Chris Lucas of hospitality group Lucas Restaurants has announced he will make his first foray into the Canberra dining scene this year with the opening of Mediterranean eatery Carlotta. Slated to open in spring in the CBD’s Scotts Crossing precinct, the 150-seat Carlotta is expected to focus on local Canberran produce, boast a timeless design, contemporary menu, and vibrant energy. The venue will be a collaboration between Lucas and QIC (Queensland Investment Corporation) whose last team-up saw the launch of Melbourne’s 80 Collins Street precinct which features Society Dining Room, Lillian Bra ..read more

Prickly pear is also known the Opuntioid cacti or nopal and is part of a group of perennial plants that belong to the Cactaceae subfamily. There are more than 114 nopal species grown across Central Mexico, with the Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia matudae the most farmed. There are around 3 million hectares dedicated to nopal production in Mexico, with the plants grown on commercial farms, private properties, and in the wild. The cactus plant is identified by its large prickle-covered pads, vibrant blooms, and edible fruit known as tuna. It’s long been an integral part of Mexican cuisine and ..read more

Sydney fine diner Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is gearing up to kick off its 2024 takeover bar series from this Sunday. The collaboration is now in its second year and will run until September, with some of the city’s top bar talents headlining the Bondi bar from 4pm each Sunday. “I’m super excited to be able to throw some pretty epic parties with all of our dear friends from Sydney bars,” says Bar Director Matty Opai. “Not only am I stoked to be able to give the regulars and locals that visit each of these bars a chance to experience their flair and creativity at Bondi Beach on top of the Pac ..read more

UK-born talent Max Crawford has been appointed as head chef at Margan Restaurant in the Hunter Valley’s Broke Fordwich region. Crawford joins the award-winning restaurant team after roles across the UK including at Petersham Nurseries cafe, and here in Australia at Tasmania’s Havilah Wines in Launceston. “I am looking forward to working my way through the seasons here, using the extensive range of organic produce grown on the property and sourced locally,” says Crawford. “I have always liked to start with simple and sometimes humble ingredients and find interesting ways to elevate and compleme ..read more

Acclaimed Sydney bar Re will launch inside The Norfolk Hotel in Redfern on 14 May under the Public Hospitality banner. Founder Matt Whiley opened the bar back in 2021 in Eveleigh, with the zero-waste concept wrapping up its time in the location last February. The bartender announced he’d teamed up with Public shortly after Re’s closure, and says it’s a new chapter for the concept which will continue to focus on low-impact cocktail-making. “We’ve given Re a new home, but our signature style of experimentation and sustainable practice is still paramount for us,” he says. “We’ve already been able ..read more

The Star Brisbane is set to welcome Sokyo to its dining portfolio as the restaurant expands out of Sydney for the first time. Sokyo opened in The Star Sydney more than a decade ago, and was the place where it all began for chef Alex Yu, who joined the restaurant in 2014 as a sous chef. Yu spent eight years at the fine diner before he moved to Melbourne in 2022 to lead Yugen’s omakase counter and take on the role of head chef until he was presented with the opportunity to return to The Star as Sokyo Brisbane’s executive chef. “Returning to The Star where my culinary career flourished feels like ..read more

The group behind Melbourne’s much-loved haunts such as Lilac Wine, Hazel, and Dessous are welcoming two new additions to the portfolio with Molli and Little Molli. The two venues will sit side-by-side on the corner of Mollison and Nicholson streets in Abbotsford and are slated to open mid-June. “We want to make Molli and Little Molli a super-approachable hub where locals can connect,” says The Mulberry Group Founder Nathan Toleman. “The sort of place you come back to because it feels like being welcomed home and where you come to celebrate, have dates, a catch up with mates or just a casual po ..read more

Acclaimed Sydney fine diner Saint Peter will officially move into its new Paddington home this July. Josh and Julie Niland acquired neighbouring pub The Grand National hotel in 2022, and have been working to convert the iconic venue into a restaurant, bar, and 14-room boutique hotel since. While the space is certainly an upgrade in terms of capacity, Niland says Saint Peter’s ethos will remain. “I don’t want to lose what makes Saint Peter a special place, not only to eat and enjoy as a guest but also for me and our team to work,” he says. Studio Aquilo is behind the design which revolves aroun ..read more

Foodservice Australia is back and bigger than ever with more than 400 exhibitors and special events to sink your teeth into across the three-day program. Held at ICC Sydney from 19–21 May, Foodservice Australia will bring together top culinary brands and professionals, making it a must-attend event for anyone in the sector. It is vital for hospo workers to stay in the know as much as possible. At Foodservice Australia, you can expect to do just this with the latest, on-trend initiatives, products, and speakers to help you excel in 2024 and beyond. “Hospitality is a dynamic and competitive indu ..read more

Organisers of the Bartenders’ Weekender, which is taking place in Brisbane in June, have announced a scholarship for the event, which will see five bartenders from across the country flown to Brisbane to experience the Weekender. Along with the Weekender itself, the Scholarship aims to inspire the next generation of Australian bartenders and so will offer flights, three nights accommodation, passes to the Weekender sessions and events as well as $500 spending money to help fully experience everything the Weekender has to offer. The event is being organised by Penny Sippe and Sam Bygrave, and S ..read more