In this week’s issue: OzHarvest's Think.Eat.Save events announced, Marquee Sydney's stellar July line up, the Bleu Blanc Roughe Festival draws near, the noble "Dine At Mine" campaign gears up help fight cancer, Max Brenner changes it's menu nationally for the first time in five years, a great deal of independence day celebrations, The Rocks Aroma Festival, and so much more.
FOOD
BLEU BLANC ROUGE FRENCH FESTIVAL (SYDNEY)
Following last year’s success, Australia‘s Bleu Blanc Rouge French Festival will burst onto Sydney’s Circular Quay foreshore at Customs House and adjoining Customs House Square for three days from July 11 to July 13 to celebrate Bastille Day. The dazzling outdoor festival is unique offering and a vibrant salute to France’s National Day – Le quatorze juillet (14th of July), providing 3 live concerts, delicious French food, cooking masterclasses, artist performances, cabaret, an outdoor film inspired by French style and esprit, and much more. For full details head to http://bbrfestival.com.au/
CAMP QUALITY - DINE AT MINE
For the second consecutive year Camp Quality is urging home chefs and cooking enthusiasts to arrange a dining experience in support of children living with cancer, and their families, with the Dine At Mine campaign. Cancer is the largest killer of children from disease in Australia and approximately 10,000 children are either newly diagnosed with cancer, under treatment or in remission. Dine At Mine was a huge success in its inaugural year last August, and is now a major fundraiser for the children’s cancer charity. The concept is simple, throughout August hosts invite family and friends to a dining experience and asks them to donate what they would have spent dining out to Camp Quality. Hosts are encouraged to “Make it Yours” - Whether it’s a BBQ after a local football game, dinner with the family, a brunch at work or lunch with friends. To register as a Dine At Mine host, simply visit www.dineatmine.org.au or call 1300 730 787 to be sent a host pack which includes all the info you need to host a successful Dine At Mine.
TIME OUT FOOD AWARDS (MELBOURNE & SYDNEY)
The annual Time Out Food Awards are back with a bang in 2014, returning to Melbourne on August 18 and Sydney on August 25 to celebrate each city’s hottest restaurants. The Awards, which are now in their sixth year in Sydney in and second year in Melbourne, recognise the best food offerings in each city, from tiny cafes to fine dining restaurants, fresh new talent and tasty cheap eats. The cream of Sydney and Melbourne’s dining scene will be attending, hoping to win one of just ten awards including Best Bang For Buck, Best New Restaurant, Best Café and Restaurant of the Year. Each city’s rising stars will also be recognised with the Hot Talent award, and for the first time ever the industry’s driving forces will be celebrated with the inaugural Chef of the Year Award. For further information and tickets, visit www.au.timeout.com/sydney or www.au.timeout.com/melbourne
BAR100 NEW WINTER FOOD & COCKTAIL MENU (SYDNEY)
Iconic heritage-listed venue BAR100 has launched a new seasonal food menu with a range of divine trattoria-style dishes and warming bistro favourites. The venue has also launched a new cocktail menu for the cooler months featuring winter ingredients such as cranberry, vanilla and preserves. BAR100’s Executive Chef, Timothy Fisher’s latest menu focuses on slow cooking techniques, more share style starters, and winter produce and flavours. The new menu’s dishes include Smoked Rainbow Trout Salad, Rabbit Ragu Papperdelle and Braised Beef Cheeks, while the new cocktails feature the Glasgow Clipper, Black Pearl and BAR100 Mulled Wine. To find out more, visit www.bar100.com.au or phone 02 8070 9311.
BOOTLEG MEATBALLS (SYDNEY)
Bootleg's owners are responding to an emerging demand from diners for premium, affordable cuisine in a casual setting. To do this, they are focussing their attention on their house-made meatballs and taking them to the next level. The new concept could be termed a premium diner – Fast food for grown-ups. Why meatballs? The meatball is a classic. Adaptable to virtually unlimited serving styles and ingredients, meatballs occupy a happy place in people's hearts. Bootleg's has been filling tummies with its house-made meatballs and spaghetti for five years and is now placing the ball front and centre. Bootleg Meatballs prides itself in controlling all parts of the meatball-crafting process. All meats are hand ground in-house using an age-old tradition. This in a superior meatball – Tender, succulent and possibly the best you've tasted! Head to bootlegmeatballs.com.au for the full run down
THINK.EAT.SAVE
For the second year running, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, OzHarvest is partnering with the United Nations to tackle the issues of food and nutrition security and sustainable food systems at the upcoming Think.Eat.Save events to be held across the country on July 21. OzHarvest will be leading the Think.Eat.Save campaign in Australia to raise awareness on global food loss and waste reduction. Some of the nation’s top chefs, politicians and celebrities will unite at events held across Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Newcastle to take a stance against food waste, and serve thousands of members of the public a free, delicious and hearty hot meal made from surplus produce that would have otherwise ended up as landfill. To find out more about what’s happening in your area check out http://www.ozharvest.eventbrite.com.au/
MAX BRENNER CHOCOLATE BAR MENU CHANGE
This June marks a long-awaited change for Australia’s leading chocolate-based café, Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. It is revamping its truly addictive chocolate menu for the first time in five years. The anticipated new menu will be spoiling chocolate-lovers from June 30 - July 2 2014, at all Max Brenner Chocolate BarsAustralia-wide. Combining modern flavour combinations and uniquely integrated textures – and of course melted chocolate – the menu promises a full sensory experience. Too mischievous to keep to oneself is the new Chocolate Mess to Share. With a foundation of rich chocolate sponge drenched in smooth milk chocolate syrup, topped with ice cream, whipped cream and sprinkles this delicious mess is served straight from the tin. The Praline Meringue Puff Extravaganza is impossibly addictive. A giant praline meringue puff stuffed with vanilla ice cream, topped with strawberries and caramelised pecans; it will take you on a journey of flavours and textures that evolve with every bite. This and so much more await you on this new menu. For further information about Max Brenner, locations or to visit the online Chocolate Shop, please visit www.maxbrenner.com.au or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/MBAustralia for regular updates.
NEWTOWN HOTEL MEAT FAIR (SYDNEY)
Further cementing itself as the home of great meat, Newtown Hotel will host a Meat Fair on Saturday August 9 featuring the best local producers and craft beer brewers from across the country. Spread out over two levels including The Animal and Cider Yard, the Meat Fairwill be a carnivore’s playground with 8 different meats including favourites such as Suckling Pig, Coal Roasted Lamb, Beef Brisket, Whole Chicken & Smokey BBQ Beef Short Ribs alongside specialized products including Wild Boar and Kangaroo. All meats will be cooked in a unique way to showcase the very best the butchers have to offer. The Meat Fair will take place from 1pm-6pm so forget dinner and while away the afternoon at a long lunch with a difference.
BONDI FEAST (SYDNEY)
After two years of sold out shows, record breaking winter crowds and chill defying beach-goers, Bondi Feast is back this July for its third and finest festival outing yet. Returning to the Bondi Pavilion theatre from July 7, Bondi Feast is a pop-up winter festival of comedy, music, theatre, storytelling, visual arts and hot foods (washed down with some mulled wine, of course), and takes place over 15 nights with over 50 shows from over 100 artists. Festival highlights include premiere theatre works by Vanessa Bates (Porncake), Caleb Lewis (Death in Bowengabbie), John A D Fraser (All the Rage) and Rob Hayes (UK); and experimental performances from Jessica Bellamy (Shabbat Dinner), David Finnigan (MKA) and Tim Spencer (Melbourne Fringe Festival Winner). To check out the full calendar, visit http://bondifeast.com.au/calendar/
CROWNE PLAZA - WIN LUNCH WITH THE WALLABIES
Crowne Plaza has launched a competition for Australian rugby fans to win the ultimate Wallabies experience including an intimate lunch with two players and tickets to the first Bledisloe match of 2014. With Crowne Plaza being official hotel group of the Wallabies since 2002, the competition will give two winners and their guests:
- An intimate lunch with two Wallabies on 14 August 2014
- Tickets to the first Bledisloe match of 2014: Qantas Wallabies versus the All Blacks in Sydney on 16 August 2014
- Three nights’ stay at Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach in an Ocean View Room with breakfast daily
- Return airfares from their nearest capital city to Sydney
Lunch will be an intimate gathering for the competition winners and the two players, hosted at Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach on 14 August 2014 in Bluesalt Restaurant's Terrace. Enjoy sumptuous platters of delicious lunch - the alfresco 3 course shared platters - while chatting to two Australian Rugby greats. To enter the competition, visit www.lunchwiththewallabies.com.au, or pick up an entry at participating Crowne Plaza hotels.
OPERA BAR NEW MENU (SYDNEY)
With sweeping views of the Sydney city skyline, Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Opera Bar is a truly unforgettable experience. Introducing a fantastic new menu and wine list, you will have no reason to stay indoors during the winter months. Opera Bar’s talented chefs have developed an exciting new menu, featuring a range of dishes perfectly suited to the colder season, including baked lamb moussaka, pork ramen noodle soup and roast chicken with Jerusalem artichokes and kale. For dessert, warm donuts with fresh berries or apple tarte tatin with caramel sauce are hard to resist. Created using the best local produce, the winter menu offers something to cater for every taste with its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, making it the perfect choice for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch, dinner with friends or a quick bite before a show. For the film lovers out there, the Opera Bar is also offering the chance for Sydney-siders to catch their favourite flick at Dendy Opera Quays while sharing an Opera Bar tasting plate. Priced at $55 for two people, tickets for the package can be purchased by visitingwww.operabar.com.au
SWINE SATURDAYS’ AT SWINE & CO. (SYDNEY)
Due to popular demand, the Urban Purveyor Group’s newest venue, Swine & Co., will now be opening its doors on Saturday night for Swine Saturdays. Sydney CBD, historically a ghost town on Saturday nights, is now coming-alive as a go-to destination for Swine & Co. Swine Saturdays will be offering an exclusive 'Chef's Playground Menu', an ever changing, three course menu of culinary delights designed and prepared by Head Chef, Matthew Weller. Adding mystique and excitement to the Saturday offering, the details of these delicious dishes will be kept secret until the day it starts on July 5. For the full details, check out www.swineandco.com.au
DRINKS
KAIJU! BEER WINS AWARD
After only six months in operation, two local brothers have officially brewed one of Australia’s best beers winning the trophy for Best Amber/Dark Ale in Australia’s largest beer competition, the annual Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA). Nat and Callum Reeves’ beer KAIJU! Hopped Out Red won the trophy for Best Amber/Dark Ale at the competition held on Thursday, May 22 in Melbourne. The AIBA is the largest competition for the beer industry in the Asia Pacific. This year the awards attracted over 1,500 entries from 31 countries. Only 25 Champion and Major Trophies were presented. On top of the AIBA trophy they were also named the People’s Pint Best Brewery at the Good Beer Week Showcase held in Melbourne during May.
TOBY SMITH CAFÉ HALL OF FAME
It has been announced that Toby Smith was inducted into the Hall Of Fame for his contribution to Sydney Café culture at the Sydney Morning Herald Good Café Guide 2014 Awards on June 16. Toby, the founder of Toby’s Estate, is a pioneering roaster and coffee artisan whose impact was felt on Sydney’s café culture over 12 years ago. Since the first Toby’s Estate Café was established in Woolloomooloo in 2001, Toby’s has gained a loyal network of over 600 independent cafes, which serves Toby’s Estate coffee exclusively. The Toby’s Estateteam scout the globe for the best quality and most unique coffee available each season. They pride themselves on developing sustainable, long term relationships with like-minded farmers based on trust, traceability, and a deep passion and respect for coffee quality.
THE BOURBON HOTEL FOURTH OF JULY PARTY (SYDNEY)
Where else to be this Fourth of July than Sydney’s most American-inspired venue The Bourbon Hotel? They are rolling out a big ol’ Independence Day party with the finest stateside-style food, drinks and good times. Everyone’s invited to celebrate the Star Spangled Banner with their $50 feast of US-flavoured dishes – one for every stripe on the flag. The 13 mighty tasty canapés include mini chilli dogs, New York style bagels, grilled Cajun shrimp and waffles with chocolate sauce. For toasting Uncle Sam, the package includes a Woodford Reserve Cocktail or Coors Beer on arrival, sponsors for the evening. Tickets are available from www.thebourbon.com.au
THE ROCKS AROMA FESTIVAL (SYDNEY)
From industry members to fully-fledged coffee-holics, to those who love to combine their cocoa bean with their coffee bean, there’s something for everyone at next month’s The Rocks Aroma Festival on July 27. Returning for its 17th year, the 2014 Aroma Festival includes not only the Sunday event, but also offers an impressive array of activities and workshops available throughout the month of July leading up to the big day. The coffee-curious can learn how to make pour-over coffee at home, become Picasso with workshops in latte art, enjoy insider’s tips from professional chocolate makers, and learn about the complex and delicate flavours of coffee with different cupping sessions. Highlights include such features as:
COFFEE HEAVEN
Sample direct from the source as more than 60 stalls come together in The Rocks. Think handmade, traditional, organic and Fairtrade from family-run businesses, specialty and micro-roasters. Complement your coffee hit with French pastries, wickedly good chocolate, charming cupcakes and calming tea.
ROCKS BREWING ONE SHOT POP-UP BAR
Escape the bustle of the streets and relax with a craft beer or one-shot coffee brew at the Rocks Brewing One Shot Pop-up Bar. Don’t miss the One Shot Caffeinated Red Ale or the opportunity to shake the hands that craft the beer with meet the brewer sessions.
2014 AROMA CUP
Judge your way around 13 local brews to crown The Rocks’ finest blend. Vote online before July 31 for a chance to win more than $3,000 worth of prizes, including a Breville Oracle espresso machine. Click the Aroma Cup tab for more information.
For full details head to http://therocks.com/
SOCAL FOURTH OF JULY PARTY (SYDNEY)
Independence Day on 4th July is one of the biggest celebrations in the US, and SoCal Neutral Bay are going all out hosting an American themed party to celebrate. There will be American DJ’s and live music till 2am, American food specials including buttermilk soaked southern fried chicken ($16) and good old meatball sliders ($20) – all of which great for sharing. There will be $5 Samuel Adams lager, a special cocktail called the Wedding Crasher ($12) and Fireball shots, America’s most popular cinnamon whiskey. And for the night owls, to keep you going a BBQ on the deck serving $5 hotdogs will be available from 10pm. Head to SoCal Neutral Bay on Friday 4th July to get your Americana on.
INDEPENDENCE DAY AT MR TIPPLY’S (SYDNEY)
In celebration of the USA’s most commemorative day, Independence Day, Mr Tipply’s will go all out theming the space in red, white and blue for the day. For lunch and dinner, think an all American feast including cheese burger & fries, Hot and Spicy wings, hotdogs, Millers Beer and refreshing Long Island ice teas. DJ's John Devecchis and Yogi & Tricky will hit the decks later in the evening and create the ultimate American playlist and there may even be a visit from the president himself. Think everything but the fireworks at Mr Tipply’s next Friday July 4th.
THE PUSH (SYDNEY)
The Push has opened after an extensive renovation and re-brand, bringinga small bar to the iconic boutique space beneath the Russell Hotel in the Rocks. Inspired by the bar’s history and previous incarnations, all facets of The Push – the look & feel, drinks and food offering respect the heritage and significance of The Rocks area yet have a clear modern influence. Epitomising the free spirited nature of those who previously associated with the name, including the well-dressed larrikins of the 1800’s and the Blues and Jazz Club of the 1970’s, The Push offers a selection of craft beers, expertly crafted cocktails and a premium wine list. For more info, head to http://www.pushbar.com.au/
BROOKLYN SOCIAL (SYDNEY)
Brooklyn Social, Surry Hills’ new neighbourhood dive bar and diner serving fast food, liquor and music from midday till late has opened. This new locals hangout pays homage to the great Brooklyn dive bars and rock n roll scene of New York circa mid 60s/70s. Make your way through the roller door and black vinyl sheeting masking the entrance and you’ll find rich leather banquettes, 70s punk rock black and white, neon signs, revealing poster graphics, stripped-back timber benches, and tartan fabric-covered walls. A vintage 70s feel that will no doubt appeal to your inner rock star. Brooklyn Social’s rocking jukebox, filled with everything from The Doors, The Ramones and Velvet Underground, keeps the vibe going till after dinner when DJs take over on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and dancing on tables becomes highly likely. Special attention is paid to cocktails at Brooklyn Social, with a list that’s heavily influenced by classic New York libations. When it comes to food, Brooklyn Socialis a modern take on the classic American diner. The food is fast, tasty and fun. Brooklyn Socialis where you head in for a good drink and a meal with mates and then find yourself dancing on tables with 100 others till 2am, wondering what just happened. It’s the kind of place that rock gods would have wanted to hang out, now it’s your turn.
FASHION & CULTURE
AGUILA COLOMBIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY STREET FESTIVAL (BRISBANE)
Join Nova’s Kip and Luttsy as they celebrate the Aguila Colombian Independence Day Street Festival on Sunday July 20, in Fortitude Valley. The vibrant street style festival, the first of it’s kind in Brisbane, will celebrate the uprising against Spanish rule in the Colombian capital Bogota on July 20, 1810, which led to Colombia becoming a self-governing republic. Come try the best Colombian fare by one of Brisbane’s most respected Colombian chefs, Theresa Perez. Just by purchasing tickets you will go into the draw to win an all-expenses paid trip to the Whitsundays, which will be drawn at the festival.
MARQUEE SYDNEY IN JULY (SYDNEY)
Marquee Sydney has cranked it up a notch this month with several local and international artists lined up over four massive weekends. This July will see the likes of worldwide star Jason Lema, Mobin Master and tyDi plus many more talents. To kick off the month a special Stars and Stripes party will be held in honour of Independence Day. Enjoy the pumping mixes and head-banging beats from resident DJ G- Wizard as he takes over the BoomBox Room. For the Ladies, find your best dress and gents don your suits because it's time for Marquee’s 2nd annual Belvedere Winter Ball. This season's most anticipated party will see the club transform into a white wonderland - keep it cosy on the dance floor and think Christmas in July. Headlining on the night will be Marquee Las Vegas resident DJ Jason Lema - who will also perform back-to-back with I Am Sam a week prior to the ball. With a standout list of DJ's set for the month of July, Marquee Sydney is definitely bringing the heat this winter. Tickets for all events are available from moshtix.com.au