Topic: News & Reviews

Enjoy the allure of Sydney Harbour

Posted on January 31, 2018 by admin - News & Reviews

Renowned as one of the most beautiful harbours in the world, Sydney boasts a wealth of attractions for the day tripper and seasoned local alike.

It’s a vibrant destination where cultural, historical and natural attractions line the waterfront, serving up an experience to suit all ages and activity options.

At George’s we’re lucky enough to feature a picture-perfect vantage point of the harbour and its endless allure from our Darling Harbour restaurant, so these are our top tips for spending a day on picturesque Sydney Harbour.

On the water

There are few better ways to take in the beauty and sheer scale of Sydney Harbour than from the prime position of its waters, and one of the most accessible ways to explore the region in its entirety is via the iconic Sydney Ferries.

Traversing the harbour from Manly to Circular Quay, and Rose Bay to Darling Harbour, Sydney ferries offer an affordable and relaxing way to see the harbour city sights.

Get up close and personal to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, glide by the stately Opera House and take in the opulent waterfront homes that line the harbourside.

Whether Milsons Point, Darling Harbour, Neutral Bay or Taronga Zoo is your favoured destination, the ferries provide a unique insight into the history, natural beauty and unique waterways of Sydney Harbour.

Meanwhile, if a more tailored or tourist-focused water activity is the order of the day, there are a host of activities to suit, including kayak tours, underwater scooter rides, jet boat rides, sailing tours and more.

Cultural immersion

The harbour is a focal point of the city’s vibrant culture, with some of the Sydney’s most picturesque and renowned attractions lining the waterfront.

From a concert at the Opera House to an animal adventure at Taronga Zoo and a day at the aquarium in Darling Harbour, cultural experiences abound.

Nature beckons

One of the major attributes of Sydney Harbour is the natural precincts that have been maintained. The waterfront features wide open spaces and scenic spots that range from the newly established Barangaroo to the heritage renowned Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Then there’s the walking trails, beaches, and spectacular vistas afforded by parks and precincts like North, South and Middle Head, Double Bay, and Watson’s Bay.

A touch of history

As Australia’s oldest town, Sydney features a wealth of history, much of which adorns the harbour.

Take a stroll through the city’s genesis at The Rocks near Circular Quay, explore the former shipping and industry precinct that was Darling Harbour while venturing into some maritime history at the museum, or explore the convict past at the isolated and small island Fort Denison that sits in the middle of the harbour.

Wining and dining

Amidst the bright lights, sparkling views and the intrinsic beauty of the harbour, premium wining and dining experiences await.

At George’s we’re proud to be among the fine culinary harbourside offerings available that cater to waterfront eating day and night.

Whether it’s a sunset cocktail, a long waterside lunch or an intimate evening dinner taking in the twinkling harbor lights, there’s few venues as appealing as the harbor for a meal on the water.

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 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.

Fun facts about Valentine’s Day

Posted on January 15, 2018 by admin - News & Reviews

A Sydney sunset, the sparkling lights of the city over the harbour…what could be more romantic than celebrating Valentine’s Day in such ambient surrounds?

As lovers around the world gear up to celebrate this day of romance, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill at Darling Harbour is preparing our Valentine’s Menu and pondering the international day of love.

To mark the occasion, we’ve compiled five fun facts about Valentine’s Day and a little Greek history relating to its adoption.

A while to catch on

Truth be told, it took a while for Valentine’s Day as we understand it today to really catch on in Greece, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that the event became widely adopted.

At the time there was a little hesitation and opposition about celebrating a Catholic Saint in a country with orthodox roots. But as ever, love prevails, seeing Valentine’s Day celebrated enthusiastically each year on February 14 in Greece.

Greek origins?

Although the modern concept of Valentine’s Day arrived relatively late in the game, some believe its ethos may have origins in Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece.

Here, a festival honouring Pan was held on February 15 each year. Known as the The Festival of the Arcadian Lykaia, this later became the Roman festival Lupercalian, and later still was outlawed by Pope Gelasius in 496AD and renamed the Feast of Saint Valentine, held on February 14.

Big love spenders

Of course, in Australia Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated, with some interesting statistics indicating how we mark the day.

A study by finder.com.au found Aussies who married in the last five years spent $253 million on Valentine’ Day 2017.

This equals approximately $315 per person on gifts.

A dining day

Meanwhile, Valentine’s Day is the second biggest dining day of the calendar, second only to Mother’s Day, according to research conducted by Dimmi.

At George’s we celebrate at our waterside venue, with romantic tables for two overlooking the harbour.

Roses are red

Valentine’s Day sees flower retailers busier than at any time of year, with up to 19 million stems of roses sold in Australia alone.

But it’s not just about roses. According to the Sydney Morning Herald people are embracing a variety of flower types and colours simply to indicate they care.

A table for two

Each year, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill celebrates the romance and wonder of love. Our restaurant features a special menu to mark the occasion, along with our memorable ambiance and the option of indoor or outdoor dining.

To join us this Valentine’s Day, you can make a booking 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 hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up a romantic and ambient Valentine’s Day in simply stunning surrounds. You can learn more about our menu here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Planning your function in 2018

Posted on December 30, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews

Whether it’s a work function, a product launch or a family affair like a wedding, planning a function takes time and preparation.

If you’re looking to host a major social event in 2018, here are our top tips to make your function a resounding success.

Start early

The key to planning a function is to start early, scouting out the venues and facilities that will suit you best. Many major venues can be booked out months in advance so set a proposed date and start contacting people on your venue list.

If you have a specific venue in mind for your function, it pays to be a little flexible in terms of dates, and this should be factored in long before you’re ready to start sending out invitations.

Make it convenient

Convenience is a big element of planning a function, and incorporates everything from a central location to parking availability and access for those with limited mobility.

If you’re planning a wedding, this may include factoring in the distance from your ceremony location to your reception venue, to ensure guests aren’t travelling vast distances between locations.

If you have elderly guests attending or people with limited mobility, you also need to consider how far they must walk from their car park and whether the venue has stairs, a lift or is situated on the ground floor.

If it’s a work function you will likely be looking for a venue in proximity to the CBD or office that also adds a little sparkle and class to your planned event.

Then you need to consider whether people can get there via public transport or find parking should they choose to drive.

The type of event

What type of event are you looking to host? A product launch at midday will be vastly different to a wedding, or an evening soiree for your best-performing staff. Consider how many people are likely to attend and the experience you would like them to have.

Would a sit-down meal be preferable, or light canapes and cocktails preferred? Is it an all-inclusive affair or will guests be required to pay for a component of the experience such as beverages?

Set a budget

Chances are your budget will not be limitless, and this too needs to be considered as you start seeking out venues, peruse menus and ponder any alcohol requirements for the occasion. Experienced function venues will have a variety of menu options available, with packages that are designed to make planning your function easier.

Most function venues will have this information readily available on their website to assist in the location scouting process.

At George’s our function menus and package options are available here, and our experienced staff are always willing and available to assist.

Discuss your needs

The best venues will work with you to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. They will help you select the right space within the venue that will work for your specific event, and guide you through the menu selection process.

Many will also be willing to assist with any specific dietary requirements or special needs that you may have such as decorating, theming and set-up.

Take the time to meet with the organiser at your selected venue, and work through the requirements you have.

Invites and numbers

Send out your invitations early enough to receive a response as to who is coming and any special dietary requirements they may have. Your venue will need numbers locked in in advance of the event to formulate final pricing and cater to any specific needs.

It also pays to be clear about how the finances of the event will play out. Are guests required to pay for tickets, will they foot the bill for any alcohol or will they pay for their own meal?

Consider technology

Some weddings will feature live entertainment, while work functions may require audio-visual equipment or a microphone for a speaker. This should also be organised with your venue as you are planning your function.

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 function venues.

If you’re planning your function in 2018, we are available to discuss your needs, with full or part-venue hire available.

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

Holiday entertaining made easy

Posted on December 15, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews

As we well and truly embrace all the festivity of the Christmas season and a sensational Sydney summer, it’s the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

Some will be expected visitors scheduled long in advance of the holidays, but others may be surprise guests enjoying a quick stop during their travels or looking for a last-minute get-together over the holidays.

At George’s, we’re here to make those Christmas and holiday celebrations easy, and here’s an insight into how…

Serving up sensational Sydney to out of town guests

There are few things as spectacular as the Sydney Harbour on a bright summer’s day. Why not treat your out of town guests to all the beauty Sydney has to offer with a ferry ride on the water, and lunch or dinner at Darling Harbour?

You can take in the sights like the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, then kick back over a meal served in harbourside style.

Not only are you showcasing the city at its finest, but you’re saving yourself a day spent cleaning, preparing and entertaining at home.

Last minute drinks for the season that is jolly

‘Tis the season to be jolly and this festivity extends right throughout December and January as many take a welcome break from the working world.

Fancy celebrating with a quick drink with friends in relaxed yet elegant style? We’re more than happy to oblige, with a lengthy list of cocktails, imported or local beers, and crisp or sparkling wines.

Why not settle in early, watch the sun set over the harbour and enjoy the endless mezze options before indulging in an evening meal. The relaxed ambience offers plenty of opportunity to watch the passing parade, and enjoy a genuinely leisurely evening amidst the comfortable conversation of friends.

Family catch-ups in stunning surrounds

The reprieve from the 40-hour week offers the chance to reconnect with family over long lunches, catered dinners or a languid harbourside brunch.

George’s is open for breakfast every weekend and public holiday, while our waterfront lunches are renowned, and dinner serves up the opportunity to enjoy buy cheap tadalafil 20mg authentic Greek hospitality in relaxed, yet elegant surrounds.

Best of all we are a family-friendly venue, where the shared enjoyment of dining with loved ones is an essential part of who we are.

If it’s a last-minute large family get together you’re after, we are available for functions and authentic Greek banquets, and you can see our menus here for further inspiration.

Holiday romance on the festive agenda

With a little extra time on your hands over the summer holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to rekindle the romantic vibe. Why not let the in-laws look after the children and give yourself and your partner a well-deserved evening dining experience as the lights sparkle over Sydney?

From Greek banquets to la carte, we have a host of options available when it comes to an intimate dinner just for two.

Give the gift of George’s hospitality

As the clock counts down to Christmas, George’s is embracing the season of giving, offering gift vouchers as a welcome Christmas gift.

We have a range of dining vouchers available that are destined to delight the resident foodie in your family, or someone who simply deserves an unprecedented dining experience as their present this year.

New Year’s Eve at Darling Harbour

For many, the big-ticket hospitality event of the festive season is New Year’s Eve, and at George’s we celebrate the New Year in authentic Greek style. This year we’re hosting a NYE Taverna Night with live music, entertainment and a menu that’s sure to impress.

Meanwhile, our Darling Harbour venue ensures we are at the heart of the harbourside action when the clock strikes 12 to ring in the New Year.

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 hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up a sensational holiday season in simply stunning surrounds. You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

Sydney New Year’s Eve at George’s Darling Harbour

Posted on November 30, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews

As one of the first cities in the world to ring in the new year, Sydney celebrates New Year’s Eve in truly spectacular style, and there is no better place to be than on the stunning harbour come the strike of 12.

This New Year’s Eve, George’s at Darling Harbour is showcasing the finest Greek hospitality as we mark the passing of another year with an authentic NYE Taverna Night Live, so here’s a little insight into all the festivities on offer.

Sydney fireworks

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are famous the world over as the harbour transforms into a massive light show. The event attracts over a million people to the foreshore and commands a global television audience of over 1 billion people.

Over the years the NYE fireworks have grown into a multi-tiered display kicking off with the ‘family friendly’ show at 9pm and the world-renowned midnight spectacular at the strike of 12.

The harbour and particular Sydney Harbour Bridge is the centrepiece of the display, with people lining the foreshore to get a glimpse of a show almost 12 months in the planning.

Darling Harbour is one of the many vantage points for the NYE fireworks, with additional public transport servicing the area throughout the night and into the early morning of January 1.

Fireworks fast facts

Attendance: 1.6 million
Global TV audience: over 1 billion
Budget: $7.2 million (as of 2014-15)
Vantage points: Sydney Harbour foreshore

New Years at George’s

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is located in the heart of Darling Harbour, and we celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.

This year we’re hosting a NYE Taverna Night Live, with an authentic banquet of mezze, along with drinks, live music and dancing. Tickets are $165 per person, with an early bird discount of $10 for those who book before December 14.

New Year’s tips

With so many people converging on the city for this popular event, planning for the evening is key.

If you’re looking to enjoy Sydney’s night of nights the best advice is:

Find your vantage point – The fireworks can be seen from vantage points all around the harbour including the Darling Harbour precinct. Some areas are ticketed, and require a pre-booking, while others are alcohol free. You can learn more about vantage points here.
Plan your night – People start congregating in the most popular vantage points early on New Year’s Eve and the event attracts a massive crowd, so it’s best to plan out where your going, how you intend to get there, and how you are going to get home.
Book early – If you’re kicking off your night at an event or venue, you need to book early.
Look to public transport – Many streets in the city are closed to traffic, while ferry services are also suspended. To accommodate the crowds, Sydney runs thousands of extra train, bus and light rail services throughout the period. You can find out more about public transport on NYE here.
Be patient – NYE is a night like no other in this spectacular harbor city, and it calls for a little patience as more than a million people enter and leave the harbourside precincts.

About George’s

George’s – A function for any occasion

Posted on November 15, 2017 by admin - functions, News & Reviews

Whether it’s celebrating a major milestone with family, catching up with friends for a party or hosting the ultimate corporate event, calling on the services of a seasoned hospitality venue like George’s to host your function offers a wealth of benefits.

From hen’s nights, to christenings, engagement parties and office celebrations, we’ve hosted thousands of functions over the years, catering from intimate gatherings right through to large groups.

Here are just some of the festivities we’ve been part of over our history and what we can do to assist in creating the perfect Sydney event.

Family gatherings

The family is very much at the heart of George’s hospitality heritage and we love working with other families to create memorable events.

Over the years we’ve been part of some of the most significant milestones in people’s lives and relish the opportunity to share the small and large joys of life.

From weddings and christenings to birthday parties, engagement celebrations, and anniversaries, we understand the significance of sharing seminal moments with family and friends and welcome the chance to work with you and host your event.

Our waterside venue is open day and night, allowing the flexibility of a casual family brunch, a full a-la-carte lunch or function that stretches from the afternoon into the evening.

And we have a host of menus and dining areas to choose from, including exclusive use of the restaurant for special events like weddings and major family gatherings.

Friendly festivities

Considering a quick catchup, casual lunches, cocktails by the waterfront or a big birthday bash that stretches long into the night, we keen to be part of your social circle.

We’ve hosted many major celebrations and parties for people in our time. From hen’s nights to birthday celebrations, farewells and “welcome home” festivities, George’s is committed to taking the hard work out of planning your social event

We have a range of great function menus available to assist, can cater to special dietary requirements, and sure, we can keep a secret if the event is a surprise.

Workplace functions

Our central Sydney location puts us within easy reach of city-based corporations, many of whom have utilized our services for corporate functions and events during our time.

Each year we host hundreds of Christmas parties, workplace luncheons, product launches, and further corporate events.

We gladly work with business to ensure they have all their requirements met, whether that’s full venue use, presentation equipment, live entertainment or a dance floor where employees can boogie off some business steam.

What we can offer

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill offers three different areas for functions including our Grove Bar and Lounge, Dining Area or the entire venue at your disposal.

We can tailor cost-effective food and beverage packages to suit any needs, theme our restaurant to reflect your requirements, and host live bands or entertainment to ensure your event is a success.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill are renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up sensational functions in simply stunning surrounds. You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.

A toast to Greek beer

Posted on October 31, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews

Since Ancient times Greek citizens have enjoyed an exposure to beer but surprisingly it’s not until recently that this partaking has translated into a real brewing passion. Instead famed beverages like Ouzo and wine have shared the limelight.

Recent years, however, have seen a boom in Mediterranean microbreweries creating ales and lagers that Australian connoisseurs of all things hops are sure to enjoy.

So here’s a little insight into Greek beers and just some of the offerings available at George’s that will more than whet the beer appetite.

Greek beer

It’s not that Greek culture hadn’t enjoyed an exposure to beer, it’s just that with such excellent wines on offer and specialties like Ouzo, Greece hadn’t developed a world-renowned industry until relatively recently.

In fact historians note in Ancient Greece beer wasn’t produced locally but was consumed to a large extent.

“The ancient Greeks were avid consumers of imported blonde beer, the consumption of which reached its peak during the festivities in the honour of goddess Demeter,” it’s claimed.

Meanwhile at the recent opening of the first Creative Brewery and Beer Museum in Greece it was revealed: “In ancient Greece, Sophocles urged for temperance and recommended a diet of bread, meat, vegetables and beer”.

While consuming beer may date back to ancient times, production in Greece was limited until the late 19th Century and the opening of the famous brewery Ioannis Fix.

Now the country is emerging as a serious contender in the world beer stakes with varieties like Volkan beer from Santorini recognised with international awards.

World class varieties

With its warm weather and laid-back lifestyle, surely it was just a matter of time until Greece fully embraced the beer brewing trend.

As Discover Greece explains: “In recent years, Greece has discovered microbrewing. From Argos, Messinia, Patras and Evia to Crete, Santorini, Tinos, Chios, Corfu, Rhodes and Piraeus, Greek microbreweries are on the rise, creating flavoursome little miracles”.

“Greek brewers – once professors, pharmacists, chemists, enologists – decided to devote themselves to experimenting with beer.”

The first microbrewery began in 1997 and now there are more than 20 operating in some of the most picturesque destinations in Greece.

George’s range

Georges Mediterranean Bar and Grill serves a selection of the finest Greek beers. Ranging from the award winning Volkan Blonde Beer from Santorini to Pelaponese Blue Mak Lager and traditional favourites like Fix Hellas, our selection captures the fresh excitement and flavours of the emerging Greek brewing industry.

And where better to enjoy a chilled ale than at our waterfront Darling Harbour location? Come raise a glass to the Greek beer and a tradition that’s been enjoyed for centuries but only recently come of age.

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is located on Kings Wharf at Darling Harbour, Sydney. Feel free to peruse our menu, make a booking here or come on down and share a beer during our weekday happy hour from 3pm until 7pm.

Weekend socialising – George’s style

Posted on October 15, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews

The coming weeks are among the busiest on the annual social calendar as daylight savings, Melbourne Cup then Christmas sees people seek out the opportunity to catch up with friends in the lead-up to the summer holidays and Weekend socialising.

It’s the time of year when after-work drinks, lunches, brunches and sunset dinners quickly fill any Sydney-sider’s already busy schedule.

If you’re looking to cram some festive catch-ups into the coming months, here’s a guide to packing some serious social punch into a spring or summer weekend…

Friday night

Pens down people, work’s out for the weekend, bringing with it the opportunity to catch up with friends for a casual after-work drink. You’re looking for somewhere central, yet ambient, where busy professionals can meet up for a quick recap of the week that was, or the transformative year that has been.

Friday suggestion

Join us for drinks by the harbour courtesy of our week-day happy hour. From 3pm to 7pm we’ll treat you to a stylish afternoon or evening of affordable wine, beer and some seriously irresistible cocktails.

You can kick back in our al fresco lounge and watching the passing parade as Sydney transforms from work-week caterpillar to social butterfly.

Saturday brunch

Nothing says it’s the weekend quite like a decadent breakfast in well-catered surrounds.

Weekend breakfasts are the chance to embrace a less formal setting and kick off hard-earned relaxation on just the right social note. Breakfasts or brunches are also a great way to meet up with friends and family who may work late during the week or have young families.

Breakfast suggestion

Every weekend and public holiday we lay out a breakfast bonanza featuring a choice of Eggs Benedict, omelettes, smoothies, pancakes and more. Timed to cater to the early breakfast hankerings or a leisurely brunch, breakfast is served from 8am until 11am.

The group dinner

With so many fixtures coming up on the annual calendar, now is the perfect time to invite your friends for a big Saturday dinner enjoyed with your favourite company. Whether it’s a large or small group, book a table, hit Darling Harbour and settle in for an evening of great conversation and equally fine fare.

Dinner suggestion

A banquet is always a great way to break down any social barriers while sampling all the tasty morsels available on our authentic Greek menu. You can opt for a Mezze banquet or sample the succulent delights of our full Greek feast.

Sunday lunch

After a well-earned sleep-in, Sunday is the day to bring family into the socialising fold. Why not schedule a catch-up well in advance of the Christmas rush, setting a festive tone for the season ahead? Whether it’s a table of four or a full family get-together, enjoy a leisurely lunch spent amongst those you love.

Sunday suggestion

Make it a Sunday seafood sensation with market fresh fish and a host of tasty delights like shrimp, calamari, and prawns. You can peruse our menu here for items that are sure to whet the appetite.

Afternoon recovery

And after a busy weekend wining, dining and catching up with everyone on your list, kick back in casual style overlooking the water on a dreamy Sunday afternoon. We’ll pamper you while you reminisce over the weekend that was, while plying you with shared plates, fantastic service, and authentic Mediterranean flavours.

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 and Weekend socialising. Come share the family hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up a weekend of endless social activity in simply stunning surrounds.

And don’t forget, if you’re looking to really kick off the festive season with a full-scale function or office party, we’re always available to assist.

Melbourne Cup, Tues 5 Nov. Darling Harbour King st Wharf.

Posted on September 30, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews

It’s the race that stops the nation but there’ll be no halting the fine food and great entertainment available at George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill this Melbourne Cup Day.

On Tuesday, November 5, George’s will embrace all the fashion and festivity that epitomises Melbourne Cup at their picturesque waterside venue on King’s Wharf Darling Harbour.

Here’s five reasons Melbourne Cup Day is the event not to be missed, and why a waterside seat is the prime position to enjoy all the proceedings.

Melbourne Cup Day

Melbourne Cup Day has long been the penultimate event on the spring racing calendar. Boasting the finest fashions, a festive atmosphere and a whole host of fun, it’s almost akin to an Australian national holiday.

Come midday on that second Tuesday of every November, there’s the general presumption tools will be downed, offices will close and the nation will come to an almost grinding halt as we wager a bet on the best horse of the field.

Sydney does cup day in style

It might be Melbourne’s big day but Sydney celebrates in equal style, throwing open the city’s finest venues to lay on a lion’s share of festivities.

With a warm spring breeze, enviable weather and a sparkling harbour to assist, Sydney embraces the class of cup day with its own spectacular twist.

How we do it

At George’s we keenly cater to all the excitement and atmosphere of Melbourne Cup with one of the most exclusive parties in town.

From 12.30pm until 4.00pm we roll out the canapés, lay on the bubbles and witness all the racing action courtesy of big screen TVs.

The excitement continues with live entertainment and prizes for the best dressed in attendance. Meanwhile, sweepstakes are a mainstay, food stations are a feature and there’s a photo booth available to capture all the glamour of the day.

There are also limited lounges available for groups of six or more to ensure the ultimate afternoon of entertainment amongst friends.

Come join the party

Tickets are now available for George’s exclusive cup day canapé cocktail party. You can purchase your tickets here, or contact us for further advice.

About George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill

George’s has a lengthy tradition of catering to Sydney’s big events, and that continues as we celebrate Melbourne Cup Day 2019. Our harbourside restaurant is located in proximity to the CBD at King’s Wharf, Darling Harbour.

You can see our exact location here, buy your Melbourne Cup tickets here or peruse the fine fare for which we are famed.

Australia and Greece – A shared love of seafood

Posted on September 14, 2017 by admin - News & Reviews, Uncategorized

Of all the culture and tradition that unites Australia and Greece, one enduring passion stands out – the shared love of seafood.

Like Australia, the waters of Greece have long abounded with fresh sea fare and for centuries it’s been a staple of the Greek diet.

So let’s take a dive into the salt waters of seafood and investigate the shared culinary favourite that unites our sea loving nations.

Seafood in Greece

Seafood in Greek culture dates back centuries due to the lengthy coastline this small nation boasts. From sardines to calamari, bass, bream and lobster, seafood has featured heavily in this Mediterranean diet, with a host of traditional recipes derived from Greek culture.

The love of seafood is part tradition and part convenience with historians noting fish was readily available.

Cooks Info explains: “Greece just doesn’t have good pasture land for livestock, so meat was scarce. The Greeks loved fish, but low on the scale of their likes, and thus cheapest, were small fish such as anchovies and sprats”.

“Tuna, sea bass, grey and red mullet, grouper, were esteemed and expensive. They particularly loved eel; it could cost at least 12 drachmas (a small sheep might cost 10 drachmas.)

“Fish was easier to serve than meat, because to serve meat you first had to arrange to sacrifice it, and with fish you didn’t. The first tuna caught in a good year, though, would be offered to Poseidon.”

Where once there was an abundance of fresh fish and seafood readily available in Greece, now however seafood is increasingly rare and expensive due to the overfishing and demand on the waters of the Aegean.

Influence on Australia

Australian mainstays like fried calamari may well owe much of their popularity to Greek immigrants, but according to legend even the ever-popular barramundi was introduced to dining menus across the nation by Greeks.

Neos Kosmos explains historians Leonard Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis were conducting research for Macquarie University when they uncovered the following interesting tale: it was Greek immigrants who entered the marine and wharf labour avenues and introduced barramundi fish into the Australian market.

It came at a time when many Greek immigrants were plying their fishing kills in the waters around Australia, including forging links with the indigenous community who had long eaten this native fish.

“Barramundi fish was a main food source for Australia’s first peoples but at the time, Anglo Australians were far from interested in consuming it due to its muddy taste and difficulty to catch,” Neo Kosmos notes.

“For the Greeks, however, barramundi is just a seabass variation and super close to a fish extremely popular in the Greek cuisine, the platypsaro.”

After World War II economic opportunity beckoned and it was a Greek family who first sold barramundi to the southern market and ultimately ensured it was on the plates of athletes at the 1956 Olympics.

A love affair with barramundi began and it’s diminished little in the years that followed.

Contemporary seafood

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill continues this passion for seafood at our waterfront restaurant in Darling Harbour. We showcase some of Australia’s finest sea fare, using traditional Greek cooking techniques to highlight the fresh flavours on offer. Whether you seek prawns, baby snapper, or octopus, our love of seafood is yours to share.

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is located on Kings Wharf at Darling Harbour, Sydney. Feel free to peruse our menu, discover our seafood or contact us to make a booking.