Topic: News & Reviews

Whether it’s a casual get together, a quick power lunch or an annual event for the whole company, who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?

The key is selecting the right venue for the right occasion and keeping the appropriate tone, menu and vibe throughout the event. Here are our top options for work functions and mixing work with pleasure.

Casual get togethers

Friday afternoon is the ultimate opportunity to celebrate the end of a long week with a casual drink and dinner with workmates. You’re looking for a central location where you can meet up, kick back and ponder the highlights of the week past, where the prerequisites will likely be ambience, amenity and relaxation.

For that a spur of the moment outing or a gathering to celebrate an achievement, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill has a number of casual or more formal dining options to relax after the hard work of the week past.

Join us at our Darling Harbour location for drinks as the sun sets over Sydney Harbour, then let the woes of the week recede over a shared Mezza banquet in the lounge. Or if it’s a larger gathering like a birthday or the celebration of a promotion, take advantage of our more formal dining area where guests can indulge in Mediterranean and Greek flavours in a stunning waterfront setting.

The power lunch

The business power lunch presents the ultimate opportunity to get in, get down to the nuts and bolts of business and refuel for a busy afternoon ahead. With our proximity to the Sydney CBD and our picturesque views, we offer a location that’s easy to reach and provides delectable modern Greek fare to enjoy before an afternoon of productivity.

Lunchtime dining includes our shared Mezza menu or more formal à la carte offerings so you can plan out that quarterly report, manage that merger or talk corporate takeovers in comfort and privacy over fine wines and the finest of fare.

Corporate functions

The big achievements of business should be celebrated, whether it’s a corporate growth milestone or marking the end of year with a Christmas party.

Our team of experienced professionals is available to help you plan out corporate functions down to the finest detail.

We cater to product launches, corporate cocktail parties and all manner of work functions at our convenient CBD location, and work with clients to ensure every event meets their specific meals. George’s can tailor cost-effective food and beverage packages, theme our Sydney function rooms and host live bands to ensure your event is a success.

Take advantage of our picturesque lounge area with water views, enjoy the more formal setting of our dining area or book the entire venue and enjoy a stress-free event with sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine.

About George’s

George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is located in the heart of Sydney’s beautiful Darling Harbour, in proximity to the CBD. We offer a range of delectable Mediterranean and Greek dining options, from shared plates to banquets and à la cart dining. You can peruse our menu here or contact us for further advice or to make a booking.

Come New Year’s Eve, Sydney is arguably the place to be. There’s the spectacular fireworks, the energetic ambience and a harbourside city that knows how to party. But as this annual event is set to be enjoyed by over a million people there’s a few key details you need to know about making the most of New Year’s Eve 2016.

So here are our five local tips for enjoying a spectacular NYE in true Sydney style.

Plan ahead

With hundreds of thousands flocking to Sydney to take part in the dawn of a new year, hopping on a train or bus and hitting the city at 15 minutes to midnight simply isn’t an option. As any Sydneysider will tell you, the key to New Year’s Eve is planning.

This includes knowing the best place to view the fireworks, securing a spot, booking any events early and considering how you will get there and when.

A great resource for planning is the official Sydney New Year’s Eve website, which includes a comprehensive map of all fireworks vantage points like Darling Harbour, Goat Island, South Head and Bangaroo.

A single spot

Once you’ve picked a spot prepare to stick it out. Many a midnight fireworks has been missed because revellers make the mistake of moving around. If you’re going for grass on the foreshore, take enough food and drinks with you to last out the wait and enjoy the event.

Or better yet, skip the crowds, find a great venue and settle in for a night of partying. Restaurants, bars and clubs across the city will be offering New Year’s Eve events with some located in the best spots for NYE in Sydney. This option means you get to enjoy the best of all worlds with food, drinks and dancing included without negotiating a crowd.

Transport

After decades of practice as one of the first places in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve each year, Sydney knows how to run effective public transport. But again, it does pay to plan. Throughout the night and into the early hours of January 1, 2017, thousands of extra transport services are scheduled including train, bus, ferry, and light rail.

The general advice is travel early to get to your destination before the crowds and leave later to avoid the rush. You can get up to the minute transport information on the night via twitter or through the dedicated NSW transport apps.

Take your mess

Just as it hurts to awaken to a hangover, it pains people to see the picturesque city of Sydney littered with rubbish after a night of rambunctious revelry, so give back to the city which has given such joy by taking your mess with you.

Embrace the party vibe

Finally, NYE is Sydney’s night of nights and a time for the community, partygoers, fireworks, and revellers to shine, so above all keep a sense of humour, pack your patience and settle in for a night of pure enjoyment.

Sydney offers one of the most memorable opportunities to bring in any New Year, and it’s a city that enjoys it like no other. So make the most of it, plan ahead, arrive early, leave late and kick up your heels or just kick back for a night you will never forget.

Our plans

As Sydney locals, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill at King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour has big plans to party the night away.

This year we are staging Discoteca II where revellers can enjoy Sydney’s night of nights in awesome retro style. From 8pm until 2am we’re laying on dinner drinks and dancing with all the glamour and fun of the 1970s and ’80s.

The night will feature DJs, a disco ball, disco-style dance floor and light show.

So get your groove on and book here as places are filling fast.

Greek food, Sydney to the Cyclades, is bursting with Mediterranean flavour. While many may first look to dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, seafood or tangy salads prepared in the finest Greek olive oil, the cuisine is also marked by a range of delectable desserts. Here’s an introduction to a few Greek sweets the family will love.

Melamakarona

Melamakarona is a type of rich, delicious cookie dipped in honey syrup. The name is from the words “meli” (honey) and “makaronia” which was apparently a Medieval Greek term for a type of biscuit (and not pasta as it sounds). It’s believed the honey became part of the recipe later on in Byzantine times, and while the biscuits may have been a traditional Easter treat, they are now part and parcel of Christmas celebrations in Greek households everywhere. Honey is sometimes used as a symbol of fertility in Greek festivals, so the move to a Christmas biscuit may have been associated with a time of new beginnings (the New Year).

Baklava

Many would associate baklava with Turkish and Middle Eastern food, but it’s been a staple in Greek households for hundreds if not thousands of years. Baklava is made of layers of paper-thin filo pastry, filled with nuts including walnuts, almonds and most frequently, pistachio, baked and sweetened with a sweet syrup of honey and either lemon, cinnamon, rose water, cardamom or cloves depending on the regional variation. While many nations take credit for the creation of baklava (who wouldn’t want to ‘own’ such a delicious treat), it’s believed the technique that first allowed pastry to be rolled paper-thin is most certainly a Greek innovation. Today, it’s frequently found at Greek tables at Easter, Christmas and any other time of celebration.

Bougatsa

One not to miss, bougatsa is prepared from a filo pastry that’s filled with a creamy filling and dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. Bougatsa originated in Greece in the city of Serras. While it’s still especially popular in northern cities around Serras, plenty of regional variations occur further afield. In Chiana on Crete for instance, it’s called bougatsa Chanion and filled with sweet custard. Here it’s also made by special pastry shops open only in the early morning. Veria produces a super sweet and creamy version, and in Thessaloniki it’s less sweet and a lot more crunchy. In some places you will also find savoury versions with meat and cheese fillings.

Savour the sweet

If you’re looking to visit Greece and want to sample some dishes first, or if you just want to discover fresh and flavoursome Greek food in Sydney, then why not pay a visit to our atmospheric waterside restaurant. And be sure to bring the family, because no matter what dishes you try, Greek food is all about sharing great food and great times together.

While Greek food in Sydney and around the world has some regional variations, the basics remain – one of the major commonalities is of course the ingredients. So what would you find in a typical Greek pantry? Let’s take a look.

Fresh is best

The requirement for fresh produce is not unique to Greek food but it is a hallmark of it. Greek food is all about Mediterranean fresh – succulent seafood straight from the ocean, ripe farm vegetables, and tender meats marinated then slow-cooked or charcoaled to perfection. Quality ingredients are essential, so if you’re looking to prepare Greek food, always buy local, buy fresh and if you can afford it, buy organic.

Vegetable variety

When buying vegetables, tomatoes are probably at the top of the list, used to create delicious soups and sauces and added to stews and other main dishes. Tomato paste is also an essential. Spinach, beans, eggplant and potatoes are on high rotation. And no Greek pantry would be complete without garlic, onion and lemons.

Legumes

Legumes may be found in a variety of Greek dishes and the dried variety is the norm. They can be kept for months in the cupboard so are always great to have on hand. Chickpeas, lima beans, lentils and split peas are staples of Greek cooking.

Yoghurt and feta

Greek yoghurt and feta are both of the creamy variety and are used in a number of savoury dishes. Yoghurt sauces pair perfectly with tangy meats, and feta makes a tasty accompaniment to tomato, chicken and lamb dishes.

Olives, oil and wine

There is probably nothing that sums up Greek cuisine better than olive oil. Greek olive oil is generally considered the world’s finest and it’s the key ingredient in many favourite dishes. It’s used for dressings, sauces and marinades, and to drizzle over salads and vegetables. While a lesser quality olive oil may be used for cooking, always opt for extra virgin when preparing accompaniments or adding for flavour. Olive groves and vineyards are scattered across Greece and wine is part and parcel of Mediterranean life. Both red and white wine, brandy and even ouzo may also be used in the creation of common Greek dishes.

Nuts and honey

Nuts and honey are common to a number of desserts, with baklava in particular likely to be found in nearly every Greek home and restaurant. Picture honey and nuts wrapped in delicate layers of pastry and flavoured with rose water. Sensational!

Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are used in Greek cuisine to enhance the natural flavours of the fresh, local produce. Start with high quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add herbs and spices to suit the style of dish. Favourite herbs include oregano, thyme, mint, sage and parsley, best when grown fresh. Greeks tend to opt for spices that offer zest rather than heat, so rather than chilli, you’ll find cumin, cinnamon and cloves in both sweet and savoury dishes, breads and pastries.

The taste of Greece

And the number one key ingredient of Greek cuisine? Friends and family! Greek food is meant to be shared and we can’t think of a better location in Sydney than overlooking beautiful Darling Harbour. If you’re looking to celebrate the best in Greek cuisine, then why not book a table with us today? We’d love to have you at Georges.

So what’s the connection between Greek films and Greek food in Sydney? The 2015 Greek Film Festival is almost upon us, beginning in Sydney in October, then travelling around the country to Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide. c If you’re enamoured of Greek food then why not enjoy it while watching one of these wonderful films?

A Touch of Spice

The name says it all. This 2003 film followed the fortunes of Fanis, who as a boy learns about cooking (and life) from his grandfather in Istanbul. When he returns from Greece to Turkey as an adult, he finds he may have forgotten his grandfather’s ultimate message that life, like food, requires a touch of spice. This film was a huge box office hit in Greece, and is definitely one to watch.

Zorba the Greek

If there’s one Greek film people all around the world know, it’s probably Zorba the Greek. This Oscar-winning film from 1964 starred Alan Bates as an Englishman who travels to Crete where he is taken under the wing of the exuberant Zorba, played with verve by Anthony Quinn. There was drama and intrigue, and then there was delicate slow-cooked lamb on a spit, devoured by the protagonists as they sat on the beach in the final scenes.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

No, it wasn’t a Greek film, but this one deserves honourable mention for the sheer volume of Greek food that makes it onto the big screen. Released in 2002, it became the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time, and delighted audiences with the story of Greek girl meets American man, gets engaged and tries to keep him while navigating the ways of her very large, very traditional and slightly crazy Greek family.

Dangerous Cooking

If you visited the Greek film festival last year, you may recall this one. Another film blending romance, drama and Greek food, Dangerous Cooking is about Damocles, a famous chef waning in popularity, who finds his inspiration rekindled with the arrival of a beautiful young woman, Nana. However he’s not the only one with his eyes on Nana, and the arrival of the volatile Dimitris results in a passionate and dangerous, love triangle.

Under the Grecian Sun

Cynthia Daddonna is a journalist, TV personality and author of Diary of a Modern Day Goddess. With her Greek-American husband James, she created this documentary in which they undertake a culinary journey around the beautiful island of Crete: history, a sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the fresh and flavoursome delicacies of this renowned region. Delicious.

And now to savour

So have we whetted your appetite? If you are in Sydney for the opening night of the film festival, you’ll be glad to know that Georges Mediterranean Bar & Grill will be providing some tasty treats to accompany the opening night party. If you want a more relaxed dinner experience, then you’re very welcome to enjoy our extensive menu of authentic and always delectable Greek cuisine at our stunning waterside restaurant in Darling Harbour. Families, groups of friends and those looking for a secluded, romantic corner will all find the perfect table.

A cuisine is a major part of Greek culture, and Greek food in Sydney and around the globe is intricately tied to family and community. In a country with a long history of tradition, it’s not surprising that food is sometimes part and parcel of cultural practice – and that there are some traditions that make more sense than others! Here are a few titbits about Greek food and culture that you might like to know.

Café gossip

In Greece, traditional cafes, called kafenions, are a popular destination for groups of men – but not so much for women. Male friends and family members will drop in to eat, drink and share the news and local gossip. Women traditionally rarely visit these establishments. And if you see those same men counting prayer beads, they may not actually be praying. Beads such as these are often carried not for religious purposes, but to keep the hands busy and pass the time.

Eating with others

Greek food is meant to be shared. It’s all about family and friends, whether it’s prepared and eaten at home, or in a Greek restaurant. Travelling alone? Don’t be too quick to judge the service. In some areas, it is still the case that locals will never eat at a restaurant alone, and it’s such a scarcity that some waiters will never approach a lone diner. They will simply assume the rest of the party is on the way! And if you are invited to dinner by a Greek, don’t offer to split the bill. Offering money when you’re the guest may be seen as an insult.

Lasting flavours

Greeks know a good thing when they find it. Just like traditions, some foods date back to ancient times. Dolmades for instance are one tasty treat that have been eaten for hundreds of years. There’s also a long tradition of incorporating food into festive and cultural occasions. While the Greek diet in general favours lighter flavours with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood, at ceremonial occasions such as Easter, Christmas, weddings and birthdays, family and friends will gather and devour freshly baked breads, cakes and sweet treats.

Plate smashing

Interestingly, one of the best-known Greek cultural traditions associated with food is actually performed in Greece only relatively rarely. Up until a few decades ago, plate smashing was common not just in Greece, but at Greek weddings and in traditional Greek restaurants around the globe. While it may be performed on occasion today, it’s certainly nowhere near as prevalent as popular culture would make out. So where did it come from – and why? It’s believed the practice dates back to ancient times, and was to do with plates being ‘killed’ during ceremonies to commemorate the deceased. There are also suggestions that it was popular with wealthy families during family celebrations to demonstrate their wealth. Who needs to wash when you can simply smash and buy again! Needless to say, this would be an expensive tradition for restaurants and families to maintain in modern times!

Greek traditions to celebrate

While there are some cultural mores that thankfully you won’t find at our Greek restaurant in Sydney (we happily serve lone diners and we try not to smash the crockery!), the traditional tastes of Greece are alive and well here. Greek food is fresh, wholesome and utterly delicious. Our bar and dinner menus feature both traditional treats and contemporary updates, lovingly prepared with the freshest and finest local produce. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a wedding, birthday or just a night out at beautiful Darling Harbour, we’d love to welcome you and introduce you to our delectable Greek cuisine.

Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct has long been a tourist drawcard, and an expansion in recent years to include the dining spots of Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf means locals love it just as much. While the stunning waterfront location, shopping, and attractions such as Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, the Maritime Museum and the Chinese Gardens are reason enough to go, make sure you visit both day and night. As those in the know will tell you, Darling Harbour is even better after dark.

The location

One of the best reasons to visit Darling Harbour at night is its stunning location. Nestled just a hop, skip and jump from the centre of town, you can spend a perfect evening shopping at Harbourside (open until 9pm), wining and dining at bustling bars and restaurants, and relaxing with a stroll by the beautiful waterside. Darling Harbour affords spectacular night views of the city skyline, and with shimmery coloured reflections lighting up the water and boats idling by, it’s a visual feast that shouldn’t be missed.

Restaurants and bars

Darling Harbour dining is another major reason to visit the district after dark. Darling Harbour, King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay Wharf are home to dozens of first-class restaurants and cafes. Sipping on a cocktail or glass of wine while you survey the city lights is a fabulous experience. You’ll also discover first-class international and modern Australian cuisine, and perhaps even put on your dancing shoes for a trip to one of the nightclubs.

Nightly entertainment

There’s always plenty on offer if you’re looking for evening entertainment. The Qantas Credit Union Arena (still known to most as the Sydney Entertainment Centre) has played host to legendary musicians from around the world for decades. It closes in December this year, with a visit from Sir Elton John, so get in quick to see what’s on and pay a final visit to this much-loved institution. Looking for other options? Visit Darling Harbour’s IMAX theatre to see a flick on the world’s largest movie screen, roll the dice at the casino, or for something a little more serene (and a visual treat), stroll to Darling Quarter to discover Luminous, the world’s largest interactive light installation (on until 2020). It’s definitely best appreciated after dark.

Georges Mediterranean Bar & Grill

Among the restaurants on Darling Harbour, Georges is renowned for its fabulous location, comfortable surrounds and authentic Greek cuisine. We’d love to welcome you one evening, so feel free to make a booking to enjoy our extensive menu, and a glass of wine overlooking the gorgeous harbour!

What would delicious food and wine be without each other? To quote a rather clichéd old song about love and marriage – you can’t have one without the other! And even more importantly, what would your favourite Greek food in Sydney be without a nice well-matched wine to accompany it? To help you make the most of your Greek dining experience, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to pair food and wine.

General principles for food and wine pairing

As a general guide, when looking for the right wine to go with food, you need to consider the ‘weight’ and flavour of the food, and match the wine accordingly. For example:

• For a light summery meal, you might select a Riesling, Pinot Gris or light Moscato.
• Tasty and fun canapés pair well with a light bubbly.
• Fish and poultry dishes match well with Australian Chardonnays.
• Heavier red meat dishes might be best served with a deep red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Oily fish such as salmon or tuna matches well with Pinot Noir.
• For lighter beef and rice dishes, consider a light Shiraz.
• Lamb dishes often go well with a Pinot Noir.

Matching Greek food and wine

Here are some suggestions for matching wines with Greek or Mediterranean dishes.

• Food – canapés such as cheeses or spanakopita.
  Wine – consider a light sparkling, such as the NV Pizzini Prosecco from the King Valley in Victoria.

• Food – starters, such as a dips platter or Greek feta.
  Wine – Sauvignon Blanc, such as Stonefish Sauvignon Blanc from Geographe in Western Australia, or Nautilus from New Zealand.

• Food – spicy lamb kefta or lamb ribs in honey.
  Wine – Pinot Noir such as Yering Station Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley in Victoria, or Saint Clair Pinot Noir from Marlborough in NZ.

• Food – king prawns or deep fried squid.
  Wine – Chardonnay, such as the Schild buy tramadol online legally Estate Unwooded Chardonnay from the Barossa, or the Stonefish Chardonnay from WA.

• Food – duck kefta with orange.
  Wine – a crisp Riesling such as the Majella Riesling from Coonawarra South Australia, or South by Pirie Riesling from Tasmania.

• Food – roast pork belly.
  Wine – Pinot Noir, for example the Baby Doll Pinot Noir from New Zealand.

• Food – lamb souvlaki or slow roast lamb.
  Wine – try an Australian Shiraz such as Tyrell’s Lost Block Shiraz from Heathcote in Victoria.

• Food – sirloin steak or other beef dish.
  Wine – beef often goes well with reds, so try a Cabernet Sauvignon, such as the Zema Estate Cab Sav from Coonawarra SA or the Peter Lehmann Hill Valley Cab Sav from the Barossa.

• Food – vegetarian stuffed red peppers.
  Wine – a Rosé wine, such as the Italian NV Aurora Rosé.

• Food – quince pudding and ice cream.
  Wine – a fruity sweet wine such as the Kourtakis Muscat of Semos.

• Food – crème brulee.
  Wine – choose a smooth silky sweet wine, such as the Vasse Felix Cane Cut Semillon from the Margaret River region.

• Food – chocolate desserts.
  Wine – a velvety rich sweet wine, for example the Spanish Valdespino Petro Ximenez Yellow Label fortified wine.

Of course, while these are general guidelines for wine and food pairing, you should also feel free to choose whichever wines take your fancy when partaking of delicious Mediterranean food at your favourite Greek restaurant in Sydney. Check out the menu and wine lists at Georges, and when you visit, feel free to ask for our suggestions!

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Georges Restaurant has put together a list for matching wine to your favourite Greek food in Sydney, from starters through to desserts.

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Check out our suggestions for choosing the perfect wines to accompany your favourite Greek and Mediterranean dishes, from starters right through to desserts!