Topic: News & Reviews

Focus on Feta

If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, you’ve undoubtedly stumbled across, salivated over and enjoyed more than a casual fling with Feta – arguably one of the biggest heroes of the Greek menu.

So, what are the origins of Feta and why is it used so widely in Greek cuisine?

A focus on Feta

Made from sheep’s milk, or a mix of sheep’s milk and up to 30 per cent goat’s milk, Feta is a soft, creamy yet crumbly cheese that is cured in brine. Its flavour is often described as tangy or salty and ranges from mild to sharp.

The brine in which feta cures can be plain or feature the addition of herbs to add a touch of extra flavor. The cheese can be cured for anywhere between two and 12 months, and this tasty morsel pops up throughout Greek cooking – from salads, to Spanakopita pastries, and more.

The history of Feta

A quick flick through the pages of history reveals Feta dates back to around 8BC, and the technique of making it is even described in Homer’s ‘Odyssey’.

Its origins are likely associated with Greece’s preference for small grazing animals such as sheep or goats, which were better suited to the landscape of the islands than cows.

After more than 2000 years of production and bit of a battle with Denmark, Feta officially obtained certification in 2002, meaning now counties within the European Union can only label a brined cheese Feta if it made using traditional methods exclusively of sheep’s or sheep’s and goat’s milk from the following regions of Greece: Peloponnese, Central Greece, Epirus, Thessaly, Macedonia, Thrace, and the islands of Lesvos and Cephalonia.

How Feta is used

Feta features heavily in Greek cuisine, offering a stunning contrast to other common flavours. You’ll find it as an accompaniment to watermelon as an appetiser, in traditional Greek salads as the salty hero of the dish, within filo based dishes like Spanokopita alongside spinach, and it can also be cooked or grilled or simply used as a sandwich filling.

The health benefits of Feta

Like much of the Mediterranean diet, Feta is believed to offer health benefits. It is lower in fat and calories than aged cheeses like cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano, features calcium and phosphate (which are linked to better bone health), and also boasts probiotics, along with vitamins like A, B12, and K, folic acid, pantothenic acid, iron and magnesium.

The popularity of Feta

The flavour, combined with the perceived health benefits of Feta, have contributed to a recent rise in the cheese’s popularity.

Its popularity contributes to Greeks purportedly being among the highest consumers of cheese in the world. Each year Greek residents consumer about 23 kilograms of cheese with roughly half of that consumption being Feta.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice

 

 

Fabulous winter warmers at George’s

The chill of a Sydney winter is the perfect time to indulge in a little comfort food, while enjoying the crisp beauty of the Sydney harbour.

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill our menu is designed to sooth the soul and warm the heart throughout these cooler months.

Here’s an insight into some of our favourite winter warmers to take the chill off the cooler months ahead…

Winter seafood sensations

Seafood might be a summer favourite, but there’s no denying its soul-soothing appeal come the colder days of winter. And a personal favourite at George’s is the warm and welcoming comfort of King Prawns Saganaki. Cooked using the traditional method of a clay pot, our recipe features feta and tomato.

It’s a heart warming, soul soothing staple any day of the wintry week.

Magnificent mains

Whether it’s lamb, pork, chicken or beef, there’s nothing like a traditional main meal to bring some comfort to those cold winter days.

Our personal winter mains of choice are grilled pork cutlet, with fennel, dried figs, chickpeas and roast pumpkin; and Greek style lamb, featuring lemon and oregano potatoes.

Using authentic Mediterranean ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, they summon the comfort of family and childhood to bring brightness to any grey winter’s day.

Sharing the winter love

The days might be a little be colder and the nights a little crisper, but when you’re looing to add some festivity to the sometimes sombre mood of winter, nothing beats a shared meal with family and friends.

Our absolute pick for any shared occasion is a Greek feast banquet. Suited to a minimum of two people it features all the traditional favourites like zucchini fritters, and grilled haloumi along with the hero of many a Greek meal – lamb.

Meanwhile, if it’s a casual work week lunch or an after hours gathering with friends, the Mezze banquet is equivalent to a tour of the Mediterranean, summoning all those summer images of Greece on a faultless beachside day.

Boasting offerings like stuffed green olives and red peppers; Spanakopita Filo pastries filled with spinach, feta and spring onion, and chicken souvlaki or beef kefta, the full flavour of Greece is effortlessly complemented by stunning backdrop of a Sydney winter occasion spent overlooking the harbour.

 

A big, heart-warming breakfast

Few things beat a heart-warming breakfast on a chilled weekend morning. Every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, George’s serves up a breakfast featuring all the traditional favourites.

Kick-start a spectacular Sydney winter’s day with options like:

  • An American breakfast including pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs and maple syrup
  • Poached, scrambled or fried eggs, served with bacon, roast tomatoes and sour dough toast
  • A feta cheese and oven roast tomato omelette
  • Eggs benedict with ham and hollandaise

If that’s enough to whet your winter appetite for a bright and cheerful weekend breakfast, there’s a so much more to our brekky menu, which you can view here.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Sydney set to light up for Vivid 2019

In just a few short weeks, Sydney’s night-time skyline is set to come alive with all the colour, brilliance and beauty that is Vivid 2019.

Running over three weeks, Vivid sees the city’s iconic buildings transformed into canvasses of light, while music and creative ideas abound.

Here’s an insight into what’s in store at Vivid Sydney 2019.

11 years of Vivid

This year will mark the 11th anniversary of the Vivid Sydney Festival. Running from May 24 to June 15, the events is described as “Australia’s most loved and awarded festival” bringing together “light artists, music makers and brilliant minds to share their creativity” across the city.

The harbour is a focal point for the event, lighting up from 6pm each evening, and encapsulating iconic sites such as the sails of the Sydney Opera House, and nine precincts including the Royal Botanic Garden, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, the Rocks, Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, and Chatswood.

Vivid at Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is one of the major venues for the Vivid Festival, and this year it’s set for a “space-age reboot”.

“Around Cockle Bay, mind-boggling electro-automotive super-bots have been sent to sow the seeds of a greener tomorrow. Epic in scale, the light and sound spectacle Robot SPACELand is built around a central 16m high unit, the Ecobot. After creating itself from crushed cars, it continues its endless duties crushing cars and extruding the building blocks of a new society,” Vivid.com explains.

At the Australian National Maritime Museum, proceedings will take on a slightly more marine feel, with a film about the incredible life of sharks projected onto the museum’s huge rooftop.

“Follow the shark’s journey through the oceans in three chapters: hunting, desire and renascence. On Sharks takes you inside the mind of a shark and asks us to reconsider sharks as prey, not just as predators.”

Meanwhile, Tumbalong Lights is back by popular demand, transforming Darling Harbour’s open space into an all-inclusive play area with an outer space theme.

On Friday and Saturday nights the ever-popular weekly fireworks will also be incorporated into all the light and action of Vivid at Darling Harbour.

Vivid at Barangaroo

Just a short stroll from King Street Wharf, Barangaroo is also set to play a central role in this year’s Vivid Festival.

The precinct will feature an installation called Winter Camp, where visitors will experience layers of light, sound and puppetry reflective of the land and water.

The interactive experience draws inspiration from the changing of the seasons, and invites visitors to share in the practice of hunting and gathering.

Vivid Times and Dates

Vivid Sydney will run for three weeks from May 24 until June 15. Lights switch on each night at 6pm and the city remains illuminated until 11pm.

You can learn more about the complete program for Vivid Sydney 2019 here.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Mothers Day 2019 at George’s

Mothers Day 2019 is less than two weeks away and if recent years are anything to go by, Australians are set to dig deep, with a special Mother’s Day lunch likely on the agenda.

Here’s an insight into recent Mother’s Day trends, and how George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is set to celebrate in 2019.

Mother’s Day 2019

This year Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12. And as always, the event is the chance to celebrate and spoil mum in recognition for the many thankless jobs and roles she’s filled over the years.

In Australia, Mother’s Day is one of the biggest events on the gift-giving calendar, with Australians spending an estimated $2 billion on celebrating the event in 2016 alone

So, what’s on the gift list?

Flowers

According to the Australian Retailers Association, flowers continue to retain their popularity when it comes to showing mum just how much you care.

In 2016, Australians spent an astounding $200 million on flowers for mum.

Dining

Flowers might be a perennially popular Mother’s Day gift but dining out takes the cake when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts and activities.

In 2016, Australians spent an estimated $300 million enjoying a meal out with mum. ARA Chairman Russell Zimmerman noted: “Mother’s Day lunches are hugely popular in Australia, with restaurants and cafes often booked out well in advance, while celebrating with the traditional Sunday roast at home will also lead to an increase in grocery purchases associated with home entertaining”.

Gifts

If the US is anything to go by, this year will see an increase in experience-based gifts including personal services.

The National Retail Federation there explained Mother’s Day 2019 was set to be a bumper year, with many people opting for experiences alongside traditional options like flowers.

“The number of people planning to gift a personal service (like a much-deserved massage) has grown from 16 per cent 10 years ago to about 25 per cent today, and spending on these gifts has nearly doubled,” they reflect.

Meanwhile, consumer electronics and gift cards have also risen in popularity.

“While these gift categories continue to grow, they’re doing so alongside more classic Mother’s Day gifts, rather than replacing them.”

Mother’s Day at George’s

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, we view Mother’s Day as one of the most special events of the year and a particularly hallowed day when it comes to bringing the family together.

This year, we’re offering the option of two or three-course Mother’s Day lunches featuring some of our finest Greek cuisine.

Commencing with share plates and culminating in a succulent main followed by the option of three choices of desserts, our Mother’s Day menu is designed to delight mum while also indulging her in the ambient surrounds of our stunning Darling Harbour location.

Bookings for the event are essential and you can download the complete Mother’s Day Menu here.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice

For the love of Greek lamb

Right about now, countless Greek households across the world are preparing to celebrate Easter with the very special meal that is roast lamb.

It will be a dining occasion infused with both flavor and love, featuring a whole lamb or leg of lamb which is designed to bring all members of the family together to celebrate a special event with one of the nation’s most popular meats.

But why is lamb such a staple of Greek cuisine? From roasts to ribs and souvlaki, lamb is a meat inherently associated with Greek dining.

So, let’s prepare to carve deep and tuck into a little history about the Greek love of lamb.

Why is lamb so popular?

The Greek love of lamb dates back centuries, if not millenia and it has its basis in the foods which were most widely available locally. Quite simply, the Greek climate and topography favour the grazing of sheep rather than cattle, which is why lamb is such a central component of many Greek meals.

That’s also the reason why Greek cuisine features a general preference for game meats such as poultry, pork, rabbit and veal, along with seafood. Depending on where people resided in Greece, they could readily farm, fish or purchase these items.

That said, meat wasn’t traditionally consumed every day, due to its expense. Rather it was eaten once or twice a week, accompanied by pasta, vegetables or grains.

When it came to celebrations, however, lamb has long been considered a staple, and its uses extend from souvlaki to moussaka, roasts and beyond. Served with the contrasting flavour of Greek yoghurt in tzatziki it’s a combination that has taken the world by storm.

Lamb at Easter

At Easter, lamb takes on a special significance and many households spend the day prior to this religious celebration carefully preparing the meat for cooking.

Whether its whole lamb or leg of lamb, the preparation involves massaging the lamb with lemon, herbs, spices, and salt to allow the flavor to infuse. While many families roast their lamb whole on a spit (or souvla) to mark the Easter celebration, oven roasted leg of lamb or grilled leg of lamb is also common.

And it’s a hugely anticipated meal as the Easter celebration follows the 40 days of fasting for Lent. Some families even eat their lamb in the early hours of the morning directly after he Holy Saturday church service, while others wait until later in the day to share the meal with family and friends.

How we do lamb at George’s

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, lamb is one of the heroes of our menu in testament to our authentic Greek roots.

And here are just some of the succulent options available…

  • A main comprising Greek style lamb, lemon and oregano potatoes
  • A souvlaki plate of lamb souvlaki, pita bread and tzatziki (available with four or six pieces)
  • Mezze of lamb ribs, wild honey, thyme and almond sauce

About George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Savouring the culture and ritual of Greek coffee

In Greece we take our love of coffee as seriously as we take our passion for food. It’s ingrained in our culture and is a savoured ritual that forms part of our everyday culture.

From how it’s preparade to who it’s enjoyed with, coffee is not just a beverage, but a tradition and occasion. At George’s we’re proud to continue that tradition, so here’s an insight into the history and significance of Greek coffee.

How coffee came to Greece

Coffee has a long and significant history in Greece, and owes much of its origins to the Ottoman Turks, who opened the first coffee house in the world in Constantinople in 1475.

Inevitably, the phenomenon spread to nearby Greece, where it was enthusiastically embraced in all its rich, aromatic glory.

Now Greece is renowned among the largest consumers of coffee in the world, ranking 17th globally with an annual coffee consumption of 5.4kg of coffee per person.

How Greek coffee is made

Creating the perfect brew is as much an art as it is a tradition in Greece. The coffee starts as a fine, rich powder, which is then combined with cold water and lovingly prepared in a coffee pot known as a briki.

Each Greek family has their own briki, and chances are they have more than one to cater to coffee occasions of different sizes. This tall cylindrical pot features wooden handle, and a spout for pouring. Their design allows them to create the ideal amount of foam, or kaïmaki, which is considered an essential element of Greek coffee.

Coffee preparation is not to be rushed. There’s an appreciation that it takes time to produce the perfect cup, and the final result is prepared to taste, with sugar added during the brewing process, if desired.

Unsweetened coffee is known as sketos, medium sweet coffee sees one teaspoon of sugar added to the brew and is known as metrios, sweet coffee has two teaspoons of sugar added and is known as glykos, while extra strong, sweet coffee is known as variglykos and involves an extra addition of coffee and three teaspoons of sugar.

The coffee mix is only stirred initially to dissolve the ingredients. Then it is heated slowly, until the foam has risen to the top of the briki. Once brewed to perfection, Greek Coffee is served in small demitasse cups.

A coffee occasion

Whether it’s a leisurely coffee over the morning paper or an afternoon coffee enjoyed with friends, coffee is considered an occasion.

In Greece there are generally two types of venues where the coffee culture abounds – a kafeteria, which also serves other beverages and snacks, and often doubles as a bar at night, and the kafeneio, which was traditionally a meeting point for men of the local village.

Regardless of where it is enjoyed, each sip of this rich drink is intended to be savoured and relished rather than rushed.

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, we proudly continue to serve our coffee in traditional Greek style, and welcome you to join us and savour the occasion.

About George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice

What’s on at George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

Throughout the week George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill has an array of satiating specials to enjoy at our scenic Darling Harbour Venue. From weekend breakfasts to intimate banquets for two, here’s an insight into the warm hospitality, tantalising tastes and what’s on each week at George’s.

Mezze Madnezz

Kick back, relax and enjoy the ambience of the Grove Bar and Lounge as you sample our finest flavours in the Mezze Madnezz banquet.

The Mezze banquet incorporates all our favourite share plates and is an endless feast of options like grilled octopus, lemon, oregano; spanakopita filo pastries filled with spinach, feta and spring onion; chicken souvlaki, pita bread and tzatziki; deep fried squid, aioli and lemon; and beef kefta stuffed green olives, tomato sauce.

This is an ideal menu to enjoy with friends any day or night of the week, or simply share the experience as an intimate dining occasion for two.

The Mezze Madnezz banquet is available for a minimum of two people at just $39 per person.

Greek Feast

Our renowned Greek Feast offers the opportunity to enjoy a multi-course meal featuring starters of white taramosalata, sour dough bread; grilled Haloumi and watermelon mint; and fried squid, zucchini fritters, aioli and lemon, followed by a traditional main of Greek-style lamb with lemon and oregano potatoes, accompanied by a Greek salad.

Perfect for a family celebration, a special occasion or an after-work meal, the Greek Feast is available for a minimum of two people at just $49 per person.

George’s breakfast

We love to opportunity to settle in and celebrate a relaxed day off in Sydney, which is why breakfast is a feature of our weekend and holiday menu.

Running from 8am to 11.30am each Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, we serve up a satiating breakfast with options like:

  • Eggs Benny Two Ways
  • Bacon and Egg Rolls
  • Omelettes
  • Yoghurt Smoothies
  • Pancakes with Maple Syrup
  • and more..

Happy Hour

From Monday to Friday, we offer the opportunity to toast the end of the work day with a Happy Hour celebrated in ambient surrounds. Come join us from 3pm to 7pm for crisp white wines, enticing sparkling options, and comforting reds, or Mythos and Peroni beer for just $7.

Alternatively, up the ante with $12 cocktails like Mojitos and Martinis.

Win a meal for two!

Each week we also offer the opportunity to win a slice of our hospitality. Visit our home page and enter your email address for the chance to win a weekly lunch or dinner for two valued at $80.

About George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Weddings at George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

As hospitality providers, one of the greatest honours we consistently enjoy each year is playing a role in major family events, and few rival the excitement, romance and celebration of weddings.

Each year at George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, we are privileged to host weddings large and small, so here’s an insight into some of the trends we see emerging and the facts and figures that surround this special event.

Fast facts on marriage

According to research firm McCrindle, each day there are 326 weddings in Australia, with New South Wales the state where weddings are most likely to occur.

In reality, that daily statistic swings between 2000 weddings on a popular Saturday to just 37 on Christmas Day.

And while Valentine’s Day may be the international day of romance, it sees only 311 couples tie the knot compared to Australia Day when 923 couples are married, New Year’s Eve when 342 couples get married, April Fool’s Day when 66 couples tie the knot and New Year’s Day when just 59 couples are married.

Spring and Autumn remain the most popular seasons to stage a wedding, with November and March the most popular months. In Sydney, that offers the opportunity to enjoy the city at its finest. These are the days where the harbor sparkles, the sunsets are crisp, and celebrations extend long into twinkling evenings studded by the city lights.

Meanwhile, over half (59 per cent) of weddings take place on a Saturday, and 15 per cent take place on Sundays.

Of the 118, 962 weddings that take place each year, 73 per cent are conducted by a civil celebrant, and 27 per cent are religious.

So what specific trends do we see emerging at George’s?

The grand-scale affair

The picture-perfect, grand-scale wedding remains perennially popular with couples looking to celebrate their special day in spectacular style. These weddings incorporate anywhere between 80 and 200 guests  and usually take place on a Saturday.

At George’s, we accommodate this type of wedding with a venue exclusive function, where you can elect a seated meal accommodating 180 guests, or a cocktail style event catering to up 350 people.

Our dedicated function team will also work with the happy couple to create a menu to suit your budget and tastes, while catering to requirements like microphones and AV equipment for speeches, and accommodating live entertainment or dance floors.

Our top tips

Grand scale weddings take planning. Bookings for the ceremony and venue need to be made months in advance and there will be factors to consider like any special dietary requirements or accessibility issues for guests.

Meanwhile, it’s not only important the couple likes the ambience and position of the venue. They need to feel warmly welcomed by the establishment that will host their special day, and comfortable in the knowledge the event will go off without a hitch.

With years of hospitality experience under our belts, George’s works with the couple and their family to ensure needs are met, the menu accommodates all attending and a wedding is a truly special affair.

Our function team can also assist with the suggestions of florists, decorators and live entertainers we regularly work with to facilitate a truly memorable event.

The intimate celebration

Whether it’s a table of 20, a party of 50 or eight friends gathering to mark the wedding milestone, intimate weddings come with their own unique charm.

And we’re seeing more of these style weddings at George’s as couples increasingly fund their own wedding day.

When it comes to intimate weddings, the options at our venue are almost endless. They can be accommodated in the al fresco area, in the dining room, feature a formal vibe or offer a casual ambience.

For example, George’s Grove Bar and Lounge can accommodate 80 guests in a seated style al fresco event, or up to 120 cocktail-style.

The dining area can also be utilised for up to 120 people seated, meanwhile, if exclusivity is the theme, the whole venue an also be employed with extras like live entertainment, a dance floor and AV equipment.

Our top tips

While small weddings are easier for any venue to accommodate, the bride and groom still need to be clear on their planning, numbers and preferences.

Items that need to be considered include are you willing to share the venue with other guests or do you wish the venue to be your own for the entire evening. Will decorations be required? And do the guests have any dietary requirements?

Again, it’s critical the couple feels comfortable working with the venue, and our function team is on hand to assist. We can walk you through the menu options, seating plans and available spaces to ensure your intimate wedding lives up to all your dreams.

The weekday wedding

With an increasingly flexible workforce, more and more couples are opting to step outside the confines of weekends and opt for weekday weddings, and this comes with its own unique benefits.

Not only are venues often less likely to be booked on week days, the rates are sometimes cheaper, allowing the happy couple to enjoy a premium event at a faction of the weekend price.

At George’s we are more than happy to accommodate weekday weddings, offering the same premium service and venue benefits that we do for conventional weddings on a Saturday.

Our top tips

As weekdays generally require your guests to take time away from work, flag the date well in advance and highlight that it is a weekday.

Why George’s

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, our accomplished team has hosted countless weddings over the years, but we view each as a unique occasion in the knowledge this is a seminal event in any couple’s life.

Our waterfront Darling Harbour venue offers stunning views accompanied by an equally sensational menu. Meanwhile, our hospitality team is on hand to walk you through the myriad of options available for weddings at our renowned restaurant.

About George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

 

The perfect ingredients for any occasion

Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a celebration with friends or a big bash to mark a milestone at the office, a truly memorable hospitality experience involves a blend of essential ingredients.

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and grill we are seasoned restauranteurs, who have established a stellar Sydney reputation for serving up cuisine, events and functions to suit every occasion.

Here’s an insight into the perfect ingredients for any occasion that continue to define our success…

Flavour

Imagine sumptuous seafood, succulent mains, and sensational share plates to enjoy among friends, all served with a distinctly Mediterranean twist.

This is the heart and soul of our menu at Georges, where we source the finest seasonal produce available to serve up a menu packed full of exquisite flavour.

Our menu is a nod to popular Greek flavours with a contemporary Australian influence, and it delights our clientele time and again.

We utilise traditional mouthwatering Mediterranean accompaniments like lemon, olive oil, tomato, feta and rosemary to release the fresh flavours of every meal.

Tradition and culture

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill owes much of its cooking technique and menu influence to our distinctly Greek roots.

That sees our menu heavily focused food as a celebration. Share plates, or mezze, are a feature, and banquet dining is a highlight, while our a la carte is also destined to delight.

As part of the Mediterranean tradition, many elements of the menu incorporate seafood, lamb, olives, feta and fresh produce, which are all items readily available and widely used for centuries in Greece.

Atmosphere

A true dining experience is one part food to satiate the soul, and one part a dining atmosphere to delight the senses.

We’re proud to boast an enviable reputation for both. Located at Darling Harbour, our indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooks the lively ambience of the waterfront.

From this vantage point we have the chance to witness some of Sydney’s most exciting events, but also enjoy an endless and ever-changing vista of the city’s picturesque harbour. There are the long, lazy days of summer, the twinkling lights of an autumn eve by the water, the crisp, cool colours of winter and the sparkling waterfront rejuvenation that comes with spring.

Any time of the year, George’s offers a waterfront destination that is chic, comfortable and always designed to delight.

Service

At its heart hospitality is about service. It’s about feeling warmly welcomed, well cared for and indulged in an atmosphere of relaxed surrounds.

With decades of hospitality experience, George’s Mediterranean Bar and grill is proud to offer service that complements our commitment to flavour and the welcoming ambience of our venue.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice

Valentine’s Day – George’s night of nights

Bring on the champagne, flowers and chocolates, and prepare to dine out in style, because in just a few weeks Australia’s romantics are set to celebrate the international day of love.

Considered the big day of the year for couples and romance, Valentine’s Day is all about showing just how much you care.

So, as we light the candles, ready the share plates and pop that champagne on ice, we’re taking a look at how Australian romantics express their love, and offering an insight into the night of nights that is Valentine’s Day at George’s, Darling Harbour.

So much to give

In 2018, a survey by the Commonwealth Bank revealed Australians were primed to spent more than $23 million collectively when it came to celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Over half that figure ($13.6 million) was spent on dining out, $7 million on drinks, and $3.2 million on flowers, with the Commonwealth noting in 2017 that was a 60 per cent total increase in spending across these three categories compared with an average Tuesday in February.

It was also an increase of 15 per cent on the year prior, with Australians expecting to splash out around an average of $136 on the big day.

Young love blossoms

When it comes to who chooses to mark the day in spectacular style, the survey also revealed young lovers were more likely to embrace the tradition.

“The most romantic group appears to be those aged 26-35, who accounted for 38 per cent of all florist spend and 36 per cent of all restaurant tramadol cheap online order spend,” the survey found.

“And the 18-25 age group isn’t far behind, taking the next-biggest share of spending in restaurants, which is 20 per cent.”

After age 36, expenditure tends to tail off but when older couples celebrate, they do it in style.

“The average person over 66 will spend $206 on flowers, drinks and dinner on Valentine’s Day, while younger couples aged 18 to 25 spend a more conservative $101 on average,” the survey noted.

Chivalry is far from dead

Meanwhile, it appears chivalry is far from dead, with men more likely to splurge on gifts and experiences for their partner.

The survey found: “Overall, men spend more than women, buying up 83 per cent of all flowers purchased on Valentine’s Day, and footing 70 per cent of all restaurant bills”.

Valentine’s Day at George’s

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill in Darling Harbour, Valentine’s Day is one of our favourite events of the year.

We mark the occasion with a three-course menu that incorporates stunning cuisine, enjoyed in picturesque surrounds with views over Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

For further details please call 02 9295 5066 or email functions@georgesrestaurant.com.au

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice