In this week’s issue: Loads of updates from renowned Melbourne pizza experts La Svolta; the official launch of Emporium Melbourne will be overseen by the famous Baz Luhrmann; we look at some places to kick on after City2Surf this weekend; Brisbane's Chinatown has its own set of festivities in the Valley Fiesta this year, and this includes a mouthwatering Chinatown Chow Down; and so much more.
FOOD
LA CONDESA (MELBOURNE)
Come try one of Melbourne’s greatest Mexican venues, La Condesa. La Condesa pays homage to the buzzing bohemian quarter and vibrant nightlife of Condesa in Mexico City, where the latest in food, art and culture is showcased and young artists and entrepreneurs - known as condechis, come out to play. This modern Mexican Cantina boasts traditional flavours with a Fitzroy twist and the booze-fuelled drinks menu is sure to please. La Condesa is the ideal spot to devour some tacos and beer before a boozy night out, or to sit back and enjoy your first nip of 100% agave tequila. The choice is yours.
BENNELONG RESTAURANT CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (SYDNEY)
The Sydney Opera House today invited expressions of interest from potential operators of the iconic Bennelong Restaurant. As announced last month, the Opera House is undertaking a new, two-stage tender process for the venue. EOI documentation was posted on the Current Tenders section of the NSW Government eTendering website (tenders.nsw.gov.au). The EOI stage is designed to encourage industry engagement. The deadline for EOI responses is noon on August 25, 2014 after which the Opera Housewill shortlist applicants for the second stage of the process. It is anticipated that a new long-term operator will be in place in the first half of 2015. and to elicit innovative approaches to the opportunities offered by the venue.
CITY2SURF AT BONDI HARDWARE (SYDNEY)
City2Surf is one of the biggest running events in Sydney, finishing up at the iconic Bondi Beach. What better way to rehydrate than at one of Bondi’s favourite watering holes, Bondi Hardware. Bondi Hardware will open early on August 10 welcoming City2Surf runners, spectators and people who just want to celebrate from 9am for an all-day menu including themed brunch specials to keep your energy going. There will be Roll’d Over The Finish bacon & egg rolls ($17); Granola and ‘Yog-onna-hurt’ with coconut quinoa and fruit compote ($16); and Smashed your Time avocado on toast ($15.50). To wash down the fuel, the Hardware team have put together ‘Marathon Mouthfuls’ to quench your thirst! Grab a fresh juice for $7, or choose to spike it for just $15! For more information visit www.bondi-hardware.com.au or call 02 9365 7176
CITY 2 SURF CELEBRATIONS AT PAPERPLANES (SYDNEY)
Bondi Beach’s best Sunday Session is embracing the big race and will host the biggest SushiPlanes yet! Live music, drink specials & of course their $30 all you can eat menu will be running all day & all night at PaperPlanes; exclusively for the City 2 Surf. SushiPlanes is a blockbuster all you can eat event, offering a Chef’s Selected menu of fresh sushi rolls, gyozas, tempura baskets, crunchy kara age chicken, their celebrated pork belly buns, fish tacos & much more – all for only $30 per person! The menu is receiving rave reviews and can cater to vegetarian and gluten-free diets. This eating extravaganza, intended to re-fuel runners & spectators alike, is perfectly paired with SushiPlanes exclusive City 2 Surf drink specials. Bookings are recommended, and can be made on http://paperplanesbondi.com/
LA SVOLTA WINTER UPDATE (MELBOURNE)
A Winter update from two of Melbourne's favourite pizza experts, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) accredited La Svolta ( with restaurants in both Prahran and Hampton). If you haven't already, now is a delicious and delightful time to check out La Svolta. The crew are very well placed to lend expert Italian food and dining knowledge if you need it at any time. Hearty, family style, comforting dishes are the key to happiness on these chilly days. And with Winter well and truly set in now, La Svolta have enriched their menu by adding dishes that will delight your taste buds and warm your souls.
Highlights from Hampton include the Cavatelli al Granchio (homemade cavatelli with garlic, parsley, fresh tomatoes and blue swimmer crab) or the Galleto alla Diavola (grilled spatchcock marinated in lemon, rosemary and chilli).
Whilst at Prahran you will find Salsicce in Umido e Polenta (slow cooked pork sausages & soft polenta taragna) and Tagliata di Manzo Rucola e Grana (sliced porterhouse with rocket, shaved parmesan & balsamic reduction).
La Svolta is one of only a handful of pizzerias in Australia that hold the esteemed AVPN Accreditation, as awarded by the official association in Naples.
CINEMA LA SVOLTA (MELBOURNE)
Speaking of La Svolta, they are now hosting a new event called Cinema La Svolta in their Prahran venue on Wednesday evenings. Diners can catch a delightful Italian film at either the 6pm ot 8pm screening while enjoying one of the restaurants famous pizzas, and a glass or two of wine. All pizzas are just $15 each on the night. It's a really lovely way to unwind mid-week over Italian film and fare and even scrub up the Italian language too. The screening schedule is:
Wednesday August 6: I Cento Passi (One Hundred Steps)
Wednesday August 13: Johnny Stecchino
Wednesday August 20: Romanzo Criminale
Wednesday August 27: L'Ultimo Bacio (The Last Kiss)
Call 03 9510 3001 to book a table, as bookings with fill up fast!
FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA 2014 SHOWCASING HOTTEST NEW PRODUCTS (MELBOURNE)
Returning to Melbourne to celebrate its 30th birthday, Fine Food Australia 2014 is set to display some of the best new innovations and trends in food. Japanese influences and Australia's love of all things organic are two of the key food trends to be showcased this year. From a boutique Japanese sake to Sansho pepper which tastes like kaffir lime and lemon balm, Fine Food Australia exhibitor Chefs Armoury have taken the Japanese food trend and turned it on its head. For those who love clean eating, Eco Farms will be launching their Absolute Organic Coconut Yoghurt at this year's event. Got an allergy? Not only does this product taste amazing, it's also vegan, gluten-free and lactose free!
MAN MO @ WTC WHARF (MELBOURNE)
The newest addition to the northern banks of the Yarra River, Man Mo offers traditional Chinese cuisine at its best. Adorned with traditional Lucky Charmed Tassels and paintings, and with red and gold lashes of colour throughout the restaurant, customers are transported to the exotic Orient upon entering the restaurant. Serving traditional and modern Chinese dishes, Man Mo is inspired by the Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong, which pays homage to Man Cheung (God of Literature) and Kwan Tu (God of War). Man Mo will soon welcome two spectacular three-metre statues, representing each of the respective Gods, at the restaurants entrance. Unlike its sister restaurant in New Quay, which has a more Malaysian fusion offering, Man Mo WTC provides a more traditional Chinese cuisine including a strong focus on live seafood and clay pot dishes. Man Mo also features a traditional yum cha menu, with favorites such as Shanghai Pork Dumplings, Prawn Dumplings and Golden Buns, for lunch. www.wtcmelbourne.com.au/riverside-dining/man-mo/
VALLEY FIESTA – CHINATOWN CHOW DOWN (BRISBANE)
This year the Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley plays host to its very own themed Valley Fiesta program from 12pm Saturday August 23 with the first ever Chinatown Chow Down. A choice of four different banquet sittings will give you the chance to experience the best of Chinatown’s culinary offerings at once from infamous local restaurants Enjoy Inn, Thai wi rat and Green Tea. Taste your way through a delicious, fresh and fun menu that brings together some of Brisbane’s most loved and iconic Asian restaurants. Limited banquet tickets are available for $30+booking fee from www.valleyfiesta.com. As the sun goes down, the Chinatown Mall will be converted into Brisbane’s Biggest Outdoor Karaoke Bar; giving you and your friends the chance to belt out your favorite song on stage in front of a live ‘Rockaoke’ band. The evening will be a feast for all the senses with pole walking lion dancers, kung-fu displays, stilt walking geisha girls, roaming robots, and some other special surprises. Check out the full program at www.valleyfiesta.com and join in the fun!
MORDEO BISTRO & BAR NEW WEEKLY SPECIALS (SYDNEY)
Ever popular eatery Mordeo Bistro & Bar have announced some stunning weekly specials that will have you coming back night after night. These include:
Tuesday nights - Wood fired pizza & beer or wine for $20
The best artisan beers on tap and a real wood fired pizza, what more could you ask for on a Tuesday. Available from 6pm - 9pm
Wednesday nights – Moules-frites for $15
This combination is super popular in France and we're carrying the torch for it in Sydney. If you're new to it you’ve been missing out until now! Your $15 will be exceptionally well spent but hurry it sells out fast. Come down between 6pm - 9pm on Wednesdays and see what all the fuss is about!
Friday Banquet for $35
All you can feast! This is almost too good to be true but as you'll see very much a reality. Come hungry between 12pm - 9pm on a Friday.
Live Music Nights – Thursday & Friday:
From local artists to DJ's playing old school vinyl records. It's a great vibe to get a drink and a delicious bite
Thursday live music nights:
Local Artists and Southern European Tunes from 5.30pm
Vinyl Fridays
DJ’s playing old school vinyl records from 5pm
http://mordeo.com.au/
CAFÉ SYDNEY NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF (SYDNEY)
Sydney dining institution, Cafe Sydney, has appointed James Kidman as executive chef, commencing August 11. James brings nearly 20 years of experience to the kitchen. He was group executive head chef role at Otto Ristorante for over eight years, helping plant the venue firmly on the Sydney food map. Before joining Cafe Sydney, James has most recently worked on launching new York St venue Original Meatball Company, before that managing catering at National Gallery of Australia and consulting to Vicinity Dining and Sean Connelly’s Morrison Hotel. He also previously headed up the kitchen at Pyrmont function space Doltone House. Since opening in 1999, Cafe Sydney has delivered contemporary classic food with a seasonal, produce-driven approach and a special focus on seafood.
http://www.cafesydney.com/
DRINKS
SECRETS ON ANN (BRISBANE)
Secrets On Ann is a slick new addition to Brisbane’s boutique bar and nightclub scene. With a capacity for 250 people, Secrets on Ann features two main entertaining areas; a ‘chill out’ area with sofas and softer lighting, and a large main area with a large bar and dance floor. There is also a luxurious VIP area. Live DJs feature regularly offering punters an upbeat mix of retro and party tunes minus the ‘doof doof’ hard dance tracks. No expense has been spared in the ultra-modern refurbishment which is contemporary, modern with a fun, upbeat feel. To find out more, check out http://www.secretsonann.com/
TOBY’S ESTATE REOPENING – CHIPPENDALE (SYDNEY)
Toby’s Estate, one of Australia’s leading specialty coffee providers, has reopened its signature café in Chippendale after refurbishing to allow consumers the chance to experience a true ‘Toby’s experience’. The makeover sees many new features unseen in any other locations with the site reflecting Toby’s Estate’s core values and unique personality. Firstly, the Chippendale café includes an updated menu with specialty dishes from Columbia, Brazil, Kenya and Panama reflecting the coffee’s origins. The signature venue will soon have extended trading hours; being open until 10pm Thursdays – Sundays in the coming weeks. The café is also supporting other local providers, with beer and cider from Newton based brewery being available on tap in the coming weeks. Toby’s Estate Chippendale café is located at 32-36 City Road, Chippendale NSW 2008
PUKKA’S BLACK TEA RANGE
In exciting news for black tea lovers and Pukka aficionados alike, the master herbalists at Pukka are thrilled to announce that they are adding a selection of black teas to their best-selling herbal tea range. Brimming with a unique blend of eclectic flavours, Pukka’sthree indulgent new black tea blends include Elegant English Breakfast (RRP $7.95), Gorgeous Earl Grey (RRP $7.95), and Lively English Breakfast (RRP $7.95). Like all teas in the Pukka range (which features more than 30 unique organic blends), the new trio of black teas has been artfully blended from the finest organic ingredients from around the globe. Pukka is distributed in Australia by Organic Trader, and is available from select health food stores and independent grocers, and online at www.pukkaherbs.com.au.
CITY2SURF AT THE GOLDEN SHEAF (SYDNEY)
Kick on after the City2Surf at The Golden Sheaf, an eastern suburbs’ institution, which will hot an epic celebration throughout the day. Keeping in with tradition, there will be live music on the front rooftop for runners along New South Head Road in the early morning. This will move into live music and DJs in the stellar beer garden till late with $20 Corona buckets, and $12 BBQ rolls that are perfect for post-race satisfaction. Visit goldensheaf.com.au for more details.
FASHION & CULTURE
PRINCE WILLIAM GETS BEHIND WORLD RANGERS DAY
This World Rangers Day, His Royal Highness Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge got behind the planet’s frontline of conservation via Australian founded The Thin Green Line Foundation and the International Ranger Federation, (both headed by Australian Sean Willmore), calling for greater support of the critical work park rangers undertake. July 31 was World Rangers Day, a day for the world community to pause, reflect and honour those park rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and to importantly celebrate and acknowledge the brave, tireless, and critical role of the planets park rangers in protecting our world’s natural systems and endangered species. In a personal message, Prince William joined a growing chorus of voices, alongside the likes of Dr Jane Goodall, publically acknowledging this special day.
You can view Prince William's entire address here – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpt6vN0vwV0
You can view Dr Jane Goodall World Rangers Day Message here – http://youtu.be/nZiNUYNU8xE
WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC. OPENS STORES IN CHATSWOOD CHASE (SYDNEY)
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. the North America based retailer specialising in high-quality products for the home, today announced that four stores for iconic kitchen and home furnishings brands Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm will open stores in Chatswood Chase on August 28. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will open a further four stores in Chadstone Shopping centre late 2014. All four brands ship across Australia via e-commerce sites: williams-sonoma.com.au; potterybarn.com.au; potterybarnkids.com.au; westelm.com.au
EMPORIUM MELBOURNE WORLD CLASS LAUNCH (MELBOURNE)
Emporium Melbourne has appointed Creative Visionary Baz Luhrmann to create its official launch celebration on 20 August. Baz Luhrmann was chosen for his extraordinary ability to take an old classic and reimagine it into a contemporary icon. This sentiment reflects the vision of Emporium Melbourne, which has been dramatically transformed since first opening its doors as the Myer Emporium in 1911. There will be many fashion outlets opening in the Emporium, and these include:
Australia’s first Kate Spade New York, which will feature new digitally-controlled change rooms that enable customers to change backdrops when they are snapping themselves in the latest looks
The first Melbourne stores for Michael Kors and one of Australia’s most celebrated new designers, Dion Lee
The largest Topshop in the southern hemisphere and first store to the Melbourne CBD, delivering three levels of fashion.
These incredible fashion firsts join Victoria’s Secret, who also recently opened their first Melbourne CBD store.
Over the coming weeks, Emporium Melbourne will also welcome flagship stores for:
American brand Coach, with the launch of a brand new fashion direction
Italian icon Furla and their range of high quality bags, shoes and accessories, celebrated since 1927; and
Fashion favourites Oroton and Ted Baker.
There will also be food outlets ranging from Supercharger Wholefoods, gourmet food store Jones the Grocer, Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar New York, and Waffle and Coffee restaurant Wafee.