Welcome to The Detour, your essential guide to exceptional culinary journeys and travel discoveries. This edition explores remarkable dining experiences and innovative travel solutions that promise to elevate your adventures.
Steer Dining Room: A Temple of Wagyu Excellence
If you have not yet experienced the pleasure of dining at Steer Dining Room, consider this your definitive invitation. Within moments of entering this discreet South Yarra laneway establishment, it immediately ascended to the top of my must-visit list for 2026. The restaurant's recent accolade as number one in Melbourne on Australia's prestigious 30 Best Steak Restaurants list is thoroughly deserved.
Tucked away in an unassuming location, Steer possesses an exclusive allure that regular patrons often prefer to keep confidential. Following a thoughtful refurbishment, the space has solidified its reputation as a genuine 'Temple of Wagyu', executed with understated elegance rather than ostentatious display.
Thoughtful Culinary Craftsmanship
Every element at Steer demonstrates meticulous consideration. Each premium cut is carefully selected for superior marbling, distinguished lineage, and ethical integrity, then presented with engaging tableside theatre that transforms dining into education. The ambiance achieves perfect equilibrium—moody yet approachable, intimate without confinement, featuring pinhole lighting, a cascading glass chandelier, and flattering low-level illumination.
What truly distinguishes Steer is its exceptional service philosophy: attentive without being intrusive, professional yet warmly personal. The restaurant has become a magnet for off-duty celebrities and culinary professionals, exemplified during Grand Prix weekend when Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas dined quietly with family, completely at ease despite the impending race.
The Signature Wagyu Degustation Experience
At the culinary helm, General Manager Harold Faizal radiates infectious enthusiasm and palpable pride in Steer's achievements. The centerpiece is the Signature Wagyu Degustation, a meticulously curated progression showcasing flagship cuts from Australia's most exceptional producers. Each course receives careful introduction and detailed explanation, creating a narrative journey through premium beef.
The experience commences with three flawless snacks: natural oyster with shallot mignonette, pulled beef tendon with miso mayo and pickled cucumber, and Canadian scallop ceviche with pineapple, cucumber, and curry leaf. This leads to a Victorian-inspired tableside steak tartare featuring finely sliced Sher Wagyu rostbiff dressed with black garlic, oyster and egg yolk emulsion, finished with native saltbush—arguably the finest tartare encountered.
A seamless procession follows: Wagyu Karubi with compressed tomato and leek bread sauce, beautifully balanced Wagyu Sukiyaki, deeply flavorful dry-aged Porterhouse 9+, and decadent melt-in-your-mouth mashed potato. Despite the substantial premise, the meal never feels excessively heavy.
Unforgettable Finale and Celebrity Endorsement
At Harold Faizal's insistence, we sampled the pavlova dessert—a decision for which we remain profoundly grateful. Light, nuanced, and spectacular, it provides the perfect conclusion. Steer's award-winning wine list complements the experience with over sixty wines available by the glass and rotating thematic flights.
Steer transcends conventional steakhouse categorization, delivering an elevated yet completely unpretentious experience that leaves guests satisfied rather than overwhelmed. Whether you identify as a 'steak person' or not, prepare to be thoroughly impressed. Arrive hungry, book well in advance, and surrender to an unforgettable culinary journey.
Hamsi Taverna: Turkish Coastal Flavours in Sydney
As promised, I visited this newly opened Turkish culinary destination positioned prominently within Sydney's sparkling new Fish Market complex. The experience exceeded expectations with stunning harbourside setting, genuinely engaging staff, efficient service, and a menu designed for communal enjoyment—ideal for extended Sunday lunches or vibrant evening gatherings.
Acclaimed chef Somer Sivrioğlu, renowned for Anason and Maydanoz, channels Istanbul's authentic flavours directly to Sydney Harbour at this Mediterranean-inspired venue. Named after the beloved Black Sea anchovy, Hamsi Taverna celebrates 'sea, smoke and spice' through seafood-focused offerings including crudo, cured, and flame-grilled dishes evoking authentic market dining.
Standout Dishes and Atmosphere
Culinary highlights include cured kingfish lakerda with fava purée and pickled onion, alongside OB Bakery's rustic bread rolls with Antakya-style hummus, pine nuts, and za'atar—a genuine flavour explosion. Skewered Skull Island king prawns paired with walnut harissa and lemon chilli deliver perfect char and vibrant seasoning.
Main attractions feature baked conchiglie pasta with sweet spanner crab and prawn bisque, accompanied by beautifully cooked Murray cod with charred scallion and lemon. The meal concludes spectacularly with pistachio tiramisu and strong Turkish coffee. The space itself impresses with marine colour palette, luxurious finishes, and wood-fired grill perfuming the atmosphere with smoke, citrus, and olive oil aromas.
Combine a Fish Market exploration with Hamsi Taverna reservation for an exceptional dining experience you will not regret.
Gaggan Anand's Australian Culinary Takeover
The Crown entertainment complexes are hosting world-renowned chef Gaggan Anand for exclusive Australian dining events, promising one of the year's most significant culinary moments. The Bangkok-based culinary innovator, whose restaurant Gaggan ranks number one in Asia for 2025/26 and among global top ten establishments, revolutionizes modern Indian cuisine through bold, high-energy dining experiences.
His Australian debut occurs at Crown Sydney from 28 April to 3 May, featuring a twelve-course degustation with Dom Pérignon and signature theatrical flair. A progressive Indian lunch series runs 1-3 May, while bespoke bar and snacks menus occupy Cirq throughout May. The experience transfers to Crown Melbourne on 6 May for a three-day collaboration with Marmont blending fine dining with celebratory atmosphere through eight celebrated dishes paired with music and multisensory elements.
Tickets release 30 March, with American Express Centurion and Platinum Card Members accessing early booking from 27 March.
July's CaseSafe: Revolutionizing Travel Luggage
For luggage enthusiasts, July has launched CaseSafe—a fully integrated, trackable suitcase designed to eliminate lost baggage anxiety. Developed in consultation with Google and Apple, this innovative design enables direct phone tracking through built-in, TSA-approved locking technology, representing a genuinely intelligent upgrade addressing universal traveler concerns.
Practical testing during international travel confirms CaseSafe delivers spacious capacity, effortless maneuverability, and reliable performance. The psychological reassurance of continuous luggage visibility provides unexpected tranquility throughout journeys. With approximately thirty-six million bags mishandled globally annually, July co-founder Athan Didaskalou positions CaseSafe as establishing new travel standards.
The technology integrates seamlessly into July's signature range—those instantly recognizable polycarbonate cases featuring lightweight construction and smooth 360° spinner wheels. Compatible with Apple's Find My and Google's Find Hub networks, the battery-operated lock connects to global tracking systems for straightforward luggage location worldwide.
Retailing from $395 to $495 across Carry On, Checked, and Checked Plus sizes, CaseSafe effectively packages peace of mind for modern travelers.
