Top 5 ways to send off the winter
Image Winter garden - Time Out
With only one week left of winter, the southern hemisphere is divided. For some it’s a time of euphoria: a time to kick off their boots, head down to beach, and celebrate the end of the rain, wind and single digit temperatures. For others, they’ll cling to their coats as long as they can, with a mulled wine in one hand and a fondue fork in the other. Regardless of where you sit on the scale, the seasons are a-changin’, and the dining scene is too. Here are our top five ways to send winter off in style this week.
Vue Bar’s Bottomless Balls
Designed as if to tempt lowly winter beach-goers of the warmth that is yet to come, Bondi’s Vue Bar has been serving up $25 all you can eat arancini and meat balls every Tuesday this month. Vue Bar’s Chef Leonardo Soares knew what he was doing when he added these to the menu, because they’re virtually impossible to stop eating. The crisp and crunchy arancini is filled with cheesy aborio rice, and is strategically offset by the pesto and aioli on the side. The meat balls are served with a rich napolitana sauce, and prettily garnished with parmesan and red vein sorrel leaves. Catering to both vegetarians and carnivores, this deal is as inclusive as it is delicious. Vue Bar has been a Bondi staple for over 10 years, and to top off the deal, its first story home provides one of the best views of the beach from Campbell Parade.
@vuebondi // Available Tuesday 27 August
Igloos on the Pier
If you’re yet to spend your tax return, and are feeling particularly bougie, then Pier One’s Igloos on the Pier is the wintery fix for you. Complete with arctic-chic décor, cocktails, charcuterie boards and cushions galore, these igloos are the rental properties of dreams. Depending on your preference (and budget) you can stay overnight, have dinner catered by Gantry chef Thom Gorringe, or even relax in a steamy Hot Tub Igloo – there really is an igloo for everyone. What better way is there to celebrate the coldest and cosiest time of the year?
To book yours, visit Pier One Sydney. // Available until Saturday 31 August
East Village Winter Garden
The East Village Hotel is a Darlinghurst favourite, and this winter they turned up the heat. Solving the age-old problem of what to do with a rooftop bar when it’s cold, East Village turned their fairy light-laden rooftop into a winter garden. And what’s better? It’s pink. The soft rose lighting tastefully spills from the exposed-brick walls, sending even the boldest shiver running. There’s a European market-themed menu featuring currywurst, smoked deep fried camembert, coq au vin pie and fondue uniting the best of French, German and Swizz cuisine. The drinks menu nails this brief, with mulled wine and cider, gin hot toddys and a selection of toasty warm mead. This is the next best thing to a white Christmas, and doesn’t even require theramals.
To book a table, visit East Village Sydney’s website. // @eastvillagesydney
Oyster Hour at The Morrison
The Morrison is already known for its oysters, but for its August oyster festival they really share the love. For walk-ins between 6 and 7pm, they go down to only a dollar fifty each, meaning you can shuk ‘n’ suck to your heart’s content. If you like your oysters fancy, then the Dressed to Impress range is for you, where the oysters are served with a selection of dressings, including chardonnay vinegar granita; kimchi vinaigrette; and XO, chilli, orange and black bean. There’s also a special menu of Chef Sean Connolly’s favourite oyster dishes, including oyster stuffed steak and oyster carbonara, and oysters and bottomless bubbles for $55 every weekend.
Find out more about the Oyster Festival. // @themorrisonsydney
Mulled Wine at Old Mate’s Place
Call me clichéd, but I reckon there’s nothing better than a mulled wine in hand on a cold winters night with good company and a fluffy blanket. The team who blessed us with Old Mate’s Place seem to agree, as their mulled wine is to die for. Spicy, hot, wrought with cinnamon and reminiscent of après ski and winter markets, you really couldn’t want much more. Whether you’re bundled up in a corner of the rooftop or encompassed by one of their prohibition-style booths, a mug of Old Mate’s mulled wine will wrap you with warmth and either send you to sleep or leave you wanting another 8 glasses. It is simply winter personified.
They do not take bookings, so just pop in! www.oldmates.sydney // @oldmatesplace
