Top chefs are abandoning their fine dining posts to give fast food a much-needed makeover. Eloise Basuki takes a bite out of this delicious new trend.
Fast food is growing up. While a late-night cheeseburger and fries still won’t tick any nutritional boxes, the ingredients have taken a turn for the much-better, thanks to some highly acclaimed chefs now flipping them.
With five hats combined from his growing group of award-winning Australian restaurants, Rockpool and Spice Temple, Neil Perry took a leap of faith from the fine-dining scene to open last year’s new venture Burger Project in World Square, Sydney.
Sticking to his ‘fast food, slow food values’ ethos, the idea was to create a burger for the people, making a version of the high-quality Rockpool wagyu burger ($24) that leaves less of a dent in your pocket (the classic Burger Project burger sells for $8.90).
“We’re delivering fast food using the best ingredients, made and served by qualified staff, in an environment that’s well-designed and inspiring," says Perry. “We’re only as good as our suppliers and they play a very important role in our success."
It’s this commitment to using such high-quality ingredients (Cape Grim grass-fed beef burgers, free-range chicken, locally grown vegetables and house-made ingredients) that gives Burger Project such far-reaching appeal.
“It’s a real mix, we have Rockpool Group regulars who pop into Burger Project for lunch on the run, and we also see a cross-section of corporate customers from the nearby business towers, families and the youth market. Everyone who appreciates a good burger, really," he says.
And it’s not just burgers that fine-dining chefs are grilling, Ben Greeno, Noma alumni and former executive chef at Sydney’s Momofuku Seiōbo, has added a grab-and-go rotisserie chicken shop to his new venue, The Paddington, while Maha head chef and owner, Shane Delia, opened his Melbourne kebab shop, Biggie Smalls Kbabs, last year.
“It’s a different experience at Biggie than at Maha, but it still has to tick the same boxes that Maha does," says Delia.
While New York chef David Chang has said there’s a growing need for all chefs to rethink ‘fast food’ to offset the inefficiency of high-end restaurants, Delia doesn’t agree.
“Money isn’t my motivator. In my opinion, when the motivation and end goal is driven purely by the bottom line, you’ve already lost," he says.
For Delia, Biggie Smalls is a chance for him to show his personality and have a little fun.
“At Biggie I’m in a tee and flat-brim cap, and at Maha I’m in my chef whites. I’m the same person, same chef and offer the same level of service to my customers wherever I am. With Biggie I’m being a little more selfish. It’s a place I wanted to create for me."
Rest and recuperate in the East Gippsland region, a haven of natural hot springs, seasonal festivals and really tasty things to eat.
It’s about this time of year that the buzz of the summer holidays is well and truly behind us, and the pressures of the day-to-day are starting to pile up. The solution? A proper weekend escape, ideally one with a focus on rest, relaxation and total reset.
East Gippsland delivers all three in spades. Here, you’ll find charming towns, natural scenery alive with wildlife and easygoing experiences – think steamy hot springs and idyllic lakefront stays that practically force you to unwind.
The Gippsland Lakes are one of the region’s highlights, a sprawling network of glassy waterways with a seriously calming atmosphere. Spend a few days here, and you’ll be well and truly recharged.
Here’s where to eat, stay, explore and unwind for a wellness-focused weekend in this gorgeous region.
Getting there
Visit lakeside villages like Lakes Entrance.
East Gippsland is a patchwork of towns, each with its own personality: coastal gems like Marlo and Mallacoota, lakeside villages including Metung, Paynesville and Lakes Entrance and a smattering of inland communities.
From Melbourne, getting to each is easy. The region can be reached by car in around four hours, just a smooth drive along the Princes Highway.
If you’re driving to or from Sydney, many of the towns sit along the legendary Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive, which winds its way through Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Marlo and Mallacoota.
Having a car makes exploring the region a breeze, as you can pull over at farm gates, take scenic detours and go at your own relaxing pace.
Winter delights
Experience that East Gippsland Winter Festival. (Credit: Naomi Rahim)
Winter is a particularly good time to visit. The East Gippsland Winter Festival is a raucous celebration of wintery food, drink, music and experiences, taking place over an entire month and in different towns.
Expect re-enactments, games, roving performances and fiery displays at the Bruthen Medieval event. Feast your way through regional bites and watch live wood carving and a hotly contested dumpling-eating competition in the waterside town of Metung. Head to Lakes Entrance for one of the festival’s signature events, Lakes Lights: Gardens of the Galaxy – a slightly cosmic and totally mesmerising display of lights. Or book a seat at the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch. This long-table feast stretches across the entire bridge, with sweeping river views and top-tier local produce.
Where to stay
Rejuvinate at Metung Hot Springs.
Metung is also a much-loved destination for natural hot springs – warm mineral pools believed to restore and detoxify the system. Here, you’ll find a network of tranquil springs fed with water sourced 500m below the surface, all at varying temperatures but with a healthy mix of soothing minerals and trace elements. Each looks over the stunning surrounding lakes, only adding to the sense of serenity.
Extend the relaxation by booking into Metung Hot Springs. The property is home to a collection of glamping tents – either perched on the hillside or overlooking the lagoon – that deliver after-hours access to the springs. These are no ordinary tents; expect plush linens, beautifully curated furnishings, warm service and a complimentary gourmet breakfast delivered daily.
Alternatively, book a night or two at Idle Lake House – a gorgeously appointed hideaway in Lakes Entrance. The aesthetic is moody, modern and very cool, and the property is situated right on the water’s edge with floor-to-ceiling windows that immerse you in the surroundings.
Where to eat
Sit down at the floating restaurant, Sodafish. (Credit: We Are Explorers)
Given its wealth of fresh seafood and exceptional produce, East Gippsland is home to a vast selection of eateries, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.
For something a little bit fancy, Sardine Dining in Paynesville is a must-visit. The hatted restaurant serves a seasonal seafood-focused menu made with premium local ingredients, while the adjoining wine bar is a top spot for a regional drop and a light snack.
If you’re after a relaxed bite, Sodafish in Lakes Entrance is your best bet. This floating restaurant sits right atop the water, with a vibrant and fresh menu centred on locally caught seafood. Anything off the menu is delicious, but the whole roasted snapper and locally sourced fish and chips are standouts.
Or luxuriate with a long afternoon at the nearby Slipway. This waterfront dining precinct hosts a mix of vendors serving casual food, craft drinks and regionally made goods.
Exploring the great outdoors and local culture
Keep an eye out for the locals. (Credit: Tyson Mayr)
No wellness weekend would be complete without immersing yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of East Gippsland’s outdoors.
Head to Raymond Island – a small island just off Paynesville – to spot local koalas along the Koala Trail. This two-kilometre stretch is one of the few places where you can see koalas doing their thing in their natural habitat, with more than 200 living on the island. Leave the car in Paynesville; the trail can only be accessed on foot.
Next, explore the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, which starts in Colquhoun and ends in Lakes Entrance. Across 23 kilometres, you’ll spot native flora and fauna (including lace goannas) and pass by remnants of the tramway that once serviced timber workers in the area.
Finish up your East Gippsland jaunt with a visit to Gunaikurnai Cultural Hub. The centre houses an Aboriginal Art Gallery displaying contemporary works by Aboriginal artists, and a Bush Cafe serving breakfast and lunch classics and excellent cakes. Pick up a slice and a coffee for your trip back to the city.
