Category: FOOD & DRINK

Celebrate World Chocolate Day with a recipe from Le Cordon Bleu

Le Cordon Bleu marvel chocolate dessert

It’s World Chocolate Day on 7 July and to celebrate, something even more precious than the humble cacao bean is being gifted to us: a recipe from Le Cordon Bleu. Le Cordon Bleu will release a recipe from its global Chocolate Bible. Titled ‘The Marvel’, this mouth-watering chocolate masterpiece features chocolate sponge, caramelised walnut cream, chocolate praline mousse and chocolate shards. Created in 2008, Le Cordon Bleu’s Chocolate Bible contains 180 recipes with a range of techniques illustrated in step-by-step photographs. Le Cordon Bleu Executive Dean, Professor Alan Bowen-James says, “It’s a very rare occurrence for us to release a recipe from the Chocolate Bible, but we thought World Chocolate Day was the perfect opportunity to invite you into Le Cordon Bleu’s decadent world of chocolate. For more information about Le Cordon Bleu and to unleash your inner chef-in-waiting, head to Le Cordon Bleu’s courses section.

Lockdown in Sydney: where to get your takeaway

Coogee Pavillion Sydney food

We might not be allowed to leave home for a bit, but never fear! Merivale’s long list of restaurants and venues are making good use of online orders and takeaway. Think Peking duck pancakes from Mr. Wong, wood-fired bread from Totti’s and The Paddington’s famous roast chicken. Check out the Merivale website. Mr. Wong: Menu here Swing by Mr Wong in the CBD to pick up a Cantonese feast of their specialty steam dim sum platter, honey glazed pork, king crab rice and Peking duck pancakes.  Address and pick up hours here. Totti’s Bondi: Menu here No need to just dream of that famous Totti’s wood-fired bread and the pappardelle with lamb ragu. Order a feast online and pick-up it up with some pre-batched cocktails from The Bottle Shop while you’re at it. Address and pick up hours here. Jimmy’s Falafel: Menu here Enjoy a taste of the Middle-East from Jimmy’s Falafel, with a predominantly vegetarian takeaway menu with Sydney’s best falafel, flavour-packed pitas, delicious plates and moreish sides. Address and pick up hours here. Takeaway from store only, no online ordering.  Ms G’s: Menu here Potts Point favourite, Ms G’s, will be keeping locals well fed with favourites including tom yum fried rice, soy-glazed chicken wings and those famous cheeseburger spring rolls.  Address and pick up hours here. Coogee Pavilion: Menu here Coogee Pavilion’s extensive menu is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. With all the classics covered, parents and kids alike can take away from Vinnie’s Pizza, as well as burgers, pasta… Read More

Winter warmer wines to help you beat the cold this season

Red wine

When the chillier months roll around, enjoying a glass of wine is front of mind and synonymous with winter warmers. While a bottle of red is the most common go-to and a great match with many winter recipes, many richer white varieties can equally bring a warming delight on the dreariest of days. Whether you are indulging in Christmas in July festivities, a long overdue catch-up with your nearest and dearest, or a quiet night in the warmth of your own home, Brett Fullerton, Winemaker at Constellation Brands, has curated a list of top drops to add to your shopping basket this winter. YOUNG & CO THE JAM MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ Boasting glorious flavour and attitude, this McLaren Vale Shiraz brings to life exactly what’s on the bottle. In this case, it’s the enticing flavour of blackberry and plum that sings across the palate for this wine. The Jam McLaren Vale Shiraz has lush flavours of blackberry and dark plum, accompanied by a playful hint of sweet oak and spice. It glistens in tones of deep ruby red and greets you with the scents of fruit mocha and spice. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to lamb shanks or a hearty vegetable stew. Available for $16 at Dan Murphy’s. KIM CRAWFORD NEW ZEALAND CHARDONNAY A perfect balance and full-bodied Chardonnay from both Marlborough and Hawke’s Day New Zealand, this is a succulent, well-rounded Chardonnay in a style uncluttered by oak. Hints of butterscotch and great length of flavour make it a delicious pairing with Camembert… Read More

Here’s how to do intermittent fasting safely and sustainably

Lucky Kwong Chinese food

By Gabrielle Newman – The Fast 800 Science is evolving all the time, and it’s important to be aware of all the latest findings. It is also important to be discerning of these findings. There have been news headlines in recent years suggesting that intermittent fasting, in particular 16:8 time restricted eating, doesn’t work (fasting for 16 hours and eating all required calories in 8 hours). But – after reviewing the science – the reality is rather more complex.  For example, a study out of California, put a 16:8 time restricted eating plan to the test. Two groups of overweight and obese individuals were randomly allocated to a control group and an experiment group who was advised to consume all calories within an 8-hour window of time. The results – analysed across the 12-week period of the trial – suggested that there was very little difference between the two groups and in fact the experiment group seemed to have lost some muscle. However, the experimental group were given no advice around what to actually eat. Intermittent fasting has health benefits The Fast 800 recommends various forms intermittent fasting, not just for the weight loss potential but many health benefits. Intermittent fasting has been shown to: Burn fat – when you spend some time fasting, the glucose (primary energy) supply temporarily runs out, and your body has to switch to taking fat from your fat stores to burn as fuel.1 Reduce risk of Type 2 Diabetes – Excess fat impacts the function of the liver and pancreas,… Read More

A Sicilian beachside dining experience in Melbourne with Mister Bianco

Sand restaurant SYdney

Take your shoes off and enjoy a six course dinner you wish you could do more often. On Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th June Joe Vargetto and Lorena Corso will host Siciliana vs Siciliano where guests enjoy a six course degustation dinner, each course with two dishes – one from the Australian Sicilian (Joe) and one from the Sicilian (Lorena) – and vote on their favourite dish. Lorena was born and raised in Sicily and she has worked as a chef in the UK and Melbourne, currently at Napier Quarter in Fitzroy. Here’s what’s on the menu: Arancino vs Arancino – Globe artichoke on crispy bread vs Cured snapper, fried artichoke & broad bean relish – Sea snail cappalletti, sorrel & crustacean bisque vs Periwinkle, pesto trapanese, sea lettuce – Grilled pumpkin and and pickled mussel skewer, fermented honey & saltbush vs Crayfish & pumpkin schiacciata – Kelp wrapped red mullet, cumquats & native sea herbs vs Red mullet with potato scales – Sweet cacao ravioli filled with almonds & apricots vs Almond milk pudding, burnt tangelo granita & vino cotto spelt Tickets are $150 per person – book here

Celebrate 4th of July in Sydney at Salty’s Bondi

Saltys 1

With international travel still off the cards, Salty’s is celebrating 4th of July with an all-day pop-up party that combines America’s west coast vibes with a distinctly Bondi energy. Serving a generous Southern California-inspired Bottomless Package all day long, specials on White Claw Seltzer buckets and Brooklyn Lager’s Bel Air Sour straight outta the US, and a special edition American-Style Beef Burger with crispy waffle fries, the event will be a true Southern Cali celebration. The Bottomless Package will include a salty margarita on arrival, two hours of unlimited beer, wine and spirits and an all-American feast including Cheeseburger Sliders, Stuffed Potato Skins, Loaded Fries and Mini Hot Dogs.  The party will feature live DJs all day, mixing Salty’s classic funk and disco tracks with American favourites, like Bruce Springsteen, Kanye West and Neil Diamond. When: Sunday 4 July, from 11am to 12am Where: Salty’s, 108 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW Cost: Free entry +$99 for the Bottomless Package option Read more and get your tickets at the Salty’s website

Celebrate State of Origin the Krispy Kreme way

State of Origin doughnuts

If you purchased NSW Blues doughnuts for tonight’s game, you could be on a winner (sorry QLD!). But there’s always game two, right? To celebrate the legendary State of Origin matches, Krispy Kreme is treating Aussie rugby league fans to two new limited-edition game day doughnuts, to sweeten the bitter cross-border feud.  It’s game on with QLD Maroons – Original Glazed doughnut dipped in maroon icing and finished with a caramel truffle drizzle VS NSW Blues – Original Glazed doughnut dipped in blue icing and finished with a divine white icing drizzle.   State of Origin supporters can order these Krispy Kreme doughnuts online for next day click and collect, ahead of each game day during the 2021 series or in any Krispy Kreme store on game day. Fans in Victoria will only be able to order take away, which is subject to change as per Victoria Health restrictions. WA fans – doughnuts will only be available for click & collect and delivery. Delivery not available on the weekends. Online pre-orders will be available until 17th July for a final click and collect date of 18th July. Available in selected stores on the following dates: Sunday 27 June Wednesday 14 July Not available in SA. Not available at 7-eleven, BP, Woolworths, Jetsers or via UberEats, Deliveroo or Menulog.

New Hill St Baking Mixes have just made at-home baking a breeze

Hill st baking mixes:

Baking doesn’t get any easier than this – even if you’re rubbish in the kitchen! Say hello to no-fuss baking with New Zealand baking company Hill St officially launching their collection of easy-to-use baking kits in Australia. Now there is no excuse not to bake up a storm AND have fun doing it! Available from Woolworths, the base range gives you the flexibility to make chocolate brownies, chocolate cake, scones, vanilla cake, biscotti, chocolate cookies and more! It’s the perfect solution to your next Sunday baking session. There are three easy to create recipes on the back of each pack, so it’s no one-trick pony. For instance, with the Vanilla Baking Mix, you can make a zesty lemon loaf, party cupcakes or a delicious vanilla cake.  Is dairy-free? As for your vegan or dairy-free friends, they’re covered as well, as the Hill St Base range is dairy-free and vegan, with options for allergies, intolerances, and dietary preferences.  The Hill St Base range is built on classic flavours that take you back to your childhood and includes Chocolate, Vanilla, Dough and Choc Chunk Cookie Baking Mix, as well as Kids Cupcake Baking Kits in Cosmic or Jungle themes.  Hill St is also committed to using clean, simple ingredients and single-ingredient foods that are mostly unprocessed, free of chemical additives and rich in nutrients. Their packaging is either recyclable or compostable with sustainably sourced materials.  The baking mixes start from $6.50 and are available exclusively in Woolworths.  If you’re looking for more inspo, head to the New… Read More

Exotic Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin lands in Australia

Peddlers Rare Shanghai GIn

Exotic and crisp, Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin is now officially available in Australia. With a fusion of 11 rare botanicals, this award-winning craft gin emerged from Shanghai after five years of masterful experimenting, which resulted in the perfect balance of organic botanicals that include Sichuan Pepper, Buddha’s Hand, Lotus Flower, Chinese Mint, Guangdong Liquorice, and Coriander Seeds. Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin has been awarded Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Gold at the Chine Wine Spirits Award. And it’s proving to be quite a hit in some of the local favourites, making appearances at the more voguish venues across the nation, including the likes of Melbourne’s Kisume, Chin Chin, and Hawker Hall, and Sydney’s PS40, Mr Wong’s and Mrs G’s.  For something a little different to its European cousins, gin lovers will fall in love with Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin’s Eastern influence. “A little over five years ago, we embarked on this wild journey to create China’s first craft gin. Since launch, the industry support and public uptake has been phenomenal, and I’m thrilled we can now bring Peddlers Gin to Australia. It’s like nothing you’ve tasted before – powerful and earthy. Perfectly paired with tonic, Peddlers also makes for an exceptional negroni or martini. Ultimately, it’s a gin that’s going to give your drink a real kick”, says founding member of Peddlers, Ryan McLeod. Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin is now available for RRP $88.00 at leading retailers including First Choice Liquor, Vintage Cellars, Dan Murphy’s, and where all good spirits are… Read More

Sydney cocktail bars: Billich Champagne bar

Billich champagne bar Sydney

While Melbourne’s locked down and Brisbane is on the back foot, make the most of the freedoms in Sydney and celebrate with champagne! Escape the mundane and embrace luxury in the Billich Champagne bar, where glasses of Pommery champagne are served with sparkling diamonds and you can snack on truffle fries dusted with 24 karat gold.  In light of keeping it bougie, enter this European-like oasis – as close as you’ll get until 2022 – and spend an hour or two soaking up the sun on the patio, strolling through the illustrious gallery of Charles Billich, or listening to captivating live music performances from renowned artists all with a glass of champagne in hand.  The bar was created to breathe life back into the Rocks, offering something more refined for visitors, including those with a ridiculously expensive taste. On offer’s the most expensive cocktail in Sydney with a pricetag of $7500 – that was sold in the first week! For more info, check out Billich Champagne bar’s website.