While our favourite digital worlds can often feel real, it’s not all the time that we get to experience a piece of them straight off the screen and into our lives. PlayStation, in a move that celebrates the level of immersion that food can add to a world, and that also gives us another bit of escapism in our daily lives, have today announced “PlayStation to Plate”, which sees several iconic Australian restaurants working together with PlayStation to construct dishes from some of their most loved titles. These tasty treats will be available for a limited time in-store and with the help of Deliveroo, and they show that play truly does have no limits – even the fictional can become real.
“The last 18 months have truly highlighted the importance of play in our lives, The worlds of gaming and food have offered escapism and enjoyment for Aussies when we’ve needed it more than ever,” says Patrick Lagana, Director of Marketing, PlayStation Australia. “So, it seems fitting that we have brought these two cultures together, merging some of the best games and best restaurants to create a whole new experience for foodies and players alike.
Mary’s X The Last of Us Part II – “Ellie’s Steak Sandwich”
Coming from one of Sydney’s favourite burger joints, Mary’s, Ellie’s Steak Sandwich is a delicious reminder of one of the core themes of The Last of Us – human connection and the need for a safe harbour in uncertain times – a value that Mary’s co-founders Kenny Graham and Jake Smyth share. The burger appears at the beginning of the game (so, before most of the heart-shattering trials of Ellie’s journey) and will be served to customers just as it was in the game – in a simple paper covering, ready to be unwrapped.
“Food, much like gaming has this incredible ability to offer people a chance to escape the mundane and connect with family, friends and even complete strangers. The sandwich in The Last of Us Part II, represents that connection and that’s what we’ve been about since we started: bringing people together for good times and good food,” said Mr. Graham, illustrating why this collaboration is one close to his heart.
Bistro Morgan X Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart – “Sirangian Honey Mousse”
This real-life interpretation of Chef Tulio’s Sirangian Honey Mousse from Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart comes from Melbourne baker Morgan Hipworth, and celebrates the immersive potential that games and food can share. He believes that food, like games, has “an innate ability to instantly transport you to another place or time, or hopefully in this case another dimension!”
This colourful edition to the PlayStation to Plate roster comes served in a hexagonal jar reminiscent of both bolts and honeycomb, ready to offer a perfect moment of escapism.
The Italian Bowl X Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – “Thief’s Pasta”
One of the key themes of Uncharted 4 is the importance of family and relationships, a value that resonates strongly with Alexi Spyridis, owner of Sydney’s The Italian Bowl. In-game, this pasta appears during a rare moment of downtime between Nate and Elena as they share a bit of normalcy in their hectic lives, something The Italian Bowl loves to facilitate.
The dish will be presented as if pulled straight from the screen, in a bowl almost identical to Nate and Elena’s crockery (which in itself is pretty cool), and will come with some thematic goodies.
I was lucky enough to get to taste all of these upcoming collaborations earlier this week, and can personally say – oh my god. They’re all delicious (the Sirangian Honey Mousse was a personal fave). It’s clear that every one of these chefs is passionate about connection, escapism, and storytelling – some of the things that make us love games (and food) the most. The PlayStation to Plate selection will be available from December 3rd – 13th from participating restaurants and Deliveroo, so if you’re able to do so, make sure you jump on this opportunity to bring some of the digital worlds you love into your life in a more physical way.
