Image credit: Steven Woodburn
Good Food Month presented by Citi is back this October, and has now added Friends of Good Food Month to its spectacular events programme on sale now.
This year’s Friends of Good Food Month series is the largest programme of events to date, with over 40 events taking place across Sydney and more broadly across NSW. With everything from dine-in events to take-home meal packs and virtual masterclasses, there has never been a better time to celebrate the local talent throughout the state and support the industry that has battled through devastating challenges.
Sydneysiders can enjoy a pasta degustation at Big Poppa’s, cool climate wine dinner at The Restaurant Pendolino, journey through the Silk Road at Spice Temple, jazz at Restaurant Hubert, stressless Sundays at Ormeggio at The Spit, Japan’s finest flavours at No.5 Restaurant & Bar, an evening of decadence at O Bar and Dining, Spring Picnic Bags from Chiswick, virtual feasts and masterclasses thanks to Pasta Pals and Mjølner, and tasty collaborations between Aria and Maybe Sammy, Estate and Clove Lane, Cucinetta and Jacqui Ektoros.
Some events this year will look a little different, as the Friends of Good Food Month restaurant partners implement the highest standards of COVID-19 safety measures, as recommended by the NSW Government and NSW Health. Good Food Month recommends booking in advance to avoid disappointment, as many events have limited tickets available.
Friends of Good Food Month Events Programme
Secolo Dining | Authentic Italian Pizza Masterclass
6:00pm–7:30pm, 8 October | $70–$95
Join the team at Secolo Dining in the heart of Sydney’s CBD this Good Food Month for an interactive (but socially distanced) authentic pizza-making masterclass.
The Sydney Connection | Crafty Dining Potts Point
6:00pm–9:00pm, 8 October | $108.90
This October, The Sydney Connection is holding its fourth Crafty Dining experience as part of Good Food Month and Sydney Craft Week. The event will showcase the rich variety of vintage and contemporary fashion, design and dining options on the streets of Potts Point.
Little Red Robin Restaurant & Wine Bar | Wine Exploration
4:00pm–5:00pm, 10, 17, 24 & 31 October | $120
Whether you’re a wine aficionado, or new to exploring unique drops, this is the perfect wine exploration event. Tickets include five wines with matched snacks, discussion about each wine and a bottle of your favourite wine from the event to take home.
Pasta Pals | Virtual Pasta Making Experience
4:00pm–6:00pm, 11 October | $20 + booking fees
Pasta Pals is a virtual cooking workshop with two of Sydney’s top pasta chefs Alex Major (Ragazzi) and Brandon Jones (Totti’s). Fulfil your dream of becoming a master of pasta – learning how to make delicious, classic pasta from scratch in the comfort of your own home.
Big Poppas | Pasta Degustation & Wine Pairing
6:00pm–9:00pm, 13 & 27 October | $125
Your favourite late-night hip hop venue and Italian restaurant invites you for a night of delicious pasta and matched wine to satisfy all your mid-week carb and vino needs.
O Bar and Dining | Cristal, Caviar & Crustacea
6:00pm–10:00pm, 16 & 17 October | $400
Let O Bar and Dining take you on a dining experience that is as decadent and immersive as their spectacular setting. Perfect service and bespoke wine pairings will complement an elegant and supremely sophisticated five-course tasting menu.
Silk Road Dinner | Spice Temple
6:00pm–10:00pm, 14 October | $99
Join Spice Temple executive chef Andy Evans for his bespoke Silk Road dinner – an exquisite culinary journey through some of the extraordinary, lesser-known regions of China.
Estate | Estate × Clove Lane Sunday Lunch
12:00pm–3:00pm, 18 October | $79
This Good Food Month, Estate chef Matthew Butcher is collaborating with Clove Lane’s Emile Avramides to bring a four-course family-style menu to Estate for a special long Sunday lunch on October 18.
Cucinetta Sydney | Breakfast with Friends
8:00am–11:00am, 18 October | $45
Join Cucinetta Sydney for a one-off breakfast event this October with Cucinetta chef Vincenzo and guest executive head chef and friend Jacqui Ektoros (ex-Three Williams, Devon Cafe and Bennelong). Expect exciting dishes and stunning harbour views.
Spice Alley | Animal Instincts
12:00pm–3:00pm, 18 October | Minimum spend $25
Prep your pup for it’s very own photo shoot on Sunday, 18 October. Simply buy lunch from Spice House (minimum spend $25) between 12:00pm and 3:00pm and show your receipt to score a professional paw-trait of your pooch.
Ho Jiak Town Hall | The Ho Jiak Journey
6:00pm–10:00pm, 19 October | $100
Embark on The Ho Jiak Journey, a gastronomical experience born from head chef Junda Khoo’s passion for both street food and fine dining. All proceeds from The Ho Jiak Journey will go to Food Bank, providing food relief to the community.
7:00pm–8:00pm, 20 October | $190
Enjoy Mjølner Sydney’s unique and indulgent dining experience from the comfort of your own home. Celebrate all things peat and meat virtually through a Nordic-inspired three-course set menu matched to four peated whiskies.
Pino’s Vino e Cucina | Take Me Back to Italy
6:00pm–10:30pm, 20 October | $85
At this one-off dinner event, the team at Pino’s Vino e Cucina will take guests on a food and wine journey across the regions of Italy that are close to their hearts, recreating childhood dishes and bringing authentic Italian flavours to life in their Sydney kitchen.
The Milan Cricket Club Pop-Up at La Rosa The Strand | Butcher & The Chef –Nose-to-Tail Pork Dinner
7:00pm–10:00pm, 21 October | $125
Indulge in a divine four-course dinner celebrating all things pork this October, as part of The Milan Cricket Club steakhouse pop-up in Nino Zoccali’s La Rosa The Strand.
Olio Kensington Street | Olio on the Street
12:00pm–3:00pm, 24 October | $90
At this alfresco dining event, Olio will present a set menu of Sicilian seafood, including an oyster bar and a live fresh seafood station with fruits de mer cooked on demand. Top off this dining experience with a Sicilian-style spritz from the bar cart.
No.5 Restaurant & Bar | Taste of Japan
12:00pm–4:00pm, 24 & 25 October | $59
Head chef Emrys Jones has curated a five-course dining experience showcasing Japan’s finest flavours. Join No.5 Restaurant as they present traditional favourites including tataki, yakitori, and okonomiyaki at this one-off degustation.
Wildfest | Highland Valley Forage
10:00am–2:00pm, 24 & 25 October | $175–$195
The event is set over two days with options to enjoy an eight- or ten-course degustation lunch on either day while taking in the beauty of Morton National Park in Kangaroo Valley. Follow the trail, taste the local wines and immerse yourself in the park’s stunning regenerating bushland.
The Restaurant Pendolino | NSW Cool Climate Wine Dinner
7:00pm–10:00pm, 27 October | $245
At The Restaurant Pendolino’s NSW Cool Climate Wine Dinner, two of NSW’s most recognised and highly awarded cool climate wineries will showcase their interpretation of unique Italian varietals. Enjoy a four-course menu by chef Nino Zoccali inspired by the northern regions of Italy.
6:00pm–9:00pm, 31 October | $69
To celebrate Good Food Month, join us on October 31 for an evening of feasting at BEA Restaurant. Our $99 menu will feature local and regional produce from NSW, locally sourced wines and our signature cocktails.
Centennial Homestead | Centennial Homestead Feast
12:00pm–3:00pm, daily throughout October | $59
Dine in the park surrounded by nature this Good Food Month for a delightfully casual lunch experience at Centennial Homestead. Soak in the ambience and enjoy the warmth of the venue whilst dining on fresh, honest, home-style food with a twist.
11:00am–10:00pm, daily throughout October | $12
Pho is Viet’s house specialty, and this October they’ll be celebrating Good Pho Month, a nod to Good Food Month with a Vietnamese twist. Throughout Good Pho Month, Viet’s scrumptious chicken and beef pho dishes will be available for just $12 a bowl.
The Bar at the Fullerton Hotel | Pink Afternoon Tea
12:00pm–6:00pm, daily throughout October | $78–$98
In support of the Breast Cancer Foundation, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney will be offering a pink-themed afternoon tea served at The Bar throughout Good Food Month. For each Pink Afternoon Tea set sold, $5 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
7:00am–4:00pm, daily throughout October | $16
In celebration of Good Food Month, Chef Yves Scherrer of Madame and Yves is offering the “Ooh La La Box” exclusively for the month of October. The divine selection of sweets includes Madame and Yves’ five most popular eclairs – transformed into profiteroles.
Eastside Bar & Grill | Tastes of the Rare and Extravagant
From 12:00pm, daily throughout October | $43
To celebrate Good Food Month, Eastside Bar & Grill are releasing a limited number of skewers incorporating ultra-luxe ingredients that are rarely available in Australian restaurants, so that you can enjoy a snack-sized treat of all that is rare, extravagant and utterly delicious.
Bistro Moncur | 27 Years of Moncur Classics
12:00pm–3:00pm, 5:30pm–9:00pm, daily throughout October | $99
This October, Bistro Moncur is paying homage to its roots and staying true to tradition by bringing back some of its most-loved classic dishes paired with a bespoke selection of vintage wines. Enjoy an elegant three-course menu that will take you back to early Bistro Moncur days.
Infinity at Sydney Tower | Infinity Signature Experience by Mike Dierlinger
5:30pm–9:30pm, daily throughout October | $250
Savour a seven-course degustation menu crafted by head chef Mike Dierlinger, with matched wines and a guaranteed window table offering incredible revolving views of the city skyline and harbour.
Gavroche Chippendale | La Bonne Nourriture at Gavroche
From 12:00pm, daily throughout October | $43
Gavroche Chippendale will be serving the finest French delicacies during October, giving you all the feel-good vibes of a European vacay. Their decadent Parisian Toastie will take you right back to the City of Lights with one bite.
Ormeggio at The Spit | Stressless Sunday
4:30pm–8:30pm, Sundays throughout October | $79
Pull up a chair, admire the golden sunset and sway to the sounds of a live DJ set. Relax and unwind for an easy Sunday evening as Ormeggio brings the Italian Riviera to you with their signature Italian snacks and sleek European vibes.
Mekong | Taste of Mekong Dinner
5:30pm–10:00pm, Sunday to Thursday throughout October | $38
Take a culinary journey down the Mekong River with this special three-course menu for Good Food Month that has been designed to give you a taste of the region’s flavours and diversity. Choose one entrée, one main and a dessert – all for just $38 per person.
China Diner | The Perfect Pair: China Diner Bondi × Bremerton Wines
5:00pm–10:00pm, Mondays throughout October | $65 for 2
Every Monday in October, China Diner will release an exclusive food and wine package featuring a signature bottle from Bremerton Wines matched with a dish from the China Diner menu. The package will be available for purchase via Deliveroo, to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.
5:30pm–9:00pm, Wednesdays throughout October | $50
To show their appreciation for the people who keep the ovens firing, drinks flowing and who paint the smiles on customers’ faces, Estate Kitchen are extending a special offer to hospitality staff every Wednesday throughout October including a special $50 four-course tasting menu and $2 oysters.
Restaurant Hubert | Good Food Month Dinner
From 5:00pm, Mondays & Tuesdays throughout October | $85
Every Monday and Tuesday during October, Restaurant Hubert is putting on a Good Food Month Dinner featuring a four-course shared-style menu, served alongside live jazz music. The menu features signature dishes and classic French specials for $85 per person.
North Bondi Fish | Nothin’ But Flavour
12:00pm–9:00pm, Wednesdays & Thursdays throughout October | $110
As part of Friends of Good Food Month 2020, North Bondi Fish is releasing their Nothin’ But Flavour tasting menu. Be swept away by refreshing cocktails and spicy snacks that transform spring days into long, balmy, summery evenings with flavours that pack a sizzling punch!
The Gantry Restaurant | Sensory Dining
12:30pm–9:30pm, Thursday to Sunday throughout October | $200
The Gantry have teamed up with their favourite local distillery, to take you on a hands-on discovery of food, wine and cocktails this Good Food Month – where you’ll experiment with botanical distillates (including honey, raspberry, pink peppercorn and juniper) alongside the best Australian produce, wine and cocktails.
Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney | Good Food Month Lunch at the Bar
12:00pm–3:00pm, Monday to Friday throughout October | $20
Exclusively for Good Food Month, Rockpool Bar & Grill are putting on a mouth-watering lunchtime offering – Good Food Month Lunch at the Bar. Enjoy a tender David Blackmore Wagyu burger with gruyère, smoked bacon and zuni pickle and a refreshing Resch’s Pilsner for just $20. No bookings required.
Aqua Dining | 20 years of Aqua Dining – Birthday Month Bubbles
12:00pm–3:00pm, Monday to Friday throughout October
It’s Aqua Dining’s 20th birthday this October and to celebrate, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of French champagne when you dine at the stunning light-filled restaurant for lunch from Monday to Friday throughout the month.
Public Dining Room | Good Food Month Lunch By the Beach
12:00pm–3:00pm, Monday to Friday throughout October (excluding Friday, 31 October) | $42
Celebrate Good Food Month with lunch at Public Dining Room overlooking Sydney’s beautiful Balmoral Beach. Enjoy pan-roasted ocean trout with exceptional trimmings, accompanied by a glass of wine or a Peroni all for just $42 per person.
Kuro Bar & Dining | Kagoshima Wagyu Experience
6:00pm–10:30pm, Tuesday to Thursday throughout October | From $105
Kuro Bar & Dining specialises in premium wagyu. For Friends of Good Food Month in October, diners get the opportunity to sample a new dish that heroes premium wagyu from the Kagoshima prefecture in Japan.
From 5:30pm, Wednesdays throughout October | $85
Aria is injecting fun back into the city this Good Food Month as they launch Maybe Aria – a collaboration with award-winning cocktail bar, Maybe Sammy. Each Wednesday in October, the Maybe Sammy team will be behind the bar to serve up bespoke cocktails paired with Aria’s sensational new snack menu.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar | 7-Course Tasting Menu
12:00pm–3:00pm, 6:30pm–9:00pm, Wednesdays & Thursdays throughout October | $250
This exciting tasting menu is designed to give you an opportunity to sample dishes that reflect the depth of Italian cuisine, created with the best produce that Australia has to offer, served alongside views of Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach.
Chiswick Woollahra | Spring Picnic Bags
11:45am–3:00pm, Wednesday to Sunday throughout October | $125 (serves two)
Chiswick head chef François Poulard has created a picnic pack containing some of Chiswick’s most popular spring dishes including Berkshire pork terrine, strawberry and apple crumble and more – just for Good Food Month. Grab a blanket, a refreshing beverage and treat yourself to a perfect Spring picnic.
glass brasserie | glass brasserie × Good Food Month
6:00pm–9:00pm, Fridays throughout October | $49 or $99
Experience Luke Mangan’s glass brasserie this October and enjoy exclusive Good Food Month offers every Friday night such as a main meal with wine for just $49 per person – or for $99 per person with sparkling wine on arrival, delight in a five-course menu at the Chef’s Table.
Pipit Restaurant | Wish It Was 2019
11:30am–3:00pm, Fridays & Saturdays throughout October | $110
Pipit Restaurant wants to celebrate all things regional this Good Food Month, so the special dishes that will feature on the set lunch menu on Fridays and Saturdays will focus on local Northern Rivers producers such as Australian Bay Lobster Producers, Currie Country, and Boon Luck Organics Farm.
Kid Kyoto | Cook @ Home Meal Packs
Fridays & Saturdays throughout October | $40
This October, Kid Kyoto’s head chef has personally selected some of the most popular dishes from the restaurant’s rebellious Japanese izakaya-style menu to create epic Cook @ Home Meal Packs. Each meal has been designed for you to finish cooking at home, ideally with a killer playlist in the background.
Sydney Good Food Month presented by Citi | 1–31 October
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Main image: Steven Woodburn