In this week’s issue: More Vivid Sydney activities including a new flavour from Gelato Messina, news from the Paleo Cafe, a lavish event at Sono Portside in Brisbane, the opening of The Argyle Canteen, a celebration of the decade that Flying Fish Restaurant + Bar has graced us, and so much more!
FOOD
GELATO MESSINA AND INTEL PARTNER TO LAUNCH NEW VIVID SYDNEY FLAVOUR
Intel has teamed up with the hugely popular Gelato Messina to launch 'Silly Cone Chips' (say it fast; you'll notice something). It's a new flavour inspired by the year's exciting Vivid Sydney and is part of Gelato Messina's 'Psychadelic Psundaes' special, which will be available at the Messina pop-up in the CBD Martin Place Vivid precinct during the festival.
This colourful creation pays homage to the small but powerful technology at the heart of so many of Vivid's installations. Messina co-owner Declan Lee is confident the flavour will impress and is looking forward to sharing it with the massive crowds Vivid is expected to attract.
On the outside of this creation you will find popping candy, crushed chocolate chip cookies, and a mango/coconut swirl; but just like computers, it's on the inside that the real excitement happens - an inverted cone is filled with banana caramel!
To celebrate the creation, Intel will be giving out a limited number of free ‘Silly Cone Chips’ to some of those skillful enough to catch the Intel Blue Ulysses Butterfly in the Digital Forest at Martin Place.
MESA VERDE ROAST
Mesa Verde will be taking part in Melbourne Food & Wine's Roast Collection this year. The Winter weekend feast is called the Fiesta de la Barbacoa (or Barbecue Feast). Patrons can warm up their Winter bones and spice up their lunchtime dining with a Mexican-inspired feast, featuring Mesa's famous Lamb Barbacoa, seasonal vegies and a delectable, tequila-enhanced mulled wine. Victorian producers and produce feature heavily as it is the theme for MFW's Roast Collection. At $30 per head every Saturday and Sunday in June, what better way to spend lunch on your weekend?
HOME FOOD & WINE WEEKEND
An exciting event packed schedule has been announced for the 2014 Home Food & Wine Weekend which commences May 23, at Westfield Bondi Junction. The area will play host to more than 27 food and lifestyle workshops, how-to demonstrations and exciting master classes with industry experts and editors from some of Bauer Media’s most notable magazine brands including, Australian Gourmet Traveller, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Woman’s Day, and many more. Some of the highlights from the 2014 Home Food & Wine Weekend include:
Gourmet Traveller WINE presents great Australian reds tasting
Celebrate the end of the working week with master of wine, Ned Goodwin and editor of Gourmet Traveller WINE, Judy Sarris as they showcase some of Australia’s best red wines. This up close and intimate session will provide guests with the opportunity to learn from experts and sample some of the best local reds including luscious Cabernet, heroic Shiraz and smooth Malbec.
Friday May 23 at 5pm, Westfield Bondi Junction, Mezzanine Level 6. Tickets $30pp
Australian Gourmet Traveller presents a taste of the Southern Highlands
Editor of Australian Gourmet Traveller, Anthea Loucas, joins renowned chefs Daniel James and Warrick Brook from Peppers Hotel and Resorts to take guests on a culinary journey through Australia’s Southern Highlands. Anthea will also discuss the latest in food trends and the essence of Italian cuisine with Chef Luca Ciano, as they recreate authentic Italian dishes live on stage.
Saturday May 24 at 10.30am, Westfield Bondi Junction, Kitchen Stage, Level 6. Free entry
Super charge your foods with Woman’s Day food director, Jennene Plummer
Learn how to boost your health and immune system through a super-food fuel diet with Woman’s Day food director, Jennene Plummer. From 12.30pm on Saturday, Jennene will take to the kitchen stage to cook a range of family friendly recipes and hearty winter warmer dishes that will get your family prepared for winter.
Saturday May 24 at 12.30pm, Westfield Bondi Junction, Kitchen Stage, Level 6. Free entry
To view the full schedule and register online, visit www.hfwweekend.com.au/what's-on/
ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI AT PAPERPLANES, BONDI
The popular all-you-can-eat sushi event at PaperPlanes opposite Bondi Beach is back! Happening this Sunday 25th May, the event will set you back a very light $30. In turn, you will be able to eat as many pieces of delicious sushi as you can stomach. The chefs have devised some awesome additions, exclusive only to the Sushi Planes menu - think panko fish tacos and okonomiyaki, plus a few other surprises.
The session will be complemented by drinks specials, including $25 cocktail jugs and pots of Japanese tea.
Quickly becoming a Bondi Institution - this is lazy Sunday lunching at its best. The first two rounds were so popular bookings are highly recommended. Book by calling PaperPlanes on 02 9300 0673.
Sushi Planes: All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Session will run from 11:30am - 4pm this Sunday 25th May
THE ARGYLE CANTEEN
Sydney urbanites can look forward to enjoying an exciting new culinary experience, as The Argyle Canteen opens in the iconic Rocks destination. Internationally renowned Pizza Chef Andrea Fontana will be heading the restaurant. Working in the finest pizzeria’s throughout Italy and the United States, and having spent the last two years working in London’s famous Princi Restaurant, Andrea brings with him a lifetime of experience in traditional pizza cooking and craftsmanship. Guests will enjoy gourmet pizzas, stone roasted in a wood fired pizza oven, featuring a range of authentic Italian ingredients imported directly from Naples including Buffalo Mozzarella, tomatoes and Italian flour, as well as some indulgent desserts for those with a sweet tooth. The Argyle Canteen is now open for lunch and dinner seven days. For more information, check out www.theargylerocks.com.
SONO RESTAURANT PORTSIDE WHARF – WINE DINNER
Step into the Land of the Rising Sun at Sono Restaurant Portside Wharf. Sono presents an absorbing and beautiful atmosphere, minimalist interior design, spacious dining room, and their food boasts exquisite flavours and textures that can only come from Brisbane's premier destination for Modern Japanese cuisine. Blending consistency with creativity, each dish is prepared to not only play on the palate, but to show a certain visual artistry that comes from great skill and experience. Sono are hosting an exquisite five course dinner, with dishes light Fresh crab meat croquette and scampi spring roll, and Duck marinated with miso paste served with pickled mushrooms to delight your palate. Each course will be paired with McWilliams wines, sake, and Japanese umeshu (sweet plum wine) to create a memorable night worth celebrating with family and friends. To make a reservation, please phone 07 3268 6655 or book online at http://www.sonorestaurant.com.au/#/sono-portside/contact-us/reservation
THE PALEO CAFÉ EXPANSION
Australia’s first destination dedicated to ‘eating as Mother Nature intended’, the Paleo Café, is attempting to expand its reach. The Paleo Café Lifestyle & Cookbook was released earlier this year, and offers the ultimate guide to living Paleo. The book was written by Cairns-based Café Co-Founder Marlies Hobbs. The Paleo Café is currently focusing on expansion of the brand in larger cities including Sydney and Melbourne where there is a significant Paleo following. In regards to international expansion, the Paleo Café has recently engaged the former Global Franchise Development Manager of Gloria Jeans, to prepare the brand for Master Franchising in New Zealand, which will be followed by USA, Canada and the EU. The founders of the the café brand, Jai and Marlies Hobbs, are currently seeking an investor (between $500,000 and $1 million) to be involved in the international expansion of the brand.
#FRIDGESHELFIE
We all have dreams of being a MasterChef, but come dinner-time the contents of our fridges can let us down. Philadelphia has come up with the perfect solution to help you get creative come mealtime, no matter what ingredients you have on hand. Philly’s new food experiment, #fridgeshelfie will create delicious new recipes, based on what you already have in your kitchen. Simply snap a photo of the inside of your fridge and upload to the Philly Facebook page using #fridgeshelfie to get some instant inspiration for your next meal. Tag the items you want to use and you could be provided with an exciting and delicious recipe, based on the contents of your own fridge to help you achieve effortless foodiness in the kitchen. Whether you’re after tempting dessert treats, planning a last minute party or simple yet delicious snacks– Philly has a range of recipes for any meal - from breakfast to dessert, there is something for everyone. Check out www.facebook.com/philly for more information and inspiration.
This brilliant campaign will begin on June 2nd, so get to snappin' those 'fridge shelfies!' pronto
FLYING FISH – A DECADE IN RETROSPECT
This August, Flying Fish Restaurant + Bar will mark a stellar decade as one of Sydney’s most impressive seafood dining experiences. To celebrate this milestone, Flying Fish will host a month-long celebration featuring inspired food experiences and nostalgic menus. Located at the harbour’s edge on historic Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont, Flying Fish Restaurant + Bar is a remarkable dining destination in Sydney. Their combination of interesting and exciting food, attentive service, spectacular harbour views and a beautiful mix of sophisticated and rustic interiors have proven to be a formula of success for this family-owned restaurant. The celebrations will run from August 1 through to August 31 with highlights including:
Flying Fish: A Nod to Nostalgia
Step back in time with a nostalgic menu of ‘greatest hits’ from the past decade. Executive Chef Stephen Seckold has delved into the archives, as far back as when he first joined in 2004, to create a celebratory menu that will change weekly and showcase the highlights of past and present Flying Fish menus.
A Tasmania Truffle Trip
Executive Chef Stephen Seckold together with Duncan Garvey from Perigord Truffles, a pioneer of the French truffle in Australia, host an exquisite six-course degustation dinner.
Flying Fish: Freestyle
A homage to Seckold’s time as Chef De Partie under Bjorn van der Horst at La Noisette (London), a Michelin-starred restaurant opened by Gordon Ramsay in 2007. The restaurant didn’t follow any traditional cooking guidelines; instead, chefs cooked freestyle with no menus and no diners eating the same dishes. Seckold and his team will put themselves under the same immense pressure at Flying Fish and produce a truly unforgettable dining experience.
DRINKS
MCA CAFÉ & SCULPTURE TERRACE
For those who can’t get enough of Vivid should check out the MCA Café & Sculpture Terrace, located on level 4 of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia at the Circular Quay end of Vivid’s Light Trail Walk. This is undoubtedly one of the best vantage points to see Vivid’s spectacular light festival. From here you can totally immerse yourself in the breathtaking view overlooking Circular Quay, The Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Open more nights throughout Vivid Sydney, enjoy MCA Café’s new menu and special Vivid inspired cocktails “The Sapphire” and “Ruby Red”
THE THEATRE BAR AT THE END OF THE WHARF
The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf is the ideal spot to relax after taking the Vivid walk around the harbour foreshore. Located within the Sydney Theatre Company's home at historic Walsh Bay on Pier 4, the Vivid excitement continues at the end of the wharf where guests can enjoy a unique, superb view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the harbour vessels lighting up the sky, new to Vivid this year. The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf will be serving Vivid inspired cocktails and a line-up of wonderful food to enjoy while soaking up this amazing light festival.
HUNTER VALLEY FOOD & WINE MONTH
Amateur cooks, serious foodies, wine lovers and lifestyle enthusiasts are gearing up for the year’s ultimate celebration of flavour, the famous Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month. Held in June, our nation's favourite, most comprehensive, and oldest wine and food region will open up to the public, welcoming them to dine, wine, learn, play, taste, and stay as they get up close with the very best of the region's renowned winemakers and chefs during a month-long series of over 60 decadent activities.
Festivals, fares, magical dinners, gastronomical feastings, exclusive culinary classes, and even dining in the sky (literally) will feature in this massive line-up.
With the picturesque region located just two hours drive north of Sydney, folks who travel can delve into the great selection of accommodation packages exclusive to the festival.
For a full list of events visit www.winecountry.com.au
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - SYDNEY
It’s the one time of the year when Aussies raise a glass to the British past to celebrate the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend from June 6 to June 9 June, and what better way to spend it than in your favourite local pub?
At The Glenmore in The Rocks, the famous rooftop will be pumping with a DJ on Saturday til late, followed by music from Scotty Sax on Sunday afternoon and Pimm’s jugs all weekend long.
Down the road at The Australian Heritage Hotel, pints of ESB and fresh gin and tonics will be the order of the day, with food specials including a thoroughly British Beer Battered Fish and Chips.
The aptly named Royal in Leichhardt will be giving everyone the Royal treatment with a special Queen Elizabeth cocktail all weekend at The Royal Botanical, while down in the main bar there will be high tea available on Saturday from 12-5pm and live music from 4pm on Sunday. Bookings are essential.
THE GRIND HOUSE
A Sydney startup distiller is bringing the dark side of coffee to life with the world's first coffee cocktail bar - the Grind House. Popping up from June 12 to June 14, in collaboration with hit coffee shop the Nixon Project, the event will celebrate the national launch of MR BLACK, which has been crowned “the world’s best coffee liqueur”. United by a common cause to bring coffee culture to the forefront of the nightlife scene, this one-of-a-kind experience will give guests the opportunity to experience a nocturnal twist on their morning coffee. Originally only available in selected outlets in Sydney and Melbourne, MR BLACK is now sold in more than 250 bars, restaurants and bottle shops across the country. For more information head to www.facebook.com/MrBlackSpirits
FEVER-TREE MIXERS – GINGER BEER
Fever-Tree’s range of high quality organic natural mixers are the perfect refreshment for any season. The flavours are crafted for a sophisticated palate, with the finest ingredients sourced from around the globe. Their popular flavour; Premium Ginger Beer is the perfect standalone beverage or mixer. With its spicy and natural flavours, this beverage appeals to the more traditional drink lover. Ginger is in vogue this winter season. Whether it is a Moscow Mule cocktail, healthy pick me up or a much loved cooking ingredient, Fever-Tree’s Premium Ginger Beer is now featuring in drinks news across the world. Fever-Tree’s desire for taste-excellence and use of the purest organic properties make it unlike any other mainstream mixer.
FASHION & CULTURE
WALK THIS WAY – PAVILION ON GEORGE
Pavilion on George comes to life on May 26 to May 30, as it kicks off Walk This Way week – a celebration of all that is available under one roof at the Centre, and its unique one-stop-shop experience. Transforming the everyday experience of shopping in the precinct, Walk This Way at Pavilion on George will excite and inspire customers with a series of jaw-dropping pop-up performances each day from well-known street-tap dancers throughout the Centre. Not only that, but participating retailers across two floors will each create exclusive offers including giveaways, discounts and competitions for customers, which champion the ease and convenience of the Centre’s offering. Additionally, everyone will have the chance to win a $500 gift voucher via the Pavilion on George Facebook page. For full details, visit www.pavilionongeorge.com.au
A STORY OF DISRUPTION - OAKLEY
Oakley, the leading premium sports performance brand, has today released ‘A Story of Disruption’, a short film that explores their brand philosophy and showcases the ground-breaking product designs from 1975 to present day. Narrated by Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey, Oakley’s short film navigates the brand’s heritage from inception to future possibilities, maverick founder to game-changing athlete icons, and pays tribute to nearly 40 years of industry disruption in a three minute short. A Story of Disruption will live http://disruptivebydesign.com/ from May onwards, along with further innovative branded content and the #disruptivebydesign social feed.
AUSTRALIA'S FIRST MOVING CATWALK SHOW AT BROADWAY SHOPPING CENTRE
The consistent buzz of Broadway Shopping Centre will bear witness to something pretty special on Tuesday 27th May. The shopping centre will hosts Australia's first moving catwalk to showcase this season's hottest looks and trends
Shoppers will have front row seats to a unique fashion show where 20 models will hit the centre's 3rd floor escalators, which will be morphed into bespoke catwalks.
Following the show, there will also be an exclusive opportunity to try out some of the looks featured in the catwalk and capture them at Broadway’s new #BeYou Booth.
It will all go down at Broadway Shopping Centre on Tuesday 27th May from 12:30pm (guests are encouraged to arrive at 12:15pm) near Pandora on the 3rd floor.
AWAKEN
AWAKEN is a bright, contemporary and engaging exhibition styled, fashion and art based event that celebrates the last 100 years of Red Cross volunteers and their contributions. It will aim to engage and recognise Red Cross’ humanitarian services and will reach out to the next generation of volunteers to raise youth awareness and support for the future of Red Cross. Explore a colourful collaboration of interactive installations, a vibrantly charged fashion performance and parade along with an engaging array of stalls provided by underground artists who are at the forefront of contemporary design. With an alternative electronic charged essence in the air, the event will showcase Australian fashion designers, emerging artists and the involvement of Whitehouse Institute of Design students. AWAKEN will be held on June 21 from 7pm, with over 600 guests already expected. Visit http://www.awaken100event.com/ for the full details. Head along and discover this vibrant and wondrous exhibition.