In this week’s issue: You guide to Sydney's Spring Carnival; Salvos Stores support Huntington's Awareness Month through Septemeber; a new menu at Potts Point gem LL Wine and Dine; the opening of a brand new restaurant at the Mercure Hunter Valley Resort; festivals at both Surry Hills in Sydney, and Woolloongabba in Brisbane; World Square announces the winners of its 'Get Creative With Fashion' competition; The U.G.L.Y. Masquerade Ball at Mr Tipplys to support the Leukaemia foundation; and so much more.
FOOD
ÉLÉMENTS – MERCURE HUNTER VALLEY RESORT (NSW)
Mercure Hunter Valley Resort unveils a brand new restaurant, éléments, in a dramatic transformation from the previous Hunter Valley Steakhouse Restaurant. The name elements is derived from the natural elements of fire, water and soil components that resonates with the Hunter Valley region, and reflected in the entire dining experience. Executive Chef Jean Marc Pollet has created a new menu driven by the food philosophy of the fusion of classic French cuisine with Australian produce. The inspired menu features local and seasonal produce executed with a French flair, and has signature dishes such as Snapper Soufflé with New Zealand Scampi as well as Poached Ocean Trout and King Prawns ‘Bouillabaisse Style’. The ingredients used are of best quality and include produce from the Chef’s very own garden on his 5-acres farm. French-born Jean Marc has been in Australia for the past 28 years and has wide experience in hotel dining as well as strong knowledge of Australian seasonal quality produce. He has been with Mercure Hunter Valley Resort for six years and is one of Hunter Valley’s most respected chefs. Situated in the hub of Hunter Valley wine country, elements is open seven nights for dinner, and for lunch on weekends. To book, or for more information, visit www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au or call 02 4998 2000.
NEW SHANGHAI (MELBOURNE)
Melbournians are being treated to the very best of Chinese flavour as New Shanghai makes its arrival. Located in Melbourne’s prestigious Emporium on level 3, the restaurant boasts Melbourne’s most authentic Chinese cuisine, at the most affordable prices. Well known for its range of delicious and traditional dumplings and buns, including the coveted pork and crab bun, the team at New Shanghai craft quality food representative of what you’d find along the waterfront streets of The Bund. Xiao Long Bao, Tofu coated with salted egg yoke, eel with garlic and ginger, and prawn wontons coated in peanut butter and chilli are just some of the mouth-watering favourites on the extensive menu. New Shanghai Melbourne is opened seven days a week. For more information please visit www.newshanghai.com.au or www.facebook.com/newshanghai
GET-TEA-GETHER CAMPAIGN
The McGrath Foundation Signature High Tea event has now sold out, but it’s not too late to get involved. The McGrath Foundation has partnered with celebrity cook Julie Goodwin to launch the national Get-Tea-Gether campaign. The campaign encourages Aussies to support the McGrath foundation to raise money for McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia. The campaign is calling on women to Get-Tea-Gether - whether that’s a casual cuppa or a hens high tea - to raise money to support McGrath Breast Care Nurses. To get involved, you can register at http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/tabid/136/articleType/ArticleView/ar.... Participants will then receive a Get Tea-Gether kit including a High Tea book with scrumptious ideas and favourite recipes from Julie Goodwin, Samantha Wills, and Eamon Sullivan published by the Penguin Group, a Temple Tea Co tin, Betty Crocker’s Café Style Baking Mix, patty case holders, hot pink serviettes, party bunting and a collection box.
RUSHCUTTERS – FARMER’S FEAST (SYDNEY)
On September 24, Rushcutters will be hosting their Farmer’s Feast, an event cooked for locals by locals. The monthly event sees the restaurant’s local farmers and producers cook a signature dish using their fabulous fresh produce. Vanessa Barnes and Karl Fraser from the "Game farm” will be bringing their expertise in cooking game meat to Rushcutters. The next feast will consist of grilled butterflied quail with red grapes and rocket, feta and almond salad. Entry is $30 per head which gets you this awesome meal plus a glass of wine (dining from 6pm). Head to http://rushcutters.com.au/ for more info or call 8070 2424 to book.
LL WINE & DINE SPRING MENU (SYDNEY)
This Spring LL Wine and Dine are launching a new menu. Executive Chef Jin Kung has taken inspiration from her travels to create a menu full of flavour. Be taken on a journey from Asia to the Californian cost line.
Here’s a menu snap shot:
Crispy almond king prawns tossed with chili, garlic, shallots with a Thai dipping sauce. King salmon crudo with wasabi balsamic vinaigrette, fried capers & creamy garlic sauce. The Pork Belly Bun is sure to be a crowd pleaser with pickled mustard, chilli ginger mayo, crushed peanuts & coriander. When you just don’t feel like Asian food! Try our mouth-watering double cheese beef burger with onion, tomato sauce, pickled cucumber & lettuce. LL’s signature Yum Cha sessions will still available on weekends and the popular $30 all you can eat on Sundays will be around for summer; live music, cocktail jugs, endless amounts ofbrunch dishes is the ultimate Sunday session.
APERITIVO’S PIZZAS AND CAMPARI MASTERCLASSES (SYDNEY)
Leichhardt’s Aperitivo is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets serving up some of the city’s best pizza, authentic Napoletana-style. It’s also one of only four Sydney pizza restaurants certified by the Italian Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), meaning they make authentic Napoletana pizza and follow rigorous standards set by the original home of pizza, Naples, Italy. Resident Pizzaiolo Francesco Spataro is one of the godfathers of the Napoletana pizza style in Australia, having made it here since 2004 following training in Naples. At Aperitivo, Spataro ensures pizzas are hand-kneaded, traditionally topped and wood-fired at 400 + degrees Celsius for 60 to 90 seconds to create a base that's lightly crisp, yet soft and pliable. There are 22 pizzas on the menu, from classics like Margherita and Margherita Bufala to the popular Diavoletto (Hot salami, smoked provola, mozzarella, olives, tomato and basil) and Salsiccia (Homemade sausages, mozzarella, taleggio, mixed porcini mushroom, truffle oil and radicchio). While pizza is the hero at Aperitivo, the delicious hand made pastas, risottos, seafood and meat dishes, made by Milanese chefs in true Milanese style, will make ordering a very tough decision.
Also, this October, Aperitivo is partnering with Campari to host a series of masterclasses, teaching how best to enjoy this Italian favourite. Jordan Berger, Campari’s Brand Ambassador, will guide you through a tasting of Campari, Aperol and Vermouth before you get to test out your newly found knowledge and mix the perfect cocktail. Sharing is the key to the Italian aperitivo so head chef Christian Colognesi will create a modern 'Aperitivo' shared buffet menu for this special event.
Aperitivo’s outdoor courtyard and front open balcony are the perfect spots to perch with a cocktail and while away a summer’s afternoon. If you have a larger group, the upstairs bar and functions space caters for 90 standing or 60 seated.
Aperitivo, which celebrates its 5th birthday this month, is the only restaurant in Australia to be certified by both Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana and Ospitalita Italiana, which ensures the use of certified Italian products and the importance of the true authentic Italian food culture.
Campari Masterclass
Dates: Wednesday 16 & 30 October 2014
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start till 8.30pm
Price: $35 per person includes five cocktails and shared dishes.
Bookings essential via 02 9564 0003 or email info@aperitivo.com.au
To find out more, check out http://www.aperitivo.com.au/
MY LITTLE CUPCAKE HOUSE OF MAGIC SPECIAL (SYDNEY)
My Little Cupcake in collaboration with STUDIOCANAL brings some magic to its Neutral Bay store, inspired by The House of Magic movie coming to cinemas September 18.The unique retail boutique has created 3 styles of cupcakes that are vanilla and chocolate flavoured and include the characters from the film. My Little Cupcake can be found at 62 Ben Boyd Road, Neutral Bay.
The House of Magic follows Thunder, a loveable stray cat who finds a new home in a giant mansion full of colourful characters and gizmos, owned by a retired magician named Lawrence,. When Thunder’s new home comes under threat, Thunder and his new friends must come up with a creative plan to save it! The House of Magic is rated G and comes to cinemas September 18.
DRINKS
THE NEW HUNTERS HILL HOTEL (SYDNEY)
After an extensive redevelopment of the Hotel site which took three years, the Hunters Hill Hotel is finally fully functional. The main heritage area of the Hotel has remained the same, but apart from that, everything else is new. The Hunters Hill Hotel had a limited cocktail menu before, but the new cocktail list has been inspired from New York. Apart from the traditional ‘Sex in the City’ and ’Cosmo’, they’ll be offering an assortment of cocktails including lychee caiprioska’s and passionfruit mojito’s. Dining has also been taken to a level never before seen at the Hunters Hill Hotel. They have recruited the former Head Chef from Biota & The Cut, Grant Croft, who has created an eclectic menu to suit either a quick feed or a beautiful sit down meal. The venue now has a 160” high definition outdoor television screen which is the largest screen in any hotel or pub in New South Wales. For the full rundown on the new Hunters Hill Hotel, head to http://www.huntershillhotel.com.au/
FORESTER’S BEER AND MUSIC HALL LINEUP (MELBOURNE)
Forester’s Beer and Music Hall, Australia’s best new craft beer and live music establishment, has a line up to impress over September. Alongside the huge array of craft beers on tap and the grand scale speakeasy vibe of the venue, Forester’s Beer and Music Hall serves up a hot gumbo of blues, rockabilly and boogie woogie bands every Friday and Saturday from 9.30pm to 11.30pm. The entertainment continues with a DJ until late – all with no cover charge.
Melbourne’s favourite rockabilly trio, The ReChords brought their Americana goodness to the official opening party on September 11. The remaining acts appear to be just as fantastic:
SEPT 19 - BUDDHA ON A CHOCOLATE BOX
A five-piece alternative/folk outfit stemming from southern stomp roots with unpredictable and raw vocals.
SEPT 20 - HANK'S JALOPY DEMONS
Unadulterated Rock-a-Billy, late-50s garage, Rock‘n’Roll and Hillbilly tunes.
SEPT 26 - THE LAWNTON BOWLS CLUB
A two-piece Bushranger Rock ‘n’ Bluesabilly.
SEPT 27 - THE HOLIDAY ADVENTURE
A selection of Jazz, Soul, Reggae and old school Funk and R&B.
Check out http://www.forestershall.com.au/ for more details.
THE WHISKY ROOM AT THE CLOCK HOTEL (SYDNEY)
The Clock Hotel continues to make its mark as one of Surry Hills’ most innovative pubs with the launch of The Whisky Room today, the ultimate whisky retreat featuring more than 100 of the world’s best. Open Wednesday through to Sunday, The Whisky Room welcomes the whisky novice through to the enthusiast with a menu that includes the usual suspects from Islay, the Highlands and the USA, as well as some of the best from Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia. Enjoy the monthly Whisky Flight - three hand-selected whiskies chosen to highlight a region, country or brand. Or, ease your way into it with one of the Boiler Maker specials: a bottle of craft beer with a shot of matched whisky, designed to sip and appreciate. For those not ready to jump in to the whisky barrel feet first, choose from a list of whisky cocktails that includes Whisky Sour, Penicillin (Monkey Shoulder, fresh lemon, honey-ginger syrup and smoky whisky float), Japanese Plum Sour (Yamazaki, plum jam, fresh lemon, plum bitters and egg white) and the Malt Express (Black Bottle, fresh espresso, vanilla syrup and Amaro), all $17 each. Find out more at http://clockhotel.com.au/s/whisky-room
U.G.L.Y MASQUERADE CHARITY BALL – MR TIPPLYS (SYDNEY)
The U.G.L.Y Masquerade Charity Ball is an hosted by the Leukaemia Foundation, which will be held at the Sydney favourite Mr Tipplys, and plays on the synergy of the ugly step sister who never got to find her prince at the ball. There will be men in suits, ladies in dresses and masks for all to create an air of mystery on the evening. It will be a party where you get to let your hair down and have a little fun, and hopefully not turn into a pumpkin ...all in the name of charity. The ball will take place on October 16 at Mr Tipply’s with ALL ticket sale proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation.
SUNTORY WHISKY + AKIRA ISOGAWA – THE ART OF GIVING
Suntory Whisky has partnered with renowned Japanese-Australian designer Akira Isogawa to celebrate the Art of Giving. The multi-award winning distillery has worked with Akira to create a limited edition traditional scarf used to wrap gifts, known in Japan as “furoshiki”, which was designed exclusively for the Suntory Whisky Australian range. Having recently expanded its luxury offering in the Australian market, Suntory Whisky is launching this exclusive collaboration in time for Father’s Day and the Christmas season. The Japanese distiller celebrates the Art of Giving each year; a concept that centres on acknowledging the joy found in offering gifts to loved ones and the power of a thoughtfully chosen gift. Like origami, furoshiki is considered an integral part of Japanese culture. For 2000 years, the furoshiki served as a special pouch to hold personal items. Today, the ancient custom has become fashionable in Japan as a beautiful eco-friendly, lasting wrapping for gifts. For more information including stockist information, check out the Suntory Australia website: www.suntory.com.au/SuntoryWhisky/
SNAPPLE ICED TEA AUSTRALIA
Australian tastemakers will be clutching a different kind of authentic accessory this spring when the number one U.S. premium iced tea brand arrives in Australia. Available now, Australians can experience the authentic taste of Snapple Iced Tea and stock up their refrigerators right in time for summer. Well suited to the Australian market, Snapple Iced Tea is refreshingly real, has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Made with real green and black tea leaves and delivered in a bespoke 473ml glass bottle, Snapple will provide Australians with a unique iced tea experience this spring. Snapple Iced Tea is available now in Woolworths with an RRP of $2.69 for 473ml. It will be available in all other stores from October. For more information, visit http://www.snapple.com/
FASHION & CULTURE
FLIPOUT TRAMPOLINE ARENA
FlipOut is the new and exciting way to get fit, be active and have fun with the whole family. FlipOut Trampoline Arena is a childhood fantasy come true, with the indoor and outdoor entertainment parks featuring wall to wall trampolines - meaning you can jump, bounce and flip your way to a healthier, happier you. Way more fun than the gym, a few minutes of jumping on the trampoline is better than a 1 kilometre run! Train at FlipOut to achieve greater balance, coordination, agility and build overall fitness - whilst enjoying the freefall exhilaration of extreme trampolining. This exciting entertainment for all ages allows you to work your way through the foam pits, ball games, skate ramps, Parkour and many more surprises for the young and the young at heart to enjoy. For more information visit www.flipout.net.au
SURRY HILLS FESTIVAL (SYDNEY)
From entertaining interactive kids performances to creative arts and craft to themed picnics and much more, the Surry Hills Festival is the ideal place to bring the kids this September. There will be food, animals, rides, activities, and of course music.
Nay Nay Let’s Play! (Ward Park)
A feature of the Ward Park Stage, Nay Nay Let’s Play! stars ABC Children’s Television personality, Nay-Nay (Naomi Young), who is funny, silly, adventurous and full of stories. With her big brown hair, she loves telling stories, singing tunes and busting snazzy dance moves. Nay-Nay keeps children across Australia entertained every day as “Hootabelle” on the popular ABC4Kids show, Giggle and Hoot.
Revolutionary Disco Danceathon (Ward Park)
Join the Revolutionary Disco DanceAthon flash mob and raise funds for SHNC programs. Even better, join FREE dance lessons in the lead up to the event so you can look cooler than the kids. You can invite your friends and work colleagues to sponsor your fabulous Disco Debut on Festival Day. To register as an organisation or individual go here.
Love TV (Shannon Reserve)
Miss Aphrodite (Rebecca McIntosh) will Interview kids for LoveTV in Shannon Reserve to uncover their thoughts on love. With a big pink bus, lots of colour and sound, a visit to Aphrodite’s underwater seaworld clam is not to be missed.
Deep Sea Astronauts bring colourful performances to brighten your day with three roving delights:
The Surface Tension Quintet are a fantastical marching band that plays bubbles!
A roving dance fresh from Edinburgh Fringe Festival The Three Crows are silent dance piece straight out of a gothic fairytale, or from any Australian roadside.
Moire the Magnificent Eel – keep an eye out for her swimming through the streets of Surry Hills.
Elephant and Car Wash (various locations)
What happened when an Elephant from Surry Hills Wimbo Park Circus is taken for a bath at the car wash? What if it escapes down Crown Street? The children of Surry Hills Public Schools have come together to interpret archival footage from the 1950's into current artworks, to be displayed at the Festival. Working with ESEM projects they will be projected to Elephant size on the walls and streets, while the original works available to purchased at auction (proceeds going to help the vital projects of the SHNC). The schedule will be jammed packed with events like:
Bicycle Powered Science Party (corner Tudor and Crown Streets)
Artists and nerds unite! The Bicycle Powered Science Party is the convolution of education, sustainability and a good time! They fuse the party space with science experiments, with inspiration and reliance upon the energy of participant to ignite the event. Experiments may include biological batteries, magnetic liquids, walking on water and ‘a bicycle blended banana smoothly interaction’.
The Animals Of Surry Hills (Ward Park)
It’s easy to forget the inhabitants of the inner city suburb don’t always walk on two legs. In the ‘We Love Animals’ series there will be pet shows, a fancy dress booth for the little creatures and a big dog wash to fundraise (and make sure your carpet stays fresh after the day’s excitement).
Surry Hills Creative Trail Tours with Urban Walkabout – The Art Attack Guided Tour for Kids
Calling all budding artists! Come along as we journey through the wonderland of Surry Hills’ local theatres, galleries and craft shops. It's a family-friendly affair, with face painting, interactive workshops and a treat from Sparkle Cupcakery to top things off. For more info and booking details, go here.
Head to http://surryhillsfestival.com/ for the full timetable.
WORLD SQUARE ‘GET CREATIVE WITH FASHION’ WINNERS (SYDNEY)
World Square is pleased to announce the three winners of its Spring/Summer fashion design competition ‘Get Creative with Fashion’. Congratulations to Amelia Akles, Cassandra Hewiit and Tawanda Mutengwa, who were selected out of an overwhelming 35 submissions. Their designs along with a selection of other submissions will be showcased at World Square's Design Hub from September 15-18. Amelia Akles is a 19 year old student at the Fashion Design Studio who dreams of having her own label. Her design featured a short party dress with an embellished printed undershirt and a large fur scarf. Cassandra Hewitt, a 20 year old fashion student at Ultimo TAFE designed a twist on the standard "races dress" featuring dynamic prints and a contemporary spiral silhouette. Finally, Tawanda Mutengwa designed an elegant beach-wear costume and aims to empower with his fashion ideas and timeless class. Entrants were invited to sketch a fashion item or accessory in theme with one of the key Spring/Summer fashion looks we’re following this season; ‘Denim Daze’, ‘Bold & Beautiful’ or ‘Sheer Love'.
The winners will be profiled in Time Out magazine’s October issue and will receive a prime position at World Square’s Design Hub and a $500 World Square shopping card . The winners will also be at World Square’s VIP fashion Breakfast on September 17 from 8am with their designs.
THE MAZE OF KEYS COMPETITION
Australia's most connected man on LinkedIn and respected business author, James Evangelidis, has come up with a ground-breaking concept to launch his first thriller this September. An eBook entitled Maze of Keys, it will give the reader and three supporting charities the chance to share in the book’s sales simply by reading it and entering a competition to solve the puzzle. The minimum guaranteed prize value is US $10,000, regardless of how many books are sold. The real head-turner however is the fact that there is no maximum prize value - the more books sold, the higher the cash prize. The book can be purchased for US $15 on the Maze of Keys website. Upon purchasing it, readers will be presented with a series of multiple choice questions. All of the clues to the answers are hidden somewhere in the book. By 'gamifying' the traditional process of buying and reading a book, James is set to cause waves in the publishing industry. The book itself can be read in just a few hours. Written in the classic thriller genre, Maze of Keys is about Joshua Keys, a high-flying New York executive who is caught in the middle of a vendetta between his biggest client and a mad rich woman bent on getting her way – whatever the cost. Joshua has to find a way to not only save his family but himself from almost certain death. For more information, or to purchase the book, visit www.mazeofkeys.com
SYDNEY SPRING CARNIVAL (SYDNEY)
The Sydney Spring Carnival is well underway, with the fantastic Golden Rose Day kicking of the festivities on September 13. There’s still a lot of fun to be had though, with events like:
George Main Stakes Day at Royal Randwick, September 20, marks the first day of Sydney Spring Carnival at Royal Randwick. Sydney’s world-class venue for the harbour city to bask in the Spring atmosphere, the day boasts the Group 1 George Main Stakes(worth $350,000) and a number of hotly contested Group 2 races, making it a popular day for punters. For the fillies on course, Clinique launches its Spring pamper sessions with the Clinique Lounge.
Golden Pendant Day at Rosehill Gardens, September 27, sees western Sydney’s famous track share its day with the AFL Grand Final, making it the ultimate sporting day out. The day features the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes and the $300,000 Group 3 Golden Pendant, and will be complemented by a number of activities for the lads on course, whilst ladies are invited to attend a special Ladies Long Lunch featuring the Karen Gee Collection in the beautifully appointed Grand Pavilion.
The Star Epsom Day at Royal Randwick, October 4, is Sydney’s premier race day forthe Sydney Spring Carnival , showcasing three Group 1 races, The Star Epsom Handicap($500,000), McGrath Estate Agents Metropolitan ($400,000) and Coolmore Flight Stakes($400,000). Sydney’s social set will be seen at one of the many glamorous hospitality marquees that will grace Royal Randwick on this premier carnival day. Hot on the heels of The Star Epsom is the glamour day of the carnival the Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, 11 October at Royal Randwick. The day promises a schedule full of fashion, fun and famous faces featuring the Group 1 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes. The day will also host the hotly contested New South Wales State Final for the Myer Fashions on the Field, supported by Vogue Australia, with the winner receiving flights from Emirates and entrance to the National Final held on Crown Oaks Day at Flemington.
Sydney Spring Carnival will wrap up with the ultimate party day - the City Tattersalls Club Cup Day on October 18 at Royal Randwick. Coinciding with Melbourne’s Caulfield Cup, a host of entertainment and pop up bars will celebrate the end of the Carnival in Sydney as the carnival baton is passed onto Melbourne.
For all ticketing and hospitality information visit www.theraces.com.au
THE END OF THE LINE FESTIVAL (BRISBANE)
In a Brisbane first, Woolloongabba will host its very own street festival on November 8 celebrating the precinct’s unique history, booming restaurant and bar scene, renowned antiques and eclectic wares. From 10am to 10pm, the inaugural The End of the Line Festival will include an exciting program of free events from street markets, live music and entertainment to an antique roadshow, historical displays, film screenings and a Penny farthing parade! The one-day festival will be held in Woolloongabba’s Village Precinct between Logan Road and Jurgens Street and the festival program will reflect the diversity of the area with both young and old, families and friends, music and food lovers, all able to find something to enjoy on the day. The End of the Line Festivalis a collaboration between Festival organisers Vulture St Industries, Brisbane City Council, The Gabba Village Association and a collection of local businesses who are proud of the precinct’s rich history, thriving industry and vibrant dining and retail offering. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to experience the precinct’s unique charm firsthand while enjoying a day of exciting entertainment, food, music, markets and displays. For more information, visit www.theendofthelinefestival.com
SALVOS STORES SUPPORT HUNTINGTON’S AWARENESS MONTH
Salvos Stores are proud to support Huntington’s Awareness Month throughout September by raising funds within their stores across QLD, NSW & ACT. Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, progressively degenerative brain disorder which affects individuals of either sex. Symptoms usually begin to appear between 30 and 45 years of age, andprogress over a 10-25 year period. HD affects the individual’s ability to think, plan, speak, swallow and walk. Depression and personality changes are not uncommon. In NSW and the ACT there are approximately 550 people with the disorder and 2750 at risk of which 50% will develop it. In Australia there are about 1700 people with the disease and 8700 at risk. At present there is no cure.
The first ever Walk 4 Hope will be held by Huntington’s NSW on September 28 at Parramatta Park to help raise vital funds and awareness. Salvos Stores will also have their Salvonista Pop Up Op Shop - a converted van powered by eco-friendly solar panels, which transforms into a funky fashion store - at their Minchinbury Salvos Store on September 26, between 9.00am -4.00pm, to raise further funds. For more information and to help support Huntington’s Awareness Month, head to www.huntingtonsnsw.org.au