Snack Bar: Flora Adds Meat to the Menu, Free Tequila in the CBD and More Local Food News This Week

What’s on around town

• Flora just graced Australia Street with its butter-yellow interiors and plant-powered menu – winning with pancakes and a very pretty pickle plate. But the team’s just given it a shake up: there’ll be meat on the menu, and brekkie is no more. “We’re expanding the menu to include seasonal Australian produce from both land and sea,” the team said in a statement. “This is a natural evolution that reflects the way we love to cook and eat, and allows us to work with more of the growers, fishermen and farmers we admire.” A vegetarian set menu will remain.

• The Mucho team is taking you along its Tequila Trail next week. From Tuesday July 22 till Saturday July 26, drop in to Cantina OK, Tio’s or Centro 86 to pick up your stamp card (after pre-registering online). You’ll nab free pours of outstanding tequila – think Herradura Plata, Reposado and Anejo – at each venue.

• Lankan Filling Station, O Tama Carey’s adored Darlinghurst restaurant, is closing after “seven long, wild and glorious years”. But there’s still time to dine on her outstanding sambals, curries and lacy hoppers – book quick.

• Dine Out takes over Sydney in just a few weeks. It’s going to be tricky to pick what to eat and where – there are some program clashes posing tough decisions, five places to party and some big-name collaborations.

• The Pavonis are bringing Champagne expert Sara Underdown to Sydney, especially to host two Maison Lalier dinners. Hit A’Mare on Wednesday July 23 or Cibaria on Thursday July 24 to sip through five courses with matched bubbles. Bookings essential.

• Ama’s technicolour “lost noodles” will hit the Surry Hills menu for just three days. There’s a zingy pineapple-topped bowl, and a coconutty jelly serve for dessert.

• Sake Double Bay’s added ramen to its rotation. There’s a tonkotsu with pork chashu, spicy miso and an aburamen, a soupless serve with Wagyu. Available daily at lunch and dinner.

• Tequila Mockingbird is sorting dinner at home. Build-your-own taco kits, empanadas and more are available. Order online to pick up from the Paddington restaurant, or opt for delivery around 13 suburbs in Sydney’s east.

• You want your XO pipis with truffle? Or your duck pancakes? Now you can. Golden Century is elevating its whole menu with Manjimup truffles – for $20 per serving. Limited time, reservations encouraged.

• Looking for a furry friend? Head to Brew Dog in South Eveleigh on Saturday July 26, from 11am till 2pm, for Greyhound Adoption Day. There are 30 sweet-natured pooches looking for their forever home.

• The tinned-tomato pros at Mutti are popping up at Fabbrica, and there are free bowls of napoletana casarecce in it for you. Head in on July 22 and 23, between 11am and 4.30pm, to score yours. The catch? You’ll need to prove your tomato obsession at the Mutti Confessional Booth. The first 15 people in line each hour will dine in, everyone else can take theirs to go.

• Ahead of National Lamington Day on Monday July 21, the masters at Tokyo Lamington are getting in early for National Lamington Day (Monday July 21). Head into the Marrickville or Newtown stores on Sunday for an Oatly lamington latte on the house, and a free classic lamington with any purchase. There’s a free Provider Store candle when you nab a whole dozen, until sold out.

• Pana Organic’s getting in on the National Lamington Day action, too. There are three one-off flavours, and they’re all plant-based. Golden Crunch has a “mylk” mousse, there’s a hazelnut number and a minty one too. Available all July, at all Tokyo Lamington stores.

• Sky Bar at Shell House is the spot for $15 Don Julio Margs next Thursday July 24. Best served with the $12 prawn katsu sangas between 4pm and 6pm. Or head to The Dolphin Hotel for the same bargain cocktails from midday till late.

What we covered this week

• The Pavonis’ first true bar, Vineria Luisa, opens behind Sydney’s best facade. Head in for G&Ts served in whopping goblets and Alessandro’s most adventurous food menu so far.

• Firepop’s known for Raymond Hou’s deft skills with Wagyu. But it’s the “pest fish” dish that’s captured the attention of Broadsheet ’s Hot List editor. Read about it quick, it’s only available in winter.

• Coming soon: Athens is the destination of the moment. Homer Rogue Tavern brings the energy to the Shire.

• First look: Olotl, Newtown’s adored weekend-only taqueria, finds a permanent home. That means more space for some of our best tortillas, a generations-old mole recipe and ultra-limited tamales.

You might’ve missed

• Mark Best is readying to open Infinity, the next era of Sydney Tower’s revolving restaurant. The celebrated Aussie chef wants you to come for the view – and stay for the hospitality.

• First look: Stanmore went nearly three decades without a local butcher – then Meaty’s moved in.

• The poire almondine at this Paddington bistro is simply magnifique! Get it before it’s gone.