By Julie Seat
Every three months, Tonic PR explores the hood of a team member. This month we went to my hood, Granville and North Ryde. Squeezing in food adventures in Sydney’s West is no easy feat, given the endless amount of options. Attempting to cram in as much as possible for the team to get a well-rounded experience included famous charcoal chicken, Arabic treats, a little fun on ice and of course, an evening tipple.
#1 El Jannah, Granville
In Arabic, El Jannah translates to ‘paradise’ or ‘heaven’ and while it needs no further recognition, El Jannah for me is hands down the best charcoal chicken in Sydney. There is a reason why people drive across Sydney just to be wooed by the smoky tendrils of the charcoal smells wafting from blocks away.
Upon arrival, expect to be wooed by much more than just chicken. The garlic sauce alone is worth the drive it is the same calibre of the kernels secret spices. Don’t come best dressed as it’s a fast-casual vibe focused solely on great chicken, chips and garlic sauce. Please note due to the garlic sauce intake, El Jannah is not recommended as a first date venue.
#2 El Sweetie, Granville
The girls at Tonic had never smoked argileh (shisha, hookah, hubbly bubbly) so what better introduction to argileh over Arabic sweets and strong coffee at El Sweetie. Located a short walk down the street from El Jannah, El Sweetie is a dessert haven. Spoiled for choice, we devoured a mixed plate of desserts including maamoul madd, kanafe, baklava and znood al-sit. Everything is laden with rosewater and delicious. Most Arabic sweets are served with kashta which is a clotted cheese prepared with rosewater making it a sweet cheese.
#3 Ice Skating, Macquarie Centre
Team bonding on ice 101. You can’t grow up in Ryde and say you have never been to the ice skating ring. Surprisingly enough, being from the neighbourhood I was the worst skater of the team and managed to leave the side railings all but once.
#4 HATTRICK Macquarie Centre
A new venue by the local beans, bites and booze hospitality crew, HATTRICK is a café by day and a bar by night. Serving up classic drinking food such as burgers and small bites this is the place to be for a local drink. The girls and I indulged in some rhubarb cocktails over banter of the day’s activities.
