Sydney Eat Street: Christmas restaurant deals at Fratelli, El Camino
Tis the season to celebrate, so grab your friends and colleagues to indulge in a well-deserved and long overdue afternoon of fabulous food and drinks.
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QUICK BROWN FOX EATERY
As much as 2020 has felt like an endless struggle, the Quick Brown Fox Eats wants to reward Sydneysiders with a Christmas feast of your choosing.
Co-owner Ben Calabro says: “It’s been a really tough year for our guests so, we wanted to remove all the restrictions and expense that comes with set-menu Christmas lunches and allow people the freedom to order what they want. And if you do enjoy a Christmas tipple, the bottomless drinks package is a great value option to add-on.”
Rather than picking on what’s placed on the table, choose something more to your liking with dishes such as Buffalo Ricotta Gnudi, made with soft ricotta dumplings and fried brussels sprouts; Harissa roast chicken with basmati rice, Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl with cured Yellow Fin tuna; or an Angus grass-fed cheeseburger on a warm brioche bun.
Top that off with a bottomless drinks packages. There’s one that offers a choice of select wines including Gilbert sauvignon blanc, Gilbert Rosé and Inkwell Dub Style GSM ($50pp) or opt for cocktails with endless amounts of Espresso Martinis, Aperol Spritzes, Bloody Marys or Negronis ($60pp).
Importantly, bookings are for two hours maximum and are available Monday-Friday (8am-3pm through to December 24).
— 22 Union St, Pyrmont; quickbrownfoxeatery.com.au
EL CAMINO CANTINA
Feliz Navidad translated to English is Merry Christmas, and that’s the beauty of the festive season, it’s celebrated the world over.
Add a touch of Spanish to your Aussie Christmas at El Camino Cantina in The Rocks with its three-course Festive feast Tex-Mex style served over two-hours.
“El Camino Cantina is fun-packed all year round, but we’re dialling things up for the festive season with our four new flavours of frozen margaritas,” food and beverage director Molly Haranis says.
“Our group dining package, the Tex-Mex Fiesta, is an incredible value with free-flowing margaritas for the two-hour duration.”
Tuck into generous servings of El Camino Cantina favourites including spicy buffalo wings, chicken fajitas and delicious crispy churros served warm with chocolate and caramel sauce.
There’s an extensive range of Cadillac margaritas but keep the holiday spirit(s) flowing with their limited edition Rockin’ Around the Rita Tree quartet: Christmas Punch, Peach, Raspberry and Grape, which are served Cadillac-style with a smooth, rich float of Grand Marnier. ($79pp)
— The Rocks, Entertainment Quarter, Manly, Miranda; elcaminocantina.com.au
VILLA AT THE LONGUEVILLE
Australians can’t travel overseas this Christmas but a taste of posh Palm Springs is at the heart of Villa at The Longueville Hotel’s dining experience.
The open-air terrace sports a tropical decor that is the epitome of Beverly Hills chic through the 1960s – cream-coloured walls with pastel accents, punctuated by palm fronds and cane.
“The new menu reflects the quintessential Sydney long hot summer, one that’s very similar to the Californian climate,” bistro operator Greg Bookallil says.
“For sharing and starters, we have fresh tacos including a Cone Bay Barramundi in panko, ‘Al Pastor’ (traditional Mexican style pork belly), and a do-it-yourself baked Buffalo Mozzarella and Chorizo Ragu.
“Pair these with a cool Villa froze, and you’ve got your immunity shot for summer. Otherwise, there’s a turkey club sandwich, chopped salad with mango, cauliflower schnitty and kingfish ceviche.
“You can’t go wrong settling into a long lunch at Villa.”
Large groups up to 30 guests can sit at a long table and enjoy a lunch of Queensland tiger prawn cocktails, brined and slow-roasted turkey with all the trimmings, and homemade mini-Christmas puddings with brandy custard to finish. The seasonal cocktail selection makes a festive addition.
— 80 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove, longuevillehotel.com.au
FRATELLI FRESH
The 12 Days of Christmas may be the traditional count, but the folks at Fratelli Fresh have doubled the days and doubled the fun with their 25 Flavours of Spritzmas.
From December 2, they’ll have 25 different spritzes to try, either by the glass ($14) or cocktail jug ($29).
Flavours include mandarin and thyme, the aromatic fusion of peach and rosemary, the subtle tartness of green apple and refreshingly tropical lychee.
They are also laying out a set menu festive lunch – a three-course Italian feast with their generous antipasti board, a selection of pizzas, pasta and salads, and yes, their house-made gelato, along with free-flowing Aperol Spritzes, espresso martinis, house wines and craft beers. ($79pp).
”Fratelli Fresh screams summer with its seasonal menu; fruity, fizz-filled spritzes and bright, open venues with splashes of signature red and white decor,” food and beverage director Molly Haranis says.
“The Festa Italiana menu is generous in size, flavour and affordability and perfect for festive group get-togethers.”
— Crows Nest, Darling Harbour, Entertainment Quarter, Westfield CBD, Manly, Miranda; fratellifresh.com.au
PUBLIC HOUSE PETERSHAM
Gather the crew and meet up at one of the best beer gardens around. An afternoon out is made even better with the PHP festive feast ($25pp) done Italian-stye with an antipasti plate, a wood-fired pizza (from their onsite wood-fire oven) and more.
Add to that local craft-beer, “natty” (natural) wines or signature cocktails and you’ve got plenty of reason to celebrate.
— 292-294 Stanmore Rd, Petersham; publichousepetersham.com.au
CAVALLINO
A favourite in the Northern suburbs, this rustic Italian restaurant is an ideal destination for your holiday season gathering not much for the separated spaces suited to every size group, but also the truly delicious and generous portions of food on offer.
The restaurant’s general manager, Roberto Dessanti, says: “Cavallino has reverted to its roots and we couldn’t be prouder. Our fresh new menu is a reflection of what it is to be Italian – fresh produce and fresh seafood.
“For Italians, it’s about large quantities of beautiful food, and sharing with loved ones. That’s why we’ve introduced huge grazing boards, and a traditional Fiorentina 1kg steak which feeds large groups.”
— Corner of Mccarrs Creek Rd and Yulong Ave, Terrey Hills; cavallino.com.au
WHAT'S FRESH
HENDRICK’S GIN BALLOON BAR
Finish 2020 on a high – literally. On December 5, enjoy a Hendrick’s Gin cocktail in a hot-air balloon high above Darling Harbour with this once-in-a-lifetime-experience at a truly socially distanced bar.
The ride itself is free but, you’ll need to make a booking for one of the limited numbers of sessions.
Book here from 9am on Monday, November 30.
For those who missed out, you can still imbibe at the Hendrick’s Cucumber Bar in Tumbalong Park where you can purchase their signature “Tini Martini” – a miniature gin martini – then swap that glass for a free Hendrick’s G & T at participating bars, including PS40, Helm Bar, The Barbershop, Cafe Del Mar, Planar, Prince of York, The Swinging Cat and Champagne Bar, The Sofitel.
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