Gary Brun

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Threefold Pastry

Dec 20, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

Sometimes it's nice to learn that one of Sydney's finest bakeries is located in Parramatta and not Paddington. Located in the heart of Sydney's fastest-growing suburb, Threefold Pastry offers a range of sweet and savoury pastries, including a range of ever-changing croissants. Flavours include plain, almond, apple crumble and pain au chocolat options, while the specialty croissant (which changes monthly) could be anything from a peanut butter brownie version to a lemon verbena.
Krabby's Crab Boil

Dec 10, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

You can probably work it out by the name, but Krabby's Crab Boil is all about fun. And crabs. There's no dress code here, no need to book ahead and definitely no first dates — unless, of course, you don't mind that the first impression you give is of you covered in sauce while trying to suck out all the last bits of delicious crab meat. There really isn't a graceful way to do this. And the Krabby's crew isn't expecting you to be all clean and fancy, either.
The Boiling Crab

Nov 25, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

With locations across Sydney and Melbourne and all over the USA, you know The Boiling Crab must be doing something right to be able to expand so much. The story here is a fun tongue-in-cheek idea that while other fishermen were off boozing and telling tall stories in bars, the honest and hardworking fishermen of The Boiling Crab were toiling through sleepless nights, trying to concoct the perfect spices and recipes for their restaurant.
Mamak Melbourne

Nov 1, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

Malaysian-inspired, this Sydney import smashes the senses with its satay, curry, roti and sambal, and as such, it is bustling with spice-sweaty bodies on a nightly basis. Brave the queue for its BYO privileges, and find yourself reliving your gap year travels with hawker-style delights. A dozen charred satay sticks, teamed with the flaky pastry of fresh roti and a selection of curries — we suggest the kari ikan fish curry with tomato, okra and eggplant — make the wait worth the effort.
The Tea Rooms 1892

Oct 5, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

Located within the marvellously opulent Block Arcade, The Tea Room 1892 (formerly the Hopetoun Tea Rooms) projects class, decadence, style and fun — with lavish wallpaper, impossibly attractive cakes and five-star service. This is one of the premier high tea experiences in Melbourne, and having opened way back in 1892, it is the oldest in the country. This is old-world fun steeped in nostalgia.
Yugen Tea Bar

Oct 5, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

If your idea of high tea is all white table cloths, frilly pink serviettes and pretty cakes with extravagant icing, then Yugen Tea Bar is here to challenge you. Located in a dimly lit, dark and metallic space in South Yarra, Yugen is just about as far from a traditional high tea experience you're likely to find. The team here includes culinary director Stephen Nairn, head tea sommelier Thibaut Chuzeville and pastry chef John Demetrios, so you know you're in good hands.
Nobu Melbourne

Oct 1, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

From esteemed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu at Crown in Melbourne brings his esteemed fusion of traditional Japanese food with South American flavours to the city. The Nobu brand is famous all around the world, with restaurants on nearly every continent, and the Melbourne iteration stands out as one of its finest. The interior is sleek and luxurious, with deep red tones, burnished woods and traditional Japanese touches tastefully scattered throughout.
Suzuran

Oct 1, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

Suzuran in Camberwell is unlike any takeaway sushi place you've ever been to, for not only does it serve fresh and inventive sushi for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, but it is also a Japanese market with a huge range of imported Japanese products.
The Orrong Hotel

Oct 1, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

Beautifully restored back in 2021, the 150-year-old Orrong Hotel, an art deco gem among Armadale's other art deco gems, is the kind of pub you keep returning to once you discover its magic. The interior itself is stunning, with a curved wooden bar, polished floorboards, ornate ceilings and tiled features throughout — you can tell no expense was spared on the restoration. The Orrong Hotel menu is chock full of classic pub fare, dressed up for a fun night out.
Dainty Sichuan

Sep 17, 2023 | concreteplayground.com | Gary Brun

Don't let the name fool you, for Dainty Sichuan Food on Toorak Road is anything but dainty. In fact, this Chinese restaurant in Melbourne packs a hell of a punch. Upon entering the restaurant, you're invited to zen out in the tranquil mood it's created. Water fountains and buddhas greet you at the entrance, while the aromas from the kitchen get your tastebuds on high alert. The service here is what you might expect from a bustling Chinese eatery, it's efficient and fast without being overly cordial.