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Daily Mail
18 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
The beautiful new French-Asian spot tucked inside a foyer hundreds walk past daily + Manu Feildel spills his off-duty dining favourites: THE DETOUR
Welcome to The Detour: Your food and travel guide to the best flavours, hidden haunts, insider tips and unforgettable new experiences that reward those who wander off course. Note: This content is not sponsored. It's been a minute, but North Sydney is finally getting its groove back. With the new metro buzzing and a wave of dazzling food and wine openings breathing life into once whisper-quiet streets, the neighbourhood feels like it's on the cusp of something exciting. This brings me to my favourite new discovery: Toki Bistro & Bar. Tucked discreetly in the foyer of the Vibe Hotel, this gem is so under the radar most people stroll straight past it. And honestly? I don't mind one bit. It just means those of us in the know get to keep it to ourselves... well, until now. The ultimate date night spot, this ambience-packed French-Asian hideaway is inspired by the intimate charm of Parisian bars. Step inside and you're guided by passionate staff past gleaming chandeliers, dark mahogany tables and a floating wine cellar stocked with carefully chosen drops from every corner of the globe. Yes, there's an à la carte menu, but the real magic lies in the eight-course tasting menu (from $165pp). More than just dinner, it's a story - each course inspired by a different milestone in the chef's life, from age 15 through to 38. As each dish arrives, the waiter shares the meaning behind it and invites guests to reflect, share stories, and connect on a deeper level. The journey begins at Age 15: A Glimpse of Purpose. A jewel-bright plate of bluefin tuna, sweet potato and caviar arrives alongside an accompanying story booklet. 'At fifteen there's a spark - a moment when something clicks,' it reads. 'Tuna, clean and confident, reflects that early clarity. It's the first glimpse of purpose: subtle, instinctive, and deeply felt.' And that's exactly how the evening unfolds - one dish, one chapter, one story at a time. Without spoiling too much, I'll say this: it's some of the most inventive (and downright delicious) food I've eaten. From coral trout glazed in anise butter to a melt-in-your-mouth eye fillet on parsnip purée, every course felt like its own little showstopper. The real knockout? Marron with al dente ravioli, swimming in a lobster bisque so tasty I would've happily ordered an entire pot. The bar space is also perfect for an intimate night out, and during the day locals can enjoy the new breakfast offering (complete with $1 coffees!). Highlights of the latter include the $19 sandwich of the week and an $18 brekkie burger with teriyaki BBQ sauce, a hash brown, arugula, fried egg, bacon and smashed avocado. At the helm is Head Chef Jay Choy, whose glittering resume includes Michelin-starred kitchens in the US and a San Pellegrino Top 10 Young Chefs nomination during his time at Seoul's famed Sous Marin. The menu beautifully reflects his impressive skillset and his deep, nostalgic passion for food. So if you're after a dining experience that's equal parts intimate, imaginative, and conversation-sparking, Toki is your spot this weekend. Just remember to leave your phone in your bag - you won't need it. Saint Peter wins (again)! Super chef Josh Niland has done it once more. Earlier this week, Gourmet Traveller unveiled its hotly anticipated Annual Restaurant Award winners down in Tassie - and Sydney's seafood temple, Saint Peter, snagged the ultimate crown: Restaurant of the Year. The Paddington dining room, tucked inside The Grand National Hotel, is already decorated - having previously scored the Good Food Guide's Restaurant of the Year. On the menu? Niland's nose-to-tail seafood magic, like the famed Fish Butchery Charcuterie (think smoked bar cod roe and John Dory liver pâté tart) and charcoal-grilled garfish with Manjimup truffle and Marlivale Farm rice. 'Julie and I are so incredibly proud of the extraordinarily talented team,' Josh gushed. 'A big thank you to Gourmet Traveller for the recognition and further thanks to the team Fish Butchery, Saint Peter Bar and The Saint Peter Hotel. 'Very grateful to all our guests that find joy in the service we give and to the people that supply, catch and grow the beautiful food we get to serve.' Bravo Josh and team. The Strand Hotel: Darlinghurst's burger comeback The only thing better than a shiny renovation? A shiny new burger menu to match. Darlinghurst's Strand Hotel has emerged from its revamp with a moody art-deco look, a crackling fireplace, and a burger-driven menu crafted by Executive Chef Toby Wilson and Solotel's Hamish Ingham. To celebrate, the pub is slinging $5 burgers for five days (four left, move fast). Mouthwatering options include the Smashed Burger with American cheese, bacon, burger sauce and pickles, The Hot Bird burger, with fried chicken, black pepper hot honey and iceberg and chive slaw, and the Fresh Fish burger, with crumbed ling and house tartare. 'We've looked at what everyone else is doing and realised what the neighbourhood was missing - a seriously good burger,' Toby said. 'Between Hamish and I we've come up with six cracking burgers that cater to a few tastes. 'My personal favourite is the smashed prawn burger with shredded fennel slaw, jalapeno pickle and tartare.' The drinks list also got a glow-up: sip on an Aloe Sour (gin, mango wine, aloe vera, lemon, whites) or a Bulls on Parade (pisco, macadamia, passionflower, lime, paprika oil) among others. Qantas keeps paradise on the map Aussies have fallen in love with the little-known paradise that is Palau since Qantas announced its direct route in October, 2024. And now it's here to stay. The airline and the Palau Visitor's Authority have confirmed the Palau Paradise Express (Brisbane–Koror on Saturdays) will run for another year, delivering travellers straight to UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, coral reefs and world-class diving in just six hours. Arrivals are already up 113 per cent, with Aussies making up the bulk - and three-quarters of them are discovering Palau for the very first time. Still just holding on to its 'secret' status, the island nation has certainly become a talking-point over the past 12 months, with many eager to explore the remote and pristine corner of Micronesia. Director of Palau Visitors Authority, Kadoi Ruluked, said he is delighted the route has already delivered strong results for the country's tourism economy. 'Australian travellers have really embraced the Qantas route, with many visiting Palau for the first time to explore our spectacular dive sites,' he said. 'Local tour operators are already seeing the benefits, with strong interest across a range of experiences from traditional sailing tours around the Rock Islands to WWII history adventures on Peleliu. 'The continuation of this route is a vital step in supporting our tourism sector's long-term growth.' Don't have to ask me twice. The spritz out-selling wine In a twist that nobody saw coming, a zingy spritz is the new drink of choice for thousands of Aussies. A national obsession with spritz (wine cocktails) is breathing new life into the wine world, with the State of the Grapes report crowning an unsung hero: Zonzo Estate's Zoncello. The fizzy lemon-kissed spritz has struck a chord with younger drinkers, who are leaning towards lighter, fresher options (hello, spritz culture, rosé, and prosecco) over heavy reds. 'Zonzo is the ultimate success story,' Andrew Shedden, General Manager of Premium and Luxury at Endeavour Group tells me. 'They've merged two key trends: the refreshing spritz culture which is now a mainstay thanks to the previous success of Aperol, and the booming popularity of lemon as seen in the rise of the Italian summer aesthetic. Describing the results as 'staggering', Andrew said the brand's success has 'come extremely quickly'. 'They've created a product that is not only competing with some of the most established wine brands in the country but is also bringing a whole new generation into the category,' he said. 'The data speaks for itself: in the last six months at BWS and Dan Murphy's, Zoncello was the number one sparkling wine product by number of unique customers. 'In that same period, it became the number one wine product by unique customers for Gen Z across all of our stores.' Talk about a zesty takeover. As Manu Feildel marks his restaurant Bistro Red Lion's one year birthday at the Red Lion Hotel, he shares his go-to spots in Australia: What is your favourite restaurant in Sydney right now? Right now, apart from Bistro Red Lion by Manu, King Clarence is my favourite. Chef Khanh Ngyuen is a genius when it comes to creating outside the box kind of dishes. What is your number one type of food to eat and/or prepare. Why? Obviously French food is what I know best but what I like to cook with the most is seafood. Australia has some amazing seafood and for some reason a lot of people are a little scared to cook with it. I love the versatility and there are so many dishes you can create. What is the most underrated hole-in-the-wall spot you've stumbled upon this year? My wife and I love to go to Shalom Indonesian restaurant in Mascot, it's very authentic and absolutely delicious. What is a venue you visited on a recent holiday that had an impact on you? We've just been to Port Douglas and there is a beautiful Thai restaurant called Jungle Fowl, if you're in the area, it's a must. What makes a truly fantastic restaurant in 2025? For me a fantastic restaurant in 2025 is back to basics. Simple food cooked well and a warm and professional service. What is a 'neighbourhood favourite' venue you will continue to visit for years to come? My favourite venues in my neighbourhood are Boulevard Bakery for their amazing croissants and delicious bread, Billy's for their to die for crispy bacon rolls and Eksentrik Cafe for their addictive coffee. What's a dish/project of yours that you're really excited about right now? There is maybe a cookbook brewing behind the scenes from my wife and I, Shhh..... About Bistro Red Lion The historic Red Lion Hotel in Sydney's Inner West is celebrating a major milestone – one year since the launch of its upstairs dining destination, Bistro Red Lion by Manu, which officially opened its doors in July 2024. The bistro has spent the past year winning over both locals and visitors with its welcoming atmosphere and flavour-packed, bistro-style menu. Manu returned to the kitchen after a four-year hiatus to launch Bistro Red Lion, and has played a key role in establishing the venue as a standout in Sydney's burgeoning dining scene. Manu, a sixth-generation chef, has carefully curated a menu that blends refined French technique with a deep sense of nostalgia. Signature dishes draw inspiration from his family's kitchen, including his father's French Country-Style Terrine served with red onion jam and toasted sourdough. Since its opening, it has become a standout in Sydney's dining scene - known for its inviting atmosphere, refined yet comforting menu, and a dining experience that feels like stepping into Manu's own home.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I quit my job to go on a non-stop tour of the world traveling to 4 different continents – how I spent only $700 on food
A TRAVELER who toured the world for two months straight has revealed how she only spent $700 on food. Travel whiz Skylie gave a full breakdown of her spending after quitting her job to jet-set through 10 countries and four continents. 4 4 4 In a video, the influencer (@skylietravels) explained how she ditched her paychecks to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing the world. But because she didn't have a stream of income, she stretched her dollars to get the most out of her experience. One way that Skylie said she saved cash was by only flying in economy and not checking luggage. The TikToker said that she was able to take multiple flights spanning the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia for $5,000 with her hacks. When it came to accommodations, Kylie spent $5,300 on her lodgings, but she admitted to staying in three "very nice" luxury hotels. The seven other places she stayed were more basic and affordable. One area that she admitted to saving tons of cash on was food. Skylie explained that she doesn't seek out fine dining experiences, so she was always happy to grab a bite on the go. Over two months, she only spent $700 on her meals by focusing on cheap snacks or meals included in her hotel stays. But that didn't prevent her from still getting a bite of culture in each country. "I had pottery kebab, ramen, traditional tajine, 7/11 snacks," she explained. "I'm not a big luxury diner, I'd rather have what's cheap and easy, so I definitely saved money in the food category." Meanwhile, on activities, Skylie said that she spent $1,400 on events that included a three-day Sahara Desert tour in Morocco and real-life Mario Kart racing in Japan. For miscellaneous purchases like books and souvenirs, the traveler spent just $400. 4 And she dropped about $600 on transportation like trains, taxis, and hiring a private driver. Overall, Skylie said that she spent $13,500 on her two-month world tour. The influencer's followers were impressed with her budgeting, especially with how little she spent on food. "That's usually how much I spend on 2-week vacations," one person said of her food total. Another person said that the costs were "so worth it" because experiences are priceless.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Delta and United airlines face class action suits for selling window seats
United and Delta Airlines are being sued by passengers who say they paid extra for window seats — only to be seated next to a barren wall during their flight. The proposed class action lawsuits, filed in federal courts Tuesday seek millions of dollars in damages for over one million customers who rode on each airline. While some Boeing 737, Boeing 757 and Airbus A321 planes have rows entirely without windows due to air conditioning ducts or other systems — Delta and United do not flag this to customers purchasing 'window seats,' the complaint claims. United and Delta charge hundreds of dollars for such seats and make no mention that they are without windows. Meanwhile, their competitors, American and Alaska Airlines, inform their customers that these types of seats do not have a window while booking, Reuters reported. The lawsuit notes that passengers often buy window seats for specific reasons, including for extra light or legroom, to occupy children or to calm traveling anxieties. United and Delta did not immediately return requests for comment from The Independent. 'A large proportion of airline travelers prefer window seats, and are willing to pay extra money to obtain them. For many, it is a special experience to see the world from 30,000 feet, or to watch a descent into LaGuardia,' each lawsuit states, according to The Hill. 'Windows can captivate or distract an antsy child. Many people have a fear of flying, or get claustrophobic or motion sick on planes, and windows give them a greater level of comfort in an otherwise stressful environment,' they continue. 'Others just want a burst of sunlight to brighten their days.' United and Delta, like many other airlines, offer basic fares that do not include seat selection. Passengers must pay extra to choose their seat, and some windowless rows are in upgraded sections. Both complaints specifically note that had the plaintiffs known the seats they were purchasing — and paying extra for — were windowless, they wouldn't have selected them. The Delta lawsuit was filed by Nicholas Meyer of Brooklyn, New York, while the United suit is led by Marc Brenman of San Francisco and Aviva Copaken of Los Angeles. While customers can do research online to see if their seat is without a window, Carter Greenbaum, a lawyer whose firm filed both lawsuits, told Reuters that doesn't excuse the airlines' bad behavior. 'A company can't misrepresent the nature of the products it sells and then rely on third party reviews to say a customer should have known that it was lying,' Greenbaum said.
