HUNTERS HILL Chef and restaurateur Simon Sandall – owner of Boronia Kitchen and Catering – has won the food, beverage and catering contract for the new Powerhouse Parramatta.
Powerhouse Parramatta also revealed on Friday the names and menus for its new food and beverage destinations ahead of the museum opening to the public on Saturday, November 7, with bookings now open for signature restaurant ‘Simara’ overlooking the Parramatta River, all-day cafe ‘Folded’ and the hidden ‘Green Bar’.
At the centre of the offering, Simara is a contemporary Australian restaurant bringing together seasonal produce sourced from suppliers across NSW, alongside herbs, botanicals and plants grown in Powerhouse Parramatta’s rooftop garden.
Celebrating the diverse food cultures of Australia and Western Sydney, the menu spans snacks such as Hervey Bay scallops and Josie’s smoked taramasalata, through to mains including halloumi with Himalayan spiced spinach, curry leaves and puffed rice; woodfired Fremantle octopus with potato scallop, labneh and leek ash; and chicken Kiev with garlic butter and green beans.
Spanning almost 600m? across indoor and outdoor dining areas, with seating for over 290 patrons, the restaurant is designed by George Livissianis, with furniture by Adam Goodrum and Grant Featherston.
Open from the morning into the evening, Folded is inspired by nostalgia and the connection between bread and cultures around the world, the cafe’s menu spans stone-baked puff bread, jaffles and folded focaccia.
A first stop for visitors, Folded is a place for a coffee on the way in, lunch in the garden or a glass of wine as the sun goes down.
Tucked within Powerhouse Parramatta, Green Bar serves cocktails, mocktails and spritzes made with botanicals grown on the museum’s rooftop garden, the perfect stop between exhibitions or a drink before a film at the cinema.
Chef and Retail Food and Beverage operator Simon says the intention for each of the three venues is to be distinct in the food and drinks.
“Whether you are getting your morning coffee and a snack to start your day at Folded, to a long lunch with friends at Simara or a signature cocktail at Green Bar as part of your museum visit, each experience and venue are unique but the common thread will be that everyone will feel welcome, comfortable and nourished,” he said.
Powerhouse Interim CEO Abbie Galvin says they’re thrilled to reveal their food and beverage offering as they build towards opening. “Simara, Folded and Green Bar will be new places for people to meet, eat and gather, extending the museum experience beyond the galleries,” she said.
Powerhouse Parramatta has also revealed details for its opening festival program, including talks and food demonstrations from acclaimed chefs, food writers and cultural practitioners.
Highlights include a conversation with respected Gamillaroi Elder Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM and Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor; Maggie Beer AO in conversation with Julie Gibbs; and a Thali Feast with internationally acclaimed chef Asma Khan.
Further info at powerhouse.com.au/visit/parramatta/eat-and-drink
To make a Simara booking, email bookings@simara.com.au or call 8570 8666.
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