/ Sep 15, 2026
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December 2025

Bar Sophia by Marameo and Il Bacaro team brings modern Athenian fare to Melbourne

Pallavi Mathur05 mins

Bar Sophia has opened in Melbourne’s Central Park Village, bringing a Greek-leaning wine bar and dining room to the neighbourhood. The venue comes from Michael Badr and Marco Tenuta, the team behind Marameo and Il Bacaro, and takes cues from the new-wave bars of Athens. It adds a more relaxed, walk-in-friendly option to an area that’s been short on casual spots. Vibe: Moody neighbourhood dining with an Athenian edge Menu Highlights: Seasonal menu; 2025 Summer: Whipped cod roe, Charred squid with smoked red pepper and almond, Orzo with Moreton Bay bug Cost: $70 – $115pp for a full meal + drink Dietary Considerations: Gluten-free options available. Vegetarians and Vegans can give this one a miss. “My wife Sophia and I are in Greece every couple of years to see her family,” says Badr, a Malvern resident. “Athens has changed so much in the past decade; there’s a real vibe to it right now. With Bar Sophia, we’re hoping to bring back a little of that energy and flavour, and create the kind of place we’d be proud to call our local.” The menu Executive Chef Nicholas Deligiannis leads the kitchen after a two-month research trip to Greece. His menu is built around a custom woodfire hearth by The Brick Chef, Sam Fraraccio. While dishes are set to change with the seasons, early plates include charcoal-flecked whey flatbread with whipped cod roe, baked sheep’s curd with greens, charred squid with smoked red pepper and almond, saffron orzo with Moreton Bay bugs, sesame-glazed roasted spatchcock and Cretan-style braised lamb. The wine program is helmed by Steve Kimonides, who has spent years travelling through Greece’s regions and vineyards. His 100-bottle list highlights varietals like Xinomavro, Assyrtiko and Saviatano, alongside Mediterranean staples and house wines under his Stelios Kimonides label. Ouzo, tsipouro and grappa appear both on the list and in classic-style cocktails. The layout Bar Sophia’s layout leans into neighbourhood ease. A 12-seat no-bookings bar at the front encourages casual drop-ins, while a 44-seat dining room sits at the back with the same polished service and upbeat energy familiar to Marameo diners. “It’s near impossible to find a walk-in table in the area, so a front bar dedicated to casual visits was essential,” says Badr. “We want Bar Sophia to be familiar and welcoming – the kind of place you can swing by a few times a week and settle in however you like.” The space mixes mood and warmth, with walnut timber, chocolate velvet, stainless steel, polished plaster and raspberry and burgundy accents. Bar Sophia can be found at 161 Burke Road, Glen Iris. Source: Sunday Lunch Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

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Hungry Jack’s teams up with Tabasco for spicy Cheesy Loaded Chips

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

There’s a new hot sauce player in the fast-food game and this one comes with serious pedigree. Hungry Jack’s has teamed up with Tabasco for a limited run of Cheesy Loaded Chips, pairing its thick-cut chips with a cheesy cheese sauce and the original Tabasco flavour turned up a notch. “When customers crave heat, you call in the pros,” said Hungry Jack’s Marketing Director, Luke Pavan. “That famous Tabasco heat already brings the fire and we’ve dialled it up to make it even saucier. Hungry Jack’s has never been shy about bold flavour, and paired with our thick-cut chips and cheesy cheese sauce, this combo’s guaranteed to get tongues talking and heating up all summer.” The release follows a year of big, punchy launches from the chain. Hungry Jack’s has leaned heavily into stronger flavour profiles, from its saucy tenders to a WARHEADS dessert collaboration that tapped into sour culture. More recently, it brought the viral dirty sodas trend to Australia with its Jack’d Up drinks range, signalling a continued push into more playful menu ideas in keeping with the foodie zeitgeist. The timing also falls amid a broader heat wave in fast food. McDonald’s recently dropped its Frank’s RedHot collaboration, introducing a range built around the iconic cayenne-based sauce. Hungry Jack’s, however, wagers that Tabasco still sets the standard for a proper kick of chilli. Cheesy Loaded Chips with Tabasco Sauce are available nationwide for a limited time at participating Hungry Jack’s stores. Source: Wrights Communication Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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Melbourne’s Showroom Bar sets the scene for New Year’s Eve

Pallavi Mathur04 mins

Showroom Bar at The Royce will open through the afternoon and evening for New Year’s Eve, offering cocktails, canapés and an early dinner before Melbourne’s midnight celebrations. The venue is helmed by Executive Chef Pawan Dutta, the AHA’s 2025 National Chef of the Year. The food leans into a luxe, five-star feel with a nod to the golden age of hospitality, shaped by Dutta’s time cooking in the Maldives, India and the Middle East. Bold flavours and art deco luxury The menu brings together bolder flavours and tighter technique, with plates like Hibachi-flamed ocean trout on homemade crumpet with yuzu kosho and smoked miso, and freshly shucked oysters served with Bergamot mignonette. At the bar, you can start the night with a glass of Taittinger champagne, a Negroni or a run of smaller snacks. Showroom Bar’s design is part of the draw. The lounge is set up as a visual centrepiece for celebrations, where art deco lines meet modern, design-led luxury. Sweeping marble, plush velvet seating, a statement chandelier and a low hum of jazz set the mood for the first chapter of the night before the city’s energy ramps up. Its position on the leafy stretch of St Kilda Road makes moving on straightforward. Guests can step out to the valet area, jump on a tram straight into the CBD or use the new ANZAC metro station to head to rooftop bars, riverfront spots or the Yarra fireworks and other New Year’s Eve events. New year’s staycation Those who would rather wind down than push on can turn the visit into a full staycation. The Royce is offering rooms for guests who want to glide into 2026 in hotel comfort instead of navigating the late-night trip home. The next morning, breakfast is served in The Terrace, the hotel’s sun-drenched conservatory-style dining room that takes cues from European cafés. Guests can order in-house croissants and pain au chocolat or opt for the signature champagne breakfast of poached eggs, homemade gravlax, salmon roe, crumpets, seasonal fruit and Taittinger. Whether guests are kicking off a big night, venue-hopping through the city or choosing a slower welcome to 2026, The Royce is positioning Showroom Bar as the place to start the evening. Guests can book ahead or walk in, which makes it an option for anyone locking in plans late in the piece. Showroom Bar is open Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 10 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm, with dining available from midday every day. Source: Modern Currency Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

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Red Rooster’s Chickmas Wonderland to light up Cannon Hill in Brisbane

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

Red Rooster Cannon Hill is getting a glow up this festive season with a three-night Chickmas Wonderland, switching on from December 12 to December 14. The Wynnum Rd store will be decked out in an oversized light display designed as an easy local night out for families, friends and anyone after a bit of December colour. The program includes roaming entertainment, festive music, small giveaways and a few unscripted surprises across the weekend. Sam Bragg, CEO, Red Rooster, said: “This activation has really been about bringing a bit of festive joy to the community and giving families and the Reds community a reason to come together at the end of the year. “We’ve loved creating the Chickmas lights display and going all out Griswold style – we think that along with our gingerbread and caramel Elf Bites, it’s been fun adding a little extra magic (and chicken salt!) to the season. “Among all the twinkle and giveaways, we’ll also have representatives from Red Nose Australia joining us on Saturday night. It’s important that we can give back where possible – so we’d love for everyone to come on down to Cannon Hill and share in the Chickmas community spirit with us.” Saturday night will include on-site games run by KIIS FM, along with fundraising for Red Nose Australia. For anyone chasing a photo moment, the light setup leans intentionally big and bright. The Chickmas weekend arrives as Red Rooster introduces a seasonal sweet across stores. Elf Bites are gingerbread-flavoured cookie dough bites with a warm salted caramel centre, and they’re appearing alongside the Festive Treat Box, which includes a Reds Burger, a piece of Crunchy Fried Chicken, Mash & Gravy, Small Chips, two Elf Bites and a drink. Everything will be available to try during the activation at Red Rooster Cannon Hill on the corner of Wynnum Rd and Creek Road. Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

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Red Hill Estate unveils new-look sparkling wine range

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

Red Hill Estate has launched a refreshed trio of sparkling wines just in time for the festive season, unveiling a new-look collection that brings together cool-climate acidity, approachable drinking and celebratory styling. The Mornington Peninsula winery has released updated versions of its Sparkling Cuvée and Prosecco, alongside a brand-new Sparkling Rosé. All three arrive in red and gold-accented bottles designed to sit confidently on a Christmas table or summer grazing spread. General Manager Dominic Fabrizio said the range was created with Red Hill Estate’s hallmark minimal-intervention approach, showcasing fruit expression and easy summer drinking. “Our new sparkling range is elegant, lively and effortlessly refined, adding a touch of celebration to our expanding portfolio – whether it’s end-of-year celebrations, summer entertaining or Christmas gifting, we have a sparkling to suit every taste and occasion.” The collection includes: Red Hill Estate Sparkling Rosé NV | RRP $22 A pale, gently pressed cool-climate rosé with fine bubbles and aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, rose petals and citrus zest. The palate is fresh and lightly savoury, suited to oysters, salads, soft cheeses or charcuterie. Red Hill Estate Sparkling Cuvée NV | RRP $22 A Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend with notes of apple, citrus, wild strawberry and a hint of toasted cashew. Bright acidity and soft red-berry flavours make it a reliable pre-dinner option or a match for seafood, charcuterie or cheese. Red Hill Estate Prosecco NV | RRP $22 A crisp, fruit-driven Prosecco with apple, pear and honeydew melon notes alongside delicate florals and a fine bubble. Designed for casual celebrations and an easy pairing with oysters, antipasto or truffle fries. The range is now available ahead of the summer entertaining period. Source: littleBIG Marketing Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

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New BBQ Chicken Double Crunch BBQ taco lands at Guzman y Gomez

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

Guzman y Gomez (GYG) has added a new limited edition taco to its menu today, with the BBQ Chicken Double Crunch now available at GYG restaurants nationwide. The BBQ Chicken Double Crunch features a soft flour tortilla with queso wrapped around GYG’s hard shell tortilla, filled with grilled free range chicken, sweet chipotle BBQ sauce, chipotle seasoned fries, chipotle mayo and GYG’s jack cheese ($4.80). It is positioned as a clean and flavour-forward option, intended for those wanting a satisfying snack during the end-of-year period. “At GYG, Clean food doesn’t mean boring! For the BBQ Chicken Double Crunch, we’ve stacked the flavour, doubled the sauce and built a taco that will blow your mind!” says GYG Founder and Co-CEO Steven Marks. “The BBQ Chicken Double Crunch is made from GYG’s most iconic ingredients and is delicious and ridiculously satisfying, but it’s also Clean, fresh and very GYG. It’s the kind of food you crave but still feel good about eating!” As with all of its menu items, GYG claims the BBQ Chicken Double Crunch is made without added preservatives, artificial flavours, added colours or unacceptable additives. Developed in GYG’s test kitchen, La Cucina, the product was created when James Beard Award-winning Chef and GYG Director of Culinary Nate Appleman and his team were experimenting with ‘big chipotle flavours and cheesy vibes.’ Instagram creator Nectorious Papi (@nectoriouspapi) says, “It’s one of the best things at GYG – A Party in My Mouth”   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nectorious Papi (@nectoriouspapi) The launch follows GYG’s introduction of the Caesar Salad range in September 2025, which included a Caesar Salad, Caesar Burrito and Caesar Cali Burrito. BBQ Chicken Double Crunch is available from December 9 at GYG dine in, takeaway, drive thru and on the GYG app for a limited time.   Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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Sofitel Sydney showcases French Christmas traditions with Maison Balzac

Pallavi Mathur04 mins

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has brought a French-inspired Christmas to its lobby, unveiling a seasonal collaboration with Maison Balzac that highlights festive food traditions alongside the brand’s distinctive glassware and table objects. The partnership brings a mix of culinary ritual and design to the centre of Sydney, drawing on both brands’ French roots. A nod to French tradition A Christmas tree installation stands tall in the lobby, decorated with Maison Balzac’s Pomponette coupes arranged as ornaments and finished with velvet bows by florist Dr Cooper. The use of the glass coupes ties the display back to Maison Balzac’s well known approach to playful tableware and reimagined dining objects, positioning the tree as a focal point for guests entering the hotel. The hotel is also hosting an evening candle and light ceremony, linking Sofitel’s French heritage with founder Élise Balzac’s family traditions in the South of France, where Christmas included candles lit at dusk and the sharing of les treize desserts, thirteen sweet delicacies symbolising abundance, togetherness and Provençal generosity. Guests can explore this ritual at Club Millésime, where thirteen citrus and spice-led desserts are offered as a nod to the regional custom. Balzac said: “It is a dream come true to see my favourite French traditions brought to life in the historical heart of Sydney at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. My wish is to fill every single Pomponette Coupe with champagne and to celebrate with the Sofitel Sydney guests while singing Petit Papa Noel.” Food remains central across the program. Guests booking the Sofitel Candle Room Experience receive a festive treat plated on a Maison Balzac Everything Plate, which is gifted to take home. The experience includes a bottle of Pommery Champagne and a signature Sofitel Candle, with rooms set in candlelight to create an immersive, sensory moment. Hotel guests can also access a 20% discount at Maison Balzac’s flagship store in The Strand Arcade, linking the in-hotel experience with the brand’s broader range of tableware, glassware and home objects. Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is located at 61, 101 Phillip St, Sydney. Source: Wanderlust Union Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

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Kids eat free this summer at The General Assembly on South Wharf

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

The General Assembly will offer its Kids Eat Free deal from January 2 2026, giving families a lower cost way to spend a day on South Wharf as school holidays begin. The promotion allows children to order a complimentary kids’ meal with every adult main purchased throughout the holiday period. The venue sits close to The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which will host family events including Disney Jr Live on Tour, making it a convenient stop for parents planning a day in the precinct. Menu options for younger diners include a chicken burger, fish and chips and kids’ pasta. Venue Manager at The General Assembly, Brigid Butera, said it is a practical option for families spending time in the area. “We know dining out with the kids can add up quickly, so our ‘Kids Eat Free’ offer gives families a chance to enjoy a day on the waterfront without the worry of extra cost.” Families can also explore The General Assembly’s new seasonal menu, which includes dishes such as chicken parmas, Caesar salads, kimchi mayo hot chips and other Korean-inspired pub fare. Children can also take part in The General Assembly’s school holiday colouring in competition, providing an activity to keep them occupied while adults order from the main menu. The General Assembly is positioning the offer as an option for families looking for value during summer, whether for lunch, an early dinner or a day out on the riverfront. Source: Soda Communications Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.

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Wharf Hotel launches hot air balloon themed dining pods for summer

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

The Wharf Hotel has introduced Wharf on Cloud 9 for the summer, a series of hot air balloon-themed dining pods set along the Yarra River. Promoted as Australia’s first take on hot air balloon-style dining, the experience offers a themed setting without leaving the ground. Running through late summer, the spaces are designed for groups celebrating birthdays, organising catch-ups or settling in for a long lunch. Each pod uses a light-themed fit out that adds a touch of novelty while keeping the focus on comfort and privacy. Food comes from The Wharf Hotel’s à la carte menu, with optional grazing boards for those wanting something to share. Charcuterie and vegetarian options are available. General sessions Afternoon sessions run for 90 minutes (excluding Sundays) at 12.30 pm, 1 pm, 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm.Evening sessions run for two hours at 4.30 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 7.30 pm. Pods accommodate up to six people, with a minimum of four on Fridays and Saturdays and a minimum spend of $50 per person on those days. Family Sundays Sundays offer family-oriented programming from 12 pm to 3 pm, including children’s entertainment such as garden games and colouring activities. Children also receive a small party bag. Sessions last 90 minutes at 11.30 am, 12 pm, 1.30 pm and 2 pm. Capacity remains up to six people, with a minimum spend of $100 per balloon. Waterfront setting The Wharf Hotel is situated along the Yarra River, giving diners a serene waterfront backdrop. The novelty of the hot air balloon concept offers an alternative to standard summer dining options. The Wharf Hotel can be found at 18-38 Siddeley Street, Melbourne. Source: Sense Communications Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.

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Don’t miss this new limited-edition secret menu item at Grill’d

Pallavi Mathur03 mins

Grill’d has launched Rais’n Grill’d: a limited-run dipping sauce inspired by a viral overseas flavour that has been circulating across Australian social feeds. The very literal secret-sauce release responds to growing curiosity from consumers following the trend online. For two weeks, the item will remain off the menu and available by request only. Customers who order a 3-pack or 5-pack of Chicken Tenders can say the magic words – “Rais’n Grill’d” – to have their dip upgraded. There will be no in-store prompts or signage, with the offer aimed at those already aware of the trend. The launch leans into IYKYK culture and the behaviour driving viral food moments across TikTok and Instagram. Early uptake is expected to come from foodies who track trends through comment sections, shared links and group chats. The approach is designed to keep the campaign understated while still connecting with people who have been waiting for a local version of the sauce. “After watching the hype build overseas, we couldn’t resist creating Rais’n Grill’d so Aussies can finally try it for themselves. It’s been everywhere on social, and people are more curious than ever to experience their own version of the flavours they’re seeing online. It’s delicious, a bit cheeky, and a uniquely local take that we think people are really going to enjoy,” says Grill’d. Rais’n Grill’d taps into broader interest in internet-famous flavours and the rise of dupe culture, taste tests and creator reviews. Grill’d has positioned the release as its interpretation of the global trend with a focus on quality ingredients and a distinctly Australian profile. The limited edition dip will be available for two weeks from December 9 while the off-menu promotion is running. Source: ID Collective Find more food and drink news on Crumb Wire.

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