In this week’s issue: Ovi Hydration launches in Australia; we look at the Cruelty Free Festival; Three Williams plans a possible 'free narnie' day; We look forward to the fantastic Sculptures by the Sea in Sydney with both The Grounds Of Alexandria and QT Sydney adding to the fun; The Margaret River Gourmet Escape offers new packages; dinner and camping packages on Cockatoo Island; Gradi opens at Melbourne's Crown Casino; a 1 metre pizza challenge; several more places to spend the Melbourne Cup; The Sydney Craft Beer Week is offering loads of events; Tequila Masterclasses at Mejico, and so much more!
FOOD
THE GROUNDS BY THE SEA (SYDNEY)
The Grounds of Alexandria is taking a trip to the seaside for a limited time only. Joining forces with the annual Sculptures by the Sea spectacle, the team behind the hugely popular venue are set to open The Grounds by the Sea Pop-Up Eatery from October 23 to November 9. Set in a cosy coastal cottage, The Grounds by the Sea will offer a pop up eatery like no other. Visitors can enjoy a selection of coffees, juices and delicious menu options whilst gazing out over the stunning waters of Sydney’s east coast. Working with Giddy Up construction, The Grounds will construct a weather worn but homely cottage offering a much welcome rest stop for those enjoying the bracing coastal walk and innovative sculpture installations. The Grounds by the Sea it is the only installation of its kind, and will only be erected for the 19 days - so don't miss out!
COCKATOO ISLAND INAUGRAL SPRING DINNER (SYDNEY)
To celebrate the arrival of spring, Cockatoo Island presents its inaugural Spring Dinner and Overnight Stay on October 31. Guests will enjoy a delicious long-table feast at historic Biloela House after which they can take a short stroll back to our campground for an overnight stay. Dinner will be generously served on sharing boards, featuring roast lamb with kalamata olive salsa and mint yoghurt, and prosciutto-wrapped chicken served with sundried tomatoes, spinach, pine nuts and a side of pesto. Tickets are limited so book early. You can find out more about the Cockatoo Island Spring Dinner and Overnight Stay package at http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/whats/springdinner
FREE NARNIE DAY AT THREE WILLIAMS (SYDNEY)
Three Williams is gearing up for a free narnie day at the cafe early next year, and it’s the talk of the town. However, there is a little catch. The free narnie day will not go ahead unless Three Williams can get 5,000 Instagram followers. To help everyone partake in having a free mouth-watering narnie, follow @ThreeWilliamsCafe by heading to http://instagram.com/threewilliamscafe, or search #FreeWilliams.
MARGARET RIVER GOURMET ESCAPE RELEASES NEW PACKAGE DEALS (WESTERN AUSTRALIA)
Margaret River Gourmet Escape, presented by Siemens home appliances has created affordable and irresistible packages, ideal for a quick getaway to soak up the atmosphere of the festival as well as adding more events to the jam-packed line up, offering even more choices to ensure an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful regions. The curated packages are perfect for those looking for a short getaway, which still engages all the senses offering the perfect blend of music, food and wine. Head away with the weekend package for $145, experiencing gorgeous brunches and dinners, all matched with great wines. All the while, having your ears caressed by the sounds of music giants such as Neil Finn, Gurrumul and Megan Washington. Or choose a single day to escape and experience these wonders with the day package for just $105. There are also two new produce focussed experiences this year. “Natural - the raw, the fermented, the aged” and “Table for 20”. “Natural - the raw, the fermented, the aged” is a four-course dinner prepared by Shane Watson of Print Hall, Perth and Matthew Orlando of Amass, Denmark celebrating the natural processes in food and wine and showcasing produce in its natural state - think raw seafood, local dairy, foraged and fermented vegetables and fruits as well as dry aged meats. The meal takes place at Woodlands Margaret River Winery and costs $200. “Table for 20” sees Bondi Harvest team up with White Elephant Beach Cafe to create the ultimate harvest to plate five-course intimate dining experience. Chef Guy Turland (Bondi Harvest) is passionate about simple, sustainable and local produce. Together with local chef Rosie Griffiths (White Elephant), they have designed a five-course menu that will highlight all of the exquisite produce that the Margaret River Wine region has to offer. The event takes place at the White Elephant Beach Café in Gnarabup and costs $150
To see the full program of events, visit www.gourmetescape.com.au. For Festival event tickets visit ticketek.com.au or call 132 849. For more information on holidaying in Western Australia, visit www.westernaustralia.com
MELBOURNE CUP EVENTS FROM FRESH CATERING (SYDNEY)
Fresh Catering are pleased to announce two exciting lunch events for the Melbourne Cup. Their newest CBD establishment, The Governors Table Bar & Dining at the Museum of Sydney and theatre hub The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf at the Sydney Theatre Company will both host a stylish Melbourne Cup day lunch on November 4 from 12 noon. Two very special menus have been designed for the race that stops a nation!
At The Governors Table Bar & Dining guests will enjoy a superb three-course lunch at $95.00 per person (includes welcome glass of sparkling wine, beer or wine on arrival) with delicious selections like Confit Salmon, Leek Ash, Lemon, Beans & Pickled Shallots for entree; Grilled Beef Rib Eye with Caramelised Pumpkin, Spring Peas and Onion Rings for main and Chocolate Pave, Cocoa Crumble, Vanilla Ice Cream and Raspberry for dessert. After lunch diners can settle in at the cocktail bar or cozy up on the banquettes and watch the race live on screen. Reservations can be made at reservations@thegovernorstable.com.au or by calling 02 9241 1788. Find more details at www.thegovernorstable.com.au.
At The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf, watch one of the world's most anticipated races in front of the superb view of Sydney Harbour. Diners will be treated to a three-course lunch for $95.00 per person (also includes a welcome glass of bubbles, wine or beer) in a wonderfully relaxed and exciting theatre space at the Sydney Theatre Company’s popular bar. Selections such as Sugar Cured Salmon, Celeriac Remoulade Salad & Salsa Verde for entrée; Roast Gremolata Pork Neck with Crispy Potatoes & Cider Sauce for main and a decadent Smashed Eton Mess with Summer Berries & Vanilla Crème for dessert will be on the menu. For bookings contact 02 9250 1761 or info@ttbateotw.com.au.
GROWERS’ MARKET - FAIRFIELD RSL (SYDNEY)
Just in time for the warmer weather, Fairfield RSL will be holding their very own Grower’s Market this November. The market will feature an extensive range of housemade products including honey produced from their rooftop beehives, pickles, preserves and jams. The markets will also include Fairfield’s own Cucina range of gnocchi, caramel sauce and pasta sauces. After an enjoyable morning of shopping, market goers will be able to sit back and relax at the Grower’s Market pop up café. All the products on sale are used in the four restaurants within Fairfield RSL.
NEW SHANGHAI MELBOURNE CUP (MELBOURNE)
Melbourne’s most authentic Chinese restaurant, New Shanghai, is celebrating its first ever Melbourne Cup by giving everyone a reason to celebrate. With an exclusive Post-Melbourne-Cup offer, the restaurant will be providing all patrons with a free round of steamed pork dumplings when presented with a losing Melbourne Cup ticket. The restaurant is proving there is no need to be glum if you lose on the famous race - there are free dumplings as a consolation prize! Ladies dressed in race attire will also receive a glass of sparkling on arrival.
LA SVOLTA APERTIVO LOCALE (MELBOURNE)
Authentic Italian favourite, La Svolta is getting into the Spring Racing spirit, offering guests a traditional Italian Aperitivo Locale, a traditional Italian custom where craft spirits, perfectly matched beautiful Italian antipasti mist and authentic pizza come rolling out of the kitchen for all to enjoy. The unique element is, you only pay for your drinks - your food is absolutely free. Perfect Spring Racing carnival fun, the offer will be running on the weekend of November 1 and 2, from 2pm to 5pm at La Svolta Prahran.
SOCAL SUNDAYS (SYDNEY)
Starting October 26, and running throughout the start of summer until the end of the year, enjoy live music from artists like Declan Kelly and $10 margaritas from 3.30pm at SoCal Neutral Bay. They have also just launched a brand new cocktail list so relax and drink up; it’s the perfect way to wind down before the start of another long week. Check out www.socalsydney.com.au for more info.
GRADI OPENS AT CROWN (MELBOURNE)
After winning first place at the 2014 Campionato Mondiale della Pizza (Pizza World Championship) in Italy in July, Johnny Di Francesco will be bringing his award winning pizza to Crown Melbourne. Opening a sibling to his iconic Brunswick pizzeria 400 Gradi on October 14, the new restaurant will make its home in the Riverwalk site previously occupied by Guissepe, Arnaldo & Sons, seat 300 plus people and feature two large pizza ovens carefully designed to Johnny’s The new menu will be based on Johnny’s much-loved offerings served at 400 Gradi on Lygon Street, with a few new introductions and exclusives to suit the Riverwalk restaurant space which includes an alfresco dining element. The venue promises to be a new favourite for the Crown Melbourne.
EAT A 1 METRE PIZZA AND EAT FREE FOR A YEAR (WOOLLOOMOOLOO)
Criniti’s Restaurant in Woolloomooloo are giving diners just another reason to head down to the famous wharf- they are offering the chance to eat for free, for a year. From October 20, ‘Metro Mania’ begins. This is a challenge to pizza lovers to see if they can finish 1m of pizza, in one hour. If they can, they will be entitled to eat for free, for a year at Criniti’s.There are a few rules in place for Metro Mania:
Three different styles must be chosen on the pizza eg/ Ham and Pineapple, Marinara, Vegetarian
All toppings and crust must be eaten
No toilet breaks are allowed
No smoking breaks are allowed
A referee will be assigned to each challenger
Do you want to eat for free for a year on one of the world’s most glamourous wharves? It will only cost you an hour of your time.
DRINKS
OVI HYDRATION LAUNCHES IN AUSTRALIA
OVI Hydration has launched in Australia – offering healthier hydration that Australians will love. OVI Hydration is a delicious infusion of water, fruit juice, natural flavours, honey and natural minerals with antioxidants from green tea, designed to hydrate and help Aussies’ get the most out of every day. OVI Hydration was created in response to a strong consumer desire for beverages that promise hydration with a lower sugar content and no artificial ingredients, without any compromise on flavour and taste. Offering a simple balance of hydration and great taste for people with busy, on the go lifestyles, OVI Hydration replenishes the body with important natural minerals and antioxidants, while still offering a refreshing taste that people will love. The range is available to buy now in supermarkets and convenience stores across the country.
TEQUILA MASTERCLASSES - MEJICO (SYDNEY)
Mejico, a vibrant modern Mexican dining and drinking destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, have just launched Tequila Masterclasses. These classes are perfect for groups of friends or work colleagues wanting a unique and engaging new drinking experience. With a recently extended bar space and more than 230 tequila and mezcal’s, this is a great opportunity to learn a little more about this Mexican spirit from a tequila expert. These sessions take place Thursdays 4-5pm, Fridays 3-4pm and 4:15-5:15pm and Saturdays 4-5pm and 5:15-6:15pm. These classes are $65pp, or $95pp with small plates. Bookings must be made one week in advance by emailing hola@mejico.com.au. Please advise Mejico of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
THE AUSTRALIAN BREWERY – BEER AND BBQ FEST’ (SYDNEY)
How many times do you find yourself at the pub sipping on a delicious craft beer you’ve never heard of, only to wake up the next day having completely forgotten what it’s called? Such is the challenge facing beer connoisseurs all over Australia, with local ales becoming increasingly hard to find outside of their hidden small-bar nests. Thanks to The Australian Brewery, all that is about to change with the launch of the Beer and BBQ Fest’ in Sydney’s west on November 15. Wild West Beer and BBQ Fest is AB’s own beer and BBQ extravaganza that will bring together a culmination of a huge range of local craft beers and delicious food. The festival gives the public the perfect opportunity to meet brewers and reps from local brands to stay in touch with their latest creations. It also provides the ideal setting to discover a new favourite tipple with ales, lagers, ciders and stouts all available to purchase as takeaways. The Australian Hotel and Brewery at Rouse Hill will be showcasing beverages from a variety of local breweries including Young Henrys, Lord Nelson, Sydney Brewery, Six String and of course, Australian Brewery. To keep the taste buds dancing, Beer and BBQ Fest will also appeal to the inner foodie. Each brewery will be nominating a beer to be matched to a particular dish which will be created by the talented chef at The Australian Hotel and Brewery. All ticket prices include 10 drink tokens and five food tokens, with prices starting from $49.99. Tickets available at www.moshtix.com.au, 1300 GET TIX (438 849) on your mobile and all moshtix outlets
SYDNEY CRAFT BEER WEEK KICKS OFF (SYDNEY)
Sydney Craft Beer Week had a rollicking kick off on Friday Night with massive crowds attending the 2014 Gala at the Giant Dwarf Theatre - the first ever opening Gala for the hugely popular event. The line extended well down the block as the doors opened of the sold out event, with Sydney's finest tastebuds itching for their chance to get their mouths around the best beer in the country, alongside some of the tastiest food in the city. Yo Gritto kept the party going on the decks and Green Mohair Suits had everyone dancing as the beers flowed. Newtown bar Mary's provided their award winning food to guests, from the now iconic Mary's Burger to their mouth-watering Mushroom Burger. But of course the event was all about the beer, featuring 20 incredible breweries giving guests their favourite and bestselling brews, alongside one off batches only available as part of Sydney Craft Beer Week - including Modus Operandi's unique and delicious Jasmine Green Tea White IPA. If you missed the opening night gala, then don't miss the just announced closing party, taking over the Rocks Brewing Co Brewery Bar in Alexandria from 3pm on October 26, presented in partnership with Time Out. Entry is free and the event will feature the best drinks of the nine day festival, from Batch to Mountain Goat, Riverside to Rocks and much more. Food and kids entertainment will be provided to ensure it's a great afternoon out for the whole family. Register for the event here: www.sydneycraftbeerweek.com/event-registration/
To check out the rest of what’s happening during Sydeny Craft Beer Week, look at their upcoming program by visiting www.sydneycraftbeerweek.com
FLUID FESTIVAL (MELBOURNE)
For one day only, Fluid Festival will showcase some of the world’s finest beers, wines, bourbons and ciders at Daveys Hotel, Frankston on November 16. The event will feature stalls from over 20 local and international suppliers, offering festivalgoers the chance to sample a huge range of flavours and styles. Crowd favourites at the festival will include Australian International Beer Awards winners Feral Brewing Company and Thunder Road Brewing Co; Champion of the Show winner at the 2013 Australian Cider Awards, Hills Cider Company plus many more. In addition to tastings, attendees will have the opportunity to meet some of the best in the business at the ‘Meet The Brewer’ master classes featuring some of the world’s leading brewers, cider makers, distillers and wine makers. While enjoying the range of beverages on offer, Fluid Festival guests can enjoy a delicious selection of food available from stallholders on Daveys’ picturesque balcony, from Spanish Paella to Hot Roast Beef Rolls off the Spit. Check out www.fluidfestival.com.au for more info
HOP UP POP UP – WORLD SQUARE (SYDNEY)
Finish your day off with an after-work craft beer tasting paddle, at the Hop-Up pop up bar in World Square from October 22 to October 25. Once again playing host to the Craft Beer Hop Up bar in conjunction with Time Out Sydney, World Square entices tourists, professionals and locals with only the best local brews as part of Sydney’s Craft Beer Week. Sydney’s Craft Beer Week runs across nine days, October 18-26 and is celebrated with over 100 events and parties across Sydney. Specialty brews such as Rocks Brewing Co, Young Henrys, Riverside Brewing Co, White Rabbit and Ekim Brewing will be featured throughout the event. If beer is not your thing, World Square has also added a familiar favourite with Bilpin’s cider making its debut to the Hop-Up Bar.To learn about the art of craft beer, World Square is hosting Craft Education sessions so you can learn from a local brewing legend about the production process, taste a number of varieties and be treated to a complimentary middy for as little as $20.00 per head. Spaces to the education sessions are limited, so bookings are essential and can be made by calling World Square concierge on 04 4942 1582 between 8am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
THE BARBER SHOP 1ST BIRTHDAY (SYDNEY)
The Barber Shop, Australia’s first barber shop-and-bar-in-one, is on a mission to make Sydney’s men the most dapper in Australia. To mark this small bar’s 1st birthday, The Barber Shop has teamed up with Chivas to create The Chivas Ultimate package - a true gentleman’s experience to take a man from disheveled to dapper in just over an hour. Arrive at The Barber Shop and kick back in one of the vintage leather barber’s chairs with a Chivas Signature Cocktail. Then, let the pampering begin; the expert barber will treat you to a haircut, hot towel shave, and face scrub. Top it all off with a Chivas Whisky Tasting Flight, which includes 10 ml pours of Chivas 12yr, 18yr, and the luxurious 25yr. By this point, you’re basically looking and feeling like James Bond. Take advantage of your dapper new look and your take-the-edge-off whisky tastings and line up a hot date or at least a bunch of equally as dapper mates to join you at the bar afterwards. Have the barber escort you to the bar and if you’re on a Tinder date, let them know when booking and receive a complimentary cheese board for you and your love interest. If you’re stretched for time, opt for the Chivas Experience instead which will have you in and out in under an hour with a new haircut, hot towel shave and a Chivas Signature cocktail. For more details head to http://thisisthebarbershop.com/
REKORDERLIG AT TASTE OF MELBOURNE FESTIVAL (MELBOURNE)
Rekorderlig Cider is delighted to announce the return of the Beautifully Swedish ‘Rekorderlig Star’ at the Taste of Melbourne Festival, starting November 13 until November 16. Showcasing the delicious Rekorderlig flavour portfolio, with two exciting new flavours to try; Rekorderlig Dry Äpple Cider and Rekorderlig Premium Pomegranate Cider. The custom built bar encourages cider lovers to explore Rekorderlig’s Beautifully Swedish way of life. New flavour Pomegranate has arrived as a summer addition to their range. This distinctly unique flavour of crisp pear cider, beautifully blended with pomegranate, has a refreshing summer fruit fragrance & is a perfect way to liven up your taste buds. The House of Rekorderlig will also be showcasing a sensational new cider, Dry Äpple. A crisp apple cider, lightly golden in colour with a dry, clean finish. Dry Äpple is a fantastic dry addition to Rekorderlig’s delicious and innovative flavours range and will be available on draught at the festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Rekorderlig’s unique and Beautifully Swedish Cider Bar at this year’s 2014 Taste of Melbourne event and be one of the first to enjoy the new flavours Premium Pomegranate and Dry Äpple.
FASHION & CULTURE
EAST VILLAGE MARKET DAY (SYDNEY)
East Village is an exciting new urban marketplace and entertainment precinct opening in Zetland. This one of a kind revolutionary retail and lifestyle experience has been inspired by some of the worlds’ leading urban market places. The beautifully designed space will incorporate a full line ‘new generation’ Coles supermarket concept store; Virgin Active Health Club; Audi Australia showroom, office and service centre; My Health Medical Centre, a child care facility and an exciting specialty retail mix including artisan stores, fresh food, health & lifestyle, daily service needs, cafes and restaurants such as Colins Butchery, Taste Growers Market, Taste Baguette and East Phoenix, to name a few. In celebration of the opening East Village will host a weekend Market Day to showcase the precincts offerings. Happy to send through a full schedule of events however in short there will be opportunities for guests to interact and enjoy all on offer including live cooking demonstrations from ex. My Kitchen Rules Contestants, plant for happiness stations whereby children can learn to plant their own seedlings, yoga demonstrations, butchery demonstrations by Collin the Butcher, Cook for Kids demonstrations hosted by the Lifestart Foundation, a Gadigal performance and community group performances throughout the space in attrition to Insta-tee social media cutest dog contests and samplings from all retailers.
2014 ROYAL MELBOURNE WINE AWARDS ANNOUNCED
The results for the 2014 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria have been announced, following an extensive week of judging and tasting of the 3,183 wines entered. Gold medals were handed out across 77 classes with 15 trophies and 8 major trophies awarded to the best drops from across the country, following rigorous assessment from an expert panel of judges headed by Chair of Judges Tom Carson and including international guests Martin Moran MW (Ireland), Warren Gibson (New Zealand) and James Suckling (USA, based in Hong Kong). The list of winners is as follows:
2014 Major Trophies
THE JAMES HALLIDAY TROPHY FOR BEST PINOT NOIR PRESENTED BY JAMES HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION: Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Pinot Noir, 2013 – Coldstream Hills, Yarra Valley VIC
THE DOUGLAS SEABROOK SINGLE VINEYARD TROPHY: Oakridge 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2012 – Oakridge Wines, Yarra Valley VIC
KYM LUDVIGSEN TROPHY FOR VITICULTURAL EXCELLENCE: John Funder & Val Diamond, Funder & Diamond Drive Block, Yarra Ranges VIC
THE VICTORIAN TROPHY FOR WINES OF PROVENANCE: Granite Hills Riesling 2013, 2008 & 2004, Granite Hills, Macedon Ranges VIC
THE FRANCOIS DE CASTELLA TROPHY FOR BEST YOUNG WHITE WINE: Bay of Fires Chardonnay, 2013 – Bay of Fires, TAS
THE TREVOR MAST TROPHY FOR BEST SHIRAZ: S.C. Pannell Syrah Shiraz, 2013 – S.C. Pannell Wines, McLaren Vale, SA
THE BILL CHAMBERS TROPHY FOR BEST FORTIFIED: Morris Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat, - Morris Wines, Rutherglen VIC
2014 Trophy Winners
THE DAN MURPHY’S TROPHY FOR BEST SPARKLING: Pirie Sparkling, 2009 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, 2009 – Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard, TAS
THE RIEDEL TROPHY FOR BEST RIESLING: St. Andrews Riesling, 2014 – Taylors Wines Pty Ltd, Clare Valley, SA
THE GRAYSONLINE TROPHY FOR BEST CHARDONNAY: Bay of Fires Chardonnay, 2013 – Bay of Fires, TAS
THE EXPONET TROPHY FOR BEST SEMILLON: Vat 1 Semillon, 2005 – Tyrell’s Vineyards, Hunter Valley, NSW
THE PORTAVIN INTEGRATED WINE SERVICES TROPHY FOR BEST SAV BLANC OR BLEND SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC: Domaine Naturaliste Sauvage, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, 2013 – Domaine Naturaliste Vitiners, Margaret River, WA
THE PSC INSURANCE TROPHY FOR BEST OTHER SINGLE VARIETAL WHITE WINE: Symphony Hill Wines Gewurztraminer, 2014 – Symphony Hill Wines, New England, NSW
THE KUBOTA TROPHY FOR BEST OTHER WHITE BLEND: Debortoli Family Vineyards Bianco 2014 – DeBortoli Wines, Riverina, NSW
THE EXPONET TROPHY FOR BEST SWEET WHITE WINE: d’Arenburg The Noble Wrinkled Riesling, 2011 – d’Arenburg, McLaren Vale SA
THE COLLINS PLACE TROPHY FOR BEST ROSE: Deep Woods ‘Harmony’ Rose, 2014 – Deep Woods Estate, Margaret River, WA
THE FIIG SECURITIES TROPHY FOR BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MERLOT OR BORDEAUX VARIETY BLEND: Deep Woods ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 – Deep Woods Estate, Margaret River, WA
THE RURAL FINANCE TROPHY FOR BEST SINGLE VARIETY RED WINE: Morris The Criollo, Malbec 2012 – Morris Wines, Rutherglen, VIC
THE PORTAVIN INTEGRATED WINE SERVICES TROPHY FOR BEST GRENACHE, OR RED RHONE VARIETAL, OF RED BLEND OF RHONE VARIETIES: Partisan Black Label Grenache, 2012 – Echelon Wine Partners, McLaren Vale, SA
THE PSC INSURANCE TROPHY FOR BEST SHIRAZ, CABERNET BLEND: The Barry Brothers Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 – Jim Barry Wines, Clare Valley, SA
THE RURAL FINANCE TROPHY FOR BEST RED BLEND: Gamekeeper’s Grenache/Shiraz/Touriga, 2013 – St. Hallett Wines, Barossa, SA
THE FIIG SECURITIES TROPHY FOR BEST MATURE WINE: Vat 1 Semillon, 2005 – Tyrell’s Vineyards, Hunter Valley, NSW
CRUELTY FREE FESTIVAL (SYDNEY)
Animal Liberation NSW is thrilled to present the ninth annual Cruelty Free Festival in Sydney on October 26. With growing interest in cruelty-free living and last year’s record attendance, festival organisers have teamed up with Australian animal protection group, Voiceless, to offer guests an exciting, fun-filled fusion of food, fashion, entertainment and art. The one-day festival is a unique celebration of the inspiring individuals, organisations and ethical businesses in the local community that are dedicated to making the world a better place for all animals. The festival, which has almost doubled in size since the previous year, has over 60 registered stall holders and a jam-packed program featuring speakers, live bands, cooking demonstrations and a cruelty-free fashion parade. The event will be emceed by Australian comedian Tom Ballard and actor Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood (A Place To Call Home). Ballard is looking forward to being involved in what he sees as a “profoundly positive and joyous community event that celebrates being kind to our fellow earthlings in a really brilliant way.” The event will also be opened by Sydney MP, Alex Greenwich. Featuring non-stop entertainment throughout the day, all of the food, product stalls, and participating sponsors are 100 percent cruelty free. More information and the full festival program can be found at www.crueltyfreefestival.org.au
QT SYDNEY - SCULPTURE BY THE SEA PACKAGE (SYDNEY)
QT Sydney is delighted to team up with Sculpture by the Sea providing creative and art aficionado guests alike, the opportunity to escape the city and immerse themselves in one of Sydney’s most iconic cultural events. From October 23 – November 9 Bondi will play host to the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, where this instalment sees the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, a national treasure in its own right, bedazzled with works of art from some of Australia’s most prolific modern sculptors. This can be combined with the premium comfort of a QT King Deluxe room, breakfast daily at Gowings Bar & Grill and the luxury of return transfers to and from the exhibition provided by award winning Hyundai, along with a 2014 Sculpture by the Sea catalogue to take home at the end of the day. Or, for those not wanting to venture too far afield, QT will also play host to its very own Sculpture Inside exhibition. Sculptures by exhibiting artists and selected invited artists held by Sculpture by the Sea, will be on display at the hotel, including ‘Cubist Feminist’ and ‘Angkor Torso II’ by artist Clara Hali, to coincide with the outdoor exhibition.
Package includes:
Stay in a designer QT King Deluxe room
Eat a sumptuous and hearty breakfast in acclaimed Sydney eatery Gowings Bar and Grill
Return transfers to and from the exhibitions provided by Hyundai
A 2014 Sculpture by the Sea catalogue
From $350 per night
With its strong focus on art and design, QT Sydney continues to push its artistic boundaries through its clever collaboration and support of local and emerging talent, events and festivals in Sydney’s burgeoning art and design scene.
AUSSIE THONG UNDER INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
A blow-out busting design has put the iconic Aussie thong under an international spotlight. Start-up company Willi Footwear launched a crowdfunding campaign to help fund their revolutionary spin on the almighty thong and surpassed their initial $30k target in just two weeks, and now look set to reach their $40k target within the month. The Indiegogo campaign has garnered international interest in the chic, yet highly-functional, flip flops which feature boomerang-shaped plugs to minimise the chances of an embarrassing ‘blow-out’. Managing Director and Founder of Willi Footwear, Brad Munro, hoped the crowdfunding campaign would lead to interest from the international market, but is quietly surprised at the amount of far-flung attention the campaign has attracted. Have a look at the Willi Footwear campaign at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/interchangeable-flip-flops-with-no-mo..., and watch Willi’s ‘blow-out’ video at http://vimeo.com/100763187