Tetsuya snares a new Michelin star

Influential Australian chef Tetsuya Wakuda has earned another Michelin star just six months after opening a new restaurant.

Sagetsu by Tetsuya was this month awarded a star in the third edition of the annual Michelin Guide Dubai.

The restaurant only opened in February but was listed among four two-star and 15 one-star restaurants in Dubai.

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, said: “Dubai is now truly recognised as an international gastronomic destination and its impressive development continues year on year. Its appeal isn’t just with international travellers or local gourmets; talented chefs and restaurateurs from around the world are now also attracted by its vibrant dining scene and arrive keen to make their own mark in the city."

Tetsyua's in Sydney, an icon over almost four decades, will close its door on July 31 but the Japanese-born chef still runs eateries in Singapore and Dubai. He also operates Wakuda restaurant at The Venetian resort in Las Vegas. 

The award came just weeks after Japanese restaurant Waku Ghin, helmed by Wakuda in Singapore, dropped to the one-star tier after holding two stars for several years.

Sagetsu by Tetsuya, part of the One&Only One Za'abeel complex, earned praise from the Michelin inspectors.

"In a place where the moon and sand meet, as the name suggests, chef Tetsuya Wakuda's cuisine brings together Japanese precision and French techniques," the guide says.

"The tasting menu clearly conveys the essence of the dishes, highlighting balanced flavours made with few ingredients.

"The signature dishes, such as a sea urchin with Bohan shrimp, are complemented by the restaurant’s remarkable sake selection. An omakase experience is recommended to step into the mind of the chef. The décor is minimal and chic as it uses a lot of stone and wood, helping to create a serene Japanese atmosphere, with views of Dubai’s urban skyline."

Sagetsu by Tetsuya is located on a 120-metre cantilever between two high-rise towers.

The one book that everyone interested in Australian wine needs in their library

It has taken two savvy Americans to write the one book that every Australian wine lover needs to have in their library.

In their new book How to Drink Australian, released earlier this month, Janes Lopes and Jonathan Ross - two high-flying and scarily knowledgeable sommeliers - have covered just about every aspect of the wine industry in Australia, making their book a must read for both wine industry folks and wine lovers.

Want the lowdown on what makes Langhorne Creek different to other South Australian wine regions? Or what wines to try from rising cool-climate star Tasmania? The answers are right here.

The pair moved to Australia from the US in 2017 with Jane working at Attica and the Jon for the Rockpool Group.

They quickly realised how little exposure there was to premium Australian wines in the US.

While in Australia, Jane and Jon both passed their master sommelier exams, Jane wrote her first book titled Vignette, and Jon started making wine under his own label: Micro Wines.

Upon returning to the US in 2020, Jane and Jon launched Legend Imports, a company devoted solely to importing Australian wine to the US.

"Jon and I wrote How to Drink Australian to help the world fall in love with Australian wine the way that we had while living over there." Lopes says.

"We've collaborated with Australian wine folks Mike Bennie, Kavita Faiella and Hannah Day to bring the on-the-ground perspective in addition to the 100+ interviews we did with winemakers, viticulturists, journalists, and somms throughout Australia.

"Martin von Wyss is the cartographer who created the 30+ original maps for the book; we have original art by Robin Cowcher and Lily Cummins, as well as gorgeous photography, producer profiles, even a fun fold-out grape table. "

The book has impressive analysis of every significant wine region across the country, detailed original maps, wine recommendations, producer profiles and even a fold-out grape table.

The publicity blurb says How to Drink Australian "is the modern wine book that Australia (and a world of wine drinkers) has been waiting for". And, for once, the PR is right.

The wines from Gundagai? Covered. Timo Mayer? Covered.

There is so much useful information here that I know I will be sneaking a peak at this book on a regular basis. And it would make a super Father's Day gift for any wine drinker.

https://howtodrinkaustralian.com/

Why it is your patriotic duty to hit your local pub

Today is the perfect day to enjoy a quiet brew or two.

Australian beer drinkers are being encouraged to raise a glass today to recognise their favourite drop on International Beer Day.

Beer is an Australian success story with 85% of beers sold in Australia using hops grown here, made here and consumed here, generating $16 billion every year for the Australian economy.

In a typical year brewers would purchase around $500 million of agricultural products and directly support 3,000 farm jobs.

The new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has said that “Australia must be a country that makes things,” says John Preston, CEO of the Brewers Association of Australia. 

"We believe there is no finer example of this than the brewing sector.

"It’s been a challenging time for the Australian brewing and hospitality sectors. Australian beer is the key product for most pubs round the country and our hospitality sector is still rebuilding after the pandemic.

"And as cost of living pressures hit the hip pocket the fact that the beer tax has just gone up by the biggest amount in over 30 years means its more difficult for people to head out and enjoy a beer at their local.

“International Beer Day is a great day to get down to your local for a meal with the family or a beer with your mates and celebrate this wonderful industry.

“Celebrating Australian beer is also about celebrating our farmers who produce the barley and hops that make our beer so special and our hospitality sector which does so much to bring us together."

Image: Claire Crayford, Scop.io