In this week’s issue: Contiki Holidays helps conservation efforts, a baking and sweets festival that’s a treat for the tongue, opportunities to travel abroad to experience new cultures and learn new things, the latest fashion news from Dion Lee, and so much more.
TRAVEL AND CONSERVATION
THE SEA TURTLE CONSERVANCY
Contiki Holidays has teamed up with The Sea Turtle Conservancy in Costa Rica to aid in making sure that sea turtles are protected for years to come. The Sea Turtle Conservancy performs research that is instrumental in saving sea turtles from extinction through the Caribbean, as well as Central America. Contiki is seeking to aid the valiant organisation by sponsoring the research of a member of the Conservancy’s Research Assistantship Program, as well as sponsoring a turtle in the annual ‘Tour De Turtle’ race that promotes conservation efforts. For more information on the Conservancy visit www.conserveturtles.com and for more details on the Contiki conservation efforts head to www.contiki.com/contikicares
SURF & STAY BALI
Has surfing always sounded appealing, but you’ve always felt too scared to try? Maybe you didn’t know where to start, or felt you were too old to start. SHE Travels has your back. They have introduced a new scheme called Surf & Stay that offers trips to Bali for women wanting adventure by day, luxury by night and a healthy dose of pampering. Guests stay at a private villa resort, have an Australian host, surfing lessons each day with local instructors, massages, yoga classes, and a vast array of different activities to keep everyone entertained. For more information visit www.shetravels.net.au
THE VALENCIA PAELLA PROJECT
The Spanish Thyme Traveller has a unique mini break for Paella lovers: The Valenicia Paella Project. This three night trip in the vibrant Mediterranean city of Valencia is all about the food and culture surrounding Spain’s most famous dish. The accommodation is in a perfectly positioned boutique hotel, right in the centre of the city. You’ll see the juxtaposition of the old town and the new town, the maritime port and the fertile farm land, and get to see a window into the typical Mediterranean lifestyle. Full details are at http://www.thespanishthymetraveller.com/our-trips/foodie-mini-break-holi...
FOOD
CAKE BAKE & SWEETS SHOW
The inaugural Cake Bake & Sweets Show is set to take Sydney by storm this March, with international baking talent such as Adriano Zumbo, Duff Goldman, Eric Lanlard, and so many more cooking superstars attending the event. It’s said to be a one-of-a-kind show, existing solely for the making, tasting and buying of all things baking. With free classroom demos, The Australian Cake Decorating Championships, as well as live demos from expert bakers… the Cake Bake & Sweets Show is not to be missed. The show runs March 21-23, and tickets are available from www.cakebakeandsweets.com
CORNERSTONE BAR BURGERS
The Cornerstone Bar has launched a variety of new burgers to treat your taste buds. First is the new Dirty Bird burger. It’s a blend of Japanese and South American flavours that present a brand new take on Japanese fried chicken. This is on top of their new range of Friday Night WOW Burgers. Every Friday after 5pm the Cornerstone Bar offers a choice of three amazing burgers for just $10. Choose from Beef, Pulled Pork, or Chicken Katsu.
BARBIE IN A BOX
HelloFresh is making barbecuing even easier for Aussies. They present their genius idea: Barbie in a Box. This box has all the ingredients you’ll need to cook up a cracking BBQ feast for you, your family, and your friends. Simply order online at www.hellofresh.com.au and the box will be delivered to your doorstep.
DRINKS
CIDER YARD, NEWTOWN HOTEL
The Newtown Hotel is celebrating summer with a pop-up Cider Yard that is located in the pub’s outdoor Tiki Garden. The beautifully decorated Cider Yard has been open since December 17, and will remain open until the final flares of summer die down. The yard has a selection of 15 different ciders, and presents wonderful art pieces from local sculptors Liam Kennedy and Adrienn Lord. These pieces serve to make the Tiki Garden feel like a summer Oasis.
SYDNEY ROYAL WINE JUDGING
The question on the lips of Australia’s wine connoisseurs is “Which will be the best wine of show at the 2014 Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show?” The judging on the 2,400 entries gets underway at the Sydney showground from February 3 – 6. 369 exhibitors, representing wine regions from across Australia, will put their best wines under the judging microscope in the hope of being awarded a coveted Sydney Royal Gold, Silve, or bronze medal/trophy. The results will be announced February 13 at www.sydneyroyal.com.au/wine
ZETA BAR’S ARABIAN NIGHTS
Hilton Sydney’s acclaimed Zeta Bar is launching its latest Friday night theme. Arabian Nights is a sheesha chic experience for the sense. Every Friday from February 14 onwards, Zeta Bar will be transformed into an Arabian palace that encompasses the aromas, flavours and essence of Arabia. The outside terrace will feature luxurious seats and Persian rugs. Patrons will be introduced to the splendour of smoking a hookah and will be offered a range of specially concocted cocktails. The doors open for this extravagant event at 6pm each Friday.
THE STANDARD BOWL
The Standard has announced the next stage of the eclectic venue’s evolution with the introduction of The Standard Bowl. In March 2014 the bar will once again transform, this time from a ticketed live music venue to a grungy hybrid of ten pins and free live music. It will be simultaneously an old school bowling alley, music venue and cutting edge bar. They have pledged to still be dedicated to live music, but are also looking to build a unique space for patrons to see it in.
KINGS X CLUB CRAWL (SYDNEY)
The Kings X Club Crawl has launched, and is assured to be one of the best night’s out on offer right now. Every Thursday night, the crawl starts at the SOHO Bar on Victoria Street, Potts Point. From 8pm onwards, the crawl visits the top 4 bars in the area, guaranteeing free VIP entry to all of them, a complimentary drink upon arrival at every venue, free food, drinks specials and a heap of fun games along the way. Tickets are only $20, and can be booked through https://www.facebook.com/kingsxclubcrawl.sydney
FASHION & CULTURE
DION LEE SITE 01
Leading Australian designer Dion Lee has opened his first standalone retail store. Site 01, centred in Sydney’s iconic Strand Arcade, carries all of the designer’s collections and the look of the store aims to compliment the elements of his fashion. The shop’s aesthetic incorporates custom works by artist Jason Sims, and it plays on light and reflection to give it a unique atmosphere.
SOLO MIA DESIGNS STYLISH APRONS
Solo Mia Designs, a Queensland based leather design company, have created a new range of stylish and practical leather aprons for the hospitality industry. Comfort, style, practicality, and low maintenance is guaranteed. The aprons are ideal for bartenders, waiters, baristas and even home cooks. The aprons are available for purchase from www.solomiadesigns.com.au
ROSE.RABBIT.LIE.
One of the most talked about new live entertainment concepts to be seen in Las Vegas had its gala opening on January 18. The all Australian Ross Mollison’s Spiegelworld is operating the new social club Rose.Rabbit.Lie at ‘The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’. The venue combines bar, restaurant, nightclub and ticketed show and unites them all under one roof. Celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Australia’s own vocal stars Human Nature walked the red carpet on the venue’s opening night.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN OF SURFING
Manly Beach will welcome some of Surfing’s biggest names during the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing on February 8 -16. Some of the world renowned surfers gracing the competition include Julian Wilson and Kai Otton, two of Australia’s greatest surfing talents. This is in addition to International stars such as Adriano de Souza from Brazil, Jeremy Flores from France, Dane Reynolds from the USA, and so many other foreign surfing superstars. To learn more about the event, head to www.australianopenofsurfing.com
WORLD SQUARE’S CHINESE NEW YEAR
World Square is celebrating Chinese New Year in style with a wide array of festivities. The ever popular stilt jumping Lion Dance Troupe ‘Jin Wu Koon’ entertained onlookers on January 31, but don’t think the fun stops there. Until February 9 the square is dressed in beautiful red lanterns and lights, and there are free fortune cookies on offer. Whilst you’re there, you can visit many of the high profile restaurants. If you follow ‘@worldsquare’ on instagram and hashtag your favourite meal from Chinese New Year with ‘#worldsquarecny’, you could win $200. Visit www.worldsquare.com.au for details.
POP UP FILM FESTIVAL BAR
The Mardi Gras Film Festival is only two weeks away, so raid your closet for your most glamorous outfit. It kicks off February 13 at Event Cinemas on George Street, Sydney. Queer Screen will be celebrating their 21st anniversary, and they plan to do so in style with the launch of a Pop-up Film Festival Bar that will serve as the hub of queer entertainment for the festival. The doors will swing open with all the romance of the Valentine’s Day ‘Traffic Light Party’ on February 14 with DJs George Rousso and Svetta. For the full details of the pop up program, visit www.queerscreen.org.au/mgff/events/
VANS BOWL-A-RAMA BONDI
The largest professional concrete skateboarding event in the Southern Hemisphere is taking place on the shores of Bondi Beach to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Vans Bowl-A-Rama. The weeklong skateboarding event will run from February 18 – 22, and features some of the world’s most prominent and influential skaters. World Champion skater Pedro Barros, the legendary Steve Caballero and the ever iconic Tony Hawk will be present at the festival, ensuring the event’s prestige. Day passes are on sale from www.dashtickets.com.au
AVON VALLEY VINTAGE FESTIVAL
Over Labour Day weekend, Avon Valley is hosting a festival celebrating fashion and artefacts of days gone by. The Avon Valley Vintage Festival runs March 1 – 2, and is open from 10am – 4pm daily. There’s a variety of attractions on offer, including a vintage car display, a vintage poker den, market stalls, vintage clothing and jewellery, vintage photo displays, wine tastings, kids rides, and so much more. Tickets are $12 each, and under 12’s get in free. The festival is just over an hour away from Perth, and tickets are available from www.avonvalleywa.com.au
VEGAN FESTIVAL SIDESHOWS
For Melbournites and Brisbanites who crave a treat for the palate, your prayers have been answered. The Sydney Vegan Festival has announced side shows for Victoria and Queensland. Isa Chandra and Terry Hope Romero, co-authors of the “Veganomicon”, will be there providing their cooking expertise as well as promoting their new books. This is on top of appearances by the internet sensation, the Black Metal Vegan Chef. Don’t miss his unique fusion of vegan cuisine and black metal madness. The festival will be at The Corner Hotel in Melbourne March 26, and Crowbar Brisbane March 30.
DISCOVERED AT MARBLE BAR
Sydney’s Marble Bar is looking to discover Sydney’s next up-and-coming live act with DISCOVERED at Marble Bar. The social media driven competition encourages live bands and performers to upload their demos through Marble Bar’s facebook page. The prize is a two month residency at the venue valued at $10,000. The general public vote for the top five finalists. Once the top five have been picked, the acts will battle it out at a grand finale in front of a team of expert judges. The winner will be decided with a combination of public voting and advice from the panel of judges. The finale will be held March 26.
SCENE POINT BLANK
The famous webzine Scene Point Blank is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. To mark a full decade of their publication’s existence they are releasing a book called All Downhill From Here. The book highlights some of the webzine’s best material and presents insight into the wide range of writers behind scenes. It is curated from over 4000 reviews and over 200 interviews. More info is available at www.scenepointblank.com
ACTIVE MEMORY TRAINING
The ABC’s Active Memory Brain Training online program has been shortlisted for two AIMIA award categories, making it a contender for Australia’s peak digital awards. The awards are ‘Most Effective Digital Product or Service’ and ‘Best of Websites and Online Services: Learning and Education’. The Active Memory Brain Training is an online subscription brain training program that helps sharpen your thinking, and was developed in partnership with the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health at the University of Melbourne.
HOW TO BE MORE POSH
Controversial “etiquette expert” William Hanson says that becoming more posh should be at the top of everyone’s priority list in 2014. His new book The Bluffer’s Guide to Etiquette has just been released, and he has crafted five tips on how to be more posh. He recommends ditching saying ‘Pleased to meet you’ when greeting a stranger, revising your handshake so that you aren’t a ‘wet fish’ or a ‘crusher’ and to avoid saying ‘Pancake day’ and call it ‘Shrove Tuesday’ instead (cooking only crêpes instead). He also says to avoid facebook parties (as if you’re posh you’ll find them utterly uncouth), and to stop using the French term ‘dessert’ in favour of saying the medieval English term ‘pudding’ instead.