In this week’s issue: Check out what The Star has in store for July, Spiritual guru Sawmiji visits Sydney, start your morning with a sober rave via Morning Gloryville, we check out the events happening at The Winery, as well as charity events like Cafesmart and the Tough Angels fundraiser at Zaza's in Melbourne, plus so much more.
FOOD
DINING AT THE STAR IN JULY (SYDNEY)
Balla
New Quickie Menu
With the roaring success of Balla’s “Fancy a Quickie?” lunch, this stunning Osteria has pulled together a delectable new menu even the fussiest eaters will crawl out from under the covers for. An option of one ($19) or two courses ($34) is available capturing the simple sophistication that makes Balla a must do for a quick bite with colleagues or brave the winter blues with a beau. Available noon to 2:30pm Tuesday to Friday.
Pre Theatre Menu
With strictly ballroom continuing to heat up the dance floor at The Star, Balla has created new pre theatre dining options to satisfy before the show. Available from 5.30 – 7pm visitors can be taken on a delightful tour of Italy sampling in two or three courses Balla’s pick of the season from the farm, sea and vines. Matching wines have been suggested byBalla’s talented sommelier from the hand picked list to make the experience a truly special one. Available every Friday from 12 – 3 pm.
Black By Ezard
A Quick Bite
When curling up by a warming fire is all that’s on your mind on a Friday, a quick fantasy lunchtime escape comes in the perfect package at Black By Ezard. For only $25, you can enjoy the opulence of one of The Star’s most stunning dining spaces combined with a collection of sumptuous offerings from our famous wood fired grill. Choose from a number of mains, sides and specially chosen wines to complete your dining experience.
World Cup Concoctions
While australia put up a grand fight in this year’s cup there is no better way to toast the teams effort than a trip to Black By Ezard bar to taste the delectable selection of cocktails pulled together for the event by bar manager marco oshiro. All crafted with the brazillian spirit cachaca, there is something for every palate to appreciate. From the fruity “Coco Batida”, spice laden winter warmer the “Quentao” or for those who are wanting to be up and rearing to go for the rest of the tournament, the drip coffee creation “Rabo De Galo Con Café” is the one for you.
Sokyo
Cloudy bay Pinot Noir and Duck
Running for the month of July, Sokyo’s Executive Chef Chase Kojima has crafted a number of intricate Duck based dishes that complement the intriguing palate of one of New Zealand’s great wineries. For $44 diners can enjoy a glass of Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir and Bincho yaki duck, Roasted beetroot & blueberry purée, wasabi yuzu duck jus, Sansho pepper and Sorrel.
THE TILBURY IN WINTER (WOOLLOOMOOLOO)
The Tilbury have launched additional offerings this winter to make sure you stay satisfied through the harsher cold months. These include:
Rye July – throughout July, The Tilbury will showcase Japan’s single malt and blended malt whiskies, and will hold a once-off Tasting & Masterclass on July 24.
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir Duck Trail– Guests can enjoy Seared Duck Breast, Baby Beetroot, Dutch Carrot, Blood Orange Reduction with a glass of 2012 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir for $40 (June 24 - August 1)
Fork & Cork - Fork & Cork produces dinners featuring Sonoma, Simon Johnson and Vic’s Meats with matched wines by Bottega Del Vino..
THE MORRISON OYSTER FESTIVAL (SYDNEY)
The Morrison Oyster Festival is back this August! The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room has a host of activities and offers lined up to reignite your love affair with the humble oyster and remind you why these little gems are oh-so-good. From the legendary daily $1 oyster hour, wine and oyster tastings, an oyster eating competition and some great oyster nosh, there’s no better excuse to get out of your shell and join in the festivities. The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room makes oysters a focus all year-round, showcasing seasonal varieties in their shucked-to-order oyster menu. But nothing quite beats a whole month of oyster events and The Morrison Oyster Festival is designed to take the oyster offering into overdrive, giving oyster novices through to the oyster aficionado an opportunity to celebrate these delectable little treats. For a full run down of events, visit http://themorrison.com.au/
THE ANIMAL, NEWTOWN HOSTS CHRISTMAS IN JULY (SYDNEY)
It's that time of year again and guests are invited to get into the festive spirit at The Animal. Join in as the team embrace all things meat to throw a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. The Animal at Newtown Hotel will be decked out with all the Christmas trappings, and while we can't promise snow, the night is set to be one hell of a good time. Guests will enjoy an egg nog on arrival followed by the mother of all meaty Christmas dinners. The meal is $40pp, and will take place from 7pm onwards on July 31. Email info@newtownhotel.com.au to book your spot.
KOBA KOREAN STREET FOOD (MELBOURNE)
Melbourne’s in the midst of a Korean food boom and this week one of its original K-players reopens with a new menu and an adventurous new fit-out. Located within Hardware Street’s burgeoning food scene, KOBA reopens its doors for trade on July 9. After working with some of Melbourne’s most respected local designers KOBA boasts a reinvigorated design thanks to the art direction of Eddie Zammit and illustration work of Eleven. After spending the last few months working with consultant chef Ken Kim (Grand Hyatt, Melbourne), KOBA adds some of Korea’s most loved street foods to the menu including Korean Fried Chicken; Topokki (spicy rice cakes with vegetables); Sweet Potato Fries and Korean Sliders while retaining favourites the Korrito (Korean Burrito) filled with kimchi rice, cheese, slaw, kimchi and vegetables; Korean Tacos; Rice Bowls and Kimchi Fries. Head to eatkoba.com to find out more
TRIPADVISOR’S BEST AUSSIE BURGER JOINTS
TripAdvisor, one of the world’s largest travel sites, has announced the 10 best boutique burger restaurants in Australia, according to the reviews and opinions of millions of travellers. From a converted truck in Pokolbin to a hidden gem in Byron Bay, these outstanding burger joints provide beef that’s a cut above:
1. Burger Me Fresh, Coolangatta, QLD (4.5 out of 5 bubbles)
2. Andrew's Hamburgers, Melbourne, VIC (4 out of 5 bubbles)
3. Planet Burgers, Exmouth, WA (4.5 out of 5 bubbles)
4. The Bottle of Milk, Lorne, VIC (4.5 out of 5 bubbles)
5. Longboards Laidback Eatery, Surfers Paradise, QLD (4.5 out of 5 bubbles)
6. Penguin Stop Café, Penneshaw, SA (4.5 out of 5 bubbles)
7. TUBE The Ultimate Burger Experience, Townsville, QLD (4 out of 5 bubbles)
8. Beloporto, Byron Bay, NSW (4 out of 5 bubbles)
9. Missy Moo’s Burger Bar, South Freemantle, WA (4 out of 5 bubbles)
10. Tuk Tuk, Pokolbin, NSW (4 out of 5 bubbles)
NOMAD WINE DINNER (SYDNEY)
Margaret River’s Cullen Wines’ winemaker, Vanya Cullen will head to the East Coast and host a very special wine dinner at Nomad Restaurant on August 6 to launch new vintages of the Diana Madeline and Kevin John. Tickets will be $145 a head for four courses and matched wines. For all bookings, check out http://restaurantnomad.com.au/reservations/ or call 02 9280 3395.
TOUGH ANGELS FUNDRAISER AT ZAZA’S (MELBOURNE)
It’s a pretty unique idea - the blending of Kenyan and Italian cuisine. ZaZa head chef and passionate fundraiser, Dario D’Agostino, will be preparing a specially designed Kenyan-Italian inspired cocktail menu for a fundraising evening on July 30. Tough Angels is a charity devoted to helping communities dealing with violence against women and children. Aside from great food and beverages, the event will also include door prizes, auctions, Kenyan Tunes, guest speakers and a Tough Angels photographic exhibition. Tickets are $135pp, which includes food and beverages. Group bookings are also available. For bookings, email info@zazas.com.au
DRINKS
CAFESMART 2014
Annual charity event CafeSmart is calling on coffee drinkers to make a cupful of difference on August 8. The initiative, from charity StreetSmart is aiming to raise money for the homeless from consumers’ daily caffeine hit. One dollar of every coffee sold on the day will be donated by participating cafes to funding local projects. The simple message is ‘Drink Coffee Do Good - and help from the ground up.’ Find participating cafes in your local area at www.streetsmartaustralia.org/findcafe and visit on the day to purchase yourself and your friends a round of extra-beneficial coffees. StreetSmart is also encouraging coffee drinkers to consider donating an extra one dollar at the counter, to reach this year’s target of $100,000.
CLICQUOT WINTER PARTY AT THE WINERY (SYDNEY)
Veuve Clicquot will celebrate the winter season once again this year with the Clicquot Winter Party At The Winery on July 23, with beautiful food, champagne, and VIPs in attendance. The Winery will turn a cosy Clicquot yellow for the evening, with Clicquot skis, faux snow and chic chalet décor creating a winter wonderland. Guests can book tickets to snuggle up with delicious chilled flutes of Veuve Clicquot and warming canapés along with a gourmet barbecue set to heat up The Winery laneway. The $55pp ticket includes 3 flutes of Veuve Clicquot, gourmet BBQ, and entertainment. For more information and the book tickets click HERE.
MR TIPPLY’S – RUM BARREL WEDNESDAYS (SYDNEY)
For those inner-city rum fanatics, looking for some mid-week fun, Mr Tipply’s has recently launched Rum Barrel Wednesdays. Mr Tipply’s will be offering $5 Rums & $10 Mojitos all night, accompanied by a mix of old school reggae tunes played by DJ Scully. For all what’s on at Mr Tipply’s check out the website - http://mrtipplys.com/whats-on/
APRÈS SKI AT ZETA BAR (SYDNEY)
Sydney’s premium bar destination, Zeta Bar, is launching a winter campaign set to heat up the city over the cooler months. From July 18 to end of August, Après Ski at Zeta Bar will run every Friday evening throughout winter. As ski season hits its peak, for those unable to escape the daily grind and head to the slopes, Zeta Bar will transport you to the ultimate Après Ski venue. Warming up the height of Winter, Zeta Bar will be transformed into a winter wonderland whereby guests can indulge by candlelight on festive cocktails, mulled wine, blazers and hot toddies, all while snacking on delicious roasted chestnuts by the opulent oversized fireplace.
http://www.zetabar.com.au/
FASHION & CULTURE
THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES (SYDNEY)
The wonderful, rambling and colourful community garden of The Grounds of Alexandria are hosting a whole heap of fun, unique and interactive children's activities over the school holidays. Kids can enjoy feeding the cute goats of Alexandria, they can take a wild walking tour to learn about everything from farm animals to baking bread, they can pot their own plants to take home and grow themselves, and so much more. Call 02 9699 2225, or head to thegrounds.com.au to find out how The Grounds of Alexandria can enrich your school holidays.
THE WINERY FASHION MARKETS (SYDNEY)
The Keystone Group’s popular entertainment destination, The Winery, returns with the well-loved, intimate laneway Fashion Markets on July 12, providing customers the opportunity to emulate the style of fashion industry leaders. Leading fashion blogger, Carmen Hamilton from Chronicles of Her along with Australia’s best fashion publicists, and stylists from top fashion publications, will make up a series of market stalls selling their pre-loved designer clothes to the public. The markets will run from 10am – 2pm.
MORNING GLORYVILLE (SYDNEY)
Ever thought of waking up at the crack of dawn to attend a SOBER rave? Morning Gloryville, a unique fitness experience like no other, is hotfooting it to Australia this July 23. Following the roaring success of its trendy East London counterpart, which regularly sees more than 800 people come together to kick-start their day with an almighty party, the Morning Gloryvilleexercise extravaganza launches in Sydney’s Paddington just in time for Dry July. Morning Gloryvilleis a conscious clubbing event, which means it is family friendly, drug and alcohol free. Accompanied by raw treats, energy shakes and yoga, it’s taking dance floors by storm and means you won’t ever want to hit the snooze button again. To find out more visit facebook.com/MorningGloryvilleSydney
SWAMIJI IS COMING TO SYDNEY
Originally a literature professor from New York, it was a life-changing episode when a gun was held to his head, which made Swamiji begin to question, what life was really about. In 1970 he began a spiritual quest that led him to India, where he studied with several great teachers, before accepting a life-long discipleship with Baba Muktananda whose ashram, many years later, would be featured in the Hollywood film Eat Pray Love. Living in Melbourne since 1992, Swamiji has dedicated his life to sharing these teachings with others. He established the Shiva School of Meditation and Yoga in 1991, a non-profit organisation, and has published many books on meditation such as his bestseller “Happy for No Good Reason”.
Swamiji will be visiting Sydney with the following events:
August 2, 7.30pm-9.30pm - Free Satsang program
The Exhibition Room, The Menzies Hotel, 14 Carrington St, Sydney
There will be a talk, meditation, chanting, a chance to meet Swamiji in person and supper.
August 3, 10am – 5.30pm – Meditation Intensive
The Exhibition Room, The Menzies Hotel, 14 Carrington St, Sydney
Swamiji will hold a Meditation Intensive, an all-day program dedicated to shaktipat, the spiritual awakening, which is at the mystical heart of Shiva Yoga. During the Intensive Swamiji gives a spiritual initiation, which is transmitted directly from teacher to student and awakens the kundalini, the divine energy. Suitable for all levels of meditators from beginners to advanced, the Intensive will be a full-day immersion in deep spirituality with talks, meditation, chanting and a question-and-answer session.
http://www.shivayoga.org.au/
CANON SHINE WINNERS
Canon Australia today unveils the winner of the 2014 Canon Shine platform, where more than 2000 photographs by Australians of all walks of life showed what matters to them most. Shortlisted by popular vote, the top 50 photos were judged by an esteemed panel to determine this year’s winner: ‘Disconnect to reconnect’ by Julie Kerbel. To arrive at the winning photo, judges considered aspects such as the photographer’s unique perspective, the power of the image to stop people in their tracks and whether the image and backstory will resonate with all of Australia. Common themes emerged from the more-than 2000 photos entered, most notably the importance of human connection; the need to care for the nature and wildlife that we share this planet with; human strength and resilience; and discovering beauty in the everyday as well as by pushing our boundaries. You can see Julie Kerbel’s story and the top 50 photographs at www.canon.com.au/shine
JULY ENTERTAINMENT AT THE STAR
Cherry
When the winter chill sets in there’s no better way to get the blood pumping than to get in to Cherry and get down to the latest mixes in the month of July played by accomplished DJ’s such as Telefunken, Taras, Yogi and Murray Lake. From 10pm to 2am every Friday
Marquee
July 19 – Belvedere Winter Ball
This year Marquee is creating a blizzard of its own for the Belvedere Winter Ball. All decked out in white , there are all sorts of quirky but cool characters to make this one night affair one to remember. International DJ act direct from Marquee Las Vegas resident DJ Jason Lema will take headline duties, following from his back-to-back set with I Am Sam a week prior to the ball. Tickets start from $30 and can be purchased from www.moshtix.com.au
Marquee Line Up
The month of July offers an impressive line-up of both international and local artists, who are set to hit the Marquee stage. With names such as; Mobin Master, Gold coast beauty Brooklyn, Sydney boy Ember, DJ Wizzard and homecoming hero tyDi - you don’t want to miss out!
http://www.marqueesydney.com/
Rock Lily
July 24 – Acoustic Nights – Simon Meli
The earthy vibe of Rock Lily is the perfect place for the relaxed acoustic tones of The Voice series twofinalist, Mr. Simon Meli. Whilst his unschooled voice and technique is one to his own... To listen to Simon’s voice can be tonally compared to Robert Plant, Lou Gramm. Simon brings a soulful vibe to the venue in this free entry session.
July 30 - Rock with Laughter – Chris Radburn
Former lawyer Chris Radburn is an Aussie comedian who has earned a reputation for clever and cheeky observations that are relatable, original and hilarious. Chris has appeared as a comedian on over 15 TV shows including The NRL Footy Show, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, CNN International, Stand up Australia, Thursday Night Live, Getaway, Joker Poker and the Sydney Comedy Festival Gala and performed overseas in America, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, Egypt, Dubai and New Zealand. Chris, a regular on the Australian comedy circuit, was invited to perform for the prestigious invite only Montreal Just for Laughs showcase at the Sydney Comedy Store and will be joined on the evening by Christina van Look, Katie Birch, Henry Stone and hosted by Mikey Robins.
The Star Event Centre
July 11 – Wayne Brady
For more than a decade, Wayne Brady has wowed audiences worldwide with his Television and film acting, improv, singing and dancing. One of the most versatile performers in show business today, the multi-award winning star is well known for his hilarious improvised antics, unique musical talents and limitless impersonation skills as showcased on the hit shows Whose Line is it Anyway, The Wayne Brady Show, The Dave Chappelle Show, Let's Make a Deal and Don't Forget the Lyrics.Be there for an evening of "no holds barred, balls to the wall, off the cuff, did he just do that?, that boy can sing!" improvisation.
Lyric Theatre
Strictly Ballroom
Sydney's premier live entertainment venue, Sydney Lyric is the place to experience musicals, theatre, concerts, opera and ballet. Sydney Lyric has an over 15-year history of welcoming legendary performers from all over the world. Bon Jovi, Michael Crawford, Julio Iglesias, Elton John and Stevie Wonder have all graced the stage of Sydney's premier live entertainment address.