Where Chefs Eat: The Sydney Snacks and Dining Rooms the Arlo Communal Boys Miss Most

Arlo Communal is the moniker duo Cal Fernie and Tobi Fox run their New York-based culinary events under. And these events are the big ones: for Vogue and Tourism Australia, Casa Lawa and Bollinger – in destinations across the world. Soon, their biggest event yet kicks off – and it’s happening in Sydney.

Each night, between June 2 and 5, Arlo Communal will host Dream Feast at The Mint. It’s part of Vivid Sydney's food line-up for 2026. Inside the historic CBD building, part of Museums of History NSW, a communal table will be set for 100. Expect a share-style meal of bone marrow toasts and oysters, a “proper steak” mixed grill and peach Melba to finish.

“We’ve been deep in the details with the Museum of History NSW from the start, making sure the lighting, music, design and food aren’t just coexisting but genuinely speaking to each other,” Fox says. “The menu takes its cues from the Caroline Simpson Library, an archive of Australian design and domestic life stretching back more than two centuries. The cooking is rooted in the elegance of 20th-century dining, and we’re weaving in French, American and Asian influences to reflect how those traditions have always shaped the way Australians eat.”

Tickets are on sale now. So nab a seat, then make moves to the Sydney venues the boys frequent when they’re back visiting their hometown.

Quick takeaway dinner
TF: “Chat Thai – it’s absolute comfort food for me. There is one just down the road from my family home, and I usually order satay skewers, red curry duck and a diet coke.”

Snack
CF: “They haven’t quite grasped the power of the takeaway sushi roll in NYC. It’s criminally overlooked. A chilli tofu roll from any suburban sushi counter, eaten in the car or in two bites standing up? Come on. Nothing touches it.”

Lunch on the go
CF: “SDS – South Dowling Sandwiches. Can’t beat the Hugo, been missing those fried carrots.”

Sit-down lunch
CF: “An al fresco table at Fratelli Paradiso, have whatever Trish gives you.”

Ideal date
CF: “Centro 86, Ester, Baba’s Place or Marrickville Bowls. And, being a Manly kid at heart, I have to say there’s something quietly romantic about a Carlton Draught on the fast ferry at sunset with the person you love. It sets the mood in a way nothing else really does.”

Special occasion
TF: “Margaret. My wife and I went last time we were in Sydney and the service was so good. I’d get some oysters, ceviche and the rib eye with all the sauces, plus salad and the chips, please.”

Japanese
TF: “Enya, a small tucked-away spot in Rushcutters Bay.”

Best burger
CF: “Out of the Blue in Clovelly.”

Coffee
CF: “Noon in Manly.”

Snack and a drink
CF: “Cairo in Enmore, Paradise in Potts Point, 10 Willy in Paddo, or Busta in Manly. For Busta, order two cecinas and an ice-cold Peroni Red.”

Big group
CF: “Fortune Village Chinese in the CBD.”

Long lunch
CF: “Fratelli Paradiso always ticks that box, but so does Bambini Trust in the city. An Italian-leaning afternoon, colourful dishes, classics done right – that’s the move.”

Bucket list restaurant
TF: “A plastic stool on a Bangkok street, a plate of spicy pad kra pao in front of you. That’s it for both of us.”

Something sweet
CF: “Anything Jimmy is cooking up at Norma’s Deli or Butterboy – sweet yumminess.” 

Groceries
TF: “Harris Farm is the best quality.”

Top late-night snack after cooking
TF: “I like to keep it pretty light after service with butter and jam on toast, and chamomile tea too.”

Kitchen hack
TF: “Use better vinegar. I recommend the Forvm chardonnay vinegar. It’s balanced and is nice and sweet. Put it in salad dressings, sauces and over chicken – it will brighten up a dish nicely, with a touch of sweetness too.”

Favourite kitchen utensil
TF: “A good microplane. It does so much with very little effort. Citrus zest, finely grated garlic to melt into dressings, nutmeg, parmesan and even chocolate. It’s one of those tools that upgrades everything without you really thinking about it.”

Arlo Communal’s Dream Feast runs from June 2 to 5, 2026, at The Mint in the CBD. Tickets are available now.

@arlocommunal