AlwaysPartying: National Australia Day

Arthur Bovino — January 26, 2010

Tuck Shop’s Thai Green Chook Curry Pie.

Today, January 26th, is National Australia Day. Why should that matter to Americans? Because no matter where they are in the world Aussies always seem to be having a good time. So if they’re celebrating, chances are you’re going to want to get in on the festivities. National Australia Day refers to First Landing Day in 1788, when eleven convict ships from Great Britain arrived at Sydney Cove.

Two Always Hungry approved restaurants, Bondi Road and Sunburnt Cow, will be celebrating. They will be serving steak sandwiches and burgers, including their signature Burger with the Lot (egg, bacon, beets, fried onion, pineapple, lettuce and tomato) for $3 each. You can also pony up $20 for unlimited drinks during a three-hour period. If you’re not into partying on a Tuesday night (you’re getting old), but still want to get in the spirit, it’s worth stopping for a quick meat pie at Tuck Shop, the Australian pie shop with two locations (St. Mark’s, and 1st St).

For $12 you can get what’s called a Tucker Box, any pie plus two sides for $12. There’s the traditional ground beef pie, the ‘Chook Pie’ with chicken, ham and leeks in white gravy; a Guinness Steak and Mushroom Pie; and even a Mac ‘N Cheese Pie. Our favorite is the Thai Green Chook Curry Pie ($5.00). It’s made with Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, coconut milk, Thai basil and chilis. The buttery pastry is thin and delicate, tearing easily to let the curry fall out.

Address: 115 St Mark’s Place (b/n 1st Ave & Ave A)
Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11:30am-2am; Fri-Sat, 11:30am-5am; Sun 11:30am-10pm
Address: 68 East 1st Street (b/n 1st & 2nd Aves)
Hours: Mon-Thur, 8am-2am; Fri-Sat, 8am-5am; Sun 12pm-10pm