In this week’s issue: A brand new Din Tai Fung venue, the closing of Sydney favourite The Dip, Fine Food Australia returns to Melbourne, Ananas Bar & Brasserie celebrates French food with "La Fête de la Bastille", we look at the Asahi Silver Sessions, the Jeans For Genes Exhibition, and so much more!
FOOD
ANANAS BAR & BRASSERIE – LA FÊTE DE LA BASTILLE (SYDNEY)
Award winning and hatted French restaurant, , is bringing French National Day to Sydney’s shores in what will be a celebration to rival the French themselves. Ananas is encouraging Francophiles across Sydney to honour the day in-style as La Fête de la Bastille takes over the iconic Rocks destination for a week of celebrations. A Champagne brunch, cocktail master class, gourmet degustation dinners, an indoor picnic and dessert tasting plates will capture the imagination and embrace the true ‘joie de vivre’ of Bastille and showcase the seductive charms of Ananas Bar & Brasserie. The Fête will run between July 13 and July 18.
Schedule:
Opening the festivities in well-heeled French style, Ananas Bar & Brasseriewill host a Champagne de Brunch to rival that of the renowned Bagatelle Brunch in New York. On Sunday 13thto feast, dance and mingle as they enjoy fine French Champagne for this unforgettable experience ($65pp).
Monday 14th will do as the French do by hosting a traditional picnic, but with a twist. Le Picnic will take guests on a trip from Paris to Bordeaux as they are spoilt with a selection of gourmet French delicacies including Ananas' duck liver and Armagnac parfait, chicken and snail ballotine, lobster and apple in brioche and more. ($100 per basket).
The award winning bar team at Bar Ananas will host Cocktails à la Mode Masterclass on Tuesday 15th from the Ananas kitchen, attendees can expect to witness a dynamic showcase of first-class bartending skills as they workshop three unique cocktails ($80pp).
Throughout the entire week, adventurous Francophiles will be able to enjoy the tastes of France with the Banquet Magnifique, a seven-course degustation menu designed by hatted Executive Chef Paul McGrath. The menu will include oyster beignet, seared loin of venison, roasted striped trumpeter and more ($110 or $190 with matching wine).
La Fête de la Bastille will continue to pay homage to all things French on Thursday 17th masterclass, where cheese-lovers can learn everything there is to know about a carefully curated range of cheeses from an artisan cheese maker while also enjoying accompanying fortified wines ($85pp).
On Friday evening, say Au revoir Bastille as Bar Ananas hosts a classy live entertainment set in venue while diners can enjoy $10 glasses of Champagne and a free dozen oysters with the purchase of a bottle of Champagne.
This is only just a small sample of the events planned so visit www.ananas.com.au for more information
DIN TAI FUNG’S NEW VENUE (SYDNEY)
Din Tai Fung, the dumpling specialist, has opened a new 120-seater restaurant at Central in the Central Park development in Chippendale. It is the sixth Din Tai Fung venue to open in Australia. Din Tai Fung has earned cult status since introducing Sydneysiders to its world-class xiao long bao six years ago at the flagship World Square restaurant. The Central outlet is a dine-in and licensed venue and features the classic menu Din Tai Fung devotees know and love. With over 5000 dumplings being sent out of Din Tai Fung kitchens daily, new dumpling masters are being put through their paces to ensure the dumplings are made with the same surgical-like precision that Din Tai Fung is renowned for. The pastry of each xiao long bao dumpling is delicately handmade to measure between 4.8 and 5.2 grams with an exact 6cm diameter, before being stuffed to weigh between 20.8 and 21.2 grams. Made to order, each dumpling is steamed in exactly three minutes and served seconds later. For more information, restaurant locations and opening hours, check out http://www.dintaifung.com.au
THE DIP’S CLOSING DOWN (SYDNEY)
The much loved diner, The Dip, is closing down after three years of successful service. Proprieters Andrew and Bianca Levins had a child at the start of the year (congratulations to them) and feel it’s best that they move on to other ventures instead of letting the quality of the restaurant slip because their attentions are elsewhere. They would prefer to go out on a high note. The Dip’s last night of trade will be July 12, so if you need just one last fix of their outstanding food, you should visit before then.
MAN FOOD COOK BOOK
Dude food. Bro snacks. Man grub. Call it what you like, stylist, photographer and food blogger Billy Law is taking man food to the next level. Join Billy on a culinary adventure as he cooks up an epic feast of hearty, meaty and delicious comfort food for man-sized appetites with his new cook book Man Food. Inspired by his love of travel (and bacon!), Billy brings you the best dude-inspired food from around the world. Chapters are divided into Snacks, Mandwiches, Mostly veg sides, Meat and Sugar and Booze to fill your entire day with man food fixes. With drool-worthy photography and the most delicious recipes going around, Man Food is good food for a good time.
The book will be available in August of this year
JACK WHITE INSPIRED GELATO AVAILABLE AT MESSINA (NSW & VIC)
To celebrate the release of Jack White’s second solo album Lazaretto, award winning gelataria Gelato Messina has created the limited edition ice-cream flavour ‘JACK N’ WHITE’. The album Lazaretto debuted at #3 on the ARIA album charts this week and was the inspiration behind the flavour. ‘JACK N’ WHITE’, a mix of Jack Daniels, Caramelised White Chocolate with Caramelised Pecans and Caramel Fudge, will be available until June 24.
FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA (MELBOURNE)
Celebrating 30 years of what has become a must-attend event for the food industry, Fine Food Australia returns to Melbourne in 2014. Connecting buyers and sellers within the retail, foodservice and hospitality sectors, this show has something for everyone in the food industry. Be some of the first in Australia to see, touch and taste the latest food products, trends and innovations for 2014 while connecting with over 1,000 exhibitors. Be inspired by live demonstrations, masterclasses and competitions run by some of the best in Australia while learning new ideas that can help improve your business. Don't miss out on your chance to be part of the largest food trade show in Australia! For further details head to http://finefoodaustralia.com.au/
FAT VS SUGAR – SBS DOCUMENTARY
The brand new documentary Fat vs Sugar examines the hotly debated topic of which is worse for you fat or sugar. It's a question that's been generating huge amounts of heat in the world's media, from the outer reaches of the Internet to the front pages of the New York Times. To explore the scientific truth this documentary delves into the debate to get to the bottom of it with the help of twin doctors Alexander and Chris Van Tullekan. In the greatest traditions of investigative science they are experimenting on their own bodies, with one on a low fat diet and one on a low sugar diet – not even vegetables were allowed. This documentary looks at what sugar and fat do to the human body and which of these twin evils is worse in a drastic experiment that could be life changing.
DRINKS
ASAHI SILVER SESSIONS (TASMANIA)
Asahi Premium Beverages, distributors of Asahi Super Dry,held its stimulating Silver Sessions series initiative to Tasmania on Saturday June 14, hosting a thought-provoking intimate dinner at MONA in Hobart as part of the Museum of Old and New Art’s winter festival, Dark Mofo. Australian musician and film composer, Jed Kurzel, and Co-Director and Senior Curator at MONA, Nicole Durling, unveiled their secret ingredients to the success of their careers at MONA’s striking sandstone Void gallery space, 17-metres underground at the landmark museum. After their ferry journey to MONA, guests enjoyed a selection of Asahi inspired entrees on arrival followed by a decadent dinner banquet prepared by MONA Head Chef, Vince Trim. The Silver Sessions MONA event held in Hobart followed the success of events held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, which have featured individuals who have represented the Asahi Super Dry principles of sophistication, creativity and distinction, sharing their professional and personal journey.
SYDNEY ROYAL BEER & CIDER SHOW
The title of Champion Beer & Cider will be on the line at the upcoming Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show at Sydney Showground, September 16-17, 2014. The Sydney Royal brand hosts the most prestigious and competitive events on the industry calendar with theBeer & Cider Show presenting draught and bottled beers, as well as reflecting Australia’s growing love of cider which has doubled in the past four years. Classes to be judged include Golden Lagers, Dark Lagers, Pale and Golden Ales, Amber and Dark Ales, Stouts and Porters, Wheat Beers, Strong Beers, Reduced Alcohol Beer, Cider, Perry and Speciality Beer. Once the judging is over, an Awards Night to honour the best in beer and cider will be held on September 19 from 6pm on the Skydeck at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. Matched with an award-winning menu, this will be a tasting experience you won’t want to miss. For more information visit www.sydneyroyal.com.au/beerciderawards
150 GREAT AUSTRALIAN BEERS: A GUIDE
Regardless of how much you know about beer or what you like to drink, 150 Great Australian Beers is sure to have something to please your palate. Join Australia’s leading craft beer expert James Smith in his quest to discover 150 of Australia’s greatest craft beers. Learn whether a beer is ‘sessionable’, a perfect example of its style, off the wall with flavour or quirky and experimental. 150 Great Australian Beers also explains the fascinating history of beer in Australia; the rise (then fall, then rise) of craft beer; a breakdown of the brewing process; style spotlights and guides on how to store, serve, enjoy and match beer. The book is divided by beer styles, with detailed run-downs of what makes each unique, and every beer entry includes a tasting note, a back story, brewery information and the brewer’s own serving suggestions and favourite food match.
This book is available from August 2014
DÉLONGHI AUTOMATIC COFFEE MACHINE
With Australia’s love for premium, café style beverages and the growing café culture, people are continuing to spend their loose change on their caffeine fix every day. A recent study by DéLonghi shows that of the Australians who drink coffee, 83 per cent spend at least a massive $1,825 a year on coffee (average one cup a day), with 58 per cent of people drinking two to four cups every day. In an effort to keep their coffee drinking costs at a minimum without reducing their coffee consumption or quality, more than half of coffee drinkers are now investing in their own machines. With DéLonghi’s latest offering, the Eletta fully automatic coffee machine, it is now possible to spend as little as $102 a year (one cup per day) whilst maintaining café-quality coffee at home. The Eletta coffee machine is a stylish addition to anyone’s home, and can save money all year roun.
DOUGLAS LAMB WINES – THE PROGRESSIVE GREEK (SYDNEY & MELBOURNE)
Food and wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste the finest drops from Greece during the month of July, matched with fine dining, to uncover the truth behind one of the world’s oldest winemaking countries. Premier Greek wine importer, Douglas Lamb Wines, is hosting The Progressive Greek – specially designed wine and food matching evenings, across Sydney and Melbourne throughout July. Third generation wine importer and business owner, David Lamb, says people will taste wines from the northern Amyndeon region and the renowned Kir Yianni winery paired with delicious dishes from some of Australia’s finest restaurants including, Longrain and Pei Modern in Melbourne and Alpha and Danjee in Sydney. For more information about The Progressive Greek and Douglas Lamb Wines, head to http://douglaslambwines.com.au/
FASHION & CULTURE
LUXURIOUS NEW EVENT SPACE MV EPICURE TO LAUNCH (SYDNEY)
Brace yourselves Sydney-siders because our gorgeous harbour is about to witness the launch of something very special - a brand new luxury event space by the name of MV Epicure and in the form of a very decadent motor vessel which will set the standard for events in Sydney much, much higher.
With sweeping 360-degree views of the world's most picturesque harbour while world-class chefs prepare food of the highest quality. The event space will have a capacity of up to 450 guests, dazzling them with state of the art facilities and sophisticated, elegant design.
A strong supporter of homegrown, sustainable produce, MV Epicure's contemporary cuisine will be prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A subsidiary of Spotless, the group's CEO Bruce Dixon says that the menu reflects Australia's well-established food culture and Australian's growing interest in where their food actually comes from and how it has been prepared.
While the menu will change seasonally to make the most of that season’s harvest, current menu highlights include freshly shucked Merimbula oysters served with a grapefruit and Champagne dressing, BBQ Riverina lamb rib with a cider and shallot glaze and rhubarb and almond cake with ginger scented cream.
MV Epicure will tailor any event including weddings, cocktail parties, conferences, corporate breakfasts, lunches or any special occasion that calls for an unforgettable experience. Whether it's the need to serve canapés or a three-course sit down dinner, the adaptable venue will create a bespoke event that is designed to exceed expectations.
Other features of the venue include three separate levels with a bar on each level, a dance floor and advanced digital and sound AV equipment including high speed Wi-Fi and multi-format connectivity. It also has a full-production kitchen on board, an LCD media wall, a green room and a bridal room.
MARKET WEEK (MELBOURNE)
Market Week returns to the Markets of Melbourne (bringing with it Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market, Queen Victoria Market and Dandenong Market) this September. In its fourth year, the weeklong event program will celebrate the theme of ‘Our Global Community’ with more than 50 events inspired by the multicultural tastes, sights, smells and sounds that characterise Melbourne’s beloved marketplaces. Grab a ‘puppycino’ for your pooch from Clement Coffee and doggy biscuits from The Pet Grocer at the Dogs of the World Morning Tea on Cecil Street on September 13. Over at Dandenong Market, customers can take a spruiking workshop to immerse themselves in the cacophony of languages heard across the market floor so that they can pick-up basic shopping and money phrases in different languages. Shoppers can enjoy an action-packed schedule of cooking classes, demonstrations and workshops celebrating myriad global flavours, to be hosted at all four markets. Style workshops and craft and interior design sessions for the big and little kids will ignite creative minds, plus FREE tastings and market tours, live music, entertainment and much more.
The full schedule will be announced at www.marketsofmelbourne.com.au
BLISS SANCTUARY FOR WOMEN BIRTHDAY SPECIAL (BALI)
Bliss Sanctuary for Women is celebrating its third year with a special package on offer including a 90 minute massage every day, all meals, a personal driver, unlimited yoga at the beautiful Desa Seni nearby. This is pure holiday bliss, a sanctuary for women who want the ultimate relaxation with a hassle free travel experience. Bliss Sanctuary for women encourages women travelling on their own or with a friend to stay in its beautiful boutique accommodation where guests are nurtured to their hearts content. Visit their website to look at the stunning retreat and facilities http://www.blisssanctuaryforwomen.com
STRAPS ACCESSORIES
Straps Accessories, the company behind the brightly coloured straps weaving themselves around sunglasses across the country, has been invited to exhibit at the world’s largest action sports trade show, Agenda Show Long Beach in California. This prestigious invitation will see the Sydney based company showcase their products alongside industry veterans such as Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley, Nike and Rip Curl. This comes on the back of fantastic growth experienced by Straps since it launched last year, with the brand becoming one of the hottest accessories on the market. The Agenda Show, taking place on the 10th and 11th July, will mark the brand’s first step into the international market place, as well as announcing several new product lines. For more information on Straps Accessories visit www.strapsaccessories.com and for more info on Agenda Show Long Beach check out http://www.agendashow.com
EASY LUXURY – DARREN PALMER
For home design and interior design enthusiasts, Darren Palmer’s new book Easy Luxury will be a holy text. His aim was to make luxury as comfortable as it is stylish. Bringing together his expertise as a judge on Channel 9’s “The Block” and as a regular contributor to many leading design magazines, Darren has created a smart and stylish guide to creating a comfortable and beautiful home without breaking the bank. The book is set to release on September 14 and will be available around the country.
JEANS FOR GENES EXHIBITION (SYDNEY)
Jeans for Genes is excited to announce a public exhibition of celebrity jeans on July 12 at The Grounds of Alexandria. For one day only Aussies will have the opportunity to rub denim with international stars including Red Hot Chilli Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis, Adam Sandler and Kim Kardashian.The Jeans for Genes Denim Exhibition will give the public a chance to view an exclusive selection of denim artwork and personally signed jeans donated by international and Australian celebrities such as James Franco, The Kardashians, Eric Bana, Gene Simmons, Maroon 5 and more. Attendees can explore the exhibit and, the inspiration behind each artists design whilst enjoying the inner city sanctuary of the Grounds of Alexandria.
The exhibit is celebrating 21 years of raising funds for Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI); generations of Australians have grown up with Jeans for Genes, which began with the simple idea of wearing jeans and making a gold coin donation to help find cures for sick children nationwide.