In this week’s issue: The Bishop Sessa birthday degustations, Fine Food Australia returns to Melbourne, The Wickham re-opens in Brisbane after being refurbished, the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards "Uncorked" event, Jack Daniel's tries to make the world's first crowd sourced bar, Market Week launches for the Markets of Melbourne, and so much more.
FOOD
NEWTOWN GOOD FOOD FAIR (SYDNEY)
Following on from the success of its debut last year, the Newtown Good Food Fair returns to the schedule of events to celebrate Good Food Month on October 12. In celebration of the culinary wonderland that is Newtown, twelve of the most prominent eateries will gather at Newtown Square offering up some of their signature favourites to present haute street food to locals and visitors alike in an effort to raise funds for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Vendors participating include the much-loved mainstays of the Newtown food scene as well as a new wave of young guns who are quickly gaining a cult following. Those taking part in 2014 include Mary’s, Miss Peaches, The Animal at Newtown Hotel, Russo and Russo, Bloodwood, Rubyos, Mad Pizza e Bar, Suzy Spoon Vegetarian Butcher, Dehli ‘O’ Dehli, The Bank and The Coopers Hotel. Also joining in the festivities will be Milk Crate Kitchen, a duo who will prepare, cook, make & perform dishes from their kitchen made entirely from milk crates.
The Newtown Good Food Fair is the perfect way to enable all of the community to share in the delicious delicacies of Newtown’s rich food culture. All dishes will be affordably priced, ranging from $8-$18.
THE HILLS OPENING IN SURRY HILLS (SYDNEY)
A slice of Venice Beach has washed up in Surry Hills as colourful new Southern California-inspired bar and eatery, The Hills, opens its doors. The Hills injects some of the distinctly vibrant and eclectic vibe of this iconic Los Angeles’ beach to an urban corner of Surry Hills, complete with references to skate, surf, roller girls and of course, the one and only Muscle Beach. It’s the perfect spot for casual food and drinks with friends either inside by the Malibu surfboard or outside under the festoon lighting on a balmy spring evening. The Hills' menu is all about sharing and focuses on simple, no fuss tacos, salads and pizzas that are tasty and great value. For more information, check out The Hills’ facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hills-Sydney/340744032717056?fref=ts
BISHOP SESSA BIRTHDAY DEGUSTATIONS IN SEPTEMBER (SYDNEY)
To celebrate Bishop Sessa’s second birthday, the restaurant wants to give a little something special to diners on Thursday and Friday’s during September. On these days, order the six course degustation dinner and receive a complimentary seventh course (and even an eighth course if Chef Paul Cooper is feeling chirpy), which means an extra wine course if you’ve gone for the matched wine option. That’s seven courses for just $69 per person. Come along and help Bishop Sessa celebrate, and receive one of the best value degustations you’ll have the delight of eating.
FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA (MELBOURNE)
Returning to Melbourne to celebrate its 30th birthday, Fine Food Australia is one of the largest food event of its kind in the southern hemisphere – so it makes sense that it will also be where some the best in the food industry show off. In 2014, some of Australia’s most innovative and prestigious brands will launch new products on-site, and the most talented in the country will battle it out in Australia’s most prestigious food competitions. Two of the nation’s great food loves – pizza and pies – are at the heart of what will no doubt be popular competitions, the National Pizza Championship and the much-loved Great Aussie Pie Competition. The National Pizza Championship will see hopefuls compete for their spot on the national team through cooking, spinning and wowing with acrobatic skills. Fine Food Australia will take place over September 15 – September 18. To find out more, or to register, visit http://finefoodaustralia.com.au/
MATT MORAN AT BARANGAROO (SYDNEY)
Leading Australian chef and restaurateur Matt Moran has announced he will be bringing his passion for Australian food, drinks and hospitality to Barangaroo. Moran with his business partner, Peter Sullivan from MorSul , together with Bruce Solomon and Anna Solomon of Solotel, will create a unique experience at Barangaroo across a three level offering due to open in early 2016. The restaurant will be housed in a stunning architecturally designed building by Sydney architects, Collins and Turner. In seeking inspiration, Collins and Turner looked to the kitchen which led to the design of a series of stacked shallow bowls all different in diameters and profile. The structure will sit proud at the southern end of the waterfront dining precinct and will create a significant entry statement along the harbour foreshore to Barangaroo. The site is currently under construction at Barangaroo and is scheduled to open in-line with the launch of the waterfront dining precinct in early 2016. It will be a stand-alone building which allows for an offering to be delivered over three levels and it was this uniqueness and location that caught the eye of Matt Moran.
LL WINE AND DINE – STAY LLOCAL (SYDNEY)
LL Wine & Dine always manage to impress with the value and quality of their deals, and this is no exception. The venue’s brilliant Stay LLocal deal is wowing Sydney. Choose any 2 courses from the stunning LL Signatures for just $30. Check out the menu at http://www.llwineanddine.com.au/
THE CAKE BAKE & SWEETS SHOW (MELBOURNE)
Melbourne, get ready to indulge in all things sweet, savoury and baked. The Cake Bake & Sweets Show, Australia’s largest gathering of home bakers, cake decorators and passionate foodies will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre October 3 – 5. If you have a passion for baking, cake decorating, or just love baked treats, then you’ll want to head to the three-day live event, which is devoted to the world of baking and the art of cake decorating. Guests are set for a treat, with a line-up of some of the best international and homegrown baking stars confirmed to entertain and educate through demonstrations. US celebrity chef and TV star, Buddy ‘Cake Boss’ Valastro will make his first ever Melbourne debut alongside one of Australia’s most celebrated patissiers, Adriano Zumbo, who will be bring his macaron magic to the stage. For ticketing and the full schedule, visit www.cakebakeandsweets.com/melbourne/show-info/tickets
THE DAIRY KITCHEN SUPPORTS THE FIRST SUPERFOOD – YOGURT
First there was quinoa, then there was kale, now it is all eyes on chia seeds and coconut. With a new superfood being uncovered almost daily, navigating this complex nutritional territory can be tough. Take a tip from The Dairy Kitchen and remember where it all began, with the original superfood; good old, tried and tested yogurt. And, it just so happens that yogurt is exceptional when paired with other superfoods for a double whammy of nutritional value. Yogurt is one of the oldest superfoods and contains ten essential nutrients needed every day in a balanced diet. This nutritional powerhouse packed with calcium, riboflavin and phosphorus helps to maintain healthy digestion, reduce tiredness and keep your metabolism firing. Visit The Dairy Kitchen online for some superfood recpie inspirations at www.legendairy.com.au/recipes
SO FRENCHY SO CHIC IN THE PARK (SYDNEY & MELBOURNE)
In 2015 So Frenchy So Chic In The Park returns, bringing the charm of provincial France and the attitude of Paris to a perfect summer’s day in Melbourne and Sydney. Last year So Frenchy brought the music, food, wine and style of France to the stately lawns and gardens of Werribee Park Mansion, just outside Melbourne, for the third year in a row, as well as for the first time to Sydney at the beautiful grounds St John’s College in Camperdown. Now a firm fixture on both city’s cultural calendars, on January 11, So Frenchy returns to Werribee Park Mansion, followed by St John’s College on January 17, presented in association with Sydney Festival. Two cities, four acts, hundreds of gourmet hampers, thousands of bottles and millions of bubbles. Mark your diaries for the ultimate picnic with a soundtrack to match. With artists like La Femme and The Do, you are sure to be entertained. To check out the menu for the food and drinks, as well as the artist line up, head to http://cartellmusic.com.au/sfsc/
RUSHCUTTERS SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY LINE UP (SYDNEY)
Rushcutters are offering a range of activities to keep the kids entertained over the coming school holidays. Check out the schedule:
September 23 & September 30: Flower Crown Making
Learn to delicate flower crowns with Tanya from Oh Flora Flowers. She will provide freshly cut flowers and all the tips needed to make a beautiful crown. Minimum age 8 yrs old.
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $50
25 September: Cheese & Dairy Workshop with Claudia Bowman
Join Claudia for a 2 hour workshop and dive into the wonderful world of dairy. Kids will learn to make Butter, Custard and Ice-Cream and get to try a variety of different dairy products.
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $60 per person
24 September: Edible Gardening Workshop
We will discover and explore new and fun ways to grow edible plants. Prepare to have your taste buds tickled as we plant seeds, learn, and see how shoots and roots grow in this hands-on workshop. Children will take home their decorated pot complete with seeds and seedlings to grow.
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $60 per (suitable for primary school aged children)
26 September: Build Your Own Terrarium with Oh Flora Flowers
Perfect for the child with the green thumb, this workshop will guide children through the steps to make their very own terrarium as well as tips on how to care for living plants.
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $70
29 September: Kids Cook Lunch For Parents with Alexx Stuart
Best-selling Real Food author and educator, Alexx Stuart will host a 2.5 hour hands-on workshop teaching children valuable kitchen skills & knowledge around eating seasonally and the principles of good food. Parents are invited to the final part of the workshop to enjoy a lunchtime feast as prepared by the children.
Suitable for those gluten/dairy and nut intolerant.
Time: 10am – 12:30pm
Cost: $50 per person inclusive of lunch, recipes and smoothies during a break (suitable for children 8-13 yrs or 5-8 yrs if accompanied by an adult)
What they'll make:
Roast Chook 3 ways (butterflied, whole, pieces, 3 different spice / herb mixes)
Veggies 3 ways - mashed, steamed, with crunchy seeds and cinnamon
Super powered Smoothie
Cupcakes with chocolate icing - so healthy you could eat them for breakky!
1 October: Fairy & Troll Garden Workshop
Get down with the fairies and trolls and have fun creating a magical miniature garden. Using imagination and an assortment of natural materials, children will take home their very own garden to water, grow and treasure.
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $75(suitable for primary school aged children)
Contact Rushcutters to make bookings. Visit http://rushcutters.com.au/ or call 02 8070 2424
PRÉSIDENT CHEESE PARIS TO PROVENCE FESTIVAL (MELBOURNE)
Returning to the beautiful grounds of Como House and Garden, the extravagant Président Cheese Paris to Provence Festival will once again showcase the crème de la crème of France over three huge days, November 21 – 23, right in the heart of Melbourne. In its fifth year, Président Cheese Paris to Provence will take guests on a journey to the French countryside, showering them with food, language, romance, culture and a truly decadent sense of joie de vivre, an enthusiasm and enjoyment for life. Reminiscent of a French market village, the gardens of Como House will be transformed into an enchanting display of French retailers and producers, all bursting with Melbourne’s finest mouth-watering regional French food, wine, fashion, books, music, children’s clothing and toys, classes, home décor and 300 year old French traditions. The Festival is unlike any other on the Australian events calendar; priding itself on being an interactive, visual and sensory experience that will bring a feeling of nostalgia to those who have visited the French countryside, and inspire those who haven’t. Visit Melbourne French Festival on Facebook or paristoprovence.com.au for further details.
DRINKS
RMWA UNCORKED (MELBOURNE)
Melbourne wine enthusiasts will have their chance to taste their way through the best wines in Australia at the RMWA Uncorked. Uncorked is the only event where the public can taste medal-winning wines from the 2014 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards (RMWA) in one place, just one week after the winners are revealed. Winning wines from regional Victorian wine shows will also be on offer. The RMWA, conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, promotes excellence in winemaking and recognises outstanding achievement in the pursuit of quality. The rigorous judging process is conducted by a panel of local and international judges, sommeliers, writers, buyers, retailers and media. With more than 3,000 entries, winning an award at the RMWA establishes a wine as one of the very best – making for an easy consumer guide in wine selection. Entry includes unlimited tastings and a take home Riedel wine glass as well as the most recent edition of James Halliday’s Wine Companion magazine. The event takes place on October 24, and tickets cost $50. To make a booking, visit http://www.rasv.com.au/Events/RMWS_Home/
KEG & BREW – SURRY HILLS (SYDNEY)
The team behind one of Surry Hills’ favourite haunts, the Dove & Olive, has announced its takeover of another local treasure, the KB Hotel, which will reopen with a fresh new look this October as the Keg & Brew. The Foveaux Street stalwart will be transformed into a Southern American haven of bourbon, beer and bites that will boast one of Sydney’s largest collections of bourbon and craft beers on tap. A rotating selection of 30 taps will feature a huge range of Australian craft beers, cider and six Golden Oldies including Australia’s favourite classics VB and Carlton. There will also be a number of hand pumped beers. Over 30 different types of bourbon will be on offer, served one of three ways – neat, on the rocks or as one of three traditional bourbon cocktails. Food will be provided by head chef Devendra Sherchan, formerly sous chef at the Dove & Olive, who will be bringing his much-loved traditional pub food to the venue with a new Southern American twist. As with sister venue the Dove & Olive, the Keg & Brew will also be known for its affordable daily specials, available for a limited time. From $9 KB burgers, steaks and schnitties to an irresistible $17 Sunday roast with all the trimmings, they are sure to keep customers coming back for more
THE WICKHAM (BRISBANE)
After months of construction, The Wickham in Fortitude Valley has re-opened its doors, with five completely new spaces, a new food offering and a progressive and accepting venue concept that is the first of its kind in Brisbane. The Wickham has been known as a gay/LGBTQAI+ friendly venue since 1996, and the refurbished hotel is aiming attract an even broader range of identities. They are also offering new food, beverage and entertainment options. The refurbishment includes a vibrant outdoor courtyard oasis in what was formerly the carpark, an upstairs nightclub, a footpath café and a newly-refurbished gaming room. The hotel’s old carpark, also formerly a bottle shop, been reclaimed, and is now a relaxing, inner-city oasis, offering convenient coffee and food options day and night throughout the week, before transforming into a social hub at nights and on weekends. The upstairs nightclub will come alive on Friday and Saturday nights, while the gaming room has been completely refurbished to reveal a glamorous, Las Vegas style space, with Asian and Feng Shui influences.
THE BAR THAT JACK BUILT (SYDNEY)
September marks the birthday of Jack Daniel, the legendary craftsman who continues to make his mark on the world today. To celebrate the occasion, JackDaniel’s is giving friends a gift they definitely won’t forget. Because no-one knows his exact date of birth, (Mr) Jack’s birthday is always celebrated for the whole of September. In honour of his craftsmanship, his impeccable style and leadership and not forgetting his unique, charismatic character, Jack’s birthday will be marked with a special event that will celebrate his legacy and bring it to life. This year involves an ambitious project in “The Bar That Jack Built” – the world’s first crowd-sourced bar built entirely from the love of Jack Daniel’s, by his fans. The campaign is being run through social media and kicks off with a recruitment shout-out to all Jack Daniel’s Facebook friends in NSW where the bar will be installed. They are being asked to donate materials, time, expertise and ideas in reward for Jack Daniel’s product and merchandise. The more they give, the more they get with the biggest contributors getting tickets to the big birthday bash on the 27th of September. From the carpenters, electricians and designers who put the bar together, to the artists and musicians who perform on the night, every person’s involvement will come from a love of Jack Daniel’s. Especially since everyone that participates will be rewarded with Jack Daniel’s product. Find out more information at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=832815786753077
BIGGEST OKTOBERFEST IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
The Urban Purveyor Group is once again paying homage to their roots by honouring the traditional Bavarian festival of Oktoberfest in an enormous six-week celebration at 11 venues over 43 days and nights. The Bavarians love Oktoberfest so much they start preparing in September. Following in their footsteps, festivities will begin from September 19 as the newly opened Munich Brauhaus, reputable Löwenbräu Keller and all of the Bavarian Bier Cafés across the country join forces to host the biggest and most authentic Bavarian celebrations in the Southern Hemisphere. For six exciting weeks, venues will be encouraging guests to don their lederhosen, sample exclusive limited edition Oktoberfest biers, enjoy traditional Oktoberfest food and help them hunt for the Prince and Princess of Oktoberfest. For more information, visit http://oktoberfest.com.au/
MELBOURNE CUP CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY (SYDNEY)
NOMAD
Celebrate The Cup at Nomad this Melbourne Cup. Enjoy all the action from surround screen plasmas throughout the venue and indulge in a seasonal three course shared menu created by head chef, Nathan Sasi. $120 a head for three course meal, including a glass of bubbles on arrival. Book online at www.restaurantnomad.com.au or call 02 9280 3395
MR TIPPLY’S
Join Mr Tipply’s for a jolly old knees up on Melbourne Cup Day. Races can be viewed on large screens present on all three levels accompanied by live entertainment and an onsite TAB. The main bar is $90 per head, with a roaming canapé package plus a 3 hour standard beverage package. Or perhaps try the Cocktail Lounge for $120 per head. This includes a premium canapé package plus a 3 hour premium beverage package. To book contact info@mrtipplys.com.au or call 02 9299 4877
FLUID FESTIVAL – BLACKBURN HOTEL (MELBOURNE)
Following a successful debut earlier this year, Fluid Festival returns to Melbourne to celebrate a selection of the finest beers, wines, bourbons and ciders at the Blackburn Hotel on September 21. Throughout the Festival, a wide variety of flavours and styles will be on offer at stalls set up outside Blackburn Hotel, with over 100 products available to sample from more than 20 local and international producers and suppliers. 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. Providing an insight into the industry and sharing their tips in short intimate sessions will be Endeavour Vintage Beer founder, Ben Kooyman, Matso’s Brewing Co ambassador Julie Mackenzie and American premium bourbon Wild Turkey ambassador, Jamie Chesher. For full details, visit www.fluidfestival.com.au
FASHION & CULTURE
MARKET WEEK (MELBOURNE)
Market Week returns to the Markets of Melbourne (Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market, Dandenong Market and Queen Victoria Market) this Saturday September 6 through to Sunday September 14. In its fourth year the program celebrates the theme of 'Our Global Community' with over 100 events inspired by the multicultural tastes, sights, smells and sounds that characterise Melbourne's beloved marketplaces.
This weekend saw brilliant events come to Market Week, with the first day featuring things like the Melbourne Tea Fair at the South Melbourne Market, and the World Fiesta (which featured a dumpling master class from David Zhou of the oriental teahouse) at the Prahran Markets.
September 7 graced everyone with the beautiful Mooncake Festival (spouting a stunning display of lanterns, martial arts, Chinese food stalls, and more) at the Queen Victoria Markets, and the gorgeous Brazilian cooking demonstration at the Dandenong markets to celebrate Independence Day in Brazil.
To see the treats that Market Week still has in store, check out http://marketsofmelbourne.com.au/
THE ROCKS VILLAGE BIZARRE (SYDNEY)
The cobblestoned laneways of The Rocks, where quirky artists and free-thinkers have flourished, will host a series of unique, intimate events created by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority as part of The Rocks Village Bizarre, to be held on Friday nights, from November 7 to December 19 from 6.30pm-10pm. The Rocks Village Bizarre will feature cabaret, comedy and theatre performances, as well as art installations, unusual “pop up” events and enchanting moonlight markets. The Rocks Square will also be transformed into a decadent haven where you’ll be transported back in time to a lively entertainment scene. Over seven Friday nights in November and December let your curiosity take over, and sneak a peek at the mysterious oddities and bizarre delights behind the windows and in the laneways of The Rocks including:
Peter Baecker, performance artist, dancer and DJ, specialising in happenings which reflect the 1980’s. He will be Artist in Residence for the duration of The Rocks Village Bizarre, transforming his empty space into a site specific interactive inhabitation installation. Peter will also perform ‘sleep installations’ and host a weekly Friday ‘Happening’ at The Rocks Village Bizarre.
Love TV in The Rocks where Aphrodite will interview local legends, entertainers, celebrities and even members of the audience all about love.
Etsy, a special curation by the internationally renowned online artesian marketplace at The Rocks Markets.
Check out http://www.therocks.com/ for more.
2014 MYOB Melbourne Market Awards RESULTS (MELBOURNE)
Following the overwhelming success of public voting in the 2014 MYOB Melbourne Market Awards, our expert panel of judges have spoken – naming Melbourne’s ‘Best’ Market Traders from the Markets of Melbourne (Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market, Queen Victoria Market and Dandenong Market) across 12 categories. The results have been tallied and Melbourne’s Best Market Traders were announced at the exclusive Award Ceremony which took place on September 7 at Mesa Verde in Melbourne’s CBD, hosted by Alice Zaslavsky.
Melbourne’s Best Market Traders for 2014 are:
COFFEE - Padre Coffee, South Melbourne Market
DELICATESSEN - Emerald Hill Deli, South Melbourne Market
FRUIT & VEGETABLES - Georgie’s Harvest, South Melbourne Market
POULTRY & GAME - The Chicken Pantry, Queen Victoria Market
MEAT - Gary’s Quality Meats, Prahran Market
SEAFOOD - Claringbold’s Seafood, Prahran Market
SPECIALTY FOOD - Sweet Greek, Prahran Market
GENERAL MERCHANDISE - The SuperCool, South Melbourne Market
NURSERY & FLOWERS - Flawless Flowers, Prahran Market
FASHION & ACCESSORIES - Little Sweethearts, Prahran Market
SERVICES - Vic Market Lotto, Queen Victoria Market
EATERIES - The Mussel Pot, Prahran Market
MYOB ULTIMATE BEST TRADER AWARD - The SuperCool, South Melbourne Market
DE BORTOLI WINES GOLDEN ROSE DAY (SYDNEY)
The Sydney Spring Carnival officially kicks off on September 13 with the De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose Day at Rosehill Gardens, featuring the first Group 1 race of the Sydney spring thoroughbred racing season, the $1 million De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose. The Emeri Pamper Lounge will provide a perfect carnival backdrop for Sydney’s best dressed women to compete in the Style Stakes competition, supported by The Sunday Telegraph’s Sunday Style, with a $15,000 prize pool. To celebrate the first day of the Sydney Spring Carnival, the Australian Turf Club will play host to an exclusive VIP event – ‘Get Racy with Fitzy & Wippa’ for Nova listeners and celebrities. To celebrate Ladies Day, gather your girlfriends and be one of the first to purchase 3 or more General Admission tickets in the one transaction to receive a bottle of Willowglen Semillon Sauvignon Blanc valued at $29. Buy early to save 25% on General Admission Sydney Spring Carnival tickets when purchased on Ticketek before 11.59pm the day prior to the race day. For the full run down on the event, or to buy tickets, check out http://www.australianturfclub.com.au/
MONTBLANC LAUNCHES THE BOHÈME COLLECTION
On August 28, VIP guests and celebrities celebrated the global launch of the new Bohèmecollection, an elegant and feminine collection of ladies timepieces, jewellery and writing instruments created for the contemporary Bohème lady. Actors Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, joined Montblanc International CEO Jérôme Lambert, at the Children’s Art Theatre in Shanghai for a spectacular show featuring the new Bohème timepieces. Featuring for the time in the Bohème line, the ladies’ timepieces combine style, elegant design and respect to the tradition of fine watchmaking. From high complications with the Bohème Perpetual Calendar Jewellery to essential and ultra-refined timepieces with the Bohème Date Automatic and the Bohème Date Automatic Jewellery, these timepieces have all the attributes of alluring lasting classics. Exuding charm and femininity all three styles in the collection feature floral Arabic numerals, discreetly raised against a 60 or 90 facet guilloche or diamond paved backdrop, and leaf shaped hands in blue or red gold. The simple elegance of each case is finished with delicately curved bevelled horns and is available in red gold or stainless steel at 30 or 60 mm.