Sydney Eat Street: Food and drink that will warm you up from tip to toe

Everyone is happy to see the sun peeking through the clouds, but winter’s not all bad. Bid farewell to the colder days with one last hurrah of warming fare.

On a scorching hot and humid day in Indonesia, Andrew Ray, the owner of Kafe Kooks in Ultimo, found what would later become his favourite winter comfort food: chicken laksa.

He instantly fell for the rich, creamy coconut soup brimming with spices, chicken, and noodles.

But it was when he faced Melbourne's colder months that he fully appreciated it as the perfect winter dish.

Kafe Kooks’ beef rendang with roti warms you from the inside out. Picture: Jenifer Jagielski

Though you won't find laksa on Kafe Kooks’ roti-focused menu, Andrew says its coconut and spice combo inspired their beef rendang.

With its slow-cooked beef, coconut milk, and aromatic spices, this dish sends out an irresistible aroma.

And once you dip their housemade roti into the coconut-based curry, the tender meat and warm flavours will heat you from the inside out.

63 Mountain St, Ultimo; kafekooks.com.au

The Winery

If you’re keen on an outdoor adventure but shiver at the thought of getting dirty laying

out a swag, The Winery in Surry Hills solves the problem you probably didn’t think

you had.

Glamping Under the Stars is back again in The Winery’s popular garden.

Winter wine & dine options start at $79pp. There is also a $200 date night package

for two … no campfire experience necessary.

Enjoy alfresco eating under the stars at The Winery in Surry Hills. Picture: Anna Kucera

The menu is alfresco grazing, including a shared board of meats and cheeses (cheddar, brie, prosciutto, mild sopressa, lavosh, honey, fig jam, grapes, schiacciata, and mushroom arancini).

Mains are beef sliders, homemade sausage rolls, cos salad, mac and cheese, and roast potatoes

with tarragon butter.

The basic package offers a two-hour selection of unlimited house beverages (sparkling, white, rosé, red wine, and beer), but for an extra 20 bucks, upgrade to the premium package for two hours of bottomless classic cocktails, including espresso martinis, margaritas, amaretto sours, Aperol spritz, and negronis.

Two-hour glamping sessions for two to eight people run daily from noon.

285a Crown St, Surry Hills; thewinerysurryhills.com.au

Jazz Sessions and Forage The Rocks

Free fun is music to the ears for many Sydneysiders nowadays and The Rocks is the

place to jazz up your night.

Rug up and venture to The Rocks Square on Thursday nights in August for free Jazz Sessions from 6-9pm.

Slide up to Hickson House’s pop-up bar for a hot cup of winter mulled wine and a bite from the dozens of eateries, including pizza and pasta from Caminetto Restaurant or a wagyu burger from North Sandwiches.

Great music, mulled wine and a range of delicious eateries to choose from at The Rocks. Picture: Anna Kucera

Also running through to the end of August is the Forage The Rocks, featuring meal deals such as The Mercantile’s $20 beef and Guinness pie, Wednesday Wings at The Glenmore, and 10c dumplings and $5 pizza every Thursday at The Argyle.

There’s also a range of experiences, including masterclasses, wine tastings, and The Cocktails Trail, a tour of 13 Sydney bars with limited-edition cocktails and canape pairings for just $25. There are several other adventures as part of Forage The Rocks that are worth hunting down yourself.

therocks.com

Chocolate Artisan

It’s often the simple things in life that bring the most joy. For chef Tommy Prosser,

that simple pleasure is a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cold day.

“Hot chocolate takes me back to my youth in the UK, after long, rainy walks by the seafront,

warming up in a beachside hotel with a cup of cacao,” he says.

Chocolate Artisan’s decadent hot chocolate with truffles. Picture: Tommy Prosser

These days, though, he insists on the real deal — no powdered mixes, just chocolate and milk.

Luckily, being married to chocolatier Jessica Pedemont, he has a steady supply of the good

stuff.

For a limited time and while supplies last, he’s taking this winter delight to the next level with a touch of truffle.

74 Ramsey St, Haberfield; chocolateartisan.com.au; and Carriageworks Farmers Market

Baker Bleu

They’re a popular option throughout the year, but come winter, the warming spice

and comforting aroma of Baker Bleu’s freshly baked cinnamon scrolls are particularly

alluring.

Cinnamon scrolls from Baker Blee. Picture: Supplied

Their scrolls are made with perfectly risen yeasted dough from NSW — wholegrain milling flour, slathered in Copper Tree Farms butter and cinnamon sugar.

The rich smell of cinnamon hits you first, and the thick sour cream and cinnamon icing tops off this sweet treat.

2 Guilfoyle Ave, Double Bay; bakerbleu.com.au