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Sydney’s Open for Lunch is set to transform public spaces into incredible al fresco dining experiences, bringing together the community along with top culinary talent from some of Sydney’s most revered restaurants. This not-to-be-missed summer event will hit the streets on December 3 with guests sharing meals and swapping stories at Insta-worthy tables in the heart of the city and urban fringes. From celebrity chef Luke Mangan to Kylie Kwong and Julian Cincotta, meet our Sydney’s Open for Lunch ambassadors.
George Street Ambassadors
Luke Mangan | Glass Brasserie
The head ambassador for Sydney’s Open for Lunch, Luke Mangan needs little introduction as a leading chef, author and restaurateur having launched his Salt restaurant brand globally and the fine-dining affair at Glass Brasserie at Hilton Sydney.
Luke has been instrumental in bringing Sydney’s Open for Lunch to life and he will be creating a spectacular dessert for the long table lunch event on George Street.
“I can’t wait for this long lunch and to get our amazing city pumping again,” says Mangan. “We are so lucky to have so many talented chefs and restaurateurs with so many different offerings across Sydney involved in this campaign from George Street to Parramatta and many precincts in between. Bring it on!” 
Mike McEnearney | Kitchen by Mike
When Kitchen by Mike opened in 2012, the modern canteen was a revelation. What Sydneysider didn’t line up for Mike’s wood-roasted chicken and maple pumpkin? He recently pivoted his CBD cafeteria to private functions and catering only, but the former Rockpool chef continues to bring his down-to-earth dining to all Sydneysiders. He’s currently the Creative Director of Carriageworks Farmers Markets after stints at London restaurants Mezzo, Bluebird, Pharmacy, Scott’s and Michelin-starred Pied à Terre.
Palisa Anderson | Chat Thai + Boon Luck Farm Organics
When Palisa Anderson arrived back in Australia after 10 years working abroad – her mother Amy Chanta, founder of Chat Thai, was overjoyed to have Anderson return to the family business. Since then, Palisa and husband Matt have expanded her mother’s incredible business of bringing Thai street food to Sydney, into nine eateries, an Asian grocer, and an organic farm in Byron Shire, which supplies their restaurants.
Mikey Nicolian Continental Delicatessen
Mikey Nicolian of the Continental Delicatessen will deliver a rustic charcuterie board for the George Street soiree. The Sydney institution, which Mikey started with Elvis Abrahanowicz, Joe Valore and Jesse Warkentin, is renowned for its charcuterie, cheeses, tinned fish and drinks menu.
South Eveleigh Ambassador
Kylie Kwong | Lucky Kwong
Australian-Chinese chef and author Kylie Kwong is fiercely passionate about life-giving food, community and ethical eating. Her latest culinary venture Lucky Kwong is a Cantonese cafeteria with order-at-the-counter service and nourishing dishes such as steamed prawn dumplings and LK savoury pancakes. After closing her iconic Billy Kwong restaurant a couple of years ago, Kylie is super excited to bring her signature Cantonese cooking to Sydneysiders once more. Kylie and her team will be creating a tasty noodle dish for the South Eveleigh Long Lunch.
“There is no better way to reconnect with friends and loved ones than over delicious food and drink, and great music,” says Kylie. Just as important, the physical spaciousness, unique heritage buildings and glorious, natural outdoor environment of our South Eveleigh precinct allows people to feel relaxed, enchanted and safe all at once.”
Parramatta Ambassadors
Andrew Levins | DJ + Food Writer
Many night owls will recall late-night institution The Dip eatery inside Goodgod Small Club. The brainchild of DJ and chef, Andrew Levins and wife Bianca, closed on a high note a couple of years ago, but Andrew has been pursuing his passions of food and music in many ways since. The talented Parramatta-based DJ has been seen spinning decks at loads of Australian music festivals and his accomplished culinary articles have been published in the Sydney Morning Herald, ABC Life, VICE, SBS, Good Food Guide and Time Out.
Julian Cincotta | Butter + Thievery
Having honed his cooking skills at renowned restaurants such as Rockpool and Nomad here in Sydney, Saturne in Paris, Bror in Copenhagen and Alinea in the USA, Julian is currently the executive chef and a co-owner of one of Sydney’s coolest eateries: Butter, a fun fusion of fried chicken, Champagne and sneakers. Butter has two locations in Surry Hills and Parramatta, and Julian also works in his other venue, the Middle Eastern-influenced Thievery in Glebe.
YCK ambassador
Mikey Enright | The Duke of Clarence
Mikey is best known for fusing gin tasting and men’s grooming with his unique small bar The Barber Shop on York Street, which won World’s Best Gin Bar in 2020 (Gin Magazine UK). Mikey has also opened The Barber Shop in Barangaroo and British-style tavern The Duke of Clarence in the YCK Laneways precinct. An Englishman who learned bartending in North England and London, Mikey moved to Sydney in 1999 and has opened some of Sydney’s most iconic drinking spaces – The Loft, Zeta Bar and Hotel Palisade. For Sydney’s Open for Lunch, The Barber Shop will host a Gin Garden Long Lunch and Duke of Clarence will offer a modern take on a traditional Christmas feast.