Category: SYDNEY

World Class Sydney turns the city into stage for Bartender of the Year 2020

Sun-Tavern-cocktails-2

If your life revolves around alcohol and making cocktails (to serve, not drink), then you’d know what World Class is. It’s regarded as the world’s biggest and most influential bartending competition, instrumental in transforming fine drinking and cocktail culture around the world. This year, it comes to Sydney, where it’ll turn the city of Sydney into a vibrant hub of events, experiences and festivities as an elite group of finalists battle it out to be crowned the world’s best. None of this happens until 2020, but we spoke to one boss chick who’s taking it on herself, a bartender at Isabel, the 2019 World Class Finalist who had this to say: “World Class truly paves the way for innovation in our bars. It helps reshape and redefine what the cocktail experience is by challenging what bartenders know about technique, creativity and charisma. It’s also a great chance to delve into the minds of our peers and see what they get up to, providing a global community where we can learn from and be inspired by each other”. Meanwhile, she and a guy named Tim Philips-Johansson will be competing in a competition that runs in more than 60 countries and has supported, educated and inspired more than 300,000 bartenders through its training and advocacy programme.  Actually, Tim won in 2012 and co-owns a bar in Sydney. He said: “Our bars and bartenders have long been celebrated for being the best in the business, qualified by the fact we are one of only two countries to produce… Read More

Hendrick’s unveils a whimsical limited-edition Midsummer Solstice Gin

Hendricks gin

Hendrick’s has launched a new limited-edition gin; Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice. The small batch gin is the first innovation to reach Australian shores since the flagship gin was released over 20 years ago. Described as “an enchantingly refreshing twist and floral bouquet that is perfect for light drinking as Australia prepares for the warmer months and longer evenings ahead,” Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice gin makes the ideal drink for the warmer months. The Midsummer Solstice gin has notes of berries, violet, hibiscus and rose hips, making a delectably floral gin and tonic. To celebrate the launch, Hendrick’s has transformed Sydney’s Paddington favourite, the Paddo Inn; renaming it and adorning it with flower installations by artist Dr Lisa Cooper, who collaborated with Hendrick’s master distiller Lesley Gracie to create the floral fixtures. Temporarily renamed the Paddo (G)inn, the local will be serving up specialty Midsummer Solstice cocktails and menus including the Most Unusual Lunch, a two-hour bottomless lunch which promises diners the chance to escape the conventional with a culinary adventure laced with delicious surprises. Hendrick’s will be celebrating the unusual and rewarding curiosity throughout the season, with Sydneysiders encouraged to enjoy the floral festivities. Look out for Hendrick’s floral London cabs and penny farthings which will traverse the streets of Paddington offering a delightful journey from the bar to the beach.

Where to go for Asian deliciousness in Melbourne – plus wine

Jacob's Creek Night Noogle Markets 2019 #30

The Melbourne Night Noodle Markets are on in Birrarung Maar, so Jacob’s Creek is making people remember why wine and Asian food works so well together. Tipi’s are a far cry from being anything representative of Asia – maybe Bedouin? – but hey, they’ve got one and it’s full of wine and carbs and no one’s mad about it. It’s a quiet sanctuary away from the heaving noodle-hungry crowds of the Market, that provides the perfect spot for those wanting to grab a seat under cover and enjoy a glass of wine by the fire with their favourite thing (person or food will do). The wines have been perfectly paired for every kind of spicy, salty, sour or sweet delicacy found at the bustling Asian street food festival for you to enjoy the ultimate culinary wine moment in style and comfort. They’ve got it all on-hand, from the crisp Le Petit Rosé, to the rich and smooth Double Barrel shiraz, Jacob’s Creek has the perfect drop for your noodle market experience. Check it out in Melbourne from 7-24 November! Find out more about the Melbourne Night Noodle Markets here.

Good Food Month Sydney: Shannon Martinez does very good vegan

Shannon Martinez

With Sydney Good Food Month taking over the city this October again, it’s time to purge your bodies and get excited for food. Chef Shannon Martinez is joining the movement and getting foodie with Mary’s Underground for an unforgettable night featuring a classic Southern multi-course menu that is refined, delicious and completely vegan, alongside a band specially selected by Mary’s music director Joe Muller. We spoke to him about it. How long have you been vegan and why?  I am actually not a Vegan. I think a huge part of my job is being able to experience and try all types of different typed of food and dishes – my job is really experimental. I love cooking vegan food because when I started no one was doing it, no one was really putting in the effort with it here that much. I just love cooking vegan food, I tend to get bored really easily and vegan and vegetarian dishes are a constant challenge to keep creating and generating innovative ideas. It is very scientific – which it makes me feel like each new dish is taking me back to the ‘lab’ to create a cool new challenge What thoughts do you have on how visible and mainstream veganism is now?  It’s great! The fact that it’s all over Instagram, in every paper, all the influencers and celebrities are talking about it – its massive! Beyonce did it for a while and I think she is still partly vegan focused in her lifestyle… that is huge,… Read More

Good Food Month Sydney: A chat with cake master Katherine Sabbath

Katherine Sabbath

Good Food Month is back on in Sydney this October, putting on the best the city has to offer in the way of food and drink. You can see the whole program here to sort yourself out with tickets, but to whet your appetite and get the sweet tooth a’tinglin’, we spoke to Katherine Sabbath, cake boss, about her participation this year and what it’s all about. Why are cakes so popular right now?  Cakes have been popular for centuries! I think the trend nowadays towards more people making exciting cakes or buying exciting cakes is because there’s a much better range and accessibility out there for cake decorating ingredients and tools. Also, technology at out fingertips, such as youtube and Instagram, has opened the door to self-learning (hello to all self-taught bakers!) and inspiration from across the world! What spurred the resurgence of baking and everyone’s love for desserts?  People will always love and celebrate food – it’s at the core of our survival and civilisation. Popular television cooking shows have reiterated to people that cooking brings so much joy to those around you (especially a bespoke birthday cake!), and technology has made learning how to cook more difficult desserts, so much easier! Why does baking do it for you?  I adore baking because you have the ability to create something delicious, beautiful and thoughtful as a special treat to share with others. Oh and it’s a fantastic way to make friends! Give us some tips to tackle trendy bakes? Only bake and decorate cakes with ingredients you enjoy eating (my… Read More

Chef Luke Mangan does a new bottomless brunch at Glass Brasserie Sydney

A plate of chicken on a table with hands holding cutlery going to cut into it

Dining at a hatted restaurant needn’t break the bank. And what better way to enjoy a superb, yet affordable five course brunch at a leisurely pace on a lazy Sunday, surrounded by elegant interiors and two hours of bottomless Aperol Spritz or French Rosé. With ‘Easy’ by The Commodores playing in the background, the scene is set for a pretty relaxed, yet memorable weekend graze.  So where is this sweet setting, you ask? It’s Sunday Brunch with Luke at glass, located on level two at Hilton Sydney. Now open on Sundays for lunch, Luke Mangan has curated a stunning five course menu to be enjoyed over two hours at a very reasonable $75 per person. Mangan says his new Sunday offering at glass has been designed to be both fun-filled and relaxed. The innovative Mangan and his talented team have delivered on both fronts.  “To me, in a world where we are all too busy, there’s no better way than putting food in the middle of the table to help us connect with each other and the incredible Australian produce you can experience right here in the heart of Sydney’s CBD,” says Mangan.  First course kicks off with delicious salmon rillettes with pickled cucumber and crumpets. This is followed by a colourful zucchini flower dish bursting with gorgonzola, on top with beetroot hummus with corn and soft herbs.  Third course is the Japanese-inspired crab omelette, okonomiyaki, bonito flakes with nori, Japanese mayonnaise and ginger garnish. The flavours in this dish are phenomenal and if you’re… Read More

The annual Night Noodle Markets say goodbye to Hyde Park Sydney

Noodles asian

In what’ll be the final year the annual Asian food fest pops-up in the middle of the Sydney at Hyde Park, the festival’s pulling out all stops before moving to a new location in 2020. Why? Something about more space and higher demand. It’s been running for over 15 years, and 11 of those years have been supported by Citi, giving VIP access to all their customers. No wonder it gets so overrun! The usuals like Hoy Pinoy, Let’s Do Yum Cha, Chur Burger, POKLOL, Puffle, Twistto, Flying Noodle, and Wonderbao and heaps more will all do their part in turning Sydney’s central pride-and-joy park into a stomping ground for foodies. If you’re the kind of person who likes to plan food, before consuming, then plan-away. Here’s the menu: Bangkok Street Food – Bringing Bangkok’s world-famous street food scene to Sydney with crowd favourites pad Thai, tom yum noodle, pad see ew, basil chicken noodles and delicious mixed entrees. Cala Bang – Crispy calamari with flavour hits to choose from like seaweed, hot and spicy, and paprika seasonings, alongside their foot-long potato fries. Bao Brothers – Bringing the street-food culture of Gua Baos to a whole new level with the ‘peeking cluck’, ‘shroom shady’, and loaded sweet potato fries. Biang Biang Noodles – Chinese noodles with flavour that packs a punch like the Biang Biang with chilli, beef or tomato and egg. Chinese Dim Sum King – A mouth-watering offering of dumplings, buns, spring rolls and dim sum skewers. Donut Papi – Small-batch Asian-inspireddoughnutsthat are Nigella Lawson approved, including the infamous Leche Flan Donut and… Read More

The Fitbit Versa 2: A new watch, only this time, with Alexa

Fitbit Versa 2

What’s the time? What was my sleep score last night? What’s the weather doing today, Alexa? No, we’re not talking to a smart home hub. We’re actually playing with the new offering from FitBit, the Versa 2 Health and Fitness Watch.  Loaded with features such as Amazon Alexa, 24/7 heart rate tracking, a sophisticated sleep tracker, on-screen workouts and smartphone notifications, Versa 2 is an affordable smartwatch with looks to boot. It’s elegantly curved with a new AMOLED screen and an anodised aluminium finish. Unlike its predecessor, Versa 2 has an always-on display. Just remember though, if you select this option, you will chew through your battery life a lot quicker.  Speaking of battery life, one of the most impressive specs about Versa 2 is the 5+ day battery life (which varies with use, as we mentioned earlier with the always-on display). This is a significant point of difference when comparing battery life with the Series 5 Apple Watch which only offers 18 hours before requiring a recharge. The Versa 2 extended battery life allows you to wear the smartwatch while you sleep, if you’re interested in monitoring your sleep pattern. Each night, Versa 2 will track your light, deep and REM sleep and after it learns your sleep patterns, it will provide you with a personalised sleep score.  With the newly integrated microphone and Alexa function, you can ask Alexa a question, but unlike a home hub, she won’t talk back to you (which probably isn’t a bad thing, right)? She only responds via… Read More

Painting the road pink: Sydney’s Rose street festival is back

Rose street festival

After a hit the first time ’round, Sydney’s Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is painting the road pink with its second Rose Street Fest in Watson’s Bay! With the Sydney skyline as the backdrop to what will be a stunning festival of alcohol and happiness, it’s the kind of thing families, friends and lovers flock to, to wander the aisles, try the drops and enjoy the sun. There’ll be music, food and wine as anyone there over 18 is given a tasting glass with their ticket and free passes to all the vendors the likes of Gilbert wines, AIX, Freeman Vineyard, Mirabeau and more. There’ll even be Blossom Rosé Sparkling Apple Cider pouring, Proud & Punch is sampling its fruity coconut pops as a cooling palate cleanser and the Watsons Bay street food cart will have a rosy makeover piled high with pink desserts and frosé to sample. From 11-7 on 27 October, it’s the best way to welcome-in the summer. Get tickets here.

Sydney Dance Company’s 2020 season: What it’s all about

Sydney Dance Company 2020

Sure, it’s been 50 years of Sydneyside choreographic magic at the hands of Rafael Bonachela, but this forthcoming 2020 season is the last in a long line of awesomeness that takes them into the new decade. Next year, the Company’s exploring the thrill of pushing boundaries, both on stage and what they can do with the power of it, by partnering with other choreographers. The likes of William Forsythe and Bryce Dessner and Melanie Lane will join the resident director, Bonachela on an array of works, archival and new. Works along the lines of WOOF by Lane and ab [intra] by Bonachela will be presented as part of the lead-in to the next fifty years of dance magic at the hands of the Sydney Dance Company. As Bonachela says, “I look at 2020 as the start of the next 50 years for Sydney Dance Company. The year ahead is filled with national and international touring and it is always a great pleasure and privilege to share the performances of the extraordinary dancers of the company.” Keep your eyes on the Sydney Dance Company website for works coming up and how to get tickets.