A Night of Flavour and Craft @ Thomas St Kitchen x Manly Spirits Co. collaboration.
Whisky lovers, this one’s for you! Recently, we were treated to an evening of food and whisky, where culinary artistry met distilling mastery.
Thomas St Kitchen & Bar joined forces with Manly Spirits Co. to host an intimate ‘Meet the Maker’ collaboration dinner — a four-course experience that celebrated the beauty of pairing food with expertly crafted whisky cocktails.
The evening was led by Dave Richards, Master Blender and Distillery Manager at Manly Spirits Co., whose deep knowledge and passion for his craft guided guests through each tasting. Between courses, Dave shared insights into the distillation process, the inspiration behind each spirit, and the stories woven into every bottle. It was a chance to sip, savour, and truly understand the craftsmanship behind every pour. It was absolutely a ‘Symphony of Pairings’.
Each course told a story — a dance between flavour and spirit. The chefs at Thomas St Kitchen curated a menu designed to bring out the unique characteristics of Manly Spirits’ whiskies and cocktails. The journey began with Seared Tuna Tataki, perfectly balanced with a refreshing Yuzu Whisky Highball. The citrus notes of the cocktail lifted the delicate texture of the tuna, setting the tone for the evening ahead.
Next came a rich and tender Braised Short Rib, paired with a timeless Rob Roy — a nod to tradition, with deep, smoky notes that complemented the dish’s hearty, slow-cooked flavours.
The crispy pork belly paired well with a Maple Old Fashioned, where sweet and savoury met in perfect harmony.
A lovely smoked Maple Whisky Granita was enhanced by Ginger Beer Cask Whisky, a refreshing mid-dinner palate cleanser with a hint of warmth.
And for the finale — a decadent Chilli Chocolate Fondant alongside Port Cask Whisky, a bold, velvety pairing that left the night on a high note.
It was more than a dinner, it was an experience, the night made special by the storytelling. Each course became a conversation — between the kitchen, the distillery, and the guests. It was an evening that showcased the artistry of both food and spirit, and the shared passion that connects makers, chefs, and whisky lovers alike.
If you ever have the chance to attend a Manly Spirits event or dine at Thomas St Kitchen’s next collaboration, consider this your opportunity to indulge. You won’t just taste whisky — you’ll experience it.
Location: Thomas St Kitchen & Bar, 169-179 Thomas St, Haymarket NSW 2000