HOT OPENINGS

Going bush

Scottish chef Jock Zonfrillo (pictured above) is determined to bring native Australian ingredients to a broader audience at BISTRO BLACKWOOD, located beneath his fine diner, Restaurant Orana, on Adelaide’s Rundle Street. “We are giving the classic bistro an Australian accent,” says Zonfrillo. “It’s not your typical French or Italian bistro because it embraces Indigenous Australian ingredients.The menu shares Orana’s DNA but at an approachable, everyday price.” Dishes are subversions of bistro classics, like rib-eye with pressed eucalyptus potatoes; there’s also an array of vegetarian dishes and a kids’ menu. bistroblackwood.com.au

Macedon meets the Med

After seven successful years, local Kyneton dining icon Mr Carsisi has reinvented itself as THE PARKLAND KYNETON. Still helmed by Matt and Clare Fegan, the new concept specialises in serving local wines of the Macedon Ranges, Heathcote and Bendigo regions to match the Mediterranean-influenced menu of local produce. theparklandkyneton.com

Ola Chula!

From Nicole Galloway and Peter Lew, with kitchen talent direct from Mexico City, CHULA, in Sydney’s King’s Cross, will become a big sister to CBD tequileria and eatery, Barrio Cellar. “Over the past six years we’ve been inspired through our travels to the different regions of Mexico, working with like-minded chefs, restaurateurs and producers,” says Galloway. “[Mexico has] a very special culture and cuisine so we wanted to create a menu that celebrates the rich traditions and flavours, while treating it with a contemporary hand. Simple food that’s seriously flavourful and visual.” chula.com.au