Gourmet Traveller February 2021

MAX ADEY chef Super salads, p74 Max Adey has been immersed in fine food from a young age, with his family running Darling Mills Restaurant and Farm, before going on to work in the kitchens of Est, Claude’s and Moon Park. When Adey was briefed to create a series of salads that would inspire and reinvigorate, he delivered seven superb-yet-simple dishes. “Salads are always a go-to for me – versatile and fast to prepare,” says Adey. ANNIE HARIHARAN writer Lunar New Year, p68 With the approach of Lunar New Year, Malaysian-born food and pop culture writer Annie Hariharan reflects on the festivities that used to be a significant part of her life. “I have fond memories of the big, loud Lunar New Year dinners I used to have with friends, where food was the focal point, joined…

Deiji loungewear For the ultimate in cool comfort – morning, noon or night – you can’t go past this French linen lounge set from Deiji Studios. Equally perfect for mooching at home or sipping aperitivi poolside. deijistudios.com Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet Make the most of the remaining long summer days and hit the road in Mercedes’ coolest new ride, the E-Class Cabriolet. Top down, music up, what better way to hit the road and explore regional Australia? mercedes-benz.com.au Church Road Tom New Zealand remains off-limits to travellers for now but you can still treat yourself to a taste of the country’s best and savour a bottle of Church Road’s Tom collection, straight from the magnificent Hawke’s Bay. church-road.com Oliver James lilos Forget pink flamingos or rainbow unicorns, the only way to float in style this summer is atop…

I didn’t need the chaos of 2020 to teach me that there’s pleasure to be found in life’s simplest things but it certainly proved a potent reminder. As we head into February, after yet another tumultuous summer, never have I craved the simplicity and stability of routine more. The humble joy of devising – and devouring – a freshly packed lunch in the park. The contentment that comes from plotting a week’s worth of simple and speedy weeknight dinners. After months of embracing the slow, I suspect we are all ready for life to speed up again; to be hustled out of the kitchen and back into the real world. Of course, that shouldn’t mean compromising on taste or quality – so this issue is dedicated to keeping things simple yet delicious.…

Tairua, New Zealand It’s officially been a year since I was last home in Aotearoa and there is nowhere I would rather be than looking down from the mighty maunga of Mount Paku in Tairua. The small beach town in the Coromandel Peninsula has been the backdrop to many happy summers. Joanna Hunkin, editor Etta, Melbourne Rosheen Kaul’s frozen take on traditional mignonette dressing will sway even the most ardent oyster minimalists with its red wine, shallot, thyme and pink peppercorn ways, a perfect icy, slightly spicy match with briny rock oysters. 60 Lygon St, Brunswick East, Vic Michael Harden, Vic state editor Deli’s Continental, Perth Perth’s heir apparent to the continental roll throne has hit 2021 running. Its latest effort to win us over? This vegetarian-friendly eggplant parmigiana beauty, a picture of Aus-Merican-Italo joy. 18 Lyric…

HIT REFRESH A sustainable wine store and bar, Adelaide Festival highlights, party bites, and the latest restaurant and hotel openings. THE LATEST FROM CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS AROUND AUSTRALIA RESTAURANT NEWS SYDNEY Darlinghurst has welcomed Cafe Freda’s, taking over a sprawling corner spot near Taylor Square. It’s an evolution of the now-closed Freda’s in Chippendale, and while it will keep its party-starting roots, owner David Abram and his partner, artist Carla Uriarte have recruited chef Xinyi Lim to oversee a menu of thoughtful and shareable snacks. In Potts Point, Morgan McGlone (Belle’s Hot Chicken) is behind Sunday, a restaurant and bar that pays homage to the humble roast chicken. You’ll also find a signature sundae for dessert, care of Rivareno Gelato. The South Eveleigh precinct will soon be home to a zero-waste bar by Matt…

1 Seed and Sprout, crunch box Following 18 months of design development, this stainless-steel lunch box is plastic-free and has individual compartments to keep every element fresh and crunchy. It also comes with two small leak-proof pots, ideal for dressings, dips and other messy, tasty things. $89, seedsprout.com.au 2 Monbento, original This two-tiered receptacle has been inspired by the design of Japanese bento boxes. It’s airtight and will seal in the slipperiest of salads, soups or stir-fries. It’s also dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making it ideal for the shared office. $59.95, nourishedlife.com.au 3 Porter, lunch bowl This ceramic 1-litre lunch vessel is perfect for packing up leftovers or transporting picnic creations. Simply take off the lid and you’re ready to serve. Plus, it’s BPA-free. $69.95 until.com.au…