter that serves two and includes two glasses of sparkling wine ($90pp).
— 15 Olympic Blvd, Olympic Park; thelockeroom.com.au
THE MARSDEN BREWHOUSE
Let the good times roll at this restaurant and brewery. Along with sweepstakes, prizes and big screen TVs, you’ll be entertained with a comedian and MC.
In the dining room, opt for the three-course menu that includes a glass of sparkling wine and canapes on arrival ($90pp) or for a more casual approach, venture to the main bar for seafood platter that serves two and includes two glasses of sparkling wine ($90pp).
— Hawthorne Ave & Richmond Rd, Marsden Park; themarsdenbrewhouse.com.au
THE OAKS
Not sure what to do for Cup Day but still want to be out and about? The Oaks has just the ticket. There’ll be sweepstakes, prizes and big screens to watch the main race, plus added specials on the bistro’s menu board. Make a booking and get a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.
— 6 John St, The Oaks; theoaks-hotel.com
NORTHERN BEACHES
THE BOTANIST
Surrounded by trees on the outside and filled with flora and fauna inside, this Kirribilli bar and restaurant is noted for its creative cocktails and generous share-menu.
For Melbourne Cup they’ll be offering a banquet lunch with such dishes as Ora King salmon crudo and chargrilled chicken with a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne on arrival and 2.5hr beverage package ($149pp). There’ll also be prizes for best dressed male and female as well as one for best-dressed table.
— 17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli; thebotanist.com.au
THE NEWPORT
It’ll be fun in the sun with a long lunch and drinks at the outside courtyard long lunch ($160pp). There’ll also be a big screen set-up, so you won’t even have to leave your seat to catch the big race.
— 2 Kalinya St, Newport; merivale.com.au
QUEEN CHOW MANLY
It’s cocktails and a Cantonese banquet feast with matching drinks package paired with a perfect harbour view out on Manly Wharf ($195pp).
— Manly Wharf, Manly
THE BAVARIAN MANLY
Fresh off the fun of Oktoberfest, The Bavarian is bringing a German touch to Australia’s iconic race. Go for the massive Bavarian share platter which includes pork belly, schnitzels, sausages and more ($39pp; serves two) or the Spring Fest food and drinks package ($69pp).
To get in the Melbourne Cup “spirit”, they’ve created $10 cocktails named after past Cup winners including Winx – a vodka, apple and passionfruit combination and Black Caviar – white rum, lychee and pineapple.
— Manly Wharf, Manly; thebavarians.com
EASTERN SUBURBS
THE BUTLER
The stunning city view and Ibero-American menu are enough to lure diners any day of the week but on Cup Day, there’ll be the extra incentive of a delicious eight-course banquet menu including popular picks such as Empanada, Spicy Chicken Tacos and Ensalada fresca along with a 2.5hr beverage packaged ($249pp).
Don your finest as there’ll be prizes for best dressed male and female as well one for best-dressed table.
— 123 Victoria St, Potts Point; butlersydney.com.au
ICEBERGS DINING ROOM
Restaurateur Maurice Terzini and Icebergs Dining Room and Bar have taken personalised service to the next level with a flat screen TV set-up at every table flat screen TV.
It’s added to win to the already mouth-watering four-course menu that includes Burraduc Farm buffalo mozzarella, David Blackmore Wagyu Bresaola, Arcadia Spatchcock and more ($250pp)
— 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach; icebergs.com.au
WHAT’S FRESH
HENDRIKS
For those who prefer a Melbourne Cup tipple sans bubbles, Hendriks in Crows Nest is a must.
A relative newcomer to Greater Sydney’s bar scene, this comfy and casual spot focuses on cognac and red wine.
While charcuteries boards and cocktails are usually the go, come race day form 12.30-3.30pm, there’ll be a full-on three-course lunch, bottomless drinks, sweeps, prizes and yes, the requisite glass of bubbles on arrival. ($120pp)
— Shop 5, 29 Holterman St, Crows Nest; hendriks.bar