Sydney Eat Street: Father’s Day food, gift sets while in lockdown
Even though you’re stuck at home, you can still show your dad he’s the best with these Father’s Day specials, from a DIY BBQ kit to some adult averages.
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Firepop
It’s a showstopper. A meat-lover’s showstopper. That is the only way to describe Firepop’s Father’s Day DIY BBQ mixed pack, which comes with its very own – very cool – eco-friendly disposable grill.
The geniuses behind this epic offer are the husband-and-wife team, Raymond Hou and Alina Van, who, after years of serving up BBQ meats at popular Chatswood and Haymarket eateries (Lamb & Cumin, Red Charcoal), decided to reinvent their business as a mobile kitchen complete with a bespoke grill that cooks their top-tier meats to perfection.
That was just over two years ago, right before what was probably the hardest 18 months in hospitality history, and although they barely had time to get up and running, Raymond and Alina’s unwavering insistence on premium products, specifically their signature meats such as New England lamb, Blackmore MBS 9+ Wagyu and Bangalow Sweet Pork, garnered them a loyal following.
However, it’s not just proteins that get the love and attention, as Raymond and Alina are equally committed to artisanal ingredients such as Olsson’s sea salt used in their housemade seasonings.
Unpacking the Father’s Day DIY BBQ pack and then firing up the grill is more than a novelty (and it’s very easy). It only takes a few minutes for the grill to be ready, so you can then throw on the exceptional lamb, beef and pork skewers for a sumptuous BBQ.
You also get a side of their red onion and Davidson plum pickles, plus house-roasted beer peanuts to accompany the four craft beers (four) Sydney’s finest craft beer people – Young Henry’s, White Bay, One Drop Brewing and Akasha.
There’s a QR code (we all know how to work those now) that links to detailed cooking instructions from lighting the innovative single-use charcoal grill (included) to how often to flip each skewer.
It costs $145 with free delivery across Sydney (Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney North, the Hills District, Inner West and Sydney South) but you need to pre-order via their website for delivery on Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Father’s Day week.
Order cut-off Tuesday, August 31 at 10pm. Limited number of packs available for each day. First in, first served. But Dad is guaranteed to have the best time.
Carbón
Ay, caramba! There’re tacos, and then there are Carbón’s tacos. Forget standing over the stove, stirring in supermarket taco mix, scooping out sour cream, and something that looks similar to avocado dip into oven-warmed shells.
This Father’s Day Carbón is adding some serious pizzazz to Taco Night with its Build your Own Taco Kit.
Each kit comes with up to 18 tacos (yes 18) along with three proteins — chicken tinga, beef cheek and cauliflower – as well as six toppings including corn esquires, pickled cabbage, pico de Gallo, guacamole, black beans and salsa. ($90).
For the big kids, consider adding a 500ml (or 1L) margarita. These taco kits can be pre-ordered for same-day pick-up.
Delivery is available to Greater Sydney and surrounding regions for a flat rate of $16.50 via Providoor (24-hour notice required).
— 288 Bondi Rd, Bondi; carbonmexican.com.au
National Bacon Day
Add some sizzle to your Father’s Day in honour of what is probably his second favourite day – National Bacon Day.
Granted, it’ll be a belated celebration as Bacon Day is Saturday, September 4, but the goal remains the same: to support local producers, business owners and highlight that most of the bacon people are buying is imported.
“We’re so excited about this collaboration with Australian Pork on this year’s National Bacon Day campaign,” says Paul Baker, chef/co-owner of Chef on Wheels, who is creating a bacon-inspired menu: bacon-fat garlic bread, bacon mac & cheese ravioli with a smoked cheese pasta sauce with an accompanying maple bacon brioche bread & butter pudding for dessert.
“It coincides with our launch into Sydney and Melbourne here at Chefs On Wheels.
Highlighting local producers like Barossa Fine Foods who use local Australian pork are a mainstay of our business and helping us to redefine home dining in such strange times.”
At NOMAD, head chef and passionate champion of local producers Jacqui Challinor has prepared bacon, leek, and truffle pies available via the General Store.
“Now is such an important time to get behind our Aussie farmers and give them some much-needed support. With the restaurant and export industries suffering so heavily right now, the farmers are feeling the full effects of this. Eating bacon is a pretty enjoyable way of showing them some love if I do say so myself,” she says.
Celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge’s restaurant, Banksia, will offer a special home delivery for Father’s Day that will include bacon.
“Today is not the day to skimp on your bacon; it’s National Bacon Day. Now more than ever, it is so important to buy and support Australian bacon producers,” he says.
The lockdown is hitting local food producers hard and Blackwood Panty’s Rob Lechowicz is another chef determined to support local.
“Now more than ever, I believe it important for us to be working with and supporting as many of our amazing farmers and producers that we have available to us all,” he says.
“And why wouldn’t we? We are lucky enough in Australia to have some of the best quality produce in the world, so let’s enjoy it.”
To go all out, Rob and Blackwood Pantry have created the You’ Bacon Me Crazy’ sandwich – toasted ciabatta roll, sour cherry and pepper berry relish, fried eggs, camembert cheese, rocket and truffle mayo, and grilled bacon from Sydney-based producer Lucas Meats.
Sounds like a deliciously festive weekend.
Providoor
Calling it takeaway seems downright tacky once you scroll through the A-Z of restaurants on Providoor’s delivery list.
From celebrity-chef led restaurants to casual cult-favourites, Father’s Day dinner is just a click away.
For the meat-eater, there’s no going past the slow-roasted lamb shoulder with mint salsa from Chiswick.
You can order it ala carte or as a two-person feast with Focaccia, Roasted Pumpkin & Parmesan Soup, Cauliflower & Gruyère Gratin, Green Bean Salad with Capers, Raisins & Almonds and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Or opt for XOPP, sister restaurant to Sydney institution, Golden Century Chinese restaurant. But just because you can’t sit around the table and spin the lazy-Susan doesn’t mean dad has to miss out on their famous XO Pipis with vermicelli. You can even order a jar of the more-ish sauce. Order them as a stand-alone main or go with the Pipis Banquet for two – steamed prawn dumplings, XO Pipis with vermicelli, slow-roasted beef short rib with Spicy Grandma Sauce, stir-fried mixed greens & Yang Chow fried r. Providoor’s deliveries are made Thursday-Sunday throughout Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Bathurst, Newcastle & Wollongong, and Canberra ($16.50 flat fee).
Order by 4pm for next day delivery though some restaurants do offer Click & Collect. You can also include dishes from multiple restaurants in your order, but there’s a $16.50 fee for each venue.
To ensure dad’s not disappointed, Providoor suggests having your meal delivered Friday, September 3 or Saturday, September 4.
Black Star Pastry
There’s a saying that goes something like this: It’s so good if only you could bottle it. It’s not just a saying for Black Star Pastry and Sydney Bar PS40, who have collaborated to create three custom cocktails inspired by three famous Black Star cakes, including the Insta-famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake.
PS40’s co-owner and award-winning bartender well known for his innovative and unconventional approach to spirited concoctions, Michael Chiem, has created cocktails that are inspired by the coveted cakes such as the SWC, a Tanqueray Gin, raspberry, strawberry, lemon peel and rose petal tea cocktail paired with Black Star Pastry’s signature Strawberry Watermelon Cake.
There’s also the JFC, a traditional old fashioned with coffee and umami for a take on the Japanese Forest Cake and the ZEN Cocktail, a refreshing version of the classic Paloma, with a pistachio lemon twist — it’s the drinkable version of the Pistachio Lemon Zen cake.
These limited-edition cocktails are available in a three-pack ($80), with each 250mL bottle designed to serve two. Select your own slices or opt for the Cake and Cocktail Combo ($125). Order by 3pm for next day delivery. Delivery is free on orders over $100.
Cartel
Sure, it’s dad’s day, but everyone (18 and over, that is) can get in on the celebration with Cartel and Gin Lane’s Father’s Day Cocktail ISO Packs that includes either three or six classic cocktails, including a Negroni and 007 Vesper Martini, as well as a cheese “snack pack” and instructional video ($65/$115).
There’s also the DIY Taco and Margarita kit that comes with 12 tacos, a choice of chicken, beef or veg, plenty of the requisite condiments, and four Margaritas. Pre-order for drive-thru pick-up. Delivery to select areas.
— 2 Kensington St, Chippendale; cartelkensingtonstreet.com.au
Mr Black
When it comes to cocktails, mixologists swear the difference between basic and brilliant comes down to quality ingredients; for the ever-popular espresso martini, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur is that ingredient of choice.
But while lockdown keeps you from cosying up to the bar, you’ll be glad to know that from September 1, Mr Black will be offering their signature espresso martinis in single-serve cans.
You’ll need to order from their website for the first batch, but if you miss out, just gift dad an IOU for when they hit the shelves at Vintage Cellars and Liquorland in November.
The Norfolk
Spark up the grill for Father’s Day with a selection of BBQ packs curated by The Norfolk and Prince of York’s Executive Chef, Sam Bull. Whether he’s craving meat or sticking to veggies, there are five different lockdown feasts ($50/serves two) that are sure to please dad’s faves.
Go for the classic Steak Northern Rivers Black Angus T Bone, baked rosemary & garlic cream potatoes, house-made Diane sauce, green peppercorn mustard & dinner rolls, or one of the other packs: Yamba King prawns, butterflied jerk chicken, bulgogi beef or a vegan option with grilled eggplant and stuffed bullhorn peppers. (Deliveries Thursday-Saturday to Sydney metro area. Order by 6pm for next day delivery).
SevenZeroEight
Surprise dad with a visit from cricket legend Shane Warne, well, actually Warnie's’s award-winning gin, SevenZeroEight.
A reference to his record-breaking 708 wickets in this gin has already picked up plenty of accolades notes of citrus and thyme derived from a unique blend of juniper, herbs and spices.
In addition to the full-strength spirit, Shane has also developed a mid-strength version, 23% LIGHT, with less alcohol and fewer calories.
Man Tea at Home
Dainty sandwiches and ornate pastries may be fine for an afternoon snack, but when dad sits down hankering for a feed, those towers of tiny morsels prove less than appealing. So, save the sweet for later on and bring out the Man Tea at Home by QT Sydney’s Gowings & Grill. The pack includes a selection of Braised Beef Cheek and Red wine Pies, pork & fennel sausage rolls, Wagyu burgers, lobster rolls ($75) and Banoffee Tart with Salted Caramel + Vanilla Cream.
Add-on single-serve bottled Gowings Negroni or Old Fashioned ($21), or a 750ml bottle of Archie Rose x St ALi “Blasphemy” Coffee Whiskey ($89). The Man Tea is available September 1-5 for pick-up only. Order by 5pm for next-day pick-up.
You’ll also need to select a day and time to collect your order. As there is a limited number of the Man Tea at Home packages, be sure to get in early to avoid disappointment.
— Gowings Bar & Grill, 1/49 Market St, Sydney (next to State Theatre); gowingsbarandgrill.com.au
Catalina
Treat dad to some true decadence with Catalina’s Father’s Day Dining Packs. The masters of waterfront dining bring the sea’s bounty to your kitchen with a selection of set menus designed for two – but can also be ordered in multiples to mix-and-match to feed the whole family.
There’s the “Big Daddy” which comes with chargrilled king prawns, six natural Sydney rock oysters, 1kg Rib-Eye with spring vegetables, pan-fried haloumi and salsa Verde plus an apple and blueberry pie, a bottle of 2018 Tim Smith Shiraz and a 250ml cocktail of choice ($395). There’s also the “Who’s Your Daddy?” with cured kingfish, crisp skin roasted pork belly ($270,) but you can upgrade that to Suckling Pig for $100.
There are other combinations as well, so head to the website and find something suited to the king-for-a-day. Pre-order for pick-up. Delivery to surrounding suburbs is $15 with a minimum $50 order.
— Lyne Park, 1 Sunderland Ave, Rose Bay; catalinarosebay.com.au
Your Food Collective
Your Food Collective (YFC) has been keeping Sydney and Newcastle households happy with farm-fresh produce, artisanal products, and meal kits from local producers, and come Father’s Day, there’ll be a new addition to the family: Brix Distillers.
Lauren Branson, YFC’s CEO, says: “With so many of us stuck in lockdown, we were keen to get Dad’s excited about staying in, so teamed up with Sydney rum legends Brix.
“Two founders of Brix and YFC are brother and sister, so they have celebrated more than a few Father’s Days together. Drawing on those years of experience, we sweated over putting together the perfect night in. Sticking with the rum vibe – a Mexican feast from local, sustainable growers the kids can cook up and a selection of Brix to help Dad unwind.
“With everyone occupied, what could go wrong.”
YFC delivers to Newcastle, Sydney and surrounds, five days a week. Free delivery for orders over $100, otherwise $9.95 flat rate. (Check online for specific times, days, delivery locations and pick-up options.)
Wings’ n Burgers
Just because you can’t head off on holidays doesn’t mean you can’t take your tastebuds on a culinary journey … all the way to Waverly (via Deliveroo). After all, true nomads know that the best experiences are the ones you didn’t expect, which is why finding a shop selling burgers, fries and sides with a kitchen team that boasts a Michelin Star pedigree can be such a prize.
At the helm of the menu is executive chef Clement Marchais. Raised in France, Marchais went to work at a number of Internationally-renowned restaurants (including Quay) before opening Wing’ n Burgers with owner Dan Whitten.
Here, Marchais has punted the pretence of hatted-restaurants but kept the finesse of the cooking which shows in such menu items as The O.G Smash, a premium Jack’s Creek Wagyu smash patty topped with hi-melt cheese, or the cheese fries with tequila jalapeño, and of course, wings, wings, and more wings. Oh, and they even have vegetarian options. Tres Magnifique. (Available for delivery via Deliveroo and Door Dash or pick-up from the Robin Hood Hotel drive-in bottle shop. Tuesday-Sunday, 5pm-9pm).
— (Robin Hood Hotel) 203 Bronte Rd, Waverley; wingsnburgers.com.au
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Originally published as Sydney Eat Street: Father’s Day food, gift sets while in lockdown
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