What's on September: Sydney

Sakura at Sake

Sake Restaurant and Bar will be embracing the Japanese tradition, sakura, of celebrating cherry blossoms. Expect fairy-lit cherry blossom trees, seasonal festival dishes, sakura-inspired cocktails and traditional sake offerings. Events include a Japanese whisky masterclass and cherry blossom-inspired dinners.
Details: Nikka Whisky Masterclass, Wednesday 18 September, $45. Hatanaka brothers' sakura dinner served with matched sakes, Thursday 19 September, $120. Sake Restaurant & Bar, 12 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney. For bookings call 9259 5656 or email reservations@sakerestaurant.com.au.

Rockpool's All Stars dinners

As Neil Perry's Rockpool prepares for its move from George Street in October, they've invited three of their now-famous ex chefs - Kylie Kwong of Billy Kwong, Mike McEnearney of Kitchen by Mike, and Ross Lusted from The Bridge Room - back for one night. Each chef will create a five course menu from their time at Rockpool.
Details: September 3, 10, 17, tickets for each dinner at $150 per person or $230 including wines, 92525 1888 or rockpool.com.

Barrel tasting

Wander around at your own leisure and enjoy a relaxed evening of Australian wine tasting. Participating wineries include Black Wattle, Cape Campbell, David Lowe Wines, Krondorf, Stefano de Pieri, Vasarelli and more.
Details: Friday 13 September, 6.30-9pm, Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street (corner Druitt Street) Sydney, $40. Tickets available here.

Chiswick's spring celebration

Woollahra restaurant Chiswick welcomes in spring with a line-up of lunches and dinners celebrating seasonal produce. First up is the Ask the Butcher dinner where Matt Moran and Anthony Puharich (of Victor Churchill) will bring Puharich's Lifestyle Food program to life. Dinner includes a four-course meal, matching wines and meaty conversation. Bookings are essential.
Details: Tuesday 17th September, $145, 7pm, Chiswick Restaurant, 65 Ocean Street, Woollahra. For further information on other events or to make a booking see www.chiswickrestaurant.com.au or phone 02 8388 8688.

Vegetarian cooking in Woolloomooloo

Learn delicious recipes in just a few hours.
Details: Saturday 28 September, 10.30-2.30pm, $62, Juanita Nielsen Community Centre, Corner Nicholson and Dowling Streets, Woolloomooloo, 8374 6323.

For the diary...

Sydney Craft Beer Week

Sydney's biggest celebration of craft beer is back in its third year. Events will include tap takeovers and beer high teas. Last year's sell-out Beer Mimics Food experiment returns, where high-profile chefs and breweries create limited edition beers. Additional events will be held across Sydney at craft breweries, pubs and restaurants.
Details: October 19-26, free to $100, tickets on sale now at sydneycraftbeerweek.com.au.

Wild Tucker comes to Eveleigh

Enjoy a selection of indigenous produce and flavours at Eveleigh Farmers' Market. Chef Kylie Kwong, Aboriginal elder Aunty Beryl and local edible 'bug' expert, Skye Blackburn, will show how bush foods can be incorporated into everyday eating.
Details: Saturday 19 October, Eveleigh Farmers' Market, 243 Wilson Street, Darlington.

Margaret River Gourmet Escape

This three day culinary adventure is back with a star-studded line up of talent including Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein, Alex Atala, Neil Perry and Matt Moran. The program promises three days of beach barbecues, long table lunches, events and tastings.
Details: November 22 to 24, see gourmetescape.com.au.