By Samuel Smith
Published: Wednesday, April 8, 2020
To protect themselves and the general public from COVID-19, Australians are finding ways to work from home. For one industry though, it’s simply not an option.
Following the shutdown of Australia’s hospitality industry, eateries of all shapes, sizes, flavours and budgets have been forced into unchartered waters.
To keep afloat, many are transforming their businesses from customer-facing to takeaway and delivery only.
For hospitality workers, the transformation from table service to takeaway is no easy feat, with countless shifts being cut, hours rearranged and job descriptions turned on their heads.
But, they’re making it work. And with the help of a smartphone and a hearty appetite, we can help make it a bit easier.
While some of our favourite places to grab a bite have been forced to close their doors (for now), others are still open daily, offering their signature dishes, takeaway.
So, next time you feel your stomach rumbling, reach for your smartphone and search for your favourite restaurant. With a few simple swipes, you could be tucking into some of SA’s finest food at home, while supporting those who are doing it tough.
From our lounge room to yours, here are 4 of our top takeaway picks:
Antica Pizzeria e Cucina
Using traditional no-fuss Italian recipes, Antica is known state-wide for serving simple, beautiful Italian food. Think wood-oven pizzas, fresh handmade pasta and delicious deserts. Once loved at their two buzzing restaurants, you can now savour their finest dishes from home.
Currently, Antica is offering 20% off its dinner menu, which can be ordered to go from their Hyde Park store. They’ve also introduced a DIY pasta kit, including 500g of fresh pasta and 500ml of their delicious Napoletana or Bolognese homemade sauce.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s also the Antica Bites range, now available at Romeo’s Foodland stores: fresh pasta, sauces, Italian cold meats and vacuum-packed pizza made daily, then snap frozen for long life.
Africola
That’s right, Duncan Welgemoed’s red hot, authentic South African cuisine can now be enjoyed at home.
Unconventional in the best way possible, Africola’s multi award-winning dishes combine substance and style in equal measures. Normally plated-up in their wildly colourful (and equally spirited) CBD restaurant, the Africola team are now cramming their famed creations into takeaway containers so you can dig in at home.
Wagyu sirloin, Goolwa pipis and black cod roe in front of the TV? Yes please.
Orders can be made online from 2pm-5pm, or via Uber Eats from 6pm-9pm. Pick-up is in-person only.
The Chefs on Wheels initiative
Fear not. Date night can proceed as planned. Those with a penchant for fine dining (or, let’s face it, attempting to impress their significant other) can breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to the Chefs on Wheels movement.
With the motto, ‘If Adelaide’s chefs can’t feed you in their restaurants, let them feed you in your home’, Chefs on Wheels is a collection of dishes from Adelaide’s finest restaurants, delivered directly to your door.
Ever-growing, the initiative currently features dishes by chefs from Sparkke at The Whitmore, Botanic Gardens Restaurant and Soi 38. Simply place your order online, then food will be delivered to you by staff who would usually be serving in restaurants or manufacturing produce.
Lot 100
As well as selling some of the best beer, wine and spirits in the Adelaide Hills (which you can still pick up at their cellar door), Lot 100 have put together a delicious range of food boxes. Order online before 5pm, then collect the next day.
Aptly named ‘The Grocer’, Lot 100’s food box initiative brings together produce from a huge range of Adelaide Hills businesses, packages it up, and sends it home with you. Take your pick from pizza boxes, pasta boxes, poultry, breakfast boxes and pantry essentials.