Cruise is back with a bang - and new Australian flavours

 

A celebrity hangout that often boasts the best view in Sydney has reopened after extensive renovations.

Cruise Bar & Restaurant at the Overseas Passenger Terminal offers front-row views of the Sydney Opera House and ferries heading to Circular Quay has just reopened after months of work and boasts it is "arriving with a whole new look, feel, and flavour." 

A hangout for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Justin Beiber and members of Fleetwood Mac, Cruise has been reimagined by award-winning design firm Luchetti Krelle.

So think great vistas (except when a giant cruise ship is docked) a modern Australian menu, and cocktail list showcasing Australian native botanicals.

Head chef Han Chen (ex-Amare, Felix), says his new menu features dishes like bush tomato butter mussels, pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream, and confit duck risotto with butternut squash and crispy saltbush.

The Grande Cruise Seafood Tower showcases freshly shucked Royal Miyagi oysters, Australian prawns, scallop ceviche, and scallop mousse zucchini flowers.

The drinks list from Tom Bulmer (Margaret, O Bar, Jane) highlights creations like Lilly Flower with raspberry, lilly pilly, Casamigos tequila, and hibiscus, while the Afternoon Fashion reinvents a classic Old Fashioned with croissant-washed whisky and toasted wattle seed.



Taking over the top floor is Melba’s Rooftop, a new events space named for Dame Nellie Melba - and the namesake of a storied Australian cargo ship.

“Sydney has changed a lot in the past decade, but there’s always been a place for a venue like Cruise,” says general manager John Harvey. “It’s got history, it’s got views that stop you in your tracks, and now it’s got an elevated experience to match.

“We’ve carefully curated an offering that reflects Sydney’s evolving food and drink culture. From the menu to the design, every detail has been considered to create an experience that feels fresh, exciting, and uniquely Cruise.

"This isn’t just a comeback - it’s a statement, and we can’t wait to welcome Sydney back.”

For more details and to view the full menu, see www.cruisebar.com.au

Cruise and Melba’s are a part of the C!NC hospitality group. Discover more at c-inc.com.au.

New festival targets lovers of premium spirits

So you really like your gin, whisky, vodka and rum?

Here's a date for the diary: the new Sydney Spirits Festival will run from May 10-12 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney Cove.

The inaugural event is promising the largest and most diverse gathering of its kind in Australia, showcasing 148 brands spanning whisk(e)y, gin, soju, schnapps, rum, agave, vodka, vermouth, grappa, tequila, liqueurs, fortified wines, and more.

Among the unusual flavours will be German and Japanese gin, American peanut butter whisky, Greek vermouth, Brazilian cachaça, and Australian gold medal-winning negronis.

Highlighting the festival will be appearances by renowned figures in the spirits industry including Tasmanian whisky pioneer Bill Lark, Geraint Gee David (above) from Buffalo Trace Distillery, an American bourbon expert, and Mikey Enright of Hickson House, who will showcase his award-winning gin and whisky. Also look out for rising Hobart stars Taylor and Smith Distilling. 

The festival will also feature a range of culinary experiences including Japanese noodles, Mexican tacos, gourmet oysters, and more, while Schibello Coffee Café will offer brandy cannolis with premium coffee.

The festival will be organised into five three-hour sessions and all spirit samples are included in the ticket price, with bottles available for purchase. Complimentary tote bags and tasting glasses will be provided.

The six food stands will feature cuisines designed to complement popular spirits while masterclasses on bourbon, whisky, gin, rum, vermouth, and negroni, will cost $40 each with a limit to 40 tickets per class.

General Tasting Sessions are priced at $80 per person with Premium Any Session tickets available for $120.

For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.sydneyspiritsfestival.com/