In this week’s issue: The Grounds of Alexandria reveal the secrets of its new private bar "The Lock-In", the much anticipated opening of Little Caesars pizza in Casula, Sydney's hospitality listings for the long weekend, the long awaited return of the hit program Kitchen Cabinet, Ravesi's; one of Bondi Beach's cornerstone establishments; turns 25, and so much more!
FOOD
THE FLOURY BAKER (SYDNEY)
The Floury Baker is a Sydney-based online provision store that delivers homemade meals directly to your door every Monday and Friday. The new summer menu will include gourmet picnic baskets, decadent Christmas hampers and a full catering service. Anna Simamora is The Floury Baker. As a professional chef, Anna’s philosophy is all about flavour, texture and using seasonal produce. Having recently worked as Executive Chef at several COMO hotel and resort properties, Anna began her career as an apprentice at Sydney’s renowned Italian restaurant Bel Mondo, cooking under the guidance of Stefano Manfredi and his mother, Franca. Anna went on to develop her skills at Neil Perry’s Rockpool group, learning the art of contemporary Asian cooking at Wokpool and then honing her skills in pastry making at Rockpool under one of Sydney’s finest dessert chefs, Catherine Adams. Along her journey Anna has learnt to present food in a simple, rustic manner balanced with clean flavours and finished with a punch. These are the fundamentals behind The Floury Baker. For more details head to www.theflourybaker.com.au
VIC’S MEAT MARKET (SYDNEY)
The search for Sydney’s best quality, best value meat is over. Vic’s Meat Market is your one-stop-shop for quality meat at wholesale prices every day of the week. The market opened up at Sydney Fish Market on September 27. Vic’s Meat Market is where you’ll find Sydney’s freshest range of your favourite meat cuts, grass and grain fed steaks, lamb, pork, a wide selection of organic options, game and wild meat, as well as all your meat essentials at the most affordable prices. Buy freshly portioned cuts or save even more by purchasing a whole side from the primal fridge and have one of the Vic’s Meat Market butchers break it down just how you like it, while you wait. T meat market is a unique experience for shoppers and exclusive to Sydney Fish Market. The visually impressive meat market features a striking raw open counter surrounded by specialty meat sections
THE FINALE OF THE KINGS CROSS FESTIVAL 2014 (SYDNEY)
The 2014 Kings Cross Festival will close off Macleay St on October 12 for visitors to enjoy a Sunday Long Table Lunch featuring food from some 20 local restaurants, alongside more than a dozen NSW winemakers showcasing their wines, plus cooking demonstrations and even cookbook signings from the star chefs Dan Hong, Damien Pignolet and Mike McEnearney. Star local foodies will feature the true diversity of fine and fun food on offer in Kings Cross from Mexican to Japanese, Italian to Middle Eastern with dishes costing just $6, $9 or $12 and served from 10am to 5pm. Participating restaurants and cafes include Chester White Diner, Popolo, Jimmy Liks, Kim Restaurant, Barrio Chino, Sweethearts BBQ, Café Dov, Harajuku Gyoza, Bottega Del Vino and Fei Jai to name a few. The highly anticipated Potts Point Kazbah will preview its October opening with a stall showcasing their fusion middle eastern fine food while RivaReno Gelato will delight for dessert. A pop up wine bar, and wine tastings stalls will feature over a dozen NSW vineyards, A street stage that will feature performances throughout the day, an Art and Photography program for the festival is headlined by Photographer Tim Denoodle’s exhibition titled Somewhere City at Gallery Mercure in Potts Point, and so much more! Find out more at http://www.kingscrossfestival.com.au
RAVESI’S TURNS 25 – BONDI BEACH (SYDNEY)
Backbone of Bondi Beach and premier destination to eat, play and stay in Bondi, Ravesi’s Hotel, is celebrating its 25th birthday this year and they’re inviting you to join the fun. This year signifies not only 25 years of hospitality at Ravesi’s but also the 100th birthday of the stunning heritage building itself, which was originally built in 1914 by the Ravesi brothers when they migrated to Australia from Italy. After multiple refurbishments and upgrades since the current owners purchased the building in 1986, Ravesi’s now stands proud as Bondi’s only boutique hotel, encapsulating all the best that Bondi Beach has to offer. Incorporating a world-class restaurant, European-style wine bar, sumptuous cocktail bar, as well as the welcoming locals bar and 12 designer guest rooms, Ravesi’s takes care of everyone in Bondi. You haven’t been to Bondi Beach unless you’ve been to Ravesi’s. Head to http://www.ravesis.com.au/ for more info.
MR WONG LAUNCHES YUM CHA (SYDNEY)
Mr. Wong, Merivale’s two-hat award-winning Cantonese restaurant, is set to launch Yum Cha on October 4. Available every weekend between 10:30am – 12pm, Mr. Wong’s Yum Cha will offer Eric Koh’s unrivalled dim sum selection for a delectable morning feast. Some of the tasty yum cha dishes include: tobiko, scallop and prawn shumai; abalone, snow crab and white rice bamboo roll; and poached pork, prawn and black truffle dumpling. Since opening its doors in August 2013, Mr. Wong has been awarded a host of accolades include two-hats in the 2014 and 2015 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards. It won ‘New Restaurant of the Year’ in the 2014 Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Awards, ‘Best New Restaurant’ in the 2013 Time Out Sydney Food Awards and was included in The Australian’s Hot 50 Restaurant List two years running. Visit http://merivale.com.au/mrwong for more details.
LITTLE CAESARS OPENS IN CASULA (SYDNEY)
Aussies are set to experience a slice of heaven when America’s fastest-growing, best value takeaway pizza chain revolutionises the Australian pizza market with the opening of its first store in Casula. From October 2, Aussies will be able to quickly select, order and take away Little Caesars exclusive HOT-N-READY Pizzas, on the spot, removing the need to pre order over the phone or online. Little Caesars promises the same convenient, high quality, low cost option that has been making meal time fun and simple for years. With a family size pizza measuring a generous 14 inches, 62% larger than the 11-inch pizza most commonly sold by other major pizza chains in Australia, and pricing starting at only $7.95 each, a family of four can have pizza for less than $2 per person. Proving Little Caesars is ahead of the pack in more ways than one, the Casula outlet will house a drive thru for customers to pick up their HOT-N-READY® Pizzas and sides. The innovative service will allow customers to view menu items on an animated LED screen, and make their payment via the PayPal app, ensuring a more convenient service than ever before. For more information about Little Caesars, visit www.little-caesars.com.au
LONG WEEKEND HOSPITALITY (SYDNEY)
SoCal Neutral Bay
Southern Californian themed restaurant and bar SoCal is based in the hot spot area of Neutral Bay on Young Street and has a capacity for 100 patrons seated inside as well as a large outdoor terrace for 40. The venue has a strong retro chic ambience with bright tonal colours. The design has taken full advantage of the generous outdoor terrace that has a real San Diego beach bar feel. There is also a relaxed bar area for a cheeky drink or two that works in well with the venues 2am License! Visit www.socalsydney.com.au for more details.
October 4: trading as usual – 12pm – 2am
October 5: trading as usual – 12pm – midnight
October 6: CLOSED
Bondi Hardware
Bondi’s bustling Hall Street is home to local favourite restaurant and bar Bondi Hardware. Named after its original occupant of 30 years, a cluttered Hardware store, the restaurant pays homage to its heritage, with the interior painstakingly transformed utilising exposed brickwork, beams, high gabled ceilings and recycled timber. The restaurant also offers a newly opened outdoor courtyard, perfect for alfresco dining. The menu is inspired by a ‘global share-style food’ philosophy and the bar showcases an extensive selection of the best ciders, spirits, wines, cocktails and beers to perfectly compliment the menu. Check out www.bondi-hardware.com.au for more info.
October 4: trading as usual – 10am – midnight
October 5: trading as usual – 10am – 10pm
October 6: 10am – 11pm
The Botanist Kirribilli
The Botanist is Kirribilli’s first small bar & restaurant and its name references illustrious Botanist Gerard Fothergill who travelled the world researching plants. The last years of his life were spent running a small bookshop in the very building the restaurant now occupies. The Botanist pays homage to these historical and botanical themes of exploration and discovery, creating food and cocktail menus using abundant offerings of fresh produce, herbs and spices. For more details check out www.thebotanist.com.au
October 4: trading as usual – 11am - midnight
October 5: trading as usual – 11am – midnight
October 6: 12pm – 11pm
Bungalow 8
Bungalow 8 is celebrating the October long weekend with a series of live acoustic artists as well as their popular Kids Corner featuring face painting and balloon twisting for the kids. Come this October Long Weekend, Bungalow 8 will celebrate with a line-up of smooth acoustics featuring Kate Wighton, Stephanie Grace and Browntone Duo on Sunday October 5. Drop the kids off at their Kids Corner while you enjoy the day on the picturesque harbour taking in the view, the food and the great vibes.
PEQUENA CANTINA ATHE THE FAIRFIELD RSL (SYDNEY)
Fairfield RSL Club is bringing a little piece of Mexico to Sydney’s South West with the launch of Pequena Cantina, a modern Mexican pop up restaurant open for three nights only on 27 and October 28 as well as November 3. The evenings will begin mysteriously as diners are escorted to a secret location nearby for a bespoke dining experience. Guests will enjoy a three course set menu in the themed pop-up space with dishes inspired by renowned US chef Rick Bayless, considered by many as a leader in the modern Mexican cuisine. With the addition of Pequena Cantina, Fairfield RSL Club is quickly becoming the gastronomic destination of the West, offering some of the state’s most innovative dining. The club’s ethos is to highlight international food styles and recipes from some of the most renowned restaurants and chefs worldwide. To find out more check out fairfieldrsl.com.au
PINK RIBBON BREAKFAST - AUSTRALIA’S BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH (SYDNEY)
On October 13, Cancer Australia will hold the 21st annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast at the Westin Hotel, Sydney during Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Distinguished Australian actor Marta Dusseldorp, star of A Place to Call Home, Janet King and Crownies will MC the event. Cancer Australia’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast will bring together the corporate community, political and industry leaders, well known Australians, breast cancer survivors and the general public to hear about the latest updates in breast cancer and show support for those diagnosed and their families and friends. The breakfast will take place from 7:15am to 9:00am with tickets available to purchase at www.pinkribbonevents.com.au. Guests will be entertained by Australian singer and musician Abby Dobson, enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, receive a complimentary gift bag and rub shoulders with the stars whilst supporting a great cause. For more information on the Pink Ribbon Breakfast, visit www.canceraustralia.gov.au
KITCHEN CABINET RETURNS
Kitchen Cabinet has taken us into the homes of 20 politicians, from Prime Ministers to backbenchers, in every state of Australia, discovering varying degrees of culinary competence. Julie Bishop, Joe Hockey, Penny Wong, Tanya Plibersek, Malcolm Turnbull, Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd have all hosted veteran political journalist Annabel Crabb for lunch. Some politicians have caught and killed their ingredients. One MP offered dippity bix as an entree and another did not eat Annabel’s dessert, for reasons that will forever be unknown. In Series Four of Kitchen Cabinet – returning Tuesday, October 21 at 8pm - Annabel Crabb is back for more, knocking on the doors of politicians’ homes around Australia, in search of a good meal and some answers. Since Kitchen Cabinet was last on air there has been a change in government, a new Prime Minister, and an interesting crop of senators that never cease to surprise. So dinner conversation is not going to be a problem! Tune in on October 21 to find out what’s in store. Head to abc.net.au/tv/kitchencabinet/ for more information and a few recipes.
MARBLE BAR RE –LAUNCH (SYDNEY)
Sydney’s iconic Marble Bar is re-launching on October 9 with a sophisticated and classic food, beverage and entertainment offering to match the bar’s stunning aesthetic. Now in its 121st year, Marble Bar epitomises the opulent style of the long-forgotten Victorian era. The ornate venue features two vintage oversized mahogany bars, fourteen original Edwardian paintings, and elaborate plaster ceiling and, of course, over 100 tonnes of the world’s finest marble. Staying true to the historic space, the team at Marble Bar has personally curated a classic yet unique overall offering that is sure to please even the most discerning of patrons. The impeccably crafted cocktail list pays homage to all of the quintessential favourites of our time. From a perfectly balanced Martini to a refreshing Mint Julep, the recently developed list has everything you would come to expect from this world class venue. Following suit, the menu has also raised the proverbial bar offering a stylish selection of savory treats. From delicious house marinated olives to mouthwatering mozzarella and parmesan arancini with preserved lemon mayonnaise, the dishes are ideal for sharing. October will also see a rotating roster of some of the country’s most talented and sought after bands taking to the stage at Marble Bar. For a full line up, head to www.marblebarsydney.com.au
DRINKS
THE LOCK-IN (SYDNEY)
The Grounds of Alexandria has a secret it has been keeping under lock and key. A whole new world of refinement and hidden luxury. The Lock-In, The Grounds’ newest venue, offers a dark and mysterious room in which to privately indulge and enjoy the freedom of seclusion, all situated within The Potting Shed Bar & Restaurant. Hidden behind a huge door, The Lock-In offers a space for guests and their friends to escape the humdrum of the day and unwind without disruption - where staff take your coat and you take your time. Where the key to a memorable night is having the key to get in. Rumour has it that this is where the bar staff keep their best stuff, hidden for special occasions and those in the know. Once entombed within its shady depths, lucky guests will enjoy their own personal bar, with hand selected bar staff, whilst sampling the treasure trove of small-batch spirits. The Lock-In offers an exclusive guest list suited to the host’s own desires, with admission only granted to the best of the best. Request the key and come inside, leaving the rest of the world behind. The Lock-In is open to hire for functions and events. The venue will be available Monday through to Sunday with maximum capacity for seated dining at 20 persons and maximum for cocktail-style service at 40 persons.
INDUSTRY BEANS WINS AWARD
Industry Beans Specialty Coffee Roasters won the “Restaurant & Bar Design Award UK and International (Cafe)” at the 2013/14 British Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. The prestigious and independent design awards are judged by leading designers and architects and this year received 840 submissions from over 60 countries. Industry Bean’s founders Trevor and Steven Simmons attended last night’s awards ceremony and will be bringing home to Melbourne the prestigious award for the “Best UK & International Café” category. Industry Beans is a Coffee Roastery, Café and Restaurant located in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Their Fitzroy Roastery was built in 2013 and was designed by Figureground Architecture in collaboration with Trevor Simmons. The venue was awarded with “Best Hospitality Design” by the Australian Interior Design Awards earlier this year. For more information about them visit their website at http://www.industrybeans.com
SPANISH BOUTIQUE BEVERAGES – SKA SANGRIA
Sangria is as Spanish as paella and a sensual flamenco dance but now a family-owned Brisbane business has handcrafted a ready-to-drink blend with a distinctly Australian twist. Spanish Boutique Beverages, founded by Manolo Lopez, has created an Australian-made Sangria named SKA which encapsulates the fiery essence of Spain but embodies a masterpiece blend of 90% Australian wines, juices, and essences. SKA Sangria is a fusion of cabernet and shiraz grape varietals from several Australian wine regions, and is seductively sweet like it’s authentic predecessors but with a modern, preservative-free twist. From Cantabria in the northern region of Spain, Mr Lopez comes from a long line of wine-making enthusiasts and is proud to continue the tradition down under using the secret family recipe. To find out more about SKA Sangria and where it’s available please visit www.spanishboutiquebeverages.com.au
FASHION & CULTURE
THE STITCHES AND CRAFT SHOW (MELBOURNE)
One of the nation’s most loved travelling craft shows, The Stitches & Craft Show, is heading to Melbourne for a huge event complete with expert retailers, hands-on workshops, cake decorating displays, international textile exhibitions, a yarn bombed car, the latest and hard-to-find products and much more. A crowd favourite at the show will be The Sentinelles Exhibition: A Display of Embroidered Textile Art. After receiving critical acclaim during its recent tour of France, this exhibition showcases stunning embroidered textile panels by highly talented quilters and textile artists from France, England, the USA and Australia. For those with a sweet tooth, the cake decorating competition will be sure to delight! Hosted by the Cake Decorators Association of Victoria, the competition showcases creativity and talent with the entries and winners for ten sections on display including novices, juniors and seniors. Discussing all things woolly and colourful at the show will be representatives from one of the largest yarn-bombing groups in the world, Yarn Corner. In addition to a daily talks on their past and current projects, the group will showcase their talents with an impressive yarn-bombed vintage Daimler car on display. The Stitches & Craft Show takes place from October 23 to October 26. Tickets are available from http://www.craftevents.com.au/ or on the door.
ROUND SHE GOES FASHION MARKET (SYDNEY)
October is Buy Nothing New Month – an awareness campaign to remind shoppers to be more conscious about their consuming habits and join the second– hand movement! Round She Goes is a market event dedicated to women’s preloved fashion and it’s the perfect place for people to get their second hand shop on.
Round She Goes is held in Sydney three times per year. The final event for 2014 will take place on October18 at the Marrickville Town Hall. The market is set up by the brand Round She Goes and features over 60 stallholders. It’s open from 10am to 3pm, and entry costs $2. The stallholders are a mix of professional sellers as well as women having a wardrobe clear out. The preloved labels the stallholders are selling range from high-end such as Chanel and Prada right through to high street labels such as sass & bide or Sportsgirl. Check out http://roundshegoes.com.au/ for more info.
THE BLACKMAN ART SERIES HOTEL GROUP
The Blackman, has exclusively partnered with tailoring expert; Mr Shirts; offering guests from October both a roof over their head, and a shirt on their back. The hotel will have a range of premium shirts available for immediate use, with 24-hour turnaround on special requests. Whether it’s due to an unexpected call to the boardroom, no time to pack, or a last minute social event, The Blackman will have gentlemen looking the part! With The Spring Racing Carnival just around the corner, this could be the perfect time to head to The Blackman. It offers the perfect ease, with guests not having to pack too much for the weekend away, with nothing looking better than a crisp, new and perfectly fitting shirt. With no need to battle a department store, guests can put their feet up, simply order champagne, a burger and a luxury Slim Fit Poplin Shirt straight from the in-room menu! Just like visiting a gentleman’s tailors, The Blackman and Mr Shirts will ensure an out of the ordinary, personable experience, leaving guests confident, in control and impeccably dressed. Each purchase is gift wrapped in luxury gift boxes, ensuring spotless delivery and making it the perfect surprise gift for loved ones staying at The Blackman.
STAR WARS READS DAY
International Star Wars Reads Day will make its Australian debut October 11, 2014 and is all about celebrating the power of reading. Families and children are invited to participate by reaching out to independent bookstores for local activities or by downloading the official Star Wars Reads Day Activity Kit at http://www.hardiegrant.com.au/egmont/books/star-wars/star-wars-reads-day. Books Kinokuniya in Sydney will be the official launch store joining the celebration with a fun filled day of activities, competitions and photo opportunities with Star Wars characters! Children are also encouraged to come dressed up and participate in the costume parade. The day will also host several Star Wars book readings, including Edge of the Galaxy & Ezra’s Gamble; from the new Star Wars Rebels series, Jedi Academy, and Star Wars: Who Saved the Galaxy. The event book readings and activities are free, but you will need to pre-register on the day to take part in selected competitions, find out more details at https://www.facebook.com/events/693044994119641/?context=create&source=49