How Aussies are winning over New York's food scene: Secrets behind their success
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Imagine finding out that our simple avocado toast is all the rage in New York, right at the heart of the US. It's quite a feeling, isn't it?
Who would've guessed that this everyday Aussie staple would grab the limelight so far from home, especially in a place like New York?
Smashed avocado on toast isn't just a passing ‘gimmick’. Ruby’s Bluestone, Two Hands, Dante, and Banter—successful Aussie-owned cafes—have woven it into the very fabric of New York's dining scene.
On top of that, this popular food is now on Dunkin' Donuts' menu. While for Aussies, the chain is but a distant memory after having left the country in the late 2000s, it’s still very much alive in its native US. This Aussie classic toast appearing on their menu shows just how much people love it!
By many accounts, the credit for the beloved toast goes to Bill Granger. About 30 years ago, Granger introduced avocado toast at his cafe called Bill’s in Sydney.
From there, it’s not just been an Aussie favourite but a global sensation, with New York among the ranks of cities enjoying its delicious flavour.
Back in 2015, Australian Linden Pride bought New York's Cafe Dante, and locals worried its ‘Italian feel’ might change. Some even thought he'd add nothing but Aussie dishes, inevitably changing the cafe.
‘One of the articles that was trying to slam us (at the time) was saying “these Australians are going to ruin Cafe Dante, they’re going to fill it with flat whites and avo toast”,’ Linden shared with news.com.au.
Dante’s Avocado Toast is served with grilled halloumi and soft-boiled eggs. Image source: Social media (@dantewestvillage)
Despite these concerns, smashed avocado on toast has become a favourite among New Yorkers.
‘New Yorkers are very territorial and protective, but the truth of it is, that’s what people are ordering and that’s what they want.’
Under the guidance of Linden and his wife, Nathalie Hudson, Dante has balanced its Italian legacy with an Aussie touch.
From Negroni on tap to Spritz popsicles, Dante offers a diverse menu. And in a nod to Aussie culture, they serve food all day, from 10 am to 2 am.
Their hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. The Aussie couple has won over New Yorkers with their outstanding hospitality, premier dishes, and notable drinks at the venue.
For one, the hospitality industry group Tales of the Cocktail named it the Best Bar in the World in 2019.
It also clinched the title of the best American restaurant bar for two straight years and landed as the Best Bar in North America in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2020, ranking second on this prestigious list.
‘We are part of a New York institution far greater than anything we could build ourselves from the ground up,’ Linden said.
‘We had an opportunity to come and take over a historical cafe and elevate it in certain ways and expand the bar and food program.’
Linden attributes much of this success to the Australian influence on the cafe’s hospitality, stating: ‘The greatest influence is the Australian hospitality more than anything’.
On the other hand, Stef D’Orsogna, co-founder of Sonnyboy, has also been influential in revolutionising the New York food scene.
Stef emphasised the role of Aussie cafes in elevating dishes like the smashed avocado on toast.
Renato, one of Dante’s bartenders, was recently named a top 5 finalist in World Class US. Image source: Social media (@dantenewyork)
He said: ‘Both Blue Stone and Two Hands (other businesses with an Aussie touch) really took that avo on toast to the next level and the city fell in love with it.’
Stef believes the success of Aussies in the New York hospitality scene can be attributed to their unique approach to service.
He stated: ‘We have a good understanding of how to do hospitality but in a way that’s fun, friendly and not intimidating.’
His new venture, Layla, is focused on European-inspired food but will still encompass that signature Australian service and neighbourhood vibe.
Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Have you visited other countries and observed Aussie favourites, or even other local delights, gaining popularity? Let us know in the comments below!
Who would've guessed that this everyday Aussie staple would grab the limelight so far from home, especially in a place like New York?
Smashed avocado on toast isn't just a passing ‘gimmick’. Ruby’s Bluestone, Two Hands, Dante, and Banter—successful Aussie-owned cafes—have woven it into the very fabric of New York's dining scene.
Dunkin Donuts in New York now offers smashed avocado toast. Image source: Pixabay
On top of that, this popular food is now on Dunkin' Donuts' menu. While for Aussies, the chain is but a distant memory after having left the country in the late 2000s, it’s still very much alive in its native US. This Aussie classic toast appearing on their menu shows just how much people love it!
By many accounts, the credit for the beloved toast goes to Bill Granger. About 30 years ago, Granger introduced avocado toast at his cafe called Bill’s in Sydney.
From there, it’s not just been an Aussie favourite but a global sensation, with New York among the ranks of cities enjoying its delicious flavour.
Back in 2015, Australian Linden Pride bought New York's Cafe Dante, and locals worried its ‘Italian feel’ might change. Some even thought he'd add nothing but Aussie dishes, inevitably changing the cafe.
‘One of the articles that was trying to slam us (at the time) was saying “these Australians are going to ruin Cafe Dante, they’re going to fill it with flat whites and avo toast”,’ Linden shared with news.com.au.
Dante’s Avocado Toast is served with grilled halloumi and soft-boiled eggs. Image source: Social media (@dantewestvillage)
Despite these concerns, smashed avocado on toast has become a favourite among New Yorkers.
‘New Yorkers are very territorial and protective, but the truth of it is, that’s what people are ordering and that’s what they want.’
Under the guidance of Linden and his wife, Nathalie Hudson, Dante has balanced its Italian legacy with an Aussie touch.
From Negroni on tap to Spritz popsicles, Dante offers a diverse menu. And in a nod to Aussie culture, they serve food all day, from 10 am to 2 am.
Their hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. The Aussie couple has won over New Yorkers with their outstanding hospitality, premier dishes, and notable drinks at the venue.
For one, the hospitality industry group Tales of the Cocktail named it the Best Bar in the World in 2019.
It also clinched the title of the best American restaurant bar for two straight years and landed as the Best Bar in North America in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2020, ranking second on this prestigious list.
‘We are part of a New York institution far greater than anything we could build ourselves from the ground up,’ Linden said.
‘We had an opportunity to come and take over a historical cafe and elevate it in certain ways and expand the bar and food program.’
Linden attributes much of this success to the Australian influence on the cafe’s hospitality, stating: ‘The greatest influence is the Australian hospitality more than anything’.
On the other hand, Stef D’Orsogna, co-founder of Sonnyboy, has also been influential in revolutionising the New York food scene.
Stef emphasised the role of Aussie cafes in elevating dishes like the smashed avocado on toast.
Renato, one of Dante’s bartenders, was recently named a top 5 finalist in World Class US. Image source: Social media (@dantenewyork)
He said: ‘Both Blue Stone and Two Hands (other businesses with an Aussie touch) really took that avo on toast to the next level and the city fell in love with it.’
Stef believes the success of Aussies in the New York hospitality scene can be attributed to their unique approach to service.
He stated: ‘We have a good understanding of how to do hospitality but in a way that’s fun, friendly and not intimidating.’
His new venture, Layla, is focused on European-inspired food but will still encompass that signature Australian service and neighbourhood vibe.
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