The Australia Times

THE VALENTINE’S DAY WOW FACTOR AT SYDNEY’S GPO GRAND

3 December 20222 February 2018 by Connie Lambeth

GPO GRAND – SYDNEY

GPO Grand’s Personal Restaurant Butler is a world first service that promises to truly wow your significant other.

The bespoke system makes GPO Grand the leading location for Valentine’s Day this year, by enhancing your dining experience and allowing for patrons to astonish their dates with an array of indulgent surprises. Choose to lavish your beloved with long stem red roses, Champagne on arrival, a personalised hand written card, or a box of hand crafted chocolate truffles when booking. GPO Grand will do all of the hard work for you with the service provided free of any additional fees or charges, promising a spectacularly memorable experience at every step of the way.

Indulge at Prime Restaurant and share a 1.5kg grain fed Tomahawk steak with your lover or enjoy a three course cheese and wine pairing experience at GPO Cheese and Wine Room. Valentine’s Day has its origin in Italy and our romantic al fresco dining options at Intermezzo will make you feel like you’re in Rome, or soak in some Spanish flair at Postales guaranteed to impress your special someone.

Peter Petroulas, Managing Director of GPO Grand commented, “The Restaurant Butler service was a world first when it was introduced in 2016. It remains an inherently special experience, unique to GPO Grand Restaurants. We are very proud to offer this service which has become an integral part of what we do”.

The Personal Restaurant Butler service is available across all GPO Grand Fine Dining restaurants which include Prime, Intermezzo, Postales, GPO Cheese and Wine Room and Subterranean, accompanying the various special Valentine’s Day Menus on offer, which make GPO the perfect venue to enjoy a uniquely exceptional evening.

GPO RESTAURANT BUTLER SERVICE ADD-ONS

Single Long Stem Red Rose $35

Half Dozen Long Stem Red Roses $70

Dozen Long Stem Red Roses $98

Personalised Card $5

Box of 4 Chocolate Truffles $12

Box of 12 Chocolate Truffles $30

NV Gosset Champagne on arrival $24 glass / $135 bottle

About GPO Grand

GPO Grand is an award-winning collection of 14 restaurants, cafes and bars located at Sydney’s premier address, 1 Martin Place. GPO GRAND | No.1 Martin Place | Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone (02) 9229 7700 | Online & Restaurant Butler Booking: www.gpogrand.com | Email: mail@gpogrand.com

**Information & Images Courtesy of GPO Grand

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

www.theaustraliatimes.com/news

literallyconnie@gmail.com

PROJECT KARMA LAUNCHES AT GLASS MERCHANTS

5 December 20225 December 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Project Karma Launch at Glass Merchants

Balaclava Melbourne

Words by Amy Foyster

Images Courtesy of David Diep – That’s The Shot Photography

New Melbourne charity fights child sex trafficking

Project Karma is a new, Melbourne-based charity fighting child exploitation across the globe.

At their recent launch event at Balaclava’s Glass Merchants, Project Karma’s founder Glen Hulley, spoke about his experiences working in the Victorian Police force and ultimately, how he came to found the charity. After a trip to Cambodia in 2013 when Hulley was offered a child for sexual services, he returned to Australia, sold everything he owned and formed Project Karma.

Hulley’s background in the police force has enabled him to assist Australian and international law enforcement and government bodies, diplomats, consuls and ambassadors, in addressing child exploitation in South East Asia.

Project Karma aims to disrupt the organised crime networks that create and supply a market of children for sexual exploitation. These networks often get away with this illegal activity due to how dangerous they are, and because wealthy western paedophiles are their main customers. Project Karma are committed to taking the risks and means required to take on these networks and change the situation.

Glass Merchants served an impressive array of finger food, wine and beer, including large cheese and charcuterie boards for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

Further Information/Donations: www.projectkarma.com.au

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

W: editorcsl.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

MORE GREAT PICS FROM PROJECT KARMA LAUNCH AT GLASS MERCHANTS…

Melbourne’s Wilson & Market’s Goin’ Troppo

22 November 20221 December 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Wilson & Market – Melbourne Prahran’s ‘luxe urbane eatery and bar’ turns up the summer heat… The heat’s arrived and with it a delicious new beer to wrap up your summer-loving taste buds over at Wilson & Market. The pineapple flavour is inspired by a new artwork to adorn the wall at Wilson & Market, … Read more

SUMMER SCREENINGS AT LIDO ON THE ROOF

12 September 202228 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Summer at Lido on the Roof – Melbourne Lido on the Roof returns for its third year in the moonlight, showcasing the best of new release films and a curated selection of retro classics. With a new and improved rooftop bar and extended trading hours, patrons can head upstairs to meet friends for a drink … Read more

Wine Island 2017

12 September 202222 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Wine Island – Sydney Harbour

Words & Images by Rose Schleicher

Barely quarter after nine on a Friday morning and we’re at the steps of the ‘Man O War’ pier at Sydney Opera House, keen to board the three-deck ferry along with a large ensemble of wine enthusiasts. Wine Island. It sounds like a magical place, and Dionysus, Greek God of vino and ecstasy, would quite possibly agree. We’re bound for Clark Island, just a 20 minute boat ride from Sydney Harbour, to a popular event now in its third year. Understandably so; who doesn’t want to be stranded on an island with views of Sydney’s iconic skyline while savouring refreshing beverages under blue skies? Exactly. Me too.

As the ferry pulls up to the the island’s wharf, the sun is blasting in full spring glory, so there’s plenty of appreciation for the island staff who present each guest with a fresh bottle of water. Excellent thinking! ‘Holidaymakers’ rapidly disembark and fan out left and right to secure one of the highly-sought-after sun loungers by the water, and of course get first taste of more than 100 new waves and classic wines on offer. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red, a light white or something with a little more fizz – here, you can be certain there’s a hut for it.

Cured Meats & Cheeses by @churburgersurryhills

Meanwhile award-winning kitchen guru Warren Turnbull from Chur Burger Surry Hills, whipped up some scrumptious bites to go with the liquid diet. The menu featured freshly shucked oysters, assorted cheeses, Hawaiian poke and fish tacos, amongst other delectables. For those who were craving a heartier meal, succulent spit-roasted lamb pitas, plus Turnbull’s signature Chur burgers were on offer too.

Spit-roasted Lamb Pita by @churburgersurryhills

Hawaiian Poke Bowl by @churburgersurryhills

If you were looking to fill your stomachs as well as educate your senses, Wine Selectors offered a range of entertaining Masterclasses. You could put your wine knowledge to the test at ‘Vino Trivia’, expand your expertise on Cold-blooded Reds, or dance to Daft Punk and other alluring beats at ‘Silent Disco Drops’. The Dessert Masterclass was a exceptional treat, pairing a selection of curated desserts from the pastry wizards at Barangaroo’s 12-Micron with matching semi-sweet dessert wines.

Peanut Butter , Rosella, toast ice cream — Peanut Butter , rosella, toast ice cream by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron

While we could feel our hearts sink a bit when boarding the Luxe Bubbles boat for the inevitable return trip, it’s fair to say that it was for the best. After all, all good things come to an end. However, a few bottles of our favourite rosé made their way home with us, and will undoubtedly help us cherish this day for some time to come. Or at the very least until the very last drop has been savoured.

**Sydney Food/Wine/Events writer Rose Schleicher was a guest of Wine Island/The Modern Society PR

https://wineisland.com.au/

Wine Island 2015 was awarded the title of Best New Event 2015 by Concrete Playground (www.concreteplayground.com)
Wine Island 2016 won the Experiential Award for Best Festival by the Plus Ones & The Socialites

Pyengana Cheddar, Milk Chocolate, Plum, Honeycomb — Pyengana Cheddar, milk chocolate, plum, honeycomb by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron

Peanut Butter, Rosella, toast ice cream by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron — Peanut Butter, Rosella, toast ice cream by
@ashcamsmith 12 Micron

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

W: editorcsl.com

**Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

MORE FOOD PICS FROM WINE ISLAND…

SAY CHEESE FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY AT PRAHRAN MARKET

12 September 202227 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER

PRAHRAN MARKET – MELBOURNE

TIME: 10am – 4pm

FREE ENTRY

Prahran Market will once again be transformed into a cheese lovers’ delight with delicious cheese offerings from Market traders (see below) and a number of quality external exhibitors including artisan cheese makers, popular eateries and a whole lot more.

Enjoy live tunes, vibrant zones to just chill out, tasty drinks and a whole lot of cheese. Prahran Market will once again be transformed into a cheese lovers’ delight with delicious cheese offerings from Market traders (see below) and a number of quality external exhibitors including artisan cheese makers, popular eateries and a whole lot more.

Learn something new in the Omega and Neil Perry Kitchen or watch mozarella master Giorgio from That’s Amore run three hands-on cheese workshops.

If you leave in anything less than a cheese coma, then you haven’t done Say Cheese right!

SAY CHEESE COOKING DEMONSTRATION SCHEDULE

All MC’ed by Tobie Puttock.

10.30am:	Will Studd, International cheese specialist, author, presenter, and producer, with Bob Hart, BBQ extraordinaire. Recipes from Melt
11.30am:	Anthony Femia, Maker & Monger: Aligot with tomme frais. Sponsored by L’Artisan Cheese.
12.30pm	Tobie Puttock, Prahran Market ambassador, celebrity chef and culinary creator: Smoked ricotta and egg yolk ravioli. Spaghetti with parmesan, basil and lemon
1.30	Charlie Carrington, Atlas Dining: Knafeh. Mexican cheese dish. Sponsored by The Yarra Valley Dairy
2.30pm	Christy Tania, Glacé Frozen: Unbelievable ice cream cheeseboard
3.15pm	Clare Burden, The Humble Tumbler: Cheese and alcohol pairing. Sponsored by L’Artisan Cheese.

**Download the Prahran Market Events App on Itunes or google play for full menu offering

PRAHRAN MARKET

Visiting Prahran Market

Information & Images Courtesy of Prahran Market/Stefanie Reilly

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Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

READ ON TO SEE CHEESE EXHIBITORS, ARTISAN CHEESE MAKERS, MONGERS & LOCAL PRODUCERS AND OF COURSE, ENTERTAINMENT…

THE TEXAN BURGER RAISES $ FOR HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF EFFORT

13 September 20227 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Texan Burger Raises $ for Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort Burger Project has introduced a new Limited Edition Burger to its menu, The Texan, which will help raise money for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The Texan is the first of a series of Limited Edition burgers that will change every six weeks. Until Sunday, … Read more

Keti Shines a Light on Durif and Muscat from the Winemakers of Rutherglen

12 September 202231 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Durif and Muscat – Winemakers of Rutherglen

**Last week Keti Kezunovic headed to ‘Rutherglen in the City’ to taste and learn more about the iconic Rutherglen wine region’s unique wine varietals. As co-owner of the Melbourne Bars Pawn and Co., 29th Apartment and the soon to be opened StoryVille, Keti knows a thing or two about wine, and couldn’t wait to meet a few of the winemakers and discover more about Durif and Muscat.

Words & Photos by Keti Kezunovic – Caption Image by Georgie James

‘Rutherglen in the City’ showcased sparkling reds, primarily Shiraz and Durif, as well as a range of alternative whites. We were keen to discover more about Durif and Muscat, which seem to be the champion wines of the Rutherglen region, which provides the perfect environment for these particular grape varieties, primarily as a result of the long Autumn allowing a prolonged ripening process.

Muscat

Chris Pfeiffer, winemaker and owner of Pfeiffer Wines (pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au), considers this variety as ‘Australia’s most unique contribution to wine’, adding:

“No other region in Australia has Muscat’s at this champion level”.

History is the key for this variety, as the minimum cellaring is 6-10 years ageing, through to over 100 years. Such long cellared batches are basically for the next generation to nurture and continue the process. The flavour profile consists mainly of a pronounced raisin taste, and is very sweet on the palate. The older the muscat, the more complex the flavour profile, where notes of toffee emerge.

Paul Squires from Buller Wines (bullerwines.com.au), had a tip for an unbeatable dessert, suggesting to pour muscat over vanilla bean ice-cream. Interestingly, Pfeiffer had a more eclectic suggestion of pairing this wine with a tomato based carpaccio. Now there’s two hot tips from for the kitchens of the winemakers!

Durif

Warrabilla Wines (warrabillawines.com.au), chief winemaker, Andrew Sutherland Smith, calls his 2014 Reserve Durif , ‘The Mother of all Durifs”. At a whopping 16.5% alcohol, it certainly is!

Although this wine is strong and rich on the palate, with big bold flavours, the grapes are very thin skinned, making this variety difficult to grow. Great skill and precision is needed to ensure that this variety of red wine grapes make it to harvest time. Smith is a fifth generation winemaker, so has a substantial degree of experience to draw on.

Durif is tipped to be the new upcoming variety, with other Australian regions starting to release their own versions. However the Durif growers from Rutherglen seemed to have really cornered the market on this particular variety.

**At the recent ‘Rutherglen in the City’, Melburnians showed great interest in both Durif and Muscat – two distinct varietals that flourish in the Rutherglen soils and represent both the region’s tradition and innovation. Revered world-wide for its fortified wines, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are trying new ways with Muscat, with a range of Muscat cocktails on offer…think Muscat Coolers, Muscat Sangria and Muscat Espresso Martinis.

The Winemakers of Rutherglen are an inspiring collective of 19 wineries from one of Australia’s most historic and iconic wine regions, boasting more than 150 years of winemaking history.

Check out more online or head to the cellar door this weekend!

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen

www.winemakers.com.au

Additional Information & Images Courtesy of Winemakers of Rutherglen/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big MarketingPR/Photographer Georgie James

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

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Keti Kezunovic:

29th Apartment – www.29thapartment.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/29thapartment/

@29thapartment

Pawn and Co. – pawnandco.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/PawnAndCo/

@pawnandco

**Keti’s last collaboration with TAT Gourmet News:

Gourmand’s Celebrate Williamstown’s Wine and Cheese Festival

www.theaustraliatimes.com/magazine/gourmet/issue/411/#46

Additional pics…

19 WINERIES LAND IN MELBOURNE LANEWAY!

13 September 202229 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Winemakers of Rutherglen

Words by Celeste Iuliano

**Melbourne Events writer, Celeste Iuliano, hit the laneways of Melbourne a few days ago, to sample wines of the Rutherglen region at the launch of ‘Rutherglen in the City’.

What could be more Melbourne (and more Rutherglen too, we soon discover!), than a boozy picnic under the temperamental night sky?

Last weekend, 25th to 27th August, our cosmopolitan city was offered a taste of the country, with a pop-up wine bar in The Strand Melbourne’s Driver Lane. ‘Rutherglen in the City’ was brought to you by the Winemakers of Rutherglen, an association of 19 wineries with more than 150 years of heritage.

Younger Melburnians may associate Rutherglen with childhood trips; those happy weekends spent eating Dutch pancakes while mum and dad indulged in a few glasses of wine. However this image of Rutherglen as a very traditional wine region is rapidly changing. Rutherglen is now attracting a more diverse crowd, with its bold and iconic wine varieties. The region is known for it’s durif reds, sparkling reds, alternative whites, and muscats, all of which were sampled over the 3 day event. For those feeling a little experimental, the cocktails were the thing to try – the Muscat Cooler, Muscat Sangria, and the Muscat Espresso Martini.

‘Rutherglen in the City’ was a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s culture of good wine and warm hospitality. The winemakers were there to take you through the tastings and to share their stories. Some of them have up to 5 generations experience, so there was a lot to learn!

If you managed to sample this small slice of paradise in the city, no doubt you’ll be planning your trip to the cellar door soon!

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen

www.winemakers.com.au

The Winemakers of Rutherglen

Images Courtesy of Thomas Bindley & Winemakers of Rutherglen/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big MarketingPR

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Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmet

Read on for additional info and pics…

Pamper your Pooch at ‘Yappy Hour’ this Sunday!

13 September 202224 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Sydney Pooches ‘Paws for Yappy Hour’ at Fratelli Fresh

Pooches get ready to be pampered!

Yappy Hour launches at select Fratelli Fresh restaurants this Sunday 27th August from 3pm-5pm, and there will be free Yappitisers for you and your doggy friends.

If you’re in the vicinity of our Fratelli Fresh restaurants at Alexandria, Crows Nest, Potts Point, Walsh Bay, or the newly opened Fratelli at the Entertainment Quarter, stop for a sniff at their al fresco dining spots, and enjoy complimentary Aqua Panna water, and treats courtesy of dog food specialists Billy + Margot and Farmers Market.

During Yappy Hour, $1 from every beer, wine and cocktail sold will be donated to Furry Friends Forever Rescue*, helping pooches and other animals less fortunate than your pampered selves.

Your human companions can take advantage of their own Happy Hour from 4-6pm, and enjoy $5 wine and beer, $7.50 Negroni, and $10 select cocktails (Happy Hour is available at all Fratelli Fresh restaurants in Sydney).

While they enjoy a range of authentic antipasti, pizzas, pasta and more, the canine contingent can dig into wholesome treats, including Billy + Margot nutritious, all-natural iced treats (think: dairy-free, dog-friendly ice cream), available in three likeable flavours, and newly launched in Australia. Other treats included Farmers Market soft and chewy Meaty Bars in beef with peanut butter, and beef with cheese flavours, which are made with natural ingredients.

Fratelli’s furry friends, Bear the brown Labrador, and Harlem the leggy Great Dane-cross, have already taste-tested the doggy treats and given them a big round of appaws.

“This is a bonafide Yappy Hour deal,” says Bear. “I devoured all the treats in the shortest amount of time imaginable and they are truly pawesome, irresistible treats.”

Harlem says: “Gluttonous labradors aside, there will be plenty of treats to go round thanks to our generous friends Billy + Margot and Farmers Market, and we encourage you to take advantage of our pawsitively lovely, pooch-friendly, al fresco dining spaces at Fratelli Fresh.”

Book your table: fratellifresh.com.au/reservations/

Information & Images Courtesy of Rockpool Dining Group – Rachel Lebihan/Fratelli Fresh

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times GOURMET News – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Read on to find out participating Fratelli Fresh restaurants, plus info on Furry Friends Forever Rescue…

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