The Australia Times

NAKED DRINKING HITS AUSTRALIA!

13 September 202213 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

NAKED DRINKING…here we come Summer! Sugar free and 100% natural option set to shake up the soft drink industry Anyone trying to live a healthier life knows that one of the first treats to be shunned is soft drink – but it can be one of the most difficult to give up. Trying … Read more

SLEEK AND STYLISH: MELBOURNE’S NEW DIESEL BAR

13 September 202229 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Words by Kelly Sargent

Images Courtesy of Carly Ravenhall

Melbourne’s newest CBD Bar, Diesel, is as ‘Melbourne’ as it gets; that is, an inconspicuous facade with plenty of action on the inside.

Located at 202 Little Lonsdale St and part of Melbourne Central, the new Diesel Bar and Eatery is a spacious three level venue which could be dismissed as another heritage brick building should you miss the sign. Diesel boasts a stylish fit out; a classy bar perfect for after work drinks, or a lively night out.

The entry door opens to the middle floor, revealing a long room and open kitchen where you can watch the chefs in action. There’s a friendly vibe, with both reasonably priced and fine wine options. It’s not too often ‘friendly and stylish’ go together, but the middle floor at Diesel bar makes it work. Couldn’t get enough of the tenderised beef bites and tasty spring rolls, topped off with a drop or two of sparkling!

The sleek downstairs powder room hosts both girls and guys…yes they’re unisex toilets! Apparently this is an increasing trend in inner city bars, and if you thought this was due to lack of space, that’s not the case at Diesel.

Upstairs you’ll hear city beats pumping across a chic, industrial space. There’s a sizeable central island bar with booths on one side, great for socialising, or perhaps you’d prefer to slink into a private space. The romantic lighting and warm atmosphere make this an excellent date night choice, or a great spot for an intimate catch-up with the girls.

The outdoor area is part of the rear laneway, offering a smoking area only. This is fine given all that’s happening inside, typically Melbourne once again.

With a slick interior of various dynamic spaces, along with fine food and wine, Diesel Bar and Eatery has quickly earned the reputation as one of Melbourne’s most sought after bars.

www.dieselbar.melbourne/

**Kelly was a guest of Helen Reizer hrpr

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Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

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

MORE PICS OF DIESEL BAR & EATERY HERE…

FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA 2017

13 September 202227 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

SYDNEY…

Fine Food Australia took place in Sydney at the ICC between 11 – 14 September, and will return to Melbourne in 2018

Words by Daria Kill-Smith

A fine day in Sydney found this correspondent at Darling Harbour International Convention Centre for the equally Fine Food Australia Expo, with exhibitors from around the world.

Stands represented:

Turkey (dried fruits – of course); the USA (yes, they had S’mores); Belgium (the best beers); Fiji (smoked fish); Austria (the Trade Commission AND horseradish?); Germany (beer, sauerkraut and gherkins – we’re in heaven now), Thailand (coconut and rice based products, naturally); an untold amount of provinces in China (with EVERYTHING); Pakistan (collared the market on dates!); Korea (instant coffees and teas); Vanuatu (pure water); Taiwan (candies and snacks – insert WASABI PEAS); Samoa (tropical fruit jams and spreads); Canada (that liquid gold – maple syrup); India (pickles, pastes and chutneys); Spain (the preserve of preserves); Cyprus (haloumi, sooo much haloumi); Niue Island (vanilla bean); Italy (the best goddam sexy hot wine, coffee, pasta, gelato stands – as only the Italians can). And that’s without getting to PNG (coffee), Solomon Islands (ngali nut), Mexico (more coffee), Greece (currants and olive oil), Peru (faro), and from INNER MONGOLIA…sunflower and pumpkin seeds!

What about Australia? Well, Australia had … EVERYTHING! The range of products included Seaweed cleverly turned into fettucini…Phettucine, paired with herbs and spices and used like dukkah…Pukkah, and SeaC’s (seaweed chips).

Milks: camel, almond, walnut, pistachio, soy, dried, and full-cream full-fat. Phew.

Rice: black, red, gluten-free pasta rice; as well as spirits, wines, juices, and smoothies. Coffees: organic cold brew, turmeric infused, or with coconut.

Teas: chai, black, green, white, chai, oolong, rooibos, fruit, chai, exotic, herbal & organic. Did I mention chai?

And the enduring favourite – COCONUT – all kinds of coconut: oils with vanilla, chilli or garlic; chipped, grated, powdered and floured; water and cream; even coconut vinegar!

Oh … SO. MANY. STALLS.

But wait, there’s more: exhibitors catered for supermarkets, hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes and airlines. Equipment stands showed off juice presses, waffle irons, coffee machines (dozens of coffee machines), packaging and containers, industry specific clothing and shoes, crockery and cutlery, point of sale equipment – everything but the jumbo was there. And who knew sushi came out of a machine?? There were not for profit organisations, logistics organisations, marketing and sales organisations, importers, exporters and distributors.

So the season’s next big thing? Matcha tea, beetroot chai, limoncello gelato. And coffee is going nowhere. Don’t know how the pizza cheese flavoured fish snacks, activated charcoal wafers, or green tea almond spread will go; but I hear the glow in the dark vodka energy drink is already a hit! Yes, you can get it all. But no, I didn’t get to sample it.

947 exhibitors. No wonder this was a 4 day expo.

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Images Courtesy of Diversified Communications Australia & Daria Kill-Smith

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

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

READ ON FOR THE WRAP UP OF FINE FOOD AUSTRALIA 2017 and additional pics…

BIG Change for small change Charity Day – QV Melbourne Thursday 21st September

19 September 202220 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

QV Melbourne is celebrating spring in the city with Fresh / Take, a program of events that offers a new approach to wellness, living and thinking. Fresh / Take launched a couple of days ago and runs for two weeks, closing with a public holiday party on 29 September. BIG Change for Small Change Charity … Read more

FASHION+AID 2017

13 September 202229 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

FASHION+AID partners with HARROLDS

Words by Sumaiya Rizvi

At the recent red carpet Media Launch, FASHION+AID announced they are partnering with Australia’s luxury boutique department store, Harrolds, who are set to showcase the world’s finest designers at this highly anticipated event to be held on 9th of September at the Crown Palladium.

FASHION+AID 2017 celebrates it’s milestone 10th year anniversary, and is a benchmark event on the social calendar.

Harrolds is set to unveil some of latest designer master pieces and collections from Victoria Beckham, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Tom Ford, Comme des Garçons, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Valentino and Kenzo, to name a few.

This year FASHION+AID will be hosted by Dave Hughes, with the Leukaemia Foundation the charity beneficiary for the live pledge. The event will continue with it’s groundbreaking tradition to forge the fashion, music and entertainment industries in support of a worthy cause. This will be a night to remember and is expected to be an exclusive sell out event.

Tickets start from $350 per ticket, with general tables of 10 starting from $3,500 and premium tables of 10 starting from $4,500. But for the best seats in the house, you can opt for the VIP experience and take a front row table at $5,500.

The event offers a luxurious three-course meal, sipping on the finest wines, whilst witnessing one of the best fashion events of the year. And if you are up for more…there’s an exclusive ‘after party’ to be held at Bond Melbourne (@bondmelb).

**over 250 guests attended the launch at Bond Melbourne, hosted by Dave Hughes. Harrolds are the major sponsors for Fashion Aid 2017, along with Mercedes Benz and Pommery.

Sumaiya Rizvi (@melbourne_blog) is a Melbourne Events writer for The Australia Times Gourmet News and was a guest of Helen Reizer HRPR

Her last article: www.theaustraliatimes.com/news (July 4) – Interview with Acclaimed Chef Tobie Puttock – Truffle & Charcuterie Celebration Prahran Market

Additional Information Courtesy of Helen Reizer (@hellreizer)

Photography: Carly Ravenhall (@carlyravenhall)

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

MORE PICS FROM THE MEDIA LAUNCH OF FASHION+AID…

BEN’S SUPERNATURAL Turns Melbourne’s Fast Food Scene on its Head!

13 September 20222 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

BEN’s Supernatural puts a healthy spin on Melbourne’s fast food offering with the Chapel Street store now open…

Born through founder, Casey George-Jolson’s personal mission to provide her family with good, wholesome and ultimately, delicious food. BEN’S Supernatural offers uncompromising, unprocessed and unbelievably good food – fast.

BEN’S – which stands for Balance, Energy, Nutrition and Sustenance, not only serves nutritionally balanced food, it sets to revolutionise the healthy food offering in Australia. Every menu item developed by Executive Chef David Selex (formerly of Melbourne’s Florentino and London’s Nobu, Vong, The Mews of Mayfair and Kensington Palace) has been approved by Head Nutritionist, Bannie Williams of The Healthy Ingredient.

Led by Selex, the BEN’S team have developed their extensive menus around five key pillars – 1. Whole, Natural and Unprocessed Foods, 2. Nutrient Dense, 3. Balance and Moderation, 4. Transparency and 5. Ethical and Socially Conscious.

From topped English muffins and protein packed vanilla pancakes for breakfast, to pizzas and unique burgers including the Ivan Lentil (spiced lentil patty, hummus, lettuce tomato and herbed yoghurt) for lunch and dinner – now the carb- conscious community can enjoy a range of historically carb-dense dishes, without having to settle on taste or quality.

The Grab-and-Go menu is sure to satisfy those who are little time poor. Breakfast and lunch options are on offer throughout the day including breakfast bowls, salads and ten home-made wrap options including the Cauliflower Rice and Beef (sliced 100% grass fed beef, spiced cauliflower, coconut, chives, red onion and herbed yoghurt).

For the carb-conscious, BEN’S master baker, David Flukes, spent 18 months perfecting the best tasting low-carb burger buns, wraps, pizza bases and English muffins. By choosing BEN’S low-carb burger buns or wraps, on average customers will be consuming 59% less carbs, in comparison to a regular slice of white bread, which contains between 12-15g of carbs.

BEN’S vegan, pescatarian, paleo and gluten-free friends certainly haven’t been forgotten, with an array of alternative options to tickle the tastebuds, including toasted coconut tofu, grilled or herb-crumbed fish and a tasty gluten-free range that may trick patrons into thinking it’s the fully-loaded relative.

BEN’S Supernatural is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 7.30am Monday – Friday and 8.30am Saturday & Sunday.

BEN’S Supernatural Fast Food 670 Chapel Street
South Yarra, VIC 3141
03 9826 1106

www.benssupernatural.com | Social: @benssupernatural

Information Courtesy of Ben’s Supernatural/Kayla Baggio – Kate & Co

Images Courtesy of Gareth Sobey Photography

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

Read on for Further Information…

HAVE A ‘DAISY’ ON WORLD TEQUILA DAY

12 September 202221 July 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Monday 24th July In honour of this day of international importance, El Camino Cantina is celebrating with a week’s worth of tequila-inspired offers until Sunday 30th July! Throughout Tequila Week there will be tequila flights, a limited-edition Daisy Margarita, as well as three exclusive Tequila Week tacos, seasoned with tequila-doused dressings. Tequila Flights (15ml tastes of … Read more

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