RIPE FOR HARVEST

Harvest Bites is the swanky meal-delivery service from the always evolving and ever altruistic OzHarvest. Chefs from some of Sydney’s top restaurants take turns at cooking two-course delivery-ready menus for home diners, usually comprising a hearty main with a side, plus dessert. The proceeds go directly to OzHarvest where every order feeds at least 40 people in need.

On Monday August 3 Tal Buchnik (head chef at Jimmy’s Falafel in Sydney) will lead the charge with ras el hanout lamb neck with date molasses, and couscous with almonds and raisins, followed by pistachio baklava for dessert. Matt Moran will be drawing on his time at North Bondi Fish to serve a spinach and potato fish pie, followed by spiced sticky date pudding with toffee on August 10. Next up on August 17 is Sam Young of Lotus, who will serve Cantonesestyle

brisket with rice and vegetables, and you can also add a serve of his famous dumplings. Mitch Orr will also take part on August 24, with a yet-to-be-revealed menu (but we’re crossing our fingers for his handmade pasta), followed by Butter x Thievery’s Julian Cincotta on August 31.

Home diners can choose between a meal for two from $63 or a four-person family meal from $105 (prices include delivery). Orders need to be placed by Thursday ahead of a Monday delivery.

OzHarvest kickstarted the project in late May during the worst of Covid-19 restrictions. “Harvest Bites grew from the idea of not only raising money to help support the growing number of people suffering food insecurity, but also to get our amazing chef ambassadors back in the kitchen doing what they love,” says Ronni Kahn, founder and CEO of OzHarvest.

Now the team is working on solidifying the service into the future. “Our goal is for Harvest Bites to be an ongoing program,” says Kahn. “With restaurants reopening, our ambassador chefs are busy preparing their restaurants and diners are able to venture out of their homes. However, we hope there is definitely a place for Harvest Bites to continue in the space.” harvestbites.com.au

Clockwise from left: Bennelong’s Rob Cockerill served coq au vin with potato purée and raspberry Swiss roll for Harvest Bites in June; Otto’s Richard Ptacnik made braised beef cheek and polenta; and Quay’s Peter Gilmore offered lasagne for the Harvest Bites delivery.