TinyTAN Happy Meals have arrived at Macca’s

TinyTAN Happy Meals have hit Macca’s menus in Australia this September, giving BTS fans explicit ‘Permission to Dance‘. The miniature toys included in the meal are inspired by the seven members of cult favourite K-pop group. For a limited time only, fans will be able to collect these exclusive avatars, complete with the iconic 2021 BTS Meal promo outfits. Each TinyTAN Happy Meal includes an option of 3 or 6-piece Chicken McNuggets, a Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap. This can be paired with Apple Slices, Small Fries and a Small Drink. This time around, Macca’s has also introduced a spot of gamification to the mix – literally. Each TinyTan character will unlock a digital surprise via a QR code that leads to the TinyTAN Power Up game. The interactive, rhythm-based experience invites players to hit every note of their favourite BTS tracks to ‘power up’ the characters. The TinyTAN Happy Meal is available from now to October 21 at Macca’s stores nationwide. Customers are advised to ask the staff which toy is available in any given week. Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

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Brisbane’s Fish Lane welcomes Marlowe by Fanda Group

Fanda Group, the team behind Rick Shores, Central, Norté, Sueño and Southside, has opened Marlowe, a new Australian bistro in South Brisbane’s Fish Lane precinct. The venue is housed in a heritage-listed 1938 apartment block, the former Merivale Flats, and has been reworked into a series of dining rooms, bar spaces and sunrooms. Fanda Group Director and restaurateur David Flynn says: “There’s a level of homeliness to the space that informs all aspects of the venue’s philosophy. We want Marlowe to embody the same comfort as dropping into a friend’s house, and the same generosity and lavishness as a Sunday lunch at your grandparents’.” Vibe: Art deco meets refined Queensland bistro. Menu Highlights: Curried Crab Brioche, Braised Duck Pie, Coral Trout Wellington and Pavlova with pineapple and basil sorbet. Price: $80 – $150pp for a full meal + drink. Dietary Considerations: Gluten free options available. Vegetarians and Vegans can give this one a miss. Classics with a twist Head Chef and Co-Owner Ollie Hansford (Stokehouse Restaurants, Gauge) has shaped the menu by drawing on vintage Australian cookbooks and a close network of local growers. Dishes include a prawn cocktail tartlet with Marie Rose, braised duck pie with radicchio jam and jus poured tableside, yabby-topped surf and turf, coral trout Wellington with caviar butter sauce and a trifle layered with rhubarb jelly, macadamia sponge and custard. “It’s a nod to the comforting meals that shaped us, and a celebration of the small, local farmers around us,” says Hansford. “I’m lucky to have locked in five kilos of jumbo yabbies a week from a farm just outside of Gympie, and 20 whole heritage-breed chickens from Joyce’s Gold too. “For many of the producers we’re working with – like Chauvel Wagyu – Marlowe will be the only restaurant in the region they’re supplying.” A custom-built woodfire hearth by Sam Fraraccio (The Brick Chef) fuels the grill, while a dedicated raw bar gives diners a front-row view of chefs shucking oysters and preparing seafood to order. All-Aussie wine, native cocktails Group Beverage Director Peter Marchant has curated a 200-bottle wine list that focuses on Australian producers, from established names such as Henschke and Shaw + Smith to newer winemakers. A 35-glass Coravin program offers breadth by the glass, with French Champagne the only exception to the all-local rule. Cocktails highlight native flavours, including a lemon myrtle and eucalyptus highball topped with mandarin creaming soda, and the Marlowe Martini, made with Tasmanian gin and macadamia-infused Oloroso. Fish Lane goes Art Deco Following three successful restaurant design collaborations – and a recent Australian Interior Design Award win for Central in Hong Kong – Fanda Group worked again with Brisbane studio J.AR OFFICE to bring Marlowe to life. The design retains much of the site’s Art Deco heritage, with Director Jared Webb preserving original features while creating nine dining and bar spaces across two levels. “There’s real momentum building in Fish Lane, and we’re proud that Marlowe can be part of its evolution,” says Flynn. “With so many great operators already in the precinct, and some of Queensland’s key cultural institutions just a stone’s throw away, Fish Lane is well on its way to becoming one of Brisbane’s premier dining destinations.” Marlowe is now open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm–late, with lunch service starting Thursday to Saturday from 2 October. Find more Dining Out updates on Crumb Wire.

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The Point café opens new East Gosford venue

The Point, a much-loved Avoca Beach café, has opened a second venue in East Gosford. Doors swung open this month at 4/103 Victoria Street, giving locals a fresh all-day hangout for breakfast, lunch and coffee. The Avoca original has been a favourite for more than 20 years, known for its fresh seasonal menus, premium Coast Coffee and laidback vibe just steps from the sand. The East Gosford outpost brings that same spirit inland, with a menu shaped by the local community. The menu Designed as a hub for the local community, The Point East Gosford caters for everyone, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options to choose from. Some of Avoca’s bestsellers have made the move, including the Point Break Burger, Corn and Zucchini Fritters, Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta, Karaage Chicken Skewers and Lemon Pepper Squid. So far, aside from the coffee, the fritters with mint yoghurt and mango chutney are proving to be a crowd favourite. “Fritters were great and good coffee,” says café guest Polly Stewart in a Facebook comment. “The coffee was so good that I will be stopping in again,” adds Neil Haines on the same thread. “This is finally the kind of café we have been waiting for,” says another customer, Ulrich Schild. “It’s fresh, warm and welcoming, plenty of affordable brekkie and food options and a very efficient and friendly team.” Behind the scenes The café’s chefs are currently working on a new summer menu set to launch in November – all hands in. The team gets together every evening to test seasonal produce and experiment with international flavours to build the update. Behind the venues is owner Kerry Harman, who brings more than 25 years of food industry experience across catering, café management and menu design. Her track record has earned multiple Restaurant and Catering Awards of Excellence and Brides’ Choice Awards. “We’ve always seen The Point as more than a café. It’s about being a community hub where people feel at home,” says Harman. “East Gosford felt like the perfect next chapter and we can’t wait to welcome locals through our doors.” With the new site now open and a summer menu on the way, The Point is set to become a go-to for East Gosford locals just as it has for the Avoca community for the past two decades. Source: Dive Media Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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Staff picks: The best of Rivareno Gelato

  It’s almost ice cream season, some would say. Others may argue gelato and sorbet are evergreen, with no room for seasonal labels. Sydney gelateria chain Rivareno Gelato sits firmly in the latter camp, with a menu built for every time of year. Classics like Bacio (chocolate and hazelnut), Cocco (Sri Lankan coconut) and Pistacchio Sicilia (straight-up pistachio) share the counter with blends such as Cassata, made with sheep’s milk ricotta and candied citrus, or Morena, a fior di panna swirled with Amarena sour cherries. From rich and warm gelato to sweet and tangy sorbets, Rivareno’s specials are inimitable. But which ones truly stand out? To find out, we asked Rivareno store staff for their top gelato picks and combos. Here’s what they said. Martha – Bondi Store Manager I have worked at the new Bondi Beach store for the past 9 months. It has been such a great experience opening a new store. My main responsibilities focus on our customers, team, gelato service and production and ensuring that the store sets the high standard that all Rivareno stores have. My favourite treat at Rivareno is the warm brownie topped with a scoop of Coconut Sorbet and Bacio Gelato, finished with a drizzle of Gianduia sauce. I love it because the hot fudgy brownie melts into the cold, creamy gelato, creating a perfect mix of temperatures and textures.  The tropical sweetness of coconut balances the deep chocolate-hazelnut flavours of the Bacio and Gianduia, making every bite both indulgent and perfectly balanced. I found my go-to flavours simply by experimenting and trying all the options. It is hard to pick a true favourite as they are really so great and so fresh. Alessio – Gelato Maker Bondi and Darlinghurst As a gelato maker, each and every morning I start my shift early before the store opens. I see the high-quality ingredients and spend a lot of time peeling and juicing fresh fruit, weighing ingredients and making them with our specialised recipes so that each scoop is perfect each time.  I still love the classics, which remind me of home in Italy. Nothing compares to fresh pistachio, but I’ve recently come to try my new favourite,  Cremino Rivareno. Made with white chocolate ganache with gianduia sauce- it’s so good, and such a hit with customers. Simone – Parramatta Store Manager I have tasted all the flavours in the 4.5 years that I have managed the Parramatta store where my focus is on staff, customers and general storeoperations. I also have an Italian background, which helps when offering an authentic gelato experience. I am a huge fan of Cocco, refreshingly light, dairy-free, with intense flavour and is still so creamy. I also love the Sorbetto Cioccolato, can you tell I am a sorbet person?  We make the sorbet so creamy despite it being entirely dairy-free. Kim – Potts Point customer service I have 3 favourite options on rotation at the moment. Cremino Dark – this was already popular well before Dubai chocolate came on the scene. Think creamy, rich chocolate gelato with swirls of silky smooth pistachio sauce throughout. Mango Heera – it is like summer sunshine with every taste, and the texture is perfection; my secret tip is to also try it as a milkshake, it is just like a fresh mango lassi. The Deluxe Cone – my newest indulgence, a fresh gianduia-filled cone so that I still have a pop of flavour even after the gelato is finished. I have been with Rivareno for over three years. I love how authentic the gelato is; it reminds me of trips to Italy since I was a teenager. With many years of customer service in my background, I love helping customers decide on their own favourite gelato flavours. There is a real skill to serving gelato; it is very soft to work with and takes lots of practice to provide the perfect scoop. My advice to customers is to always select a new flavour since your last visit. While customers are often drawn to their favourites, there is something special about finding flavours that make you go ‘wow’! Find more food and drink features on Crumb Wire.

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Gong Grocer to host inaugural Mid-Autumn Food Festival at Sydney’s World Square

Family-owned Gong Grocer has launched its first-ever Mid-Autumn Food Festival, with a vibrant three-day cultural celebration taking place at World Square Sydney from Saturday, October 4, to Monday, October 6, 2025. This free-to-attend event promises a dynamic mix of culinary talent, interactive experiences and traditional entertainment in the heart of the city. Gong Grocer Named in tribute to the Nguyen family’s late grandfather, Ah Gong, Gong Grocer is the newest venture in a 30-year legacy of Asian grocery retailing that began with the Thai Kee IGA in Sydney’s Chinatown. In addition to groceries, the business features a specialty liquor store, in-house butcher and a curated range of South and East Asian products from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan and beyond. The inaugural Gong Grocer Mid-Autumn Food Festival is an ode to these cultures. Tastings and demonstrations Headlining the festival are celebrity chefs Vincent Lim (Dimsimlim), Catherine Desserts and Brendan Pang, who will present live cooking demonstrations followed by free tastings for all attendees. Sydney’s own Therese Lum, Liz Miu, Steph Feher and Veronica Indrawan will also be conducting cooking demonstrations and offering samples of their signature dishes. This lineup offers visitors a unique opportunity to see these talented chefs in action up close. The festival will also feature other major entertainment, including an exclusive Labubu mooncake-making experience, hosted by premium Sydney-based bakery G-LAB Patisserie. These sessions offer a chance to witness and participate in the creation of Labubu mooncakes, a much-hyped treat that blends traditional methods with popular culture. Visitors will also be able to partake in premium tastings, including sake from Umenoyado, Tatenokawa and Chiebijin, handmade cakes and mochi from local bakery 12Cake and Taiwanese street foods and mooncakes from Ommis Foods. Taking over World Square The two-day event will also feature a dedicated activity zone run by Gong Grocer, where attendees canparticipate in games such as spin-the-wheel and the Big Chopstick Challenge. Every game guarantees a prize, with giveaways ranging from Labubu collectibles and bespoke plushies to mystery mooncakeboxes, branded towels, keychains and other limited-edition merchandise. Throughout the festival, World Square will be filled with the energy of live music, traditional lion danceperformances and family-friendly entertainment designed to bring the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festivalto life. The event runs from October 4 to October 6 from 12 pm – 8 pm at World Square in Sydney’s CBD. Find more food and drink stories on Crumb Wire.

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Archie Rose Smoked Cask Series debuts with Wattleseed Single Malt Whisky

Sydney-based Archie Rose Distilling Co. has today released a Wattleseed Smoked Cask Single Malt Whisky, the first in a four-part Smoked Cask Series. Landing September 24, the limited-edition release introduces a new approach where the casks themselves, rather than the grain, are gently smoked with native botanicals. The Smoked Cask Series will feature four single malt whiskies, each matured in casks smoked with a different botanical. For the debut, Archie Rose worked with a local cooper to smoke empty whisky casks with native wattleseed before filling them with its Single Malt Whisky. The result is a whisky with notes of campfire bacon, roasted macadamia and caramel fudge, alongside a discreet smoke profile. “In Australia, we’re fortunate to be unbound by tradition, having the freedom to be bold and find our own new ways of doing things,” said Dave Withers, Master Distiller at Archie Rose. “This series is all about reimagining what a smoked whisky can be; questioning why the flavour of smoke can only come from the treatment of grains. We wanted to tackle the question of whether we could bring a different dimension to our whisky by smoking the maturation casks instead. It’s also about testing the boundaries of where that smoke comes from.” This production method required extensive trials to balance the release of aroma without burning the botanicals, ensuring their character could be absorbed by the timber. “There’s something romantic about using wattleseed to smoke our whisky maturation casks in the Australian context,” Withers said. “Wattle seeds need fire to germinate, so in burning this uniquely Australian ingredient to smoke our whisky casks, we’re giving life to a whole new layer of flavour, and a whole new style of Australian single malt whisky.” The Wattleseed Smoked Cask Single Malt Whisky is bottled at 51.7% ABV (700ml, 29 standard drinks) and retails for $219. It offers a bold but balanced profile, with a finish of biscuit, roasted nuts, fruit and light smoke. Three more smoked cask expressions will follow in the coming months, giving whisky drinkers and collectors the chance to explore different native botanicals. Archie Rose continues to draw inspiration from the diversity of crops and produce grown across Australia, a philosophy that underpins the Smoked Cask Series and its use of wattleseed. Source: The Mint Partners Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

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Creator Profile: Anna Simon on Calabresi cooking and sharing raw, real content

Anna Simon, the popular face behind @annasimoneats, is a Calabrese-Australian food creator who first caught attention on SBS’s ‘The Chefs’ Line’ and now appears regularly on Channel 7. In this profile, she reflects on her journey in content creation, from sharing family recipes online to celebrating community at events like Ferragosto, and the challenge of keeping her page authentic while growing her audience. Let’s start with the basics – What are your handles? Instagram: @annasimoneats TikTok:@annasimoneats How would you describe the content you create? My content is a mix of nostalgic, traditional Calabresi recipes from Southern Italy, often cooked alongside my mum and dad, and quick, everyday family meals that I create for my own household.  A big part of my storytelling is the relationship I share with my dad and his friends, capturing the generational gap between Italian migrants and the next generation. Alongside this, I love dining out and showcasing Sydney’s food scene, from timeless family-run restaurants to being one of the first to visit and share the city’s newest hotspots. Tell us about your creator journey so far. My creator journey really started in the kitchen at home, cooking alongside my parents and realising how much people connected with those stories and recipes. What began as sharing family traditions and Southern Italian food turned into a space where I could celebrate both my heritage and my everyday life as a mum feeding my boys.  Over time, it’s grown into more than just recipes. It’s about connection, storytelling and keeping culture alive while making it fun and relatable. What have been some of your biggest achievements and challenges along the way? Some of my proudest achievements have been the community work I’ve done with Ferragosto and the Norton Street Festa, two Italian festivals that mean so much to me. I’ve also been part of the project to rejuvenate Little Italy in Norton Street, Leichhardt, helping to bring it back as a true cultural experience for the community.  I’m honoured to be an ambassador for the Purple Picnic with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, and I’m really proud of my regular appearances on Sunrise and The Morning Show. Each of these opportunities has allowed me to share my love of food and culture in a meaningful way. On the flip side, one of the biggest challenges has been juggling family life with two boys while also managing content creation and brand work. My head is always full of ideas, but it’s about finding the time to bring them all to life. I also care deeply about keeping my page authentic.  Yes, it’s a business and a source of income, but I never want it to feel like just a selling platform. It’s always about real food, real stories and meaningful collaborations.  Another challenge is the sheer number of foodies in this space. Staying relevant and different can feel daunting, but it also motivates me to keep evolving and finding my unique voice. How has the social media food scene changed since you started? What do you love (or not love) about where it’s heading? When I first started sharing food online, reels weren’t even around. They only came later, and COVID really accelerated the shift. Creators who jumped on Reels early gained a huge advantage because everyone was glued to their phones. I only started posting reels towards the end of the pandemic, so it felt like I missed that early growth spurt. What I don’t love is how oversaturated it’s become. It feels like every second person is a food blogger now. With so much competition for views and likes, you naturally want your content to stand out, but ultimately, it’s about resonating with your own community. I’m also not a fan of overly AI-driven content. I’d much rather share something raw and real, even if it’s not “perfect.” What I do love is how creative the food space has become. Instagram is also such a learning platform for me. I draw endless inspiration from other creators, which pushes me to grow, experiment, and keep shaping my own voice in it all. What do you wish people understood better about content creation? People think it’s easy, but it’s not. There’s so much time that goes into it. The planning, shopping, cooking, filming, editing, cleaning up afterwards and then there’s also the money it takes to get to a stage where it actually starts to become lucrative. On top of that, you need to put in the effort to support other creators if you want them to support you back and become invested in your story. It’s a lot more work behind the scenes than most people realise. Which food creators or pages are you following right now?  The foodie pages I love following are Australian food and drink e-magazines and ‘What’s on’ guides. They’re great because they always share the new restaurants that are up and coming, and I love being across what’s fresh on the Sydney food scene. I also love following individual creators and chefs like @annapolyviou for her creativity and fun, @thecordonykitchen for the beauty and aesthetic behind the food, as well as the luscious recipes, @thesundaykitchen for her effortlessly tasty Middle Eastern recipes, and @foodbylucy because everything she does looks like sex on a plate. I also follow various European foodie pages, especially Italian ones like @giallozafferano, which is Italy’s number one food media brand. I love their daily inspiration and the way they showcase traditional Italian recipes in such a vibrant way. What’s your foodie top-tip? Don’t stress too much about perfection. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not overthought. And take photos of everything because one day it will be a memory!  And finally, what do you enjoy doing outside of work and content creation? Outside of content creation, you’ll usually find me spending time with my two boys and on the soccer sidelines most of the week. I love good food, a good cocktail, and exploring new spots around Sydney….

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New Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon released exclusively for Australia

Elijah Craig has just dropped a new 40% Small Batch Bourbon created exclusively for Australia, marking the first time the Kentucky distiller has released a lower Alcohol by Volume (ABV) expression. The move places Australian drinkers at the centre of Bourbon’s global evolution, with the release now available nationwide. The brand has long been credited as ‘The Father of Bourbon,’ recognised for being the first to age whiskey in charred oak barrels. Handcrafted by Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers and aged in level 3 charred oak barrels, the new expression carries notes of vanilla, caramel and sun-ripened fruit wrapped in toasted oak, finishing with spice and a wisp of smoke. Golden amber in colour, Elijah Craig Small Batch 40% settles easy on the palate, with smooth caramel and toasted oak flowing into gentle spice and soft smoke. The spirit is suitable for highballs, an Old Fashioned or simply neat. Grant Shearon, Heaven Hill APAC Brand Ambassador, says: “Australians are discovering Bourbon at a record pace, and Elijah Craig is proud to lead that journey. “With excise rates continuing to climb, this new Elijah Craig Small Batch makes our award-winning Bourbon more versatile and more accessible, while staying true to the craftsmanship and heritage that has made Elijah Craig a global icon.” The bourbon is designed as a more accessible entry point into Elijah Craig’s collection while still maintaining character and craft. It also responds to rising excise rates in Australia, delivering a lower price point and easier pouring options for venues. “We are incredibly excited to introduce these five unique expressions of Elijah Craig to whiskey lovers in Australia,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “From the approachable smoothness of our Small Batch Bourbon to the bold complexity of our Barrel Proof and the rare elegance of our 18-Year-Old Single Barrel, we’ve ensured there’s something for every palate. This expansion allows Australians to experience firsthand why our whiskeys continue to set the standard for quality, craftsmanship and innovation.” The new release joins Elijah Craig’s Australian portfolio of Toasted Barrel, Barrel Proof, Straight Rye and the rare 18-Year-Old Single Barrel. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery – the largest independent, family-owned distillery in the US – the brand is recognised globally for its role in shaping Bourbon and for the craftsmanship behind each release. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon 40% is available now at Dan Murphy’s at $79.99. Source: Candid Comms Find more retail updates on Crumb Wire.

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Boutique bakery Martha’s opens in Wareemba

Mediterranean-inspired boutique bakery, Martha’s, has opened on Great North Road in Wareemba, bringing a mix of pastries, sandwiches and coffee to Sydney’s waterside suburb. The bakery and café can seat up to 20 across banquettes, curb-side tables and a standing espresso bar, plus a full takeaway menu. The food offering takes cues from Mediterranean flavours while keeping familiar bakery staples on the counter. Classics such as croissants, cinnamon scrolls and custard tarts sit alongside twists including a twice-baked almond croissant with cardamom and rosewater, a zaatar knot with tahini dipping sauce and an nduja eggplant and basil pastry. The sweet menu covers olive oil citrus cake, double chocolate brownies and cookies in variations like Earl Grey, black sesame or brown butter choc chip with sea salt. On the savoury side, sandwiches are made with hand-rolled breads, sourdough and rosemary focaccia. Options range from a spiced lamb roll with caponata, tzatziki and rocket to a roast chicken and avocado sourdough and a focaccia stack layered with salami, mortadella, pesto, stracciatella and basil oil. Coffee is served alongside drinks with a twist, including nutmeg citrus cold brew, blackberry matcha and maple brown butter iced oat lattes poured on tap. Owner Paris Nassif says: “Our menu is about staying true to our roots and identity, but also having fun with the classics that people know and love. With the bakery, we wanted to create a place where people could slow down, savour something and feel that sense of renewal – a place to rise again each morning.” Martha’s is open Wednesday to Sunday, 6 am – 4 pm at 312 Great North Road, Wareemba. Source: Candid Comms Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

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Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff reopens with new seasonal menu

The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff (formerly The Bellarine Hotel) has reopened its doors after an extensive renovation, marking a new chapter for the coastal pub first established in 1879. The venue has returned to its original name, chosen by locals while stepping into a refreshed era designed for the Bellarine community. “We are so excited to have reopened the doors of this beautiful pub. Our local legend has gotten a new lease on life, and we know our locals will love it – the buzz in the area has been awesome in the lead up to today,” said venue manager Mitch Kovacic, who has led the pub for the past three years. Inside, the pub has been reimagined with warm timber finishes and shades of blue and green, creating a coastal setting for both locals and visitors arriving by ferry. A revamped Sports Bar offers walls lined with TV screens, a pool table, high-top tables, a fireplace and a dedicated bar. Outside, the beer garden has been reshaped as a family-friendly space with native landscaping, large TVs for live sport, picnic-style seating, umbrellas and an expanded kids’ play area. Seasonal gin paddles are also on offer. What’s on the menu The kitchen is serving a new seasonal menu alongside pub classics. Smaller plates include half scallops with finger lime hollandaise and pink peppercorn and harissa lamb skewers with smoky eggplant, native dukkha and pickles. Larger dishes span burgers, beer-battered Victorian rockling and chips and Australian pork chop. To celebrate the reopening, the hotel will host a Locals Weekend from October 10–12 with live music, kids’ entertainment, raffles, giveaways and a free first drink. Regular programming is also locked in with happy hour from Monday to Friday, steak night on Tuesdays and a Wednesday trivia and parma night that contributes $1 from each parma sold to local charity Cottage By The Sea. Live music will run on weekends, while Sundays are set aside for family entertainment. The Esplanade Hotel Queenscliff reopens with its coastal history intact and a renewed focus on being a hub for the Bellarine community. Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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