If your New Year’s resolution had something to do with reducing your intake of food and alcohol, put it on hold until February. January is the month of all-too-tempting pop-up dining destinations in Sydney, and here are three you won’t be able to say “no” too. Kick back, toast the summer and get your Instagram finger tapping.
El Loco at The House
If deciding which of the cornucopia of reasonably-priced Mexican joints in Sydney to get your next taco fix from gets your head spinning like a mezcal-induced hangover, this should simplify the process. Award-winning cheap eat El Loco has launched a harbourside outpost at the Sydney Opera House, serving up a special menu that includes kids items and a ‘breakfast taco’ alongside world-class views. Their icy margaritas should provide temporary respite for when the days get ghost pepper-hot. And if you’d prefer a tipple from north of the border, there’s the Great Gatsby-themed Cove just around the corner. El Loco at The House, 4 – 28 January, Mon – Sun 10am – late, Sydney Opera House, $6 – $10.
Beached As Sunday Sessions
Toast your apple-picking cousins across the ditch with a cold Rochdale Cider and your choice of cider-themed snack in the Beachie’s new Backyard Bar. The drink comes courtesy of the Kiwis, but Gastro Park’s Grant King is to thank for a menu that includes a Cider Slider (cider baked pig, crunchy crackles and apple slaw), a Crispy Claw (soft shell crab cooked in a crispy cider batter, wrapped in lettuce and served with lemon and lime mayo) and The Rochdale Frostie (cider-caramelised apple ice cream). Beached As Sunday Sessions, every Sunday in January, 71 Beach Road, Bondi, $12.50.
Summer Nights at Dunbar House
It’s like that dream you had as a kid of infiltrating a candy store after hours, except instead of a candy store it’s Dunbar House and instead of coke bottle lollies it’s seared scallops, Jamon Iberico carpaccio and pork belly gnocchi. The historic house with stupefying views is usually only during daylight hours, but chef Keith Murray has crafted an exquisite a la carte dinner menu to serve on two special nights only. Though he could probably serve Mrs Mac’s Pies and it would still be worth paying just to see the sun set over the dazzling harbour. Summer Nights at Dunbar House, 17th & 23rd January from 6pm, $55 for two courses or $70 for three courses.
