4 days ago
I found a tiny city laneway with a luxe secret... plus a $2 Sydney happy hour and top chef Luke Mangan spills the best hidden pasta spot: 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: The views, experiences and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own. This content is not sponsored in any way.
I am a Sydneysider, but I've spent my fair share of time exploring the weird and wonderful streets of Melbourne.
So I was delighted when I stumbled upon the entrance to one of my (now) favourite stay-cay hotels tucked down one of its iconic laneways - an even greater surprise considering it sits within a soaring skyscraper in the CBD.
voco Melbourne Central impressed me from the outset. The understated alleyway entrance opens into a contemporary space with smokey-blue tones, clever design, a sparkling infinity pool and an immaculately presented breakfast buffet.
Oh and the bathrooms, with floor-to-ceiling views of Melbourne's glittering skyline, are among the most striking in the country.
Their secret? A focus on 'me-time' for special occasions.
voco is purpose-built for staycations, offering a sense of escape from the moment you step into the lift.
Despite its 252 rooms, it feels boutique - prioritising the essentials: supremely comfortable beds, excellent showers, warm and attentive customer service and memorable dining.
To enhance the experience they've introduced two staycation packages for solo travellers or locals: Reset and Escape NOMO [night on my own].
Reset is about rejuvenation and features a two-hour massage and facial nearby, while Escape is culture-focused and offers a personalised itinerary of Melbourne's best shows, exhibitions and immersive activities, including tickets to the city's latest events.
Both are around $500 depending on room type and availability, and include breakfast in bed, a bottle of Dal Zotto Prosecco on arrival, and a late checkout of 4pm.
My favourite part was the inclusion of a self-care kit containing a Victoria's Secret Australia fragrance mist, hydrating face mask, reflection journal and curated Spotify playlist - the perfect additions to a restful night in.
Bookings are available until August 31 for those looking for a cosy winter recharge.
Honestly, just what the doctor ordered.
The breakfast buffet was divine and laid out in a way that prevented guests from 'bunching' or feeling crowded by each other. The breakfast in bed offering was pretty special too
A slice of Paris arrives in the Sydney CBD
Following the success of its sister venue in Milson's Point, Loulou Bistro has finally arrived in Sydney's Martin Place.
The beloved bistro is offering guests a little Parisian flair in the form of $2 snail (and oyster) happy hour, re-imagined French classics and a 350-label strong wine list across two levels of glorious dining.
Sat right above the Metro for easy access, the gorgeous escape is open breakfast through dinner, serving up mouthwatering treats like sourdough crumpets, a steak frites baguette and indulgent creme caramels.
'We knew we had something special with Loulou in Milsons Point - a place where traditional French technique meets relaxed, neighbourhood spirit,' Ned Parker, the Head Chef, says.
Cleverly targeting the weary office-workers sat high above (and around) them, Loulou has launched a signature weekday happy hour, L'Apéro, from 4pm–7pm with $2 escargots
'With Petit Loulou opening earlier this year, bringing our CBD bistro to life at Martin Place feels like completing the puzzle.
'This space gives us the chance to honour classic French cooking while adding our own spin. Same soul, just a new city energy.'
Cleverly targeting the weary office-workers sat high above (and around) them, Loulou has launched a signature weekday happy hour, L'Apéro, from 4pm–7pm.
Here they'll be offering $2 escargots, $2 oysters, a cheeseburger Royale and frites ($18), and French cocktail favorites - including $13 mini martinis, the signature Kir Royale, made with house forged dark berry cassis, plus Burgundy and house wines.
Délicieuse!
Aussie chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan, of Luke Mangan & Company and Luke's Kitchen, tells me all the off-duty dining haunts he's loving right now.
Favourite restaurant in Sydney right now?
I am really enjoying Eleven Barrack. It has a great energy, great service and a menu that is thought through, without trying too hard. You can feel the passion behind it!
The most underrated hole-in-the-wall spot you've found?
Kindred in Darlington is a real gem. It's a little pasta spot that flies under the radar, but the food is consistent and done really well.
Your go-to coffee joint?
Workshop Espresso on George Street [in the Sydney CBD]! I love the buzz, the coffee is always spot on and that little standing only table outside has a bit of history for me - it's actually where I had the very first meeting with the government to discuss closing George Street for our Long Lunches. So there is a bit of caffeine and nostalgia with every visit.
Best meal you've eaten this month?
I just had a great lunch at Bistro Molines. We sat outside, had a long, wine-filled afternoon. The food was bang on, as always. It is my go-to spot in the Hunter Valley. Hard to beat that produce, views and hospitality combo.
Most memorable holiday meal this year?
Labart in Burleigh. It was my first time there and I was so impressed. The food was full of flavour, and the service hit that perfect balance of relaxed and professional. A great example of what Queensland dining does well.
The one neighbourhood favourite you'll ALWAYS go back to?
Catalina is one of those places I will always go back to. I really enjoy the balcony where I normally have a glass of wine, enjoy some great snacks and take in the surroundings. It's a Sydney classic for a reason!
A dish of your own that you're really excited about right now?
Later this month we will be releasing a very exciting Aussie classic-inspired dessert across all of our Luke Mangan & Company venues, including Luke's Kitchen. The dessert, Luke's Golden Biscuit, is inspired by a TimTam but with a nostalgic twist.
Donna Hay's life-changing cookware tip
Ask anybody I've run into over the past three weeks and they'll confirm I've raved, at some stage, about my new favourite purchase: GreenPan cookware.
Enthusiastically recommended to me personally by the queen of cooking herself, Donna Hay, I couldn't help but nab a 10-piece Padova set (in smokey blue) when I spotted it on sale earlier this month.
In addition to being easy to clean, non-toxic (ideal given all the forever-chemical chatter of late), PFAS-free, ceramic and non-stick, they are absolutely beautiful and available in on-trend shades with sleek gold handles.
My meals have never looked or (depending on who you ask) tasted better. There is something to be said for cooking on a white surface, too - it makes a huge difference.
All I can say is thank you Donna.
Barangaroo House has transformed into the House of Martinis for August - a buzzing, three-level celebration of the iconic cocktail (made with Grey Goose or Bombay Sapphire).
Bespoke and sylish twists on the tipple (crafted by Beverage Manager, Jerom Morris) include lemon drops, appletinis, the Bond-approved Japanese Vesper and, of course, the classic porn star.
Deals will be pumping all month - think $10 mini martinis served all day every day, roaming martini carts and ice luges. Love.
Australia's first 25hours Hotel
Sydney's Oxford Street is about to get a special new addition, with the country's first ever 25hours Hotel, The Olympia, opening on September 25.
The quirky name embodies the idea that guests need more than the standard 24 hours in a day to enjoy what the hotels have to offer.
Located on the heritage-listed site of the former West Olympia Theatre and the Grand Pacific Blue Room, the hotel pays tribute to these iconic establishments that once shaped the city's art and social scene.
The 109 guest rooms will be split into 'Dreamers' and 'Renegades' - the latter (pictured) will boast a moodier tone with darker colour palettes and rebellious artwork
In a fun twist, the 109 guest rooms will be split into 'Dreamers' and 'Renegades' - the first will be light-filled and airy with soft blue tones while the latter will boast a moodier tone with darker colour palettes and rebellious artwork.
The hotel will also be home to four venues - a restaurant (The Palomar), wine and cocktail bar (The Mulwray), a coffee house (Jacob The Angel) and a rooftop bar (Monica) - and bookings are now officially open. Watch this space.
