One of Sydney’s most iconic bars, Opera Bar is now under new management.
After 24 years of being run by hospitality giants Solotel and Matt Moran, The Sydney Opera House today announced that harbourside venues Opera Bar and House Canteen will change hands and be run by Applejack Hospitality.
In what was said to be a competitive tender process which started in September 2024, Applejack, which is responsible for restaurant Bopp & Tone in the CBD and North Sydney and UrbnSurf’s RAFI, emerged victorious.
The group, founded by Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts, will have the responsibility of running the site for the next ten years.
1 Like
I ate at the Opera Bar in April this year, before a Delta Goodrem concert at the Opera House, with several of her fans, and the food was excellent. I didn’t realise it had been run by Matt Moran and Solotel for this long. I hope that new operators can maintain the standard.
$55 burger that’s sent the Ekka into meltdown
An exclusive addition to the Ekka’s long list of mouth-watering eats to choose from, the whopping Blockbuster Burger can easily feed a family of four.
From Gold Coast’s Smash Burgers, this decadent dish has double the meat, cheese, and bacon and is encased in an entire bread loaf.
To top it off, the burger is drizzled with melted cheese and comes with a healthy dose of chips on the side.
There tends to be some version of a mega burger each year at the Ekka
This $54 one was couple of years ago
2 Likes
That does not looking appealing at all. Way too much bread.
2 Likes
Sadly these don’t even come remotely close to the childhood memories that you likley have at these venues. I went to one a few years ago and was very disappointed. Cold pizza with a limited selection sitting in little warmers, the most average pasta/sauces with average ice-cream and jelly for dessert. This was amazing when we were kids but as an adult they don’t stack up.
1 Like
The video of the Pizza Hut visit was posted on social media this afternoon.
Podcast
1 Like
Non-delicious fillers.
DDB and McDonald’s Australia are ending their creative partnership of 54 years at the end of this year. DDB has worked with McDonald’s since the brand entered the Australian market in 1971.
Another business linked to MasterChef ‘Dessert King’ Reynold Poernomo goes bust
Another company linked to MasterChef “Dessert King” Reynold Poernomo has gone bust, with a high-end dessert bar in Melbourne collapsing into administration.
The business behind KOI Dessert Bar in Melbourne, known for its luxurious, highly creative, and visually stunning treats, entered voluntary administration earlier this month.
Managing director of KOI Dessert Bar, brother Ronald, told News Corp that the Melbourne venue, located at 100 Queen St, was continuing to trade during the administration process.
“KOI Dessert Bar has since begun the process of seeking a new licensed retailer to take over the Melbourne location, in line with our commitment to uphold the quality and reputation of the KOI brand,” he said.
“This matter pertains solely to the Melbourne operations and does not reflect the health or viability of KOI Dessert Bar’s wider operations.
“The KOI Dessert Bar brand – including its Sydney venues (Chippendale and Ryde) and global collaborations – remains unaffected.”
The business that runs KOI Dessert Bar in Melbourne, known as Poernomo Enterprise, lists sole director Frederica Jahja.
Ronald and Hartono Poernomo are listed as former directors on company documents. Reynold is also listed as a former shareholder.
Creditors are owed over $1.6m from the administration, a report lodged by Mr Jahja with the corporate regulator reveals.
Gave the Big Arch burger a try this evening. I am convinced it’s the size that the Big Mac use to be.
2 Likes
Was it nice to eat?
1 Like
It actually was.
3 Likes
I just saw an advertisement with Ronald McDonald in it.
I think this is the first time we have seen “Ronald” in about 15 years? McDonald’s Australia seems to be embracing these character again.
3 Likes
Ronald McDonald my beloved
1 Like
Clowns give most people nightmares. 
2 Likes
Well unless you’re a MediaSpy user, because we aren’t most people, and it’s actually Mappy that gives us nightmares
1 Like
Josh Niland’s Saint Peter in Sydney was awarded Restaurant of the Year.
1 Like
EDIT
