As many of us look to staying in during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are focusing on doing it well. Which means eating well and also supporting local independent businesses during these uncertain times. Fortunately, the combination of Netflix and at-home delivery services means we can simulate an Italian getaway in a flash – and support local businesses in the process.
"As we hunker down for what are completely unknown times for our generation, we look to tread the line of our responsibilities as members of society,” says Kenny Graham of the Mary’s Group. Supporting their network of young casual staff is critical right now, he says, as is opening up “conversations on how we can help fight the good fight!” and “support small and medium businesses as best [we] can”.
Fortunately, there are a number of businesses just like Mary’s that are keeping up (and expanding on) their regular delivery services – think Reuben Hills and Coffee Supreme for caffeine, Orchard St for immunity juices, and P&V or Act of Wine for juices of the alcoholic kind. And there are also some legendary foodies innovating to provide the good stuff for your kitchen.
Like Melbourne cook Jack Shaw (aka Cooked with Jack) who is currently delivering soup across the city. And Sydney’s Ester restaurant, which is baking extra loaves of its woodfired bread for people to purchase and take home. In the spirit of supporting local, these are some of the best restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne, currently prepping delicious food ‘to go’.
CicciaBella
Bondi local CicciaBella has just started offering a takeaway menu that is a testament to “locals supporting locals”. Their ‘to go’ service is available seven days from 5-9pm, so swing by or give them a call on 02 8090 6969.
Brickfields
Beloved Brickfields Bakery is baking extra loaves for our freezers and has just launched an e-shop, where Sydneysiders can pre-order bread, pastries and hot cross buns for pick up in Marrickville or Chippendale. Stay tuned for home delivery options soon as well.
10 William
One of our favourite spots in Sydney, 10 William is where we go to cosy up with a glass of natural wine and their famous pretzel with bottarga. Said pretzel is now available ‘to go’ as part of their A Casa Tua menu. For $75, dinner for two can be delivered to you from Monday through Saturday.
Lotus
Who says you can’t dine fine at home? Chef Dan Hong’s latest opening, Lotus Sydney has takeaway available for most food items right now, including their famous cheeseburger and triple cheese toastie.
Sean’s
Sean’s Panaroma is one of our Sydney faves. But if you can’t dine between their pink-washed walls right now, try their ‘Pick Up & Go’ menu instead. This is collectable daily from 6pm on the driveway adjacent.
The Mary’s Group
Iconic Sydney restaurant group Mary’s has been working with Deliveroo since it first hit Australian shores. Now the group has just started offering its Vegan menu ‘to go’ for the first time ever, has added takeaway from The Unicorn Hotel, and will be arriving on the Melbourne delivery scene v soon too.
Good Gnocchi
Melbourne’s Good Gnocchi is selling par-cooked gnocchi in take-home 300-gram serves right now and their delicious menu – which includes carbonara gnocchi and butter sage gnocchi – is also available on Uber Eats, servicing the Carlton area.
Mono-XO
For ramen, skewers and other delicious Japanese fare in Fitzroy, Mono-XO is the place to go. These guys are offering an edited menu for takeaway only right now. Which is the perfect excuse to stay in and stream Lost in Translation, if you ask us.
Lune
Famed patisserie Lune is currently slinging croissants across inner-city Melbourne, for orders over $50. So, if you’ve got a hankering for flaky pastry, then give them a call on 0467048540 between 8am-3pm (or until stocks last).
Tipo 00
This Melbourne CBD spot is always hard to get a table at. Which is why we’re thrilled about their latest innovation: pasta to go. For $10 you can grab yourself a 500-gram pack of fresh casarecce, available for pick up. In times of pasta shortage, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Bar Margaux
This one is coming soon to the Melbourne CBD, but as of next week, French spot Bar Margaux is rumoured to be launching its ‘at home’ menu (or à la maison, if you’re feeling fancy). It will have all the Parisian trimmings like French Onion Soup, prepared fresh and sealed for home cooks.
For anyone working in hospitality, the good people at The Broad Place meditation school are currently offering their High Vibe Program free of charge. This 12-step system is designed to ground and uplift you during tough times like this. So email the team to receive your copy.
Dedicated to good food and wine, Off Carte is an Instagram and Newsletter launched by writer Rosie Dalton and Westmont Pickler Joel Mevissen. You can sign up to their recipe exchange over here.
