Back in Business
3 min read
It was 5:45pm on Wednesday 20th October and I’d just put on my tux in my office out the back at Glass Brasserie. I had a couple of moments to catch my breath (and sneak in a glass of champagne) after spending the day busily setting the restaurant with my team and prepping everything in kitchen ahead of the first of our big black tie gala events to officially re-open the restaurant after lockdown.
When the clock struck 6:00pm, I remember having a few butterflies in my stomach - like kids have on the first day of school - and being giddy with excitement watching the guests pour though the doors of the restaurant, which had pretty much been a ghost town for the previous four months. As the exceptionally talented musicians from the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra started playing and my good mate Richard Wilkins got up to the mic to welcome everyone… I knew we were officially back in business!
I couldn’t have asked for a better way to dust off the cobwebs at Glass than those three black tie dinners. Everyone looked a million bucks in their outfits and it was great getting around to chat to so many people over the three nights. Thank you to everyone who made a booking and joined us. Seeing and hearing the place filled with so much energy, love and laughter made my year… and I couldn’t be happier now having my team back doing what they do best, every day and night of the week.
The gala dinners at Glass were swiftly followed up by our annual Melbourne Cup Day lunch. It’s always a fantastic day, but, this year, I think the big race could better be described as “the race that STARTED the nation!”. When I rode my bike home through the city that evening, there wasn’t a pub that wasn’t pumping or a restaurant that wasn’t full. From what I saw on the news, it was the same in Melbourne! Safe to safe, everyone was well and truly ready to blow off some steam… and I have no doubt there were some pretty sore heads around town the next morning!
I think you’d be hard-pressed, though, to find a bigger post-lockdown party than the one Destination NSW will be throwing on December 3rd. It’s called “Sydney’s Open For Lunch” and I’ve signed on as head ambassador. Along with my good mates, the very talented chefs Mike McEnearney and Palisa Anderson, we’ll be closing down George Street and welcoming 600 people for a lavish long table lunch outside the QVB. I’m on dessert duties for the day… and, there’s a surprise guest DJ who’ll be keeping everyone entertained (I promise it’s not me!). Our George Street event is now sold out, but there are still tickets available for some of the other fantastic lunches being held around Sydney. Check them out here. Not only are big events like “Sydney’s Open For Lunch" a great way for you and your mates, colleagues or family to have a bit of fun, but they also give our hospitality industry a much-needed big shot in the arm. So, why not put a table together and make a day of it?!
Finally, I’ve seen a few friends on Instagram have already popped their Christmas tree up… and, after the year we’ve had, why not?!?! A few weeks ago, I launched the 2021 Coles Christmas Range - which you can check out here. I’m proud to say this is my second year as an ambassador for Coles and I’ve loved working with the guys to offer everyone at home a few ideas to mix up their menu on Christmas Day. I think the best thing about Christmas this year is that so many families who may not have been able to see each other for months (or even a couple of years) will be able to celebrate together. I reckon 2021 is the year to impress your relatives by whipping up something extra special!
Before I go, just a reminder, our range of Luke At Home pies, quiches and tarts (which became a lockdown hit in Sydney) are now also available to order in Victoria, Queensland, ACT and Regional NSW. You can check out the full range here.
Here’s to good food, good times… and being back in business!
Luke