There is no better time than Summer for an elegant soirée with family and friends – whether celebrating at home or heading to a spectacular venue to watch the sun turn red with a glass of wine in hand.
From the French word soir meaning evening, this is no Super Bowl party gathering…get your glad rags on, grab your better half and meet friends at one of these five venues for a sunset soirée to remember this Summer:
Evoking a nostalgic charm with a distinctive edge, Bellevue Cottage by Antoine on Leichhardt Street takes guests on a culinary journey from France to Glebe. Nested in a heritage-listed building, this Sydney dining destination offers water views and a place to soak up the sunshine on the picturesque terrace or enjoy a delicious meal inside the historical dining room where polished wood floors, distressed concrete walls and an eclectic mix of artwork await.
Enjoy a sunset drink on the terrace before choosing either a seven-course degustation menu , or à la carte options such as confit of petuna salmon, avocado, seaweed, galangal, cucumber dill salsa and native lime; before slow-cooked pork belly, dark cherries, caramelised savoy cabbage and pickled papaya.
Exquisite views and tasty dishes await at hidden gem restaurant, The Cellar Kitchen on Pioneer Avenue in Rowland Flat. Nestled in the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, expect a spectacular vibe of beamed ceilings, a statement fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass offerings vistas of the stunning countryside.
With a food philosophy of showcasing ingredients from local farmers and producers presented with care, expect to dine on offerings like buffalo burrata, fennel compote, coriander and pandan oil to begin; moving onto sirloin of beef, fat-roasted kipfler potatoes, marrow and onion butter.
Surrounded by private parkland overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House is the ideal place to relax and enjoy award-winning dining at sunset. Escape from the city life of Canberra and enjoy stunning lake views, with a dining room of rich décor, an open fireplace, white table linens and ambient lighting.
Waterside dining calls for seafood, as a seasonally changing menu has been created to offer locally sourced produce used to create stunning dishes like charcoal bluefin tuna, caponata, cime di rapa and burnt butter mayo; or spiced lamb rump, carrot hummus, cabbage and salsa verde.
Meet where the skyline touches the sea and let the good times Aperol at Cielo Rooftop Bar on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley. Presenting unique, yet approachable, modern cocktails and matched food, this hot spot is making waves on the Brisbane nightlife scene; take in cityscapes and sunsets like no other as you enjoy good company, great drinks and good vibes.
Sip a signature Lamington Martini with wildflower vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice and graze on peri peri chicken sliders with lettuce, cheddar and spicy mayo, or devour pizza slices such as carnivora – Napoli sauce, fior di latte, smoked ham, pancetta and hot salami.
For long lazy lunches, sunset soirées, intimate dining and elegant events in the heart of Eumundi, head to Bask restaurant on Memorial Drive. Expect stylish, sophisticated, yet casual dining with white drapes creating an ethereal vibe, along with white-clothed tables, fresh native flowers and potted greenery; on balmy evenings, take to the alfresco area under a market umbrella to sip an Aperol Spritz while perusing a creative Mod Oz menu.
Start a memorable evening with salted beef, anchovy cream and cornichons, or scallops in the half shell, brown butter and roe; mains present like grilled swordfish, lemon myrtle and caper butter sauce, saffron potatoes and asparagus, or delve into lamb cutlets with Tasmanian pepper berry, hung yoghurt and garden radish.
