With the end of summer drawing near, dining in Sydney shifts a gear. The days are just that little bit shorter, the evenings bring with them a touch more chill, and a mix of summery specials and hearty meals intermingle on the seasonal menu.
Autumn is the time of year when a bevy of fresh produce readily abounds, ranging from grapes and pears to potatoes, eggplant and carrots.
So, let’s wine and dine our way through autumn with our favourite meals to suit the flavours of the changing season.
Crystal clear warm days
We often talk about the magic of Sydney Harbour, but autumn offers a unique feel on the water. Some days cast the mind back to the heat of high summer, while others have that familiar nip of the winter to come in the air.
The early days of autumn are still all about the great outdoors as Sydney-siders seize the final chance to enjoy the long, languid sunsets offered up by daylight savings.
Our meal suggestion? Why mezze of course, served amidst the festive vibe that the final days of warmth offer.
The best delights to encompass the flavours of early autumn include a mix of seafood and the heartier additions of chicken, lamb and pork.
Served with? Agiorgitiko Rosé or NV Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut.
A touch of chill
As daylight saving becomes but a memory, a chill creeps into the Sydney air. Now the meals become a little more hearty, the lights on the harbor twinkle earlier and their hues are just a little more bright.
This is the time of year for a meal that satiates the palate and satisfies the soul.
Our meal suggestion? Greek-style lamb, with lemon and oregano potatoes or King Prawns Saganaki baked in a clay pot, complete with tomato and feta.
Served with? Kir-Yianni Paranga Xinomavro Merlot Syrah with the lamb and Mahi ‘Twin Valleys Vineyards’ Chardonnay to accompany the prawns.
When the sun seeks refuge
Even a city of perennial sunshine like Sydney has the occasional cloudy day. And when autumn sees these moments more frequent, a meal shared with family and cooked with love is the definite order of the day.
These overcast days are the opportunities to revel in fulsome flavours, to bask in comforting warmth and to seek cuisine infused with care and comfort.
Our meal suggestion? Grassland sirloin, chat potatoes, and Dutch carrots, the grilled pork cutlet, fennel, dried figs, chickpeas and roast pumpkin or a full Greek feast banquet.
Served with? Vasse Felix Cabernet Merlot, Polin & Polin Shiraz, or Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve.
More info: georgesrestaurant.com.au
