Overview
Moseying along George Street can involve many things. Rushing to get the train at Town Hall, weaving in and out of QVB or The Galeries, trying to avoid throngs of people doing the same thing — they're all on the list. But on Friday, December 2, the stretch between Market and Park streets will host a huge three-course lunch, serving 600 people right there on the pavement.
The literally sprawling al fresco midday meal sold out last year and is back for a second iteration called A Feast for the Senses. Luke Mangan's Glass Brasserie at Hilton Hotel has been enlisted with pulling together the food, while sommelier Samantha Payne is in charge of the wine and the Ministry of Sound Orchestra will be dishing up the soundtrack to the lunch.
On the menu will be smoked King Ora salmon, roasted spatchcock with citrus and tarragon salsa, and passionfruit meringue with coconut anglaise and fresh berries. There's also a vegetarian version of the meal featuring grilled sugar loaf cabbage with white polenta and soffritto.
Ministry of Sound Orchestra
If you're wondering why Sydneysiders are being asked to sit down for lunch in the middle of the city street, it's part of a day-long series of dining pop-ups around town that's been dubbed Open for Lunch. Aiming to highlight the culinary talent we have in this city, the overarching event is all about long-table lunches, other dining and drinking activations, and just spending a day out of the house.
Four sections of George Street are set to be shut down on the day, alongside a pop-up out west in Parramatta. At the latter, a Western Sydney Long Lunch will take place at Commbank Stadium. There, diners will first wander between stations, sampling food and drinks from Parramatta restaurants like exciting new opening Misc. From there, guests will be seated at a communal table and be treated to a two-course set menu from Matt Moran, followed by a Mowtown Greatest Hits performance from Human Nature.
In the YCK Laneways precinct around York, Clarence and Kent streets in the CBD, another feast will be taking over George Street between Market and King Street. At this neighbouring long lunch, members from the Cash Only Diner, Stitch Bar, NOLA Smokehouse, The Barber Shop, Esteban, PS40 and Rockpool teams, as well as Anna Polyviou, will be handling the food and drinks for a three-course meal accompanied by music from Gretta Ray and Yorke.
If you want to inject some Nashville energy into your work week, Porteno's Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz are hosting the George Street Hoedown between King Street and Martin Place. Think: eats inspired by the city, music from Josh Hedley while he's in the country from America, cold beers and Tennessee whiskey.
And, Merivale is also getting in on the action with the Disco Picnic on George Street between Angel Place and Hunter Street. This summer party is being curated by mimi's Jordan Toft and Totti's Mike Eggert. You can expect antipasti, porchetta, beers, wine, negronis, and live entertainment from Groove City and two special guests.
Mike Eggert, Bar Totti's
Sydney's Open for Lunch will take place across Sydney on Friday, December 2. For further details and to buy tickets, head to the event's website.
Images: Destination NSW.