In this week’s issue: Sydney's The Rocks is yet again taken by the amazing rocks village bizarre; We look at the opening of world class Pizzaperta at The Star as well as what's on at The Star in November; Darlinghurt's newest Mexican restaurant, Playa; 100 years of the Australian Heritage Hotel; Brisbane's Watt Restaurant + Bar has a new menu; A free cocktail competition at Hugo's Lounge; Melbourne hosts the Australia Tattoo & Body Art Exhibition; OzHarvest releases a new cookbook; Sydney's first ever Reggae Pop-Up Bar; Melbourne's La Condesa releases Boozy Snow Cones; Gazzi opens in World Square; fashion brand REEF lets you hit the beach in style; and so much more.
FOOD
PIZZAPERTA OPENING AT THE STAR (SYDNEY)
Following the success of Osteria Balla at The Star, Australia’s Godfather of Italian cuisine, Stefano Manfredi and restaurateur, Julie Manfredi Hughes are adding to the enviable line-up of world class cuisine at The Star Sydney with the opening of their Italianate pizzeria and bar, Pizzaperta on November 20. <
Pizzaperta is an open-air piazza style Italianate pizzeria and bar, offering the emerging ‘new wave’ trends of the humble Italian street food with Italian-infused cocktails and a unique wine list. Pizzaperta uses only artisan and unrefined, stoneground Molino Quaglia ‘Petra’ flours, imported from Italy for the very first time to Australia.
With pizza in his DNA, Head Chef Gianluca Donzelli will share his home town traditions and expertise acquired at two-Michelin-star Restaurant Don Alfonso near Sorrento. Donzelli placed fourth at the International Pizza Competition in Naples in 2013 and has since been appointed the official ambassador for Neapolitan Pizza in Australia.
Together, Donzelli and Manfredi have curated a menu of classics and new wave including margherita, marinara and hot calabrese - using the best local and imported ingredients such as mozzarella fior di latte and bufala, and traditional ‘Nduja. Extra virgin olive oil will be used exclusively for all preparations. Salads, local and imported salumi and desserts will also feature on the menu.
CRAYFISH SEASON AT BALLA AND SOKYO (SYDNEY)
Australia has one of the richest collections of crayfish in the world, and November is the perfect time to indulge in this sweet, succulent king of the sea. The Star’s signature restaurants Balla and Sokyo have created a special menu to celebrate these exquisite delicacies. These restaurants are available for lunch and dinner during November. To make a reservation call 1800 700 700.
SEVEN DAYS OF SOKYO (SYDNEY)
Following popular demand, Sokyo is now open 7 days. The new opening times include breakfast daily, lunch on Thursdays and Saturdays and dinner on Sundays. Breakfast by Sokyo is served between 7am and 10:30am daily, offering a mouth-watering a-la-carte menu and continental breakfast favourites with a Sokyo twist. To make a reservation call 1800 700 700.
BLACK BY EZARD'S WINE DINNER (SYDNEY)
BLACK by ezard is offering food lovers a unique dining experience on November 12 with a delicious 5-course menu with matching wines for $205 per person. For further information or to make a booking call 1800 700 700.
THE GOVERNORS TABLE BAR & DINING OPENS (SYDNEY)
The re-development of the former MOS café space at the Museum of Sydney is now complete with an extensive transformation by culinary group, Fresh Catering, bringing to life a modern bar and dining space that is now The Governors Table Bar & Dining. Located on the site of the first Government House in Australia, The Governors Table Bar & Dining was designed by inochi DesignLife Director Kristie Paul, who drew inspiration from the history and architecture of the site to create a contemporary, warm and hospitable space within the sandstone façade at The Museum of Sydney. Head Chef Andrew Barkham is at the helm in the kitchen following a stellar international cooking career with high profile restaurants in Australia namely; 2 hatted The Bridge Room and exclusive Selah Restaurant in Sydney; 1 hatted The Point in Melbourne as well as Michelin star kitchens in the UK including Rhodes Twenty Four in London (1 Michelin Star); No 1 Lombard Street (1 Michelin Star) and City Rhodes (1 Michelin Star). The Governors Table Bar & Dining is a modern interpretation of its foundations capturing significant and historic Australian design elements sympathetic to the site, like the use of stone, timber and steel which were the materials used to build “The Edge of the Trees” installation in the museum’s forecourt, a forest of 29 massive pillars which represent 29 Aboriginal clans from around Sydney. Head to http://www.thegovernorstable.com.au/our-venues/the-governors-table/home for more info.
PLAYA (SYDNEY)
The new restaurant Playa has announced it will give lovers of Mexican food an authentic experience that melds both the flavors and aesthetics of Mexico. The Darlinghurst restaurant intends to accomplish that mission while also spreading the Mexican Love across Sydney with Delivery-Takeaways when they open the doors in November/December. Playa found its inspiration in two significant Mexican elements that mix in a perfect way, Authentic Mexican Taquerias and Playa del Carmen, a Mexican piece of heaven in the south of Mexico Caribbean. With two Mexican chefs leading the kitchen, design elements, the management strives to make people feel as if they are actually in Mexico or Playa del Carmen with Music is curated by Mexican DJ’s. Playa puts a strong focus on fostering a comfortable atmosphere that makes people feel like they are in Mexico. They also seek to bring awareness to the diversity of Mexican culture. Playa will support Arts Sydney Culture featuring rotating renowned street artists’ artwork from Sydney and Mexico. Sydney Street Artists have been approached for the first artwork and prints to be made available for customers. Playa will also become your Mexican Latin corner shop as you will be able to buy Mexican Delicatessen and handcraft such as Salsas and Tortillas.
WATT RESTAURANT + BAR (BRISBANE)
For 13 years, Watt Restaurant + Bar has stood out as a classic destination, mirroring Brisbane's relaxed lifestyle with enthusiasm. The restaurant offers contemporary Australian food, varied menu options, multiple dining spaces, and an expansive alfresco space along the boardwalk. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all on offer to casually unplug from the working week or for a romantic Brisbane riverside experience. Trippas White Group’s Executive Chef, John McFadden, has curated a menu perfectly suited to the subtropical climate and riverside ambiance, celebrating with wholesome yet comforting dishes that highlight our local organic seasonal produce. New to Watt’s kitchens comes Sydney import Head Chef Jason Norris continuing to deliver the high standards associated with Trippas and supported by a top shelf team ready for the oncoming silly season. Head to http://www.wattrestaurant.com.au/ to find out more.
OZHARVEST COOKBOOK - URBAN HARVEST
Celebrating 10 years this year, OzHarvest has delivered 30 million meals to Australians in need, rescued 10,000 tonnes of good quality surplus food and are now celebrating the release of their second cookbook Urban Harvest. Applauding kitchen gardens of all shapes and sizes, Urban Harvest features 100 delicious food-rescue recipes from 50 of the country’s most celebrated chefs including Guillame Brahimi, Matt Moran and Neil Perry, who share their personal journeys in the kitchen (and garden), inspiring every day cooks with meals that can be easily created at home. A second addition to the OzHarvest cookbook collection, with the first cookbook self-titled OzHarvest Cookbook, Urban Harvest takes inspiration from the home gardens, vertical walls, community gardens and chefs’ kitchen gardens that are springing up in cities all over the world. All proceeds from the book will go directly to OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue charity that redistributes good quality surplus food and delivers it to more than 600 charities across Australia, providing food to vulnerable women, children and men. The OzHarvest Cookbook is available for Christmas pre-sale orders at www.ozharvest.org, or by calling 1800 108 006.
GAZZI AT WORLD SQUARE (SYDNEY)
Sydneysiders are set to be tempted with a new food offering at World Square, with Gazzi just opening its doors in Liverpool Lane. Fully licensed and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Gazzi is described as having an “industrial rustic” theme. Inspired by Gazzi in Central Athens, a former gas works site that has been revitalised into a popular lifestyle precinct, well known for its cafes, bars and restaurants. Owner Con Lepouris has worked with his executive team to develop an innovative menu with a modern Australian influence, priding himself on the freshest produce available within the Sydney food scene. Breakfast dishes include Tasmanian Huon Salmon on sourdough, honey ricotta on sourdough and corn fritters with avocado salsa, semi-dried vine-ripened tomatoes with applewood smoked maple bacon. At lunch and dinner choose between crisply-skinned pork belly served with a salad of apple, mint, chilli and salted cashews or ravioli of lamb shoulder served with kalamata olives, chilli, truss tomatoes, confit garlic, marinated Perisian feta and sautéed baby spinach. A tapas menu is also available for lighter meals over drinks.
DRINKS
THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE HOTEL – 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY (SYDNEY)
In just over a week’s time, one of Sydney’s oldest and most iconic pubs, The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks, will celebrate its 100th birthday with a neighbourhood party on November 14 from 3pm. Guests will be treated to canapés and tasters of a limited edition Rocks Lager that has been brewed especially to celebrate the centenary. Of course a birthday party wouldn’t be complete without a birthday cake and there will be live entertainment from an acoustic band featuring some classic Aussie covers to get everyone up and dancing. Heritage photography of the venue and some of the key milestones from the past 100 years will be displayed throughout the pub, and the Hotel is calling for all patrons and employees old and new to also share their memories and pictures of good times to be displayed alongside these throughout the month of November. The Hotel, which was originally located on George Street next to where the Museum of Contemporary Art now stands, was pulled down when the plague hit in the 1900s and moved to its current site on Cumberland Street. Today, it remains one of the most well-preserved, original pubs in Sydney and a great example of Edwardian architecture with many original period features still intact. For further information or to send in memories, pictures or artefacts, email info@australianheritagehotel.com, visit www.australianheritagehotel.com or their Facebook page.
THE ROYAL – FUNCTION ROOMS OPEN (SYDNEY)
Just in time for the party season, Leichhardt’s iconic hotel, The Royal, has unveiled a new addition to its upstairs dining area The Royal Botanical - a versatile collection of functions spaces to suit any event from 16 to 100 guests. The four new spaces include two intimate private dining rooms, the Grand Dining Room and Club Room, as well as two larger spaces, The Wheel & Barrow. The Grand Dining Room and Club Room seat up to 16 people for lunch, dinner or a corporate function and up to 25 standing. The Wheel & Barrow rooms, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Norton Street, have a unique botanical interior and are equipped with their own functions bar. They can hold up to 45 people seated or 100 people cocktail style and for smaller functions can be split to suit a more intimate event size. The functions food menu offers a wide range of options from delicious canapé packages to banquet style dishes for a shared casual dining experience. There are also a range of beverage packages to suit all needs and thirsts. For further information on The Royal Botanical, or to enquire about a function, email hello@theroyalleichhardt.com.au ,call 02 9569 2638 or visit www.theroyalleichhardt.com.au
REGGAE POP-UP BAR (SYDNEY)
Sydney's first ever pop-up reggae bar will feature a selection of leading reggae bands and DJs for one guaranteed colourful and festive event. Whilst lockouts and a lack of decent venues continue to dampen inner city nightlife, the Sydney DIY scene couldn't be more Sparky's Reggae Bar represents the collaboration of Ernie Garland from Kinsky, the Hive Bar in Erskineville, art collective Create or Die and venue, The Studio. With Summer on its way, reggae/bass culture is proving that Sydney has more to offer than 'Top 40' music-playing nightclubs, ACDC cover bands, and 2am lockouts. The Sydney reggae scene has produced more than great music, it has bridged together various cultures, age groups, socio-economic groups, locations, and subcultures. Furthermore it removes barriers by creating a sense of 'oneness' and projects the general ethos of positive vibrations. Prepare yourself for a profoundly positive and uplifting musical, cultural and social experience. Head there on November 16, from 12pm to LATE, at 10 Mitchell street Marrickville.
SUNTORY’S COCKTAIL CONNOISSEUR (SYDNEY)
As the weather heats up, so too does the battle to be the nation’s best bartender in one of the longest running and most prestigious cocktail competitions in Australia, Suntory’s Cocktail Connoisseur. Back in Sydney for its eighth year, cocktail lovers are once again invited to judge the finalists and choose their Cocktail Connoisseur champion from bartenders representing QLD, SA, WA, VIC and NSW. These finalists have been whittled down from more than 600 entries after a tough series of state based preliminary finals earlier this year. A celebration for bona fide cocktail aficionados, guests will be invited to sample and carefully judge signature creations from five of Australia’s finest bartenders, voting for who they consider to be the creator of their favourite cocktail and most engaging host of the evening. Inspired by the Exotic East, the competition will be hosted at Hugo’s Lounge, which will be transformed into an opulant Asian themed bar for the evening. The event takes place November 12 at 6:30pm at Hugo’s Lounge in Kings Cross.
LA CONDESA – BOOZY SNOW CONES (MELBOURNE)
In a Melbourne exclusive, La Condesa are welcoming summer and the warmer weather with their fun range of raspados – Boozy Snow Cones – taking an icy family treat off the streets of Mexico and into Fitzroy’s hidden outdoor taqueria (nestled behind La Condesa’s Cantina on Johnston Street). Available in three thirst-quenching, tequila-packed flavours: Strawberry & Jalapeño, Pineapple & Coriander and Horchata – these naughty $10 raspado cocktails are La Condesa’s fun way to ease the Aussie heat. These delicious frozen tequila treats will be available for gringos locos to devour from November 3 onwards.
SMIRNOFF LAUNCH FROZEN POUCHES
From backyard BBQ’s, gatherings with friends and lazy Sunday afternoons, Smirnoff is bringing a refreshing chill to summertime occasions, with a brand new range of frozen cocktails, Smirnoff Frozen Pouches. Offering a new and exciting way to enjoy Smirnoff, the limited edition range is available in four fabulous sorbet flavours; Apple Bite, Raspberry, Mango and Lemon. The delicious range of flavours means that there is sure to be something to suit all tastes. With the convenient new ‘Freeze and Squeeze’ pouches, preparing a frozen cocktail has never been easier. Just freeze, squeeze and enjoy! Smirnoff Frozen Pouches are Smirnoff’s first ever line of frozen drinks and are sure to be the new go-to cocktail this season, for those who fancy a frozen treat on a summer’s day. Smirnoff Frozen Pouches are designed to be frozen for eight hours and are best served frozen, in a cocktail glass. Available from liquor retailers nationwide from November 3, each pouch comes in a 250ml serve and contains 4.7% ABV or 0.9 standard drinks. Smirnoff Frozen Pouches will be available for a recommended retail price of $6 each or three for $15.
FASHION & CULTURE
THE AUSTRALIAN TATTOO AND BODY ART EXPO (MELBOURNE)
From December 5th to 7th Melbourne will be getting a celebration in all things body art as the annual Australian Tattoo and Body Art expo pops up at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Many guests will be making their way to the festival, including Miss Megan Massacre, star of TV’s NY Ink and America’s Worst Tattoos, model, and DJ. In addition there will be over 250 artists from Australian and around the world showcasing their respective skills. Live tattooing (appointment and walk-ups) from some of the best local and international studios will be a big talking point of the three-day event, though it's not all about getting inked.
Body Art will be a focus of the festival as well as performances such as saucy burlesque shows and pin-up pageants, airbrushing demonstrations, a car and motorcycle display, and a range of stalls selling everything from tattoo supplies to the latest in alternative fashion. This is, of course, in addition to a big competition rewarding the most impressive ink at the event, judged in daily tattoo contests by industry leaders.
With over 10,000 visitors in 2013, the Australian Tattoo & Body Art Expo is sure to be a huge hit when it returns to Melbourne for its fourth year running. Next year, the Expo will continue its nationwide tour to Sydney from 13-15 March 2015.
THE ROCKS VILLAGE BIZARRE (SYDNEY)
The historic and charming suburb of The Rocks will once again be transforming into an entire world of curious secrets, secret installations, frivolities, makeovers, mouth-watering morsels and market stall treasures. Fully utilising the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of The Rocks and it's many cobblestone laneways that are teeming with complex and deeply entrenches stories of Australia's past.
The series of constant events is presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and is just one part of the complete revitilisation of how Sydney is using one of it's most important areas to showcase just how beautiful life is in the harbour city.
SHFA CEO Catherine Gallagher said the program for this year’s The Rocks Village Bizarre is yet again full of surprises. “The team at SHFA have put together a program packed with world-renowned performers, intriguing installations and cutting-edge performance pieces,” Ms Gallagher said. “There’s definitely something for everyone, and you’d have to come every week to manage to catch everything that’s on offer. I can’t wait to see the Village Bizarre light up the laneways of The Rocks once again.”
From performance art behind every window and interactive installations, The Footstool Phantom (think audience participation, puppetry, live music, and torture), and roaming choirs to Gin Mill Socials, makeovers, and even free haircuts, The Rocks will be a trove of activities while the festival lasts from November 7th to December 19th every Friday night from 6:30pm-10pm
HARBOUR CITY FERRIES GET INVOLVED WITH ICONIC EVENTS (SYDNEY)
Sydney's Harbour City Ferries will be getting more involved in two of the most iconic events on Sydney Harbour. Sydney-siders and visitors will be able to board selected ferries on special charters to sail across the harbour during the Sydney to Hobart Race and also during the New Year's Eve Fireworks.
650 tickets will be made available for people to ride a special charter across the harbour for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day, and 1,550 tickets will be available for people to enjoy the spectacular Sydney Harbour Fireworks on NYE
ickets available to enjoy the spectacular Sydney Harbour fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
General Manager – Customers & Stakeholders, Michelle Handforth, said the special ferry charters are a once in a lifetime experience for locals and visitors to enjoy Sydney Harbour. “We’re thrilled to offer a sailors view of these two quintessentially Sydney events from our iconic ferries and we anticipate the tickets will sell out quickly,” said Michelle Handforth.
“New Year’s Eve in Sydney is watched on TV screens around the world, but being on the deck of an iconic ferry is a brilliant way to watch the explosive spectacle of the fireworks or to hear the warning signal for the Sydney to Hobart race to begin,” she said.
“It’s great to be near the harbour for these events, but even better to be on the harbour, free of the crowds and right in the middle of the excitement,” Ms Handforth said.
There will be two special ferry charters on Boxing Day for the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race with 650 people on board.
On New Year’s Eve there will be three special ferry charters, offering two opportunities to view either the 9pm fireworks or the midnight fireworks, with a total of 1,550 tickets available.
Tickets for the events are being sold exclusively online at www.beyondthewharf.com.au,
BEACH STYLE - REEF
Premium surf travel brand REEF has Christmas all wrapped up this year with their stylish range of quality, eco-friendly sandals to get your loved one’s feet summer-ready. REEF has a design to suit everyone, whether it’s the guy who lives all day and night in his sandals or the girl who pairs them effortlessly with a classic summer dress. REEF sandals are the perfect gift for those who appreciate comfort, quality and a fresh summer style. For more information about REEF, visit the website www.reef.com.au, Facebook facebook.com/reef, Twitter twitter.com/reef84 or Instagram @REEF_ANZ.
ENTERTAINMENT AT THE STAR IN NOVEMBER (SYDNEY)
ARIA Awards at The Star
The flagship event of the Australian music calendar, the ARIA Awards will be held at The Event Centre at The Star on November 26. A range of world-class acts will perform on the night including One Direction, 5 Seconds of Summer, Chet Faker, Sheepard, Hilltop Hoods and Justice Crew. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.ariaawards.com.au
ARIA Week at Rock Lily
The four-piece rock outfit from Melbourne, Kingswood, will be performing in Rock Lily on ARIA night, along with DJ Nino Brown and Suite Az. Rock Lily will also play host to a range of other gigs throughout the week from talented artists including Rogue Traders Mindi Jackson, The Voice Australia’s Simon Meli and the DJ Thieves just to name a few. The best part - entry is free.
Clash of the Bands
The search for Sydney's hottest unsigned band continues at Rock Lily as bands battle it out at the semi-final this November 6 and the grand final taking place November 13. Make sure you’re there to see who takes out the $25,000 grand prize!
Rock with Laughter at Rock Lily
Bold and brassy stand-up sensation, Bev Killick rolls into Rock with Laughter at Rock Lily for an energetic set of bawdy comedy on November 27. Standup comedy-lovers are in for a night of laughs with funny men Steve Philp and Sam Bowring also taking to the stage. Settle in for the popular night with $5 local beers, house and selected spirits and food options from 5pm till late.
I Love Salsa
Rock Lily is turning up the heat every Wednesday from 7pm with I Love Salsa nights. Hosted by two of Sydney’s best Latino DJ’s, dance the night away with your friends with free salsa lessons at Rock Lily at The Star. You and your partner could win a $250 Star Gift Card.
Sky Terrace Sydney Rooftop Bar
The roof-top Sky Terrace takes advantage of the expansive views over Sydney Harbour and the city skyline from the balcony of the state-of-the-art Event Centre, atop The Star. Kick back and relax with a sunset cocktail, or maybe a boutique brew and choose from a delicious menu while live DJs provide the perfect soundscape to compliment the panoramic views.
Prelude
Think Friday evening, think Prelude. For a truly stylish and sophisticated after work drink venue, head to Prelude at The Library located on the top floor of The Star-a new Friday night offering from 5pm. Enjoy an intimate New York lounge bar with sunset champagnes, fine wines, Sydney skyline views and a selection of groove, funk and soul music. It’s an intimate and fashionable affair and a great option for Friday evening socials. Don’t miss out on the half price cocktails and drinks in the first hour. Visit www.preludesyd.com.
Cherry DJ Series
Cherry’s DJ Series turns up the heat on November 29 with Mic Doney performing from 10pm to 12am. Cherry offers the best in house, disco, balearic beats and lounge DJ mixes alongside cocktails made with flair, skill and fun, using the finest ingredients.
Cherry Cocktail Masterclass
From team building functions to hens nights, make it a fun event with a difference at a private Cherry Cocktail Masterclass. The night begins with a specially concocted cocktail and a stunning harbour view. Next, learn to shake like a pro with a one-hour mixology session from the top bartenders in one of Sydney's most stylish cocktail lounges. Bookings are available for groups of eight to a maximum of 30 guests, at a cost of $88 per person. For any enquiries, please email starsales@echoent.com.au.
Happy Hour at The Star
Kick back with $5 local beers, house wine and spirits every Monday to Friday, from 5-7pm at The Star. Take your pick from a great lineup of bars - Rock Lily, Cherry (closed Sun-Tue) and 24/7 Sports Bar. Beverages include Belvedere, Tanqueray, Makers Mark, Johnnie Walker Black and Chandon.
Dirty Dancing at the Lyric Theatre
After breaking box office records world-wide, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage returns to Sydney from November 28 for a Strictly Limited Season! Make a night of it and enjoy a delicious meal at one of our signature restaurants before your show. With menus designed to get you to the show in time, and free parking (if you spend over $100) when you enjoy the pre-show offering, visit the Sokyo, BLACK by ezard and Balla pages to check out the menus. Book now at wwww.star.com.au
MARKETS OF MELBOURNE – FESTIVE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
The Markets of Melbourne have pulled together a selection of recipes and fantastic entertaining tips and tricks from their range of markets (Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market and Dandenong Market) that are sure to get you well on your way to creating the perfect summer get-together, whilst keeping hungry bellies satisfied. Try a cocktail to start:
Espresso Martini, Serves 1
Tips
The secret to a fabulous Espresso Martini is balancing the flavours. The Gin, for example, needs to have standout botanical flavours. It’s recommended to use cold drip Ethiopian coffee, as it’s a more stable flavour than using a hot espresso coffee.Use some orange rind as garnish, giving another element to the already amazing flavour.
Ingredients
300ml fragrant gin
15ml dry vermouth
15ml Cold drip Ethiopia Aricha coffee (available for purchase from Padre Coffee)
Ice
Method
Pour the ingredients together over ice, and shake (or stir) and garnish with orange rind, to make a delicious, eye popping, Espresso Martini.
Or maybe try a brilliant vege meal:
Asparagus and Leek Quiche, Serves 6
Tips
Compliment with a simple green salad topped with Victorian tomatoes. For the crust, you can either use quality shortcrust pastry sheets or make this super quick no need to rest or blind bake olive oil crust.
Crust: for a 9 inch pie dish - Ingredients
1 cup plain flour
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 cup olive oil
1⁄4 cup ice cold water
Method
1. Mix flour and salt with fork.
2. In a separate bowl, beat oil and water with a whisk to thicken. Pour the oil/water mix into the flour. Mix with fork.
3. Without stressing too much press into a 9 inch pie dish. You can roll it a bit with a rolling pin to get started. In the end you want a nice thin crust.
4. Take care to press any excess pastry out of the corner where the side and base of the dish meets. Any holes can be plugged or squashed closed.
5. Set to one side while you prepare the quiche filling.
Filling Ingredients
1 tablespoon of butter
1 or 2 leeks – use the white stalk part only (you need about 20cm length). Halved, washed and thinly sliced
Salt and pepper
2 bunches of asparagus (about 400g). Remove tough ends, slice on the diagonal.
4 free range eggs
300ml of cream (or 150ml milk and 150ml cream)
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 cup of shredded vegetarian tasty cheese
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt the butter in a frypan, add leek and asparagus, season with salt and pepper. Cook until asparagus is slightly cooked (still crisp). About 5 mins. Put to one side to cool.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream and nutmeg.
4. To construct the quiche. Sprinkle the cheese on the base of the pie crust. Top this with the asparagus mix. Pour the egg mixture on top.
5. Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes until the centre of the quiche is just set.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY DOUBLE BAY OPENS (SYDNEY)
Marking Sydney’s first major hotel launch in years, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay will open its doors on November 6 2 as the only five-star luxury hotel outside the CBD. Finishing touches are being made to the 140-room property in Sydney’s prestigious Double Bay village, with its world-class team standing by ready to welcome guests from next month. The bayside sanctuary opening marks the revival of the original building at 33 Cross Street, with restored features such as the grand staircase, Italian marble bathrooms and fireplaces, and Parisian balconies, enhanced by a contemporary redesign. In the coming days, hotel Executive Chef Julien Pouteau will be conducting final menu tastings for destination restaurant Stockroom, while Head Sommelier Kabir Antoniak will be busy completing the expansive list of local and international wines. The Stillery team will be filling the seven-metre-long marble bar with last arrivals of rare and vintage gins, and the rooftop pool overlooking the bay will be topped up ready to receive its first swimmer. For more information and reservations, email reservations.doublebay@ihg.com, call +61 138 388 or visit www.intercontinental.com/doublebay.
ROUND SHE GOES MARKET – NATIONAL RECYLCING WEEK (ADELAIDE)
Round She Goes is a pop-up indoor market in Adelaide entirely dedicated to women’s preloved fashion. It features over 50 different stallholders and is held three times per year. This market is on during National Recycling Week (November 10-16) which is a Planet Ark initiative to promote the environmental benefits of recycling. Round She Goes is a market event entirely dedicated to encouraging women to recycle clothes they no longer wear, and then the public can come along and shop. It’s an excellent way to pick up quality second-hand fashion items in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Head there on November 15 from 10am to 3pm. This is the last date for 2014, so be sure to head along.