summer 25/26

BIDFOOD appetiser black 1

this edition

The summer edition of appetiser. is out now, and it’s a must-read for every American-food enthusiast. Around 15 years ago, Australian hospo took a turn westward, embracing the freedom and flavours of U.S. dining culture. Food trucks, fried chicken, pitmasters and punchy condiments quickly became part of our culinary DNA.
 
In this issue, we dive into seafood boils, Cajun and Creole cooking, Tennessee whiskey and the dishes that shaped a generation of Aussie chefs – traversing Australia’s own Route 66 of American cuisine and exploring how these influences continue to inspire local cooks today. Y’all enjoy the read now!

featured

A bowl of Thai red curry with roast duck garnished with herbs and sliced chilli, served alongside steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing cucumber cocktail on a yellow tablecloth.
Recipes

Royal Thai red duck curry

Roast duck meets fragrant Thai spices in this red Thai duck curry, simmered with pineapple, herbs and coconut milk. A bold, glossy dish best served with jasmine rice and a cooling cucumber drink.

Read more
A bowl of bún bò Huế with round rice noodles, sliced beef, meatballs, bean sprouts, fresh mint and coriander, garnished with chilli and served with herbs on the side.
Recipes

Bún bò Huế (Vietnamese spicy beef noodle soup)

Bún bò Huế is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup from the city of Huế, known for its rich and spicy beef broth infused with lemongrass, shrimp paste and chilli. Unlike pho, which uses flat rice noodles, bún bò Huế is made with round rice noodles and topped with slow-cooked beef, pork or beef meatballs, fresh herbs, bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime.

Read more
Tattooed hands holding a large handful of fresh Cloudy Bay clams, with a photo inset of seafood expert Brett Patience.
Inspiration & trends

The Catch: Cloudy Bay Clams

Seafood expert Brett Patience reveals why Cloudy Bay Clams are a standout – wild, sustainable, and packed with flavour, texture and visual appeal.

Read more
Raw corned beef silverside on butcher’s paper with carrots, onions, bay leaves, cloves and peppercorns, alongside a portrait of meat expert Tom Cooper.
Inspiration & trends

Meat the expert: corned beef convert

Often overlooked, corned beef silverside is making a comeback in restaurants across the country. Tom Cooper explains why this humble cut is winning over chefs with its flavour, value and timeless Aussie appeal.

Read more
A chilled martini served in a coupe glass with a lemon twist, spotlighted on a dark, moody background.
Inspiration & trends

Stirred, not shaken: the martini

From speakeasies to silver screens, the martini has stood the test of time. Stirred, not shaken, Hamish Wooders of Nick and Nora’s unpacks what it takes to perfect this classic cocktail

Read more
Chef garnishing clam chowder served in a hollowed sourdough bread bowl, with a pot of chowder and a bowl of clams on a stainless steel counter.
Recipes

New England clam chowder

Cloudy Bay Clams are perfect for making New England clam chowder. Their plump flesh is filled with the ozone freshness of the Southern Ocean. And their clean, whiting-like flavour adds an umami richness that carries every mouthful to the back of the palate.

Read more
aMag Sum25 COVER WEB

Menu inspiration delivered straight to your inbox