Celebrity chef's airport eatery delivers decent food

Anyone who has attempted eating airport food recently knows that you can expect premium prices and a generally underwhelming experience.

Plenty of celebrity chefs have jumped on the airport eatery bandwagon - with varying degrees of success.

With a couple of hours to kill at Sydney Domestic Airport this week I checked out Luke's Bistro and Bar opposite Qantas departure gate 3 for the first time.

It is the latest food outlet for celebrity chef Luke Mangan, an actual kitchen talent, who I was stunned to find actually on the premises - and observing his staff at work.

The prices aren't cheap, and we had a quick chat about the rents demanded by airports nowadays - and how you know anything cheap is not going to be good.

There is a nice relaxed vibe here, not the rushed scene I'd expected. You have to order using a QR code (boo!) but the drinks and food arrived promptly.

A nicely chilled large glass of Coriole Chenin Blanc, and a pleasingly warm and tasty Reuben sandwich. Both were delivered by smiling humans.

Early in the day menu options include a breakfast burger or scrambled eggs on sourdough, while day/evening offerings range from charcuterie towers to posh burgers, tuna sashimi tacos and steak frites.

If you have a little more time than I did there is a Seafood and Champagne Bar to explore. Freshly shucked oysterss anyone? 

There are also cocktails on offer. Next time. 

Good to see a big-name chef keeping an eye on a restaurant bearing his name and maintaining standards.

See https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/eat/lukes-bistro-and-bar/ 

Image: Winsor Dobbin  

Mangan dishes up a pre-theatre dinner treat

Heading for the theatre, or maybe a concert, in downtown Sydney and looking for a decent meal?

Luke Mangan's Luke's Kitchen might be the answer. 

If you’re heading out to see a show Luke’s Kitchen boasts that it "offers one of the most seamless, delicious and great-value pre-theatre dining experiences in the CBD".

Located inside the heritage-listed Kimpton Margot Sydney, the restaurant starts dinner service from 5pm, giving diners plenty of time to enjoy their meal, and make it to their seat with time to spare.

Guests can choose from a quick one-course dinner for $35 per person, two courses for $55 per person, and three for $65 per person, each served with a glass of wine. 

Available Tuesday to Saturday, the menu features dishes like cured and seared hiramasa kingfish with nam jim and coconut yoghurt (above); roast chicken breast with pumpkin and coconut; and banana toffee pudding with ginger caramel and double crème.

“You don’t want to feel rushed before a show, but you also don’t want to be watching the clock," says chef Mangan.

"Our menu offers dishes that are light, flavour-packed and perfectly timed. You can enjoy two or three courses in under an hour and still feel like you’ve had a proper dining experience.” 

I haven't visited yet, so can't comment, but it is on my "to do" list. 

For info and bookings see www.kimptonmargotsydney.com/eat-and-drink/lukes-kitchen

Mangan reveals new Melbourne eatery

Luke Mangan, one of Australia’s highest-profile chefs, has announced plans for a French-accented new restaurant in his hometown of Melbourne. 

“The secret's out,” he said. “My new Melbourne venue Bistrot Bisou opens next month on the corner of iconic Flinders Lane and Spencer Street.”

The eatery will be located in the Hotel Indigo.

“To me, my old hometown of Melbourne has always had a European feel to it... and we'll be bringing that same feel (and taste!) to the menu at Bistrot Bisou.”

So think twice-baked Gruyere souffles, creme brulees and apple tarte tatins, plus house-made terrines and steak frites.”

Mangan owns and operates restaurants in Sydney, and at sea on P&O cruise ships.

Image: Lawrence Furzey Photography

Sydney's new rooftop bar opens its doors

Sydney has a trendy new rooftop bar in time for summer.

Harper Rooftop Bar opened today for guests to enjoy cocktails al fresco style in the city centre.

It is being promoted as the largest open-air rooftop bar in the CBD and is located on Level 7 of the Kimpton Margot Sydney hotel. 

Harper has a rooftop pool, colourful pod seating, long dining tables and plenty of greenery.

Chef Luke Mangan has created a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired menu designed for sharing.

“Finally the cat’s out of the bag - Harper Rooftop Bar is open and we can’t wait to see Sydneysiders enjoying this amazing open-air rooftop bar with a rosé in hand,” Mangan said.

“We’ve created a delicious Mediterranean-inspired menu full of small, share-style plates using fresh, local produce and plenty of amazing seafood - the perfect combo to celebrate the warm summer days.”



The Harper drinks menu features bespoke cocktails, summer-inspired slushies, and award-winning wines, the press release says. There will also be a "build-your-own-Martini station".

“Harper Rooftop Bar is an immersive space that celebrates the finer things in life which is reflected in the F&B offering," says Jean-Baptiste Robert, Pro-invest Group’s regional director of food and beverage.

"The drinks menu has a fun, playful vibe with premium cocktails and delightful slushies complemented by an extensive range of wines available both by the glass and bottle.

“It’s a destination in its own right and the place for people to gather with amazing food, laidback tunes and energetic vibes in the pulsing heart of the CBD.”

Opening hours will be: Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday from noon until late, and Sundays from noon-10pm.

To kick off the party season, Harper Rooftop Bar will host a Melbourne Cup celebration from 12.30-3.30pm on Tuesday, November 7.

There will be race on big screens, three hours of free-flowing beer, wine and non-alcoholic options, roaming gourmet canapes and live DJs spinning tracks. You'll need to back a winner or two with the price at $195 per person.

For further information visit https://www.harperrooftopbar.com.au/

My big question: Who the hell is Harper?

Images: Dexter Kim