In this week’s issue: New venues Vine, Stillery and Stockroom open up in Double Bay, Frankie's in Sydney gears up for their huge Sydney Craft Beer Event "The Great Swillhouse Collaboration Coup", Rekorderlig release their Dry Äpple Cider, a new spring range of products from Pressed Juices, the new Grill'd store in Neutral Bay opens up by offering a free burger, and so much more!
FOOD
THE WELCOME HOTEL LAUNCHES AJÒ (SYDNEY)
The Welcome Hotel in Rozelle will launch Ajò on October 13, an 80-seat restaurant that will take the pub’s award-winning food offer to another level. Head Chef Daniel Mulligan has put together a menu of Sardinian and regional Italian-inspired dishes using the best of Australian produce, for the newly renovated dining space. Mulligan has just returned from a lengthy overseas research trip, spending a considerable amount of time in Italy and Sardinia, and has brought back inspiration to his talented young team, including ex-Arras chef Brendan O’Neil and Shigeki Camura ex- Glass Brasserie and also Pilu at Freshwater. Ajò entrees include bottarga-crusted swordfish belly, pickled golden beetroots, grapefruit and fregola risotto with Queensland spanner crab, almonds and marjoram. Main courses show Mulligan’s passion for simple rustic Italian flavour-based dishes with seared mutton back strap, fennel, cime di rape, olive caramel sharing the menu with smoked, deboned spatchcock, mustard and breadcrumbs. For more information, head to http://thewelcomehotel.com/ or call 02 9810 1323
VINE DOUBLE BAY (SYDNEY)
The newly opened Vine Double Bay is an exciting addition to the Sydney suburb which has become a dining and bar destination in recent months. Owned by Gavin Douchkov and Manny Karson, Vine Double Bay opened its doors overnight and will be overseen by Sydney hospitality veteran Mikee Collins as General Manager. With Collins at the helm, Vine Double Bay will inject further life into postcode 2028, offering a premium and contemporary experience in the old Zigolini’s site on Short Street. The modern and sophisticated menu is complemented by cleverly-chosen wine and well-crafted cocktails. The kitchen team is led by Chef Drew Bolton, whose experience includes Thomas Keller’s renowned French Laundry in California’s Napa Valley, Darley’s at Lillianfells in the Blue Mountains and Peter Gilmore’s iconic Quay. The precise wine list will feature approximately 50 wines, focussing on lesser-known but standout boutique wineries as well as organic and biodynamic styles. Alongside the considered wine list will be a selection of international craft beers and cocktails inspired by vine-grown fruit and vegetables. The venue has capacity for 235 people and is a versatile function space. Vine Double Bay will be open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday and lunch Thursday – Sunday. Head to www.vinedoublebay.com to find out more.
TWO ITALIAN BOYS - APERITIVO DANZANTE (SYDNEY)
Two Italian Boys, Brunetti and That’s Amore Cheese have come together in a sensational partnership to create a series of events with the aim of bringing people together from all walks of life to experience the real Italian dream. Sogni d'Oro 'Aperitivo Danzante' Act I, will launch the inaugural summer event series at the iconic Brunetti in Carlton on October 17, 2014 with Italian food, drinks and dancing. Aperitivo, the rich uncle of happy hour, is the tradition of pre-dinner drinks accompanied by appetizers. Danzante means 'to dance'. Together, the Two Italian Boys, Brunetti and That’s Amore Cheese are changing the game with Sogni d'Oro 'Aperitivo Danzante'.It wouldn't be a party without 'la musica' so each event will feature some of Melbourne's best DJs and live musicians to keep guests grooving through the night. Two Italian Boys will also be launching a 2013 vintage Prosecco DOC, produced in Valdobbiadene, Treviso- Italy’s best Prosecco making region. After four years of producing Italian specific wine styles in the Riverina NSW, they have made a single exception for the new Prosecco. The passion for a good drop and great food is what brought the Two Italian Boys together. The company is a collaboration of three families who have a passion for sharing good food and wine in great company. And this attitude is the reason for the uniting of three iconic Italian companies for Sogni d'Oro 'Aperitivo Danzante'.
ALLEN’S KILLER PYTHONS SIZE HALVED
Allen’s iconic Killer Pythons have been halved to treat size – a move aimed at bringing confectionery serves down to scale. While the new treat size Killer Python weighs in at 24g, or 336kJ, compared to the original 47g, 630kJ version, it still has the same recipe, taste, stretchiness with no artificial colours that have made it a favourite after-sport treat for kids and adults alike. The move is part of Nestlé’s efforts to help Australians better manage their health, by controlling the amount of food, especially treats, they eat. Allen’s Killer Pythons will be one of the first products in Nestlé’s range to include a new consumer-friendly portion guidance device. For more info, head to http://www.nestle.com.au/
GRILL’D NEUTRAL BAY – HEALTHY BURGERS (SYDNEY)
Already home to a well-established dining culture which occupies main roads, bendy side streets and highbrow hilltops, the Lower North Shore is about to get a taste for premium healthy burgers. Neutral Bay locals can now expect even more when Grill’d Healthy Burgers opens its new look digs on Grosvenor Street. Kicking off the opening of Grill’d Neutral Bay on October 17 from 11am – 2pm, lucky locals will get the chance to grab a delicious free healthy burger, because everyone loves a freebie, especially when it’s good for you. The team at Grill’d challenges the idea that burgers are low in nutritional value and high in fat. Using only the highest quality, freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced locally from small, family producers, Grill’d healthy burgers are made with love, to taste good and do you good. And better yet, all burgers are made fresh to order on the open flame grill so there’s no hidden secrets. Officially opening its doors on October 18 the new Grill’d restaurant is located at 24 Young Street in the Grosvenor Street precinct and will be serving seriously good burgers burgers from 11am – 10pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and 11am – 11pm Friday and Saturday. For more information visit www.grilld.com.au
STOCKROOM DOUBLE BAY (SYDNEY)
Paying homage to the rich farming legacy of Double Bay, Stockroom will open in mid-November 2014 as an exciting dining experience turning market-fresh produce into carefully-crafted dishes in an elegant dining room and European pantry-style setting. Located on the first floor of the new InterContinental Sydney Double Bay overlooking the leafy bayside village, Stockroom celebrates fresh seasonal produce, prepared using techniques such as curing, smoking, pickling, dehydrating and cooking using a robata grill. Stockroom’s split setting inspires two types of dining: with glass pantries filled with fresh produce on one side, furnished with high bar stools and natural stone chef’s tables atop a mosaic tiled floor; and on the other, a light-filled, smart but homely dining room with plush carpet, two-seat sofas, tub chairs and two feature curved banquette with fluted upholstered walls. Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Julien Pouteau, whose extensive international experience in luxury five-star hotels and Michelin-star restaurants translates into innovative culinary creations. For more details and reservations, email stockroom.doublebay@ihg.com or visit www.intercontinental.com/doublebay.
SUE SHEPHERD FOOD RANGE – LOW FODMAP FOOD
The Sue Shepherd range is exciting, innovative and pioneering. Being released in May 2014, they have been a big hit. The range is now being expanded with the addition of two new simmer sauce favourites – Butter Chicken Curry and Red Curry. As with all of the Sue Shepherd range, these simmer sauces are full of flavour, they are gluten free and, of course, low FODMAP – that means they are made for the 1 in 7 Australians who have irritable bowel syndrome and do not tolerate onion, garlic or wheat well. The Sue Shepherd brand represents quality, great taste and tummy friendly meals. The butter chicken simmer sauce is flavour-rich and authentic tasting (no-one will notice that it has been made without any onion or garlic). It is ready to use, simply pour from the pack into prepared chicken – there is even a delicious low FODMAP recipe on pack. The Sue Shepherd range has hit the spot with consumers, with overwhelmingly positive feedback and requests. For more information, head to www.sueshepherdfoods.com, join the chat on facebook www.facebook.com/sueshepherdfoods, or follow the range on Instagram @sue_shepherd_foods.
COLONIAL GASTRONOMY: WILD FOODS (SYDNEY)
Join Sydney Living Museums’ resident colonial gastronomer Jacqui Newling at historic Vaucluse House for a special talk, tour and tasting event focused around the local native produce embraced by our early colonists. Learn more about the native produce adapted by early colonists to suit their tastes and cooking techniques and discover the origins of the colonial classic ‘kangaroo steamer’, before exploring the historic kitchen of Vaucluse House and venture out into the estate for a bush-foods walk. Taste some surprisingly modern bush flavours in a hands-on cooking workshop with Australian native cuisine pioneers Raymond and Jennice Kersh, and afterwards enjoy a bush barbeque in the paddock, with micro brewers Young Henrys on hand to quench your thirst with samples of their native beer and gin range. Limited places available, so book quick to get your spot! Bookings are available online at sydneylivingmuseums.com.au, or by calling 1300 448 849
DRINKS
THE ALL NEW PRESSED JUICES RANGE
Pressed Juices has released their all new Spring Juices range that’ll keep you healthy, as well as treat your taste buds. Try the Black Lemonade. This is a fantastic concoction to start your day with, as it helps you cleanse your body and kick starts you metabolism with Alkaline Water, Cayenne, Lemon and Activated Coconut Charcoal. This helps eradicate toxins. The Greens 6 is made to be consumed daily to make the most of its cleansing and detoxifying qualities. It’s a vitamin packed juice made with fresh lettuce, cucumber, silverbeet, pineapple, lime and mint. Taste the Endurance Elixir. It’s a bright, revitalising beverage that awakens the system using beetroot, raspberry, carrot, raw cacao powder and rainbow shar (which is a relative of beetroot and silverbeet). It’s a natural energy pick me up. The Slippery Elm is made as a subtle tasting post-dinner drink, as it has a soothing and healing nature. It includes liquorice root, chia seeds, cinnamon, alkaline water and marshmallow root, which provides an antioxidant effect. It also includes the Slipperly Elm Bark Powder, used as a herbal remedy for centuries. Finally, there is the Refresh 1. Made with cucumber and lime, this is the perfect way to stay hydrated and rejuvenated throughout the day,, but with a great taste
STILLERY OPENS IN SYDNEY(SYDNEY)
The much-anticipated new bar on the first floor of InterContinental Sydney Double Bay will open in November 2014 as Stillery – the first concept gin bar in Sydney. Inspired by the rich distilling history of the local area, beautifully-designed Stillery focuses on a growing collection of high-end local craft, imported, vintage and rare gin, poured behind a stunning seven-metre-long pale marble and blue leather-clad bar. The versatility and quality of selected gins are highlighted in the bar’s expansive menu and selection of signature cocktails and punches, mixed and infused with a range of botanical ingredients and blends, including fresh kaffir lime leaves, honey, lemon sherbet, celery seed, citrus sugar and dandelion bitters. Adding to this is Stillery’s "make your own martini" selection and exclusive bespoke collection – a list of half a dozen limited edition gin-based cocktails, where just one of each will be available per day. The bar space is light and ambient, with arched windows overlooking leafy Double Bay village and a light grey, blue and white colour scheme, bringing tones of the bayside setting in to create an inviting atmosphere both day and night. For more information and reservations, please email stillery.doublebay@ihg.com or visit www.intercontinental.com/doublebay
KEG & BREW SWINGS OPEN ITS DOORS - SURRY HILLS (SYDNEY)
Surry Hill’s newest pub, the Keg & Brew, has swung open its doors. Formerly the KB Hotel on Foveaux Street, the old favourite has been transformed into a Southern American haven of bourbon, beer and bites that boasts one of Sydney’s largest collections of bourbon and craft beers on tap. To welcome back the locals who have been patiently waiting for the renovations to finish, the Keg & Brew will be throwing a party on October 16 from 5-7pm with free nibbles and happy hour specials to welcome in the neighbours. A rotating selection of 30 taps feature a huge range of Australian craft beers, cider and six Golden Oldies including Australia’s favourite classics Reschs, VB and Carlton. There are also three traditional hand-pumped craft beers. Over 30 different types of bourbon are on offer, served one of three ways – neat, on the rocks or as one of three traditional bourbon cocktails. For further information, visit www.kegandbrew.com.au or call 02 9212 1740
ESPRESSO DI MANFREDI COFFEE PARTNER FOR ARIA AWARDS
Leading Italianate espresso brand, Espresso di Manfredi today announces its sequential year as the official coffee partner for the 2014 ARIA Awards Connected By Telstra - celebrating the boutique espresso creator’s lifelong passion for music, and cementing its relationship with the creative arts. The partnership this morning saw Espresso di Manfredi serve their signature blend to Australia’s leading musicians and music industry VIPs at the artist nomination announcement at The Pavilion, by Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The relationship continues to the 2014 ARIA Awards Connected By Telstra evening which takes place Wednesday November 26, where guests will enjoy Espresso di Manfredi espresso martinis overlooking the city at The Star’s Sky Terrace following the ceremony. In addition, Espresso di Manfredi and the ARIA Awards have joined forces with leading creative agency Frost Design to create a limited-edition coffee cup celebrating the partnership to be distributed to cafés Australia-wide. The partnership continues to demonstrate Espresso di Manfredi’s creative direction where all things music, fashion and effortless mastery collide.
ICEBERGS NEW YEAR’S DAY PARTY (SYDNEY)
Sydney will be the hottest place to be this New Year’s Day in more ways than one, with the announcement of the 2015 edition of the Icebergs New Year’s Day party. Set on Australia’s world famous Bondi Beach for just one day a year, this two-hat restaurant is transformed in to the ultimate party destination. Step out in style as the sundrenched balconies, iconic beach location and poolside party vibes make this the perfect backdrop for a unique experience, quite unlike any other, that attracts a selection of the world’s A-list, beautiful Bondi locals and the most elegant party people. This special event is hosted by Iceberg’s Maurice Terzini and is musically curated by his partner in crime - Angus McDonald. Also known as Black Angus, McDonald is one half of the chart topping dance-music duo Sneaky Soundsystem who have collaborated with the likes of Kanye West and Jay Z and are known internationally for touring the world’s best clubs and festivals. For now, the artist line-up remains strictly under wraps but those keen to register for tickets are in safe hands. Having become a much-loved international institution and with the 2015 event marking its 12th epic year, the event has seen the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Aeroplane, Flight Facilities, The Cuban Brothers, Norman Jay and of course, Sneaky Sound System take to the decks. Complete with free flowing Veuve Cliquot, Ciroc Vodka and bar staples the exclusive ticket, reasonably priced at $400, includes a selection of top-notch canapés and gourmet delights crafted by head chef Monty Kulodrovic. Having previously cooked up a storm at London’s Dorchester Hotel and Melbourne’s Becasse, expect a five-star serving of Monty’s finest bite size cuisine.
Ticket registration opens at 9am on November 1 through an email submission process via NYD2015@idrb.com. VIP packages will also be available, for more information reach out to the team on VIP2015@idrb.com.
BEERBUD – CHARITY MOVEMBER RELEASE
Ever wanted to make a positive difference by drinking beer? Now you can savour the great taste of a new limited edition craft beer and feel good while you’re doing it – Save a Bro, Drink Prickly Mo! With Australia currently in the grip of a craft beer revolution, BeerBud.com.au, the #1 place to discover and shop for Australia's best craft beer, and Victorian craft brewery, Prickly Moses, have joined together to launch a limited release craft beer – BeerBud’s Prickly Mo - to help raise funds for Movember. BeerBud has launched a crowd funding campaign at www.beerbud.com.au/pricklymo where you can exclusively pre-purchase this limited release beer, or even better, take the opportunity to join Prickly Moses’ head brewer, Luke Scott, to help brew the Prickly Mo beer itself!
THE GREAT SWILLHOUSE COLLABORATION COUP – FRANKIE’S (SYDNEY)
Frankie's turned heads last Sydney Craft Beer Week with the release of their bold collaboration with Murray's Brewing Co 'The Beer Monster BBQ'. A Cherrywood Smoked US Brown Ale, 8% and released to the tune of Frankie's World Famous House Band. Ever intent on destroying perceived boundaries, upping the stakes and proving that no task is too tall when it comes to energizing this countries beer, music and bar culture scene - Frankie's are presenting The Great Swillhouse Collaboration Coup. An insanely ambitious feat, one year in the making and set to drop October 20 as part of 2014's Sydney Craft Beer Week. All taps in Frankie's will showcase a beer masterminded by the men who run the Swillhouse owned Shady Pines Saloon, The Baxter Inn and Frankie's Pizza By The Slice. Of course these highly imaginative concepts would remain a thing of fantasy had it not been for the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception from craft breweries across Australia, eager to enable the campaign.
BACARDI LIMITED’S CHAMPIONS DRINK RESPONSIBLY – TAKE A TIME OUT
The chance to win the ultimate weekend away and meet surfing champ Joel Parkinson is up for grabs! As the face of Bacardi Limited’s Champions Drink Responsibly campaign, Parko knows when it’s time to sit out a set. When it comes to drinking, it’s just as important to pace yourself to get the most out of your session. The Bacardi Limited Champions Drink Responsibly campaign has launched the #TakeaT photo competition to give one lucky Aussie the chance to win a weekend away for them and three mates to the sunny Gold Coast for some chill out time. Weekend highlights will include hitting the surf, jumping on a jet ski, kicking back in a couple of the coast’s hottest dining spots and of course meeting the champion himself. As part of the campaign, the competition encourages people of legal drinking age to take a “Time Out” from alcohol on a night out with friends by using a simple “T-Sign” hand gesture. Entering the #TakeaT photo competition is as simple as taking a photo of you and your mates making the “T-Sign” hand gesture and uploading it to the Champions Drink Responsibly Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #TakeaT. The lucky winner will be announced on November 1.
RESTAURANT 317 – MIDORI COINTREAY LANEWAY POP UP
Restaurant 317 has teamed up with Midori and Cointreau to launch a fabulous laneway pop up bar this Spring. Until November 11, Restaurant 317's iconic Oyster Lane will be transformed into a fun Spring paradise. Think bright Spring colours, lawns, picket fences, outdoor bars and surprise live entertainment including DJs and musicians. And what better way to welcome Spring than to celebrate with a delicious cocktail in hand. Restaurant 317 has developed, with the help of Midori and Cointreau a special cocktail list for the pop up bar which you can view online. The pop up bar cocktail menu includes both individual cocktails and jugs and features creations such as Cointreau Fizz Strawberry & Lime, Midori Dry & Lime, Paraiso Bliss plus lots more. Each Tuesday evening from 6pm-9pm there will be live music and Saturday day from 12pm-4pm there will be DJs playing and the venue will be giving out complimentary cocktail samples and offering amazing cocktail specials.
REKORDERLIG DRY ÄPPLE CIDER
Leading and award-winning premium cider brand Rekorderlig, is excited to announce the launch of Rekorderlig Dry Äpple Cider – available from the start of October onwards. The new crisp apple cider is a fantastic dry addition to Rekorderlig’s delicious and innovative flavours range. Rekorderlig exudes sophisticated simplicity and Swedishness. Dry Äpple Cider is no different. A premium new creation set to excite and reward all cider drinkers as well as beer drinkers looking for something new. Dry Äpple’s perfect serve is in the bottle – Straight Up. Rekorderlig Dry Äpple Cider is a modern twist to a much loved classic, this crisp apple cider is lightly golden in colour and has a dry, clean finish. Easy to drink and perfect for any occasion, Dry Äpple is ideal when celebrating the moment of ‘clocking off’. Whether it’s a summer BBQ with friends, going to a gig or enjoying Friday after work drinks, Rekorderlig is perfect for that moment of release & reward. This is communicated in the impactful and stunning marketing campaign which celebrates escape and ‘clocking off’ by featuring beautiful outdoor imagery such as beachside locations with groups of friends.
AUSTRALIA BEER COMPANY DINNER - THE AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE HOTEL (SYDNEY)
To kick off the 10th annual Australian Beer Festival, October 17-19, the Australian Beer Company have organised an intimate dinner at The Australian Heritage Hotel. Enjoy an intimate evening with the Company’s Head Brewer Andy Mitchell and UK-based IBD International Young Brewer of the Year, Rob Percival. The dinner includes an exclusive first preview of Australian Beer Company’s craft beer range with a beer on arrival and a bespoke matched 3-course menu. What’s more, we’ll also unveil the limited edition collaborative brew, Stirling Castle, which Rob Percival concocted. Tickets are $59pp. To book your place, email info@australianheritagehotel.com or call 02 9247 2229.
PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH – THE GLENMORE (SYDNEY)
What could be better than a Ploughman's board and a tasty cider for Sunday lunch?! Pressman's Cider is bringing you just that! Come in and enjoy a Ploughman's Board and a Pressman's Cider for only $25 at The Glenmore. For one Sunday only, so don't miss out! Pressman’s original and mid-strength cider captures the natural flavours of Australian apples in every bottle. The cider delivers an ‘orchard is a glass’ experience for drinkers looking for a dry, crisp apple cider. Bookings are not required to head along and partake in this great deal.
DISARONNO TERRACE
Disaronno, the world's favourite Italian liqueur is bringing the prestigious Disaronno Terrace to Sydney at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel from October 19. Disaronno Terrace events run around the world in locations including Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States; with live music, special guests and famous Disaronno Sour cocktails. Disaronno Terrace Sydney will occupy the Hotel’s top deck, overlooking beautiful Watsons Bay and views of the Sydney skyline. It will be styled as a chic terrace lounge space where Sydneysiders can enjoy the ultimate ‘international Sunday session’. Partygoers can soak in the sunshine as they enjoy classic Disaronno Sour cocktails, delicious Italian treats, and the sounds of Sydney’s hottest acoustic musicians and DJs. Disaronno Terrace Sydney will be held from 2-7pm on October 19 and 26; and November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. It will also appear in Melbourne and Brisbane. Events will be free to the public, including a complimentary drink on arrival. For the full run down, check out http://disaronno.beoriginale.com/
FASHION & CULTURE
WILLIAMS-SONOMA STORES OPENING – CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE (MELBOURNE)
Williams-Sonoma, the North America-based retailer specialising in high-quality products for the home, today announced that four stores will open at Chadstone Shopping Centre on November 18 for the iconic kitchen and home furnishings brands Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm. The opening in Chadstone Shopping Centre will be the first Melbourne-based stores for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids and the second for West Elm, following the opening of a stand-alone store in Chapel Street, South Yarra last September. The four stores will sit side-by-side on the lower level in the west mall of Chadstone Shopping Centre, occupying a total of 2,505 square metres of retail space and employing 140 staff. In a global first, all four stores will be interconnected allowing shoppers to move easily between each store and shop across all four brands. Williams-Sonoma operates stores for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm in Bondi Junction and Chatswood Chase in Sydney, and a stand-alone West Elm store in Chapel Street in Melbourne. All four brands ship across Australia via e-commerce sites: williams-sonoma.com.au; potterybarn.com.au; potterybarnkids.com.au; westelm.com.au.
SUBOO WAREHOUSE SALE (SYDNEY)
The Suboo Warehouse Sale is now on. The fantastic swimwear and resortwear label is having their annual sale at Rosebery. There’s 70% off past season swimwear, RTW, resortwear and new season samples. The sale starts on October 16 and continues until October 18. Visit them at Studio 104, on the corner of Harcourt Parade and Mentmore Avenue in Rosebery.