In this week’s issue: Brand new restaurant Burger Liquor Lobster launches in Manly and Paddington, Bombay Sapphire Gin's Melbourne pop-up, Eugene's café opens its doors for dinner, Manly Wine has their Wedding Open day, Ben & Jerry's Open Air Cinema comes to Sydney, Luna Park turns 80 and so much more.
FOOD
BURGER LIQUOR LOBSTER LAUNCHES IN MANLY AND PADDINGTON (SYDNEY)
Sydney has a tasty new burger joint with a lobster twist, as Burger Liquor Lobster opens at both The London Hotel in Paddington and Manly Wharf Hotel for the summer. This new eatery and bar has moved into the pop-up spaces in both venues, taking over the reigns from Chur. Burger Liquor Lobster serves up its own take on the traditional burger favourites - beef, chicken, pulled pork, lamb and vege (a work of art with kale and beetroot yoghurt) - in a stellar soft bun for a just $10. But it gets even better. Just in time for summer, the menu features delicious lobster, prawn and soft shell crab options too. There’s good news for the carb-fearing as well. Burger Liquor Lobster offers the option to go lean and replace rolls and buns with lettuce cups instead. Win-win. If you want to steer clear of burgers all together then there’s a choice of three salads; Classic Waldorf, Lobster Cobb, and Prawn Cocktail. Their cocktail list is pure summer. Kick back with a Lychee Passionpit (vodka, lychee, passionfruit sorbet, sparkling wine), My Tini Wini (gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, watermelon, raspberries, crème de peche), or Rock Lobster (Bulldog Gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, pineapple juice, yellow Chartreuse, orange blossom marmalade). Head to http://manlywharfhotel.com.au/ for more info on the Manly venue, and http://hotellondon.com.au/ for more info on the Paddington venue.
PELICAN PAVILION (SYDNEY)
Nestled right on the sand of Collaroy Beach is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets, The Collaroy’s Pelican Pavilion. The aroma of Giancarlo coffee on the grind, the kids happily building sandcastles as you catch up with friends or flip through the day’s headlines... Whether you’re fresh out of the surf, or keen for a play in the sand, there is plenty to entice you to hang with the locals at Sydney’s ultimate beach café. With a focus on relaxed food for healthy, active lifestyles, the Pelican Pavilion’s menu features plenty of fresh healthy options including homemade granolas and mueslis as well as brekky faves like eggs done-your-way with add ons galore, french toast with vanilla panna cotta and even dippy eggs and soldiers for the kids. For lunch, Roy’s burgers are a must-try, as well as the Chipotle Chicken, or the Vitality Salad for the health-conscious. And as the sun goes down, the private bar comes out, transforming the café into a unique event and functions venue. Perfect for a stunning beach wedding, charity function, birthday party or as your next exciting Christmas party destination. Check out www.collaroyhotel.com.au for the full run down.
INVITE THE WORLD TO DINNER (NSW)
More than 90 restaurants, 25 wineries, 30 hotels and epicurean lodges, 40 producers and providores and 20 tourism experiences across Sydney and NSW are currently in the spotlight, as 35 of the most respected and influential international food and wine media, bloggers, celebrity chefs and social media influencers enjoy NSW’s gastronomic delights. The activity is part of the Tourism Australia Restaurant Australia campaign, Invite the World to Dinner. The group will travel to seven regions across NSW to experience the State’s diverse and memorable food and wine culture. Influencers are from the UK, USA, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, France, Germany and Italy. Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said the types of experiences the influencers will have while they’re in Sydney and NSW will further cement the State’s position as Australia’s gourmet State with the lot. NSW chefs and producers will also lead the charge at the Invite the World to Dinner Marketplace and Gala Dinner events in Hobart on November 14.
DINESMART CAMPAIGN
StreetSmart Australia and its restaurant partners are calling on Australians to make a difference this Christmas by supporting the upcoming DineSmart campaign which occurs from November 10 until December 31 across the country. Now in its 12th year, the campaign’s simple formula makes it easy for anyone to get involved and raise much-needed funds for local grassroots charities supporting homelessness. Restaurants participating in DineSmart this year across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and ACT include hot venues such as China Lane, Cho Cho San, The Apollo, Bishop Sessa, Bloodwood, The Victoria Room, 4Fourteen, Cafe Sydney, Longrain, Mamasita, Chin Chin, Baby, Kong, Pei Modern, Gingerboy, Top Paddock, Cutler & Co Dining Room & Bar, Ezard, Cookie, Hatch & Co, Stokehouse, South Side Diner, Nantucket Kitchen, Mighty Mighty, Aubergine and Windy Point Restaurant. DineSmart is run by restaurants Australia-wide that ask patrons to add a small $2 donation to their bill. The initiative has raised over $2.4 million since it started in 2003, where the money collected is donated directly to support homeless refuges and charities selected based on their need and proximity to participating restaurants. A complete list of participating restaurants can be viewed at http://www.streetsmartaustralia.org/findrestaurant. Donations can be made at any time on the StreetSmart website http://www.streetsmartaustralia.org/getinvolved.
THE GREENS NORTH SYDNEY (SYDNEY)
Sydney’s lower north shore has welcomed a delicious new addition with the opening of The Greens North Sydney, a neighbourhood eatery, bar, café, garden and bowling green with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour. The Greens has transformed the majority of the existing clubhouse and one of three bowling greens to take full advantage of the harbour views and create a hub for food, fun, family and friends. This is set to be one of the most exciting new additions to the lower north shore dining and drinking scene in years. An opportunity to reinvigorate an under-utilised bowling club in a spectacular setting was an offer to good to refuse for husband and wife kitchen team, Lilly and Nathan Fasan (both ex The Grounds of Alexandria).
Lilly Fasan, taking the lead as Executive Chef, has created a menu that’s uncomplicated, wholesome and designed to share. Serving lunch, dinner and snacks, the menu is split into smaller share plates, substantial mains, large sharing dishes for two or more, something sweet and ‘bites with coffee’. Menu highlights include Oxtail Croquettes with Sweet Pimento Dipping Sauce ($11); House Cured Ocean Trout with housemade Pickled Cucumbers, Caper Berries, Quail Eggs, and Lemon Crème Fraîche ($14); Whole Baked Baby Snapper for two with a salad of Zucchini, Mint, Coriander and Sauce Vierge ($42); and Salad of Radish Fennel, Ricotta, Orange, Crispy Wild and Brown Rice ($16). Check out http://thegreensnorthsydney.com.au/ for more info.
EUGENE’S OPENS ITS DOORS FOR DINNER (SYDNEY)
One of Bronte’s most-loved cafés, Eugene’s, will be opening its doors for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for the first time from November 20. The new evening offering promises to be just as tasty and will feature a range of weekly changing dishes and specials all made on the premises, with nothing over $25. The kids will be all right with a special children’s menu available from 5pm. Dishes on the new menu will include the Avocado smash chicken fillet burger; Spiced king prawns, pomelo, cucumber and herb salad; Quarter roast chicken with choice of salad; and Sugar seared tuna with soba noodle, kale, soy beans and nori.
A number of dessert specials will be on offer, as well as a selection of homemade cakes. For those who prefer savory, a weekly changing special cheese with dried fruits, nuts, crudité and crisp bread will be just the ticket. The fully licensed venue will also offer a range of boutique Australian wines and craft beers from Swinging Bridge Sauvignon Blanc from Orange to Altamont Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills and 4 Pines beers from Manly. For further information, email info@eugenes.com.au, call 02 9369 1110 or visit www.eugenes.com.au
GRILL’D NAMED IN BEST RESTAURANT GROUPS AROUND THE WORLD
London, New York, Paris and Milan - home to some of the best restaurants around the world and now Melbourne and other cities across Australia have won a place in the foodie race. Grill'd Healthy Burgers has been named Best Restaurant Chain in Asia-Pacific and within the top eleven in the world, by Condé Nast Traveler, the only Australian restaurant group to feature in the line-up. Grill'd, Australia’s local healthy burger expert, has been recognised by the world’s most premium and highly regarded hospitality guide just ten years after being born in Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn. Grill’d is a leader in the premium casual dining space, offering a wide range of healthy lunch and dinner options including 100% grass fed beef and lamb burgers. 100% Australian owned, born and bred, all Grill’d restaurants are committed to using only the finest, freshest, locally sourced ingredients, employing the friendliest staff and offering the most delicious, healthy burgers. Grill’d prides itself on giving back and working with each and every local community it calls home through its Local Matters donation program. For more info, visit www.grilld.com.au
DRINKS
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE - PROJECT BOTANICALS (MELBOURNE)
Look forward to the launch of Bombay Sapphire’s Project Botanicals; a distinctly different pop-up bar kicking off in Melbourne from November 19. The event is in celebration of Australia’s continued love affair with gin. Bombay Sapphire Brand Ambassador, Sean Forsyth, and Chef Gary Mehigan have crafted a unique bar and dining experience for Melburnians to enjoy. They have transformed the space at 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne to highlight the textures, tastes, colours and hand selected botanicals found in Bombay Sapphire from exotic corners of the world. Pioneering the art of “ginstronomy”, Project Botanicals will celebrate the art of pairing botanically led cocktails to gastronomy. The event will take place for three weeks and tickets are $35 per person. See www.projectbotanicals.com.au for tickets.
FASHION & CULTURE
CELLARBRATIONS GIRLS DAY OUT (SYDNEY)
Australia’s cheekiest and most flirtatious day of racing is on again at Rosehill Gardens on November 15 – the renowned Cellarbrations Girls Day Out. The day promises to be bigger and better than ever, filled with live entertainment including Beat the Streets – teamed with a fun filled day of horse racing. One of the biggest days for the ladies – both naughty and nice – Cellarbrations Girls Day Out is the ultimate girls’ day out this year. For all ticketing and hospitality information and purchases, visit www.theraces.com.au. Pre-purchase and save $5 on general admission tickets, discount available until 11.59pm the day prior. Alternatively tickets are available at the gates on the day.
MANLY WINE WEDDING OPEN DAY (SYDNEY)
Manly Wine is opening their beach Suites this November 22 for their Wedding Open Day which will take place between 9am and 1pm. Beach and Terrace suites will be arranged to demonstrate possibilities of what can be offered for weddings at Manly Wine. Hourly tours are available of the beach suites which will be set for dinner for 100 guests, and the Terrace suites and fully refurbished terrace which will be set for a wedding ceremony. All arrangements on the day will be available for hire through Keystone. Light refreshments will be served while dedicated events staff are on hand to answer any enquiries or questions. Attendees will go in the draw to win a night’s accommodation at Sebel Manly with Dinner for two at Manly Wine. There is no cost for attendance, however RSVP is essential. To RSVP, contact info@thebeachsuites.com.au
LUNA PARK TURNS 80 (SYDNEY)
Iconic Sydney landmark, Luna Park, is about to enter its 80th year. Known by Sydneysiders as THE place for laughs and frolics, Luna Park has been keeping families entertained for eight fun-filled decades. To kick start the festivities and launch the year-long celebration, Luna Park Sydney is hosting a special ‘Give Back Day’ on November 12. Luna Park Sydney wanted to launch its celebrations by giving back and honouring the men and women of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) that tirelessly contribute to the Sydney community and Australian nation. ADF members and emergency service workers (including fire, police, ambulance and surf lifesavers)with their families have been invited into park for free for a day of fun and excitement. Starting at 9.30am formal proceedings of the day will begin in Luna Park Sydney’s Big Top. Dignitaries will be given seats of honour as Luke Jacobz hosts the morning festivities including: a special address from 2GB’s Alan Jones, a six song mini concert from Shannon Noll and a special performance by Marcia Hines. Following the formalities, servicemen and their families will be encouraged to enjoy the park’s facilities and their famous rides free of charge as a 31 piece Police marching band will be performing through the park at 12noon. For more info, visit http://www.lunaparksydney.com/
BEN & JERRY’S OPENAIR CINEMAS (SYDNEY)
Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas are back with a bang this summer, bringing music by day and movies by night to Sydney’s Bondi Beach. As part of a nationwide series of events, which are enjoyed by more than 150,000 people across Australia, the Sydney leg of the tour will take place on the lawn by the Bondi Pavilion, overlooking the ocean, from January 22 until March 1 2015. With live music from an array of Sydney’s best up-and-coming artists every Saturday and Sunday - the latter with free ice cream and games as part of the Ben & Jerry’s Sundae Sessions – Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas will once again be recreating their famously fun and friendly festival vibes. Melbourne stars Husky, the Sundae Sessions season headliners, will be kick-starting proceedings before a screening of ‘Pride’ at the Charity Launch on January 25. Having toured with the likes of Gotye and Mumford & Sons, the trio are set to perform tracks from their forthcoming second album ‘Rucker’s Hill’. Tickets to the biggest night of the season are on sale now and all proceeds from ticket sales go to WWF-Australia’s efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef. To check out the movie listings, or to purchase tickets, head to http://openaircinemas.com.au/