If you thought Black Friday shopping was intense, try pairing it with COSMO’s 10th anniversary event. Families poured in from the neighbouring Silverburn shopping centre, children in face paint ran laps around the buffet, and a giant Bluey navigated the chaos like an absolute champ.
COSMO really pulled out all the stops for their birthday extravaganza. With balloons and fairy lights strewn across the restaurant, the ambience framed the hustle and bustle nicely, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere as we entered. While the place was truly mobbed with hungry shoppers, the staff were on the ball throughout our meal, seating us next to the face-painting station set up for the kids and checking in with us regularly.
Admittedly, the first thing that struck me as I approached the wide-spread buffet was not the mouth-watering range of choice, nor the chocolate fountain that stood taller than I – but instead a life-sized Bluey from the hit Australian children’s show. Somehow managing to be both adorable and slightly terrifying, the presence of such a renowned celebrity had the kids ecstatic, as she waltzed her way down the aisles offering hugs and selfies to all.
Once navigating around the Bluey excitement (already the highlight of my visit, although I do sorely regret not getting a selfie of my own to include here), we made our way to the buffet spread. While it would have been understandable if the buffet had depleted throughout lunch given the packed nature of the restaurant, COSMO did not disappoint. The chefs worked tirelessly to ensure no dish was sitting empty, meaning that our plates were filled with freshly cooked food straight off the pan.
Like any self-respecting Brown person, I began with the Asian starters (the best section in any buffet if you ask me). The spring rolls were a classic, as were the chicken pakoras, but the salt and chilli chicken took the cake. Fighting against my better judgement, I couldn’t help but fill up mostly on starters.
By the time we were up for mains, the staff had kindly cleared our plates. Unfortunately, Bluey had also vacated the scene now, although I did catch a glimpse of her leaving, pulling off her head and she slipped away into the staff room.
The food stations remained fully stocked as we returned for garlic naan and butter chicken (sometimes the classics hit okay, I don’t want to hear anyone calling me basic for this choice). What intrigued me upon my third visit was the sushi station – something I had never seen look quite so appealing at a buffet. The range was particularly impressive, with both veggie and vegan options.
After a quick stop at the noodle station, we engaged our second stomachs and approached the desserts. In honour of their 10th birthday, COSMO offered an all-day birthday cake, adding a slightly dangerous sugar rush to the Bluey craze. We loaded our special dessert plates with apple crumble, a chocolate caramel pecan brownie, and fresh waffles. I feel this needs no further explanation – just the dessert names alone do them justice, and I’m running out of ways to say delicious.
What struck me most of all was the staff. They smiled, chatted, cleared plates, and kept calm while juggling an army of overexcited kids and hungry adults. We were even offered drinks upon arrival, which, in a crowd this size, felt like a godsend.
COSMO’s 10th anniversary was chaotic, loud, and incredibly filling. Whether you came for the food, the festivities, or just to watch Bluey handle fame like a pro, it was truly a day to remember.
Visit COSMO Silverburn’s website here.
Creative Editor
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