Category: FOOD & DRINK

Highball: New Zealand’s first dedicated spirits and cocktail festival

Wellington cocktails

Right in the middle of Wellington, New Zealand, Highball is happening on 11-12 May. It’s the country’s immersive celebration of cocktails and spirits, giving people the chance to explore distilleries, rare exports and other bevs, presented by local and international masters of Wellington’s cocktail bars and talent. Joined by the women of Wellington who’ve made such a name for themselves in the bar scene, they’ll be shaking, stirring and garnishing cocktails throughout the festival. Abi Chilcott (Havana Bar) and Laura Walker (Forrester’s Lane) are are a couple of newbies who are making waves in the bartending industry and will show off their bespoke cocktail recipes and the secret to a perfect cocktail. In partnership with Liquorland, there will be 16 regional and international distilleries on show throughout the weekend, including Johnnie Walker (Scotland), Arette Tequila (Mexico), as well as Kiwi craft spirits producers like Denzien Urban Gin Distillery, Thomson Whisky and many more. See more at the festival’s website.

Butcher and the Farmer does bottomless British brunch in Sydney

Smeg Butcher Farmer toaster

At the Tramsheds in Glebe, right in the heart of Sydney, Butcher and Farmer has nestled in nicely; and now they’re doing bottomless brunch. Because; Sydney. With stuff on the menu like eggs sunny-side-up, bacon, BATF signature pork and fennel sausage, confit mushroom, roasted Roma tomato, fried Sonoma bread, house braised beans and a hash brown, it’s a good time. Top it all with bottomless prosecco and the very British Pimm’s cups, it makes for a good time. Why? Butcher and the Farmer have teamed up with Will Stewart and Steve Flood, both English, who’ve spruiked the new Union Jack themed Smeg toaster, on show at Butcher and the Farmer, to inject a little English into seaside Sydney. It’s an explosion of British gastronomy, right in the middle of town, which for those with a penchant for the UK, will hit the spot ideally. See more and make your own booking at the Butcher and Farmer’s website.

MELBOURNE: Winter got sweeter with the igloo garden at Auburn Hotel, Hawthorn

Auburn Hotel igloo

Date night, work dinner, need a drink, or just ‘cos, the Winter Igloo Garden at the Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn is there for it – and doing it well. Caged, steel igloos fill the back courtyard of the colonial days hotel along Auburn Road, adding a haunting, but super cute arrangement to the otherwise incredibly ornate 100+ year-old hotel. It’s a trendy take on traditional outdoor dining, giving guests shelter from the cold of winter, while keeping warm by sucking back Wild Turkey‘s American Honey bourbon. A sweet treat as well as an alcoholic smack in the gob you know you want, the American Honey bottle isn’t often seen, but ticks all the boxes of what you’re after from a drink in the middle of winter. It’s warming (‘cos bourbon), but sweetened in a dangerously morish way, thanks to the honey. The Wild Turkey folks and the Auburn Hotel have even partnered with the good, bee-loving people at Melbourne City Rooftop Honey to pair with their American Honey hot toddy, espresso martini, honey julep, old fashioned – the list goes on. Igloo packages cater to those looking for something cosy and intimate in a communal dining space, with larger group sizes of up to 28 people able to enjoy private seating and cocktail events in the mega igloo. The menu, inspired by the smooth, sweet flavour of American Honey, includes a selection of cured meats and cheeses drizzled in honey, followed with dessert, a chocolate honeycomb fondue. All designed to be paired with American Honey… Read More

Luke & Friends: Luke Mangan and David Rayner’s new menu at Glass Brasserie

Luke Mangan David Rayner Glass Brasserie 1

What do you get when two prominent Aussie chefs who are passionate about seasonal, quality local produce join forces to create an Autumnal menu? An inspiring and memorable dining experience – and in one of Sydney’s most vibrant and lively venues, no less. This is exactly what renowned chefs Luke Mangan and David Rayner have created at Mangan’s signature restaurant, glass brasserie in Sydney. This is the third iteration of ‘Luke & Friends’, with Mangan collaborating with Noosa-based chef Rayner, owner and head chef of Thomas Corner eatery in Noosaville. Previous ‘Luke & Friends’ collaborations include celebrity chefs Guy Grossi and Maggie Beer. Mangan and Rayner’s friendship goes back a long way. They both share a passion for using seasonal, quality local and regional produce, celebrating the natural flavours of their chosen ingredients. And their passion for showcasing outstanding local produce shines through in the three impressive seafood dishes which are part of this exclusive offering, including a salmon ceviche, avocado, finger lime, pomegranate and shiso; a cuttlefish linguette, chilli, tomato, shallots, garlic, creme fraiche and oregano; and BBQ East coast baby octopus, caponata and black garlic. Refreshing and bursting with flavour, each dish tells a story about the beautiful and carefully sourced produce from around New South Wales. To round off the perfect meal, you can’t go past Luke’s Signature Liquorice Parfait with apple and lime, which is celebrating 25 years of pure deliciousness. Even non-liquorice lovers have been known to turn after sampling this exquisite sphere of explosive and clever flavours. The BBQ… Read More

Alcohol for breakfast: Archie Rose does a new ArchieMite batch

Archie Rose ArchieMite 2

It’s made from distilled Pepe Saya butter and Sonoma sourdough toast, so it’s basically breakfast; the new batch by Rosebery distillery, Archie Rose, is all kinds of Australian in a bottle. Apparently we’ve got a penchant for umami breakfast spreads – oh, hi Vegemite – so Archie Rose has taken cue and crafted its new – very limited – batch after what we’re into. And apparently, it’s good! “It’s lots of fun,” says Archie Rose master distiller, Dave Withers. “It sits in this weird but interesting place. Trying to describe how it tastes is like trying to describe the colour blue. If you like that savoury flavour of yeast-extract spreads, you’ll really enjoy it.” It uses a combination of individually distilled ingredients including a selection of blended yeast-extract spreads (“mites”) along with 25kg of freshly churned butter and 15kg of toasted sourdough from fellow Sydney producers Pepe Saya and Sonoma Baking Co. so you know it’s at least different. Released on May 8 (maaate), it’ll be a welcome, fun, umami drop to the Archie Rose range, serving up a mitey character at the front followed by a buttery, almost warm, crisp-edged flavour. See more and grab a bottle from the Archie Rose website.

Drinking from the Wave Glass means you never need to use straws again

Australia is SO anti-plastic, we’ve all heard by now the shocking reality that every piece of plastic that’s ever been created for us, or used by you, still exists somewhere on Earth. Shocking. Which is why people are making a proactive change in the level of consumption in Australia and to a lesser extent, the world. Enter the Wave Glass, the new invention that’s doing away with one of the needs for straws in drinks that is sure to cut down their use by quite a lot. NOTE: Australians use 10 MILLION plastic straws PER DAY, so any dent in that is a win. The new Wave Glass is a custom made, hand blown piece of glassware that has to compartments for your drinking ease. You’ve still got to crank your neck backwards to down the glasses’ contents, but it’s a darn sight better than smashing through 15 straws over 15 drinks on a Saturday night out with the girls. It took six months to create and develop and now, the patented Dual-Chamber Technology successfully holds liquid mixed with crushed ice and garnish (or whatever features in your preferred drink), while the other vessel acts as the drinking chamber, allowing only the chilled liquid from the bottom of the vessel to be enjoyed. This all means it’s drinkable without ruining lippy, make-up, or making it look like you’re sucking on anything as you go. Trend leader and Bar of the Year*, This Must Be The Place in Sydney, will be the first bar to stock Wave Glass this… Read More

Jardin Blanc: Eat with Raymond Blanc at the Chelsea Flower Show in London

Jardin Blanc Raymond

In what is possibly one of London’s most refined experiences at the hands of chef Raymond Blac, Jardin Blanc will again appear in Chelsea this year for a stunning gastronomic experience that money can buy. Blanc’s two hats will take centre stage at the secret garden restaurant – Jardin Blanc – amongst the renowned Chelsea Flower Show in London, giving diners a taste of what the £402 per person package can award you. From 21 to 25 May, Jardin Blanc will once again be the premium hospitality experience and hot ticket for London’s must-visit show, turning out access to the show, a complimentary open bar and special menus curated using the best seasonal ingredients, served with style for ticket holders. It’s all about flowers, food and fine experiences, all designed by Raymond Blanc and inspired by springtime’s sensational produce in a super flash surrounding. What to expect at Jardin Blanc “[Jardin Blanc is] an enchanting place filled with art, food, fun and of course, flowers,” said Raymond. “From breakfast to lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, we’ll provide for you a memorable experience.” Think ‘terrace’, with glasses of champagne, a pergola covering and swinging benches by Myburgh Designs, unlimited gin cocktails using Warner Edwards’ gin and the freshest of spring botanicals. For those a little more ‘hands-on’ and gin inclined, there’s a a gin tasting at Jardin Blanc as part of Tuesday’s La Lily Regale package, which for Friday visitors, means access to a live cookery demonstration from Raymond, with exclusive tastings accompanied by Champagne. Find… Read More

Baluchi does the best Indian food in London – and now with new Naan’ery by Santosh Shah

Baluchi naan Santosh Shah

London might be known for its royalty and weather, but it’s the Indian cuisine that really puts the culinary spotlight on the city. And when places like the new Naan’ery open up at Baluchi London in The LaLit hotel London, it’s easy to see why. The pan-Indian dining destination has hit the ‘go’ button on its new dedicated space offering contemporary twists on traditional bread recipes. They’re all authentically cooked in a cast iron tandoor oven and accompanied by perfectly paired wines. Think traditional Indian flavours in a wildly contemporary space, tailored perfectly to the tastes of inner-city Londoners. Executive Chef Santosh Shah has transformed the humble Indian naan bread – which he prepares right in front of you – all to the tune of four breads made using seasonal ingredients – with tasty choices including porcini & truffle naan; and fig & cheese kulcha. Priced at £55 per person or £99 for two, the selection of Indian breads will be accompanied by a traditional tiffin, featuring a choice of Baluchi’s renowned butter chicken curry, or an aubergine and tamarind curry, alongside the signature dal Baluchi, soft pilau rice and authentic carrot halwa. Oh, and if cooking naan is your thing or you want to just give it a go, Santosh is putting on some masterclasses to get amongst. Here’s what they’re about: Get your tickets from here. Saturday 11 May 2019 – creating the perfect curry and biryani Saturday 20 July 2019 – the art of Indian BBQ and street food Saturday 10 August… Read More

Mother’s Day drinks in Sydney: Spritz Bar and Gin Lane

Spritz Bar Grant Collins

Sure, having you as a child is probably great and all, but sometimes Mums just need to drown their sorrows, which is why some bars in Sydney and turning it up for them this Mother’s Day. In the lead up to it, master mixologist from Gin Lane & Spritz Bar in Chippendale, Grant Collins, has selected two of his wackiest cocktails to sell at happy hour prices all week. Spritz Bar will put on a cucumber and rose G&T, while Gin Lane has an indulgent champagne and strawberry martini on offer, both for $15 each. Gin Lane Inspired by the Gin Lane print by English artist William Hogarth, the bar is a little bit 1750s-cum-2019, albeit with a sophisticated edge. It’s set in a beautifully restored 18th century terraced town house and captures the building’s old-world charm, with rich jewel tones, warm lighting and timber features. It’s ideal for their Mum’s Day beverage that’s all about neo-classicism and pink, on her special day, working for its charismatic appeal that’re perfect for long evenings of conversation over delicious cocktails. Find Gin Lane on Kensington Street, Chippendale. Spritz Bar A cocktail signature of the Sydney summer, the spritz (Aperol) has won a spot in the hearts of all drinkers and the Spritz Bar, on a rooftop along Kensington Street, isn’t letting it go this autumn. Purposed to do good spritzes, often on Kensington Street, Spritz Bar is about the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing drink and nibbles both before and after dinner and now, Mother’s Day…. Read More

If crab’s your thing, it’s Muddy Mania at Kingsley’s Woolloomooloo this April

Kingsleys Woolloomooloo crab 5

With Mother’s Day creeping up on us, it’s time to start thinking about where to take Mum this year. If you’ve done high tea to death every other year and looking for something different (don’t worry…we’re not suggesting skydiving), then maybe you should consider getting Mum’s hands a little dirty at Kingsleys in Woolloomooloo. It’s called Muddy Mania and this six course, crab-inspired menu is available all through April and will feature at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo up until Mother’s Day 2019. Showcasing delicious Queensland mud crab, you’ll have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the view at Woolloomooloo wharf while you indulge in several iconic crab dishes – breaking a leg or two! First up on the menu is the ‘snacks’ course, which features three delicious crab dishes, including Alaskan Snow Crab croquette with smoked garlic aioli. The ‘entree’ course features a heavenly gnocchi, mud crab, sage butter and porcini dish. When it’s time to get in the thick of it, Kingleys kindly provides a stylish white bib to protect your clothes when you start the main event. This includes mouth-watering salt and szechuan pepper crab, Singapore chili crab, and chilled crab with a tangy cocktail sauce. For those who like to pair meals with wine, there is also the two hours of bottomless wine option, featuring Cape Mentelle wine from Margaret River, Western Australia. Available to book for throughout April up until Mother’s Day 2019 | $120pp including wine | $90 without wine Get your crab on at Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, 10/6 Cowper St Wharf… Read More