Latest news with #FratelliParadiso
The Guardian
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Where should Nigella Lawson eat while she's in Sydney?
Nigella Lawson loves Australia. She often visits, and when she does she tends to post about her favourite places to eat on Instagram. 'Walking through the doors after a year away just felt like coming home,' the British cook and food writer wrote about her return to the Potts Point restaurant Fratelli Paradiso in early May. She's since dined at another longtime favourite, Sean's Panorama in Bondi, where she says the roast chook 'epitomises the perfect Sydney Sunday'. We also know she'll make a beeline for Small's Deli in Potts Point for a meatball sandwich, a place she dreams of as soon as her plane ticket is booked. Nigella also has plans to eat at Chippendale's Ester, Marrickville's Baba's Place, Newtown's Cafe Paci and – another longtime favourite – Woolloomooloo's Flour and Stone, where she likes to order the canelé and a morning bun. She's likely to pay Josh Niland a visit at the new Saint Peter, and Randwick's Corner 75 (reopened by the teams behind Sixpenny and Baba's Place) is on her radar. Since the culinary icon is here for a while (she's hosting a series of sold-out dinners for Vivid Sydney on 6-8 June), Guardian Australia's team thought we'd offer a few more suggestions. We think they'd get Nigella's tick of approval. Ante, NewtownI'm sure Nigella has eaten many a spud but this one might take the potato cake. The potato mochi at this Japanese-ish joint is equal parts piquant and pinguid. A perfectly fried exterior cedes to a glutinous chew, served on nori and topped with an everything bagel seasoning that tastes far better than its microtrendy status might imply. Obviously there are other delights here too (a shiitake mushroom tagliatelle, a tome of a sake list) but as far as I'm aware there are no laws – yet – against ordering 10 potato mochis and calling it dinner. Just don't say the word 'fusion'. – Michael Sun Ormeggio at the Spit, Mosman The marina-side Italian classic Ormeggio at the Spit feels like such a Nigella restaurant, it took a very deep scroll on Instagram and Google to confirm she hasn't eaten there recently. With near panoramic water views, comfortably spaced wicker chairs and warm yet precise service, it is one of Sydney's all-time long lunch spots – especially for pescatarians. The scampi done three ways is a priority order. While she's on the north side, Nigella should also stop by the excellent Italian bakery Fiore Bread for fresh bomboloni. – Alyx Gorman Get Bawi, Eastwood Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in Eastwood's Koreatown is a small restaurant serving Korean raw fish, or hoe. The rows of tanks and tightly packed seats might make you feel you're in a Busan wet market, and the servings are generous and flavoursome. A seafood lover would be lost for choice here with everything from salmon or grouper to oysters, prawns and crabs. There are also hearty rice bowls and addictive noodles tossed in a nutty perilla oil and seaweed. But the banchan are the best surprise. These complimentary side dishes casually include huge fresh prawns and sharp (almost boozy) kimchi that pairs well with all the seafood. – Bertin Huynh Bar Italia, Leichhardt There's a reason the prime minister chose to go to Bar Italia for a coffee the day after winning the federal election. He knows the meaning of the word 'institution'. Leichhardt's Norton Street is home to its fair share of Italian restaurants, but Bar Italia is the oldest – it's been serving customers since 1952 – and not much has changed. It's still 'no skim, no soy, cash only'; it still has an old-school gelato counter and neon signs in the colours of the Italian flag. This isn't upmarket eating, but portions are generous and affordable, and you can heap as much parmesan on your pasta as the heart desires. You can't go past the spaghetti cozze – mussels drenched in napoli sauce, lapped up with a slice of garlic bread. Bellissimo! – Caitlin Cassidy Lankan Filling Station, Darlinghurst She's a fan of Mat Lindsay's Ester, so it would be rude of Nigella to skip this stalwart Sri Lankan diner from O Tama Carey, Lindsay's partner. The crab curry banquet is a must (hot tip: BYO full-body bib), or hope that the specials list includes the fall-apart pork curry, or the spicy, tamarind-soured prawn curry, best mopped up with hoppers. – Dee Jefferson Famelia, Enmore Before Nigella arrived in Sydney this month, she was popping a pét nat at Margaret River's Cullen Wines. She said it was 'very Australian!' before admitting she's not the biggest fan of funky wines. I'd like to change Nigella's mind, at this wine bar where the focus is on women winemakers and women-led winers. Here she can sample Australian drops – funky or otherwise – selected by owner-sommelier Amelia Birch, with a platter of some of Sydney's finest produce: Iggy's bread rolls, Pepe Saya butter, Feather and Bone's bone ham, Bloodwood's pecan pate, jam from Flour and Stone and chocolates from Kakawa. – Emma Joyce Fontana, Redfern Nigella is crazy to skip the food, drinks and atmosphere at beautiful Fontana in Redfern. Go for the house-made ricotta and bread oozing with sweet garlic sauce, the frutti di mare and the perfect wine list – stay for the way the afternoon light hits and turns the whole room gold. This place literally glows with good energy. – Bonnie Malkin New Shakthi, Homebush New Shakthi is not a Nigella venue in any sense. It's tucked away in suburban Homebush, with mismatched plastic chairs and a menu board that often doesn't align with what's actually offered. Customers sometimes forgo cutlery altogether, eating rice and curry the traditional way – with their hands. But locals know it's the go-to for a morning masala chai and dosa. There's a delectable choice of bain marie curries and deep-fried snacks – it's comfort food at its finest. Nigella, eat as the locals eat, and venture out to the suburbs for the real heart of Sydney. – Sanjana Jose
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
She's not all work and no play! Cooking queen Nigella Lawson heads to local Woolies and bottle shop to pick up supplies during trip to Sydney
Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson may be the queen of the kitchen, but she also knows how to unwind. The British celebrity chef, 65, was seen indulging in some downtime in Sydney on Friday and popped into a local Woolies and a bottle shop to pick up some supplies. Clad head-to-toe in a stylish black ensemble, the TV star cut a chic figure as she strolled the streets. Nigella donned a belted black trench coat layered over wide-legged trousers and a fitted turtleneck, pairing the all-black ensemble with crisp white sneakers for a touch of casual flair. She shielded her eyes with oversized sunglasses and accessoried with a big black leather bag. Her signature cascading locks and she went for a barely-there makeup look. The British celebrity chef was spotted in Sydney on Friday indulging in some downtime as she popped into a bottle shop in Potts Point to pick up some alcohol Her rich brunette locks were worn loose in her signature tousled waves, effortlessly framing her face and catching the afternoon light as she strolled through the scenic streets Oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses added a touch of old-Hollywood glamour to her off-duty look. The London-born TV star looked in good spirits as she visited Potts Point Liquor & Deli store, which is popular among locals. Earlier this month, Nigella landed in Sydney and wasted no time heading straight to her favourite local institution, Fratelli Paradiso in Potts Point. In a heartfelt post to Instagram, the British culinary icon described the Italian bistro as not just a regular stop, but a vital part of her philosophy for living well. 'My first stop in Sydney has to be Fratelli Paradiso. It's one of my rules for a good life,' she wrote. 'Walking through the doors after a year away just felt like coming home. I love everything about this place: great people, great mood, great food.' While Nigella admitted the restaurant's dim lighting wasn't ideal for taking photos, she found a moment to capture the final course once her neighbouring table had cleared. It looked to be a fun outing for the London-born TV star, who appeared to be in good spirits as she took in the scenic Sydney sights It's not the only culinary destination Nigella was excited to visit for her trip down under - telling told Gourmet Traveller that Ester in Chippendale was also at the top of her list The dessert - the show-stopping Bombalaska - left her speechless. 'Behold the beauteous Bombalaska! I don't expect to eat a better pudding while I'm here, and I don't need to: I'll just keep coming back for this,' she wrote. Prior to that, the much-loved British food icon first touched down in Western Australia and declared a tiny Margaret River winery one of her favourite places on Earth. Taking to Instagram, Nigella shared a swoon-worthy post about her long lunch at Cullen Wines. Nigella described it as 'heaven' and '[her] cure for jet lag and recipe for deep joy'. It's not the only culinary destination Nigella was excited to visit for her trip down under - telling told Gourmet Traveller that Ester in Chippendale was also at the top of her list.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nigella Lawson races to Sydney restaurant hours after landing and is left 'purring with pleasure': 'It's one of my rules for a good life'
Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has landed in Sydney - and she wasted no time heading straight to her favourite local institution, Fratelli Paradiso in Potts Point. In a heartfelt post to Instagram, the British culinary icon described the Italian bistro as not just a regular stop, but a vital part of her philosophy for living well. 'My first stop in Sydney has to be Fratelli Paradiso. It's one of my rules for a good life,' she wrote. 'Walking through the doors after a year away just felt like coming home. I love everything about this place: great people, great mood, great food.' While Nigella admitted the restaurant's dim lighting wasn't ideal for taking photos, she found a moment to capture the final course once her neighbouring table had cleared. The dessert - the show-stopping Bombalaska - left her speechless. 'Behold the beauteous Bombalaska! I don't expect to eat a better pudding while I'm here, and I don't need to: I'll just keep coming back for this,' she wrote. The dish features a base of hazelnut praline, pistachio semifreddo and lemon curd all tucked beneath a bronzed dome of flame-kissed Italian meringue. In a heartfelt post to Instagram, the British culinary icon described the Italian bistro as not just a regular stop, but a vital part of her philosophy for living well 'Yes, I know! I swooned with each spoonful,' she added. Before reaching that final, sugar-laced high, Nigella indulged in a meal that read like a greatest hits list. She opened with her usual on-arrival order, Olive Ascolane - plump green olives stuffed with sharp cheese, breadcrumbed and deep fried. That was followed by a tangle of bitter puntarelle dressed with anchovies, a serve of the restaurant's famed scampi spaghettini, and a thick pork chop paired with agretti (also known as monk's beard) and creamy white polenta. 'I did have help eating all this, by the way,' she joked, adding, 'purring with pleasure, and planning when I can come back for more.' Fratelli Paradiso has long been a firm favourite of locals and celebrities alike. With its dimly lit interiors, buzzing atmosphere and menu that balances Italian simplicity with refined indulgence, it's easy to see why the culinary queen keeps returning. And for those chasing the Nigella-approved experience, one thing's clear - this Sydney dining room has become the city's most delicious welcome home. Earlier this week, the much-loved British food icon first touched down in Western Australia and declared a tiny Margaret River winery one of her favourite places on Earth. Taking to Instagram, Nigella shared a swoon-worthy post about her long lunch at Cullen Wines. Nigella described it as 'heaven' and '[her] cure for jet lag and recipe for deep joy'. Under the shade of her 'resplendently red sun umbrellas,' she kicked off her afternoon with a glass of their life-affirming Pét-nat (short for Pétillant Naturel, a natural sparkling wine), before diving into a delicious spread. First on the table? Perfectly baked bread paired with a 'divine' Pipián - a silky, smoky dip made from pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, peppers, and a hit of garlic, lime and coriander. And it only got better from there. Nigella revealed she 'inhaled' delicate scallops served with cauliflower and a surprising 'chickeny' sauce, admitting it sounded strange but tasted 'heavenly'. The star was left practically speechless over a crispy potato and celeriac terrine draped in cabbage, resting under a cloud-like sauce so flavour-packed she admitted she 'panicked' at the thought of never eating it again. For mains, the culinary queen devoured a melt-in-the-mouth Rankin cod, topped with charred sweetcorn, XO mussels, snapper sauce and a scatter of sunrose leaves - a citrusy native plant, that she never knew existed before. Nigella shared swoon-worthy pictures of her long lunch at Cullen Wines, describing it as 'heaven, heaven, HEAVEN.' Pictured: Her first course of baked bread paired with a 'divine' Pipián - a silky, smoky dip made from pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, peppers, and a hit of garlic, lime and coriander She followed it up with an indulgent Arkady lamb rump, paired with pumpkin, creamy white polenta and Kunzea, another native ingredient Nigella described as tasting 'fresh and honeyed at the same time'. Despite the fine-dining presentation, Nigella insisted the food had a 'joyous flavour' and said it 'tasted of food, if you know what I mean'. Of course, no Nigella feast would be complete without dessert, and her spread of not one, but three plates did not disappoint. 'Caramelised apple (from the tree near where we were sitting) and almond cake, with spiced oats and guava ice cream; honey mousse with macadamia, quandong and banana ice cream; and Cambray Blackwood Blue cheese (which I've fallen in love with) seeded crackers, pear and walnuts,' she wrote. While she ran out of room to properly describe the wines Nigella assured her followers they were as spectacular as the food - sharing a final snap showing off the bottles she sampled. Cullen Wines was founded in 1971 by Dr. Kevin Cullen and Diana Cullen and has been family-owned for over 50 years. Since taking the reins several decades ago, it states on the official Australian Wine website, that Vanya Cullen has transformed the family business into one of Australia's best boutique wineries and most environmentally sustainable vineyards. Vanya posted to her own personal Instagram on the weekend thanking Nigella for 'her contribution to Australian hospitality,' as well as her positive energy at a time when 'things are really tough'. It's not the only culinary destination Nigella was excited to visit for her trip down under - telling told Gourmet Traveller that Ester in Chippendale was also at the top of her list. Praising chef Mat Lindsay as 'extraordinary' for his surprising yet delicious creations, she revealed it was the Sydney restaurant she can't stop thinking about. She recalled being convinced by a waiter named Ollie to try Ester's famous chicken fat oysters - a dish she initially thought sounded unappealing but ended up adoring. 'I love oysters anyway, but these were extraordinary,' she said, adding that while the concept might sound improbable, the flavours completely won her over.
AU Financial Review
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- AU Financial Review
Lauren Zonfrillo could write the book on grief. So she has
The waiters at Fratelli Paradiso in Sydney's Potts Point know Lauren Zonfrillo by name. 'I handwrote my journals here,' she says. 'Paradiso is where I would come, by myself, when I needed a break.' It was also the site of her first date with her late husband, Jock Zonfrillo. The journals she wrote, in the depths of grief after his sudden death at age 46 on May 1, 2023, formed the basis of her book, Til Death Do Us Part, to be released on May 6. The book is part-memoir, about, as Lauren puts it 'the first day of the rest of our lives' and part-instruction manual for grief; the kind she wishes she had access to when her life imploded that day nearly two years ago.
