The biggest city of Australia, Sydney, known for its multiculturalism has a lot to offer the foodies. Food and drink are an important element of traveling and Sydney’s culinary carnival — Crave Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF) is the right place to enjoy world-class cuisine from across the globe.
It is a month long carnival which is held every year in October. The Crave festival is a celebration time for the chefs of Sydney, who get a chance to showcase what they are best at, and also for the people who love to dig into delicacies from various cuisines. The festival not only presents great food but also involves the pairing of wonderful beers and wines.
In the recent years, Crave Festival has grown rapidly and now includes hundreds of events and programs. The popular Night Noodle Markets made a comeback in the 2011 festival. Then there are much-admired restaurant offers such as Let’s Do Lunch, Hats Off dinners and late-night Sugar Hit desserts with matching wine.
In the past, Crave Festival kicked off with the World Chef Showcase which greeted popular chefs from across the world. For the Night Noodle Markets, which is the highlight of Sydney Crave Festival, Hyde Park North is transformed into an authentic Asian hawker-style market with street-foods like noodles, dumplings, desserts and more. It brings together various amazing food stalls, three bars and nightly entertainment (that includes the much loved Chinese lions prowling around). Whether you are hanging out with friends after work, or on an outing with the family, the Night Noodle Markets has something for everyone.
Breakfast on Bondi was the newest addition to the list of events that happened in the 2011 carnival. The iconic Bondi beach of Sydney was turned into the ultimate picnic spot to host the biggest beach breakfast in the world. Around 5000 Sydneysiders, who brought their own breakfast, were welcomed to the celebration on the beach at six in the morning with a musical orchestra playing in the background.
Crave’s Let’s Do Lunch has city and regional restaurants open their doors for the month long festival. They offer a set main course with an accompanying drink without burning a hole in your pocket. You can drop into Pilu at Freshwater for slow-roasted Coronga spring lamb with fregola salad and pan juices; or go for a roast loin of Inglegreen pork with smoked apple croquette and cider jus, at Etch Restaurant in the city. The local favorite – Biota Dining in Bowral offers eucalyptus smoked trout blended with cider and spring herbs. This is not all – there are some more exotic venues that serve world-class food.
The Glenmore Hotel located on the Rocks, the oldest part of Sydney is a treat for your taste buds as well as eyes. Old buildings and architectural blocks have been transformed into restaurants, bars and pubs. Sitting at the Glenmore you can get spectacular views of Sydney Harbour along with Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
Manly Pavilion is a great venue for a roasted lunch. An old 1930’s bathers’ pavilion, it has been converted into a very classy eating joint. A short ferry trip to reach this place, which looks out to the Harbor, is absolutely worth it.
If you are a gourmet, Sydney is one of the best places in the world for you to experience the diverse cuisines it has to offer. The celebration of food and drinks doesn’t end with the Crave Sydney International Food festival; in fact, you will find amazing restaurants and local joints throughout Sydney that have mouth watering food on their menus and incredible locations — a double treat for anyone.
