The Australia Times

HAWTHORN MAKERS MARKET RETURNS TO FORMER GLORY

6 September 20224 April 2018 by Connie Lambeth

Hawthorn Makers Market LAUNCHES SUNDAY 8 APRIL Celebrated as one of Melbourne’s oldest and most loved markets, the Hawthorn Craft Market will be reimagined as the Hawthorn Makers Market launching on Sunday 8 April. The market brings together the local community’s most talented artisans and bespoke designers. Spotlighting the unique offering found in bespoke fashion, … Read more

3 Days of St Patrick’s Day Celebrations – Southgate Melbourne

5 November 202212 March 2018 by Connie Lambeth

St Patrick’s Day – P.J. O’Brien’s Southgate Melbourne – 16th to 18th March The one day of the year when everyone wishes they were Irish! Australia’s leading Irish pub P.J.O’Brien’s is hosting Melbourne’s biggest party, transforming the celebration of St Patrick into a three-day extravaganza from Friday 16 March – Sunday 18 March, at the … Read more

New Royal Stacks Food Truck Unveiled

12 September 20229 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Royal Stacks Food Truck – Melbourne

Words by Kate Taylor

Images Courtesy of Rosanna Faraci/Additional Images HRPR

You might know Royal Stacks burgers – they’ve been in Melbourne CBD and Brunswick for a little while now. What you might not know is that they’ve just launched their first food truck!

The Royal Stacks Food Truck launched last week. So I’ve just sorted your weekend, right?

Sitting loud and proud out the front of Whitehart up the back of Whitehart Lane in Melbourne’s CBD, the truck offers the entire Royal Stacks menu. They also have built-in augmented reality, but seriously, they don’t need it. It’s nearly summer, Meredith Music Festival is around the corner, and everyone loves a food truck. Pokémon Go, or no Pokémon Go.

There were loads of people, loads of burgers (and I mean trays and trays of free burgers), free drinks from the bar, live music, and cameras everywhere at the Royal Stacks official launch party. It really was a party! I’m not sure I’d expect much less from the fella behind Royal Stacks, Dani Zeini (he brought you Grand Trailer Park Taverna), and Whitehart owners Stephen Johnson and Sabrina Santucci. Fun fact – Stephen Johnson is an Australian writer, director and producer, best known for his work on Australian classic Yolngu Boy. Shout out my film degree. Just paid for itself.

Royal Stacks burgers are of the US Shake Shack, rather than your 8bit or Huxtaburger variety – more savoury than sweet. The simplest of the three tasty burgers I ate – yes I ate three – was the Single Stack (one patty, tomato, butter lettuce, American cheddar, special burger sauce, pickles). The pickles! Deliciously surprising. Get this one if you just can’t make a decision. There are nine burgers to choose from after all.

The Miss Elizabeth (one patty, swiss cheese, truffled mayo) was my next grab. It sounds simple and unassuming, but you just wait. She will impress, I promise. Pair this with one of their salty sides and you’ll wonder what to do with your life when you’re done. Did I mention the gems? Potato gems are coming back in a big way, and I’ve got to say, I’m very happy about it.

My third and final burger of the evening was the Kavorka (crispy fried chicken, tomato, coleslaw, American cheddar, chipotle mayo, spicy pickles), messy and super tasty, will definitely lure you in – the menu suggests adding a corn and cheese croquette. I suggest adding the mac and cheese croquette. Do it. Don’t think about it.

Get over there this weekend. Everyone loves a food truck.

**The Royal Stacks team revealed more exciting updates during the launch, soon for The Australia Times Gourmet News

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

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MASTERS DANCE EXPO AUSTRALIA 2017

13 September 20226 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

MASTERS’ DANCE EXPO AUSTRALIA 2017

Words by Sumaiya Rizvi

Images by HRPR

Last month’s mega event, Masters Dance Expo 2017, was held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre and attended by industry leaders, dance professionals and dance enthusiasts, with five championship titles and on-the-spot competitions churning out $30,000 in cash prizes.

Directors of Masters of Choreography Jennifer & Milo Peric & friends — Directors of Masters of Choreography
Jennifer & Milo Peric & friends

Masters Dance Expo 2017 saw a sell out crowd of attendees and participants, with talented dance crews from New Zealand, Hobart, Queensland and Melbourne battling for a win, providing the audience with the best in dance entertainment. The full day program was packed with workshops, seminars, competitions, stalls and giveaways, all dedicated to dance.

The highly acclaimed choreographer, Sue Ellen Shook, delivered a Jazz Dance workshop like no other. Speaking with participants it was evident their experience was hugely beneficial, with ‘one on one’ coaching with Sue, whilst networking with like-minded jazz dance enthusiasts.

Renowned choreographer Loredo Malcolm, highly regarded for his work on the ‘Book Of Mormon’, conducted a Contemporary Dance workshop that was nothing short of an exhilarating experience. A few of the participants had been to the ‘Book of Mormon’, and were fascinated by the choreographer’s insights into the production, as well as his ‘behind the scenes’ accounts.

Another industry heavy weight known for his fierce stage presence and epic choreography, CJ SALVADOR, judged the Street Dance Championships. For many dancers, it was a dream come true to be in the presence of an international dance sensation.

Choreographer Gerard Pigg’s Commercial Dance workshop, was yet another highlight of the day.

Meanwhile prizes and surprises were up for grabs, with Hairhouse Warehouse, Bloch Dancewear, Inspire Dancewear, Foxx makeup, and Couture Costume among the stall holders sponsoring gifts.

In between dance championships, competitions and workshops, the audience were enthralled with a silent disco, followed by Hip Hop royalty Rob Rich running a workshop like no other. The day concluded with his entourage RICHFAM, delivering a memorable performance finale to Masters’ Dance Expo 2017.

**Save the Date: Masters Dance Expo Australia 2018 – Sunday 27th May

**Sumaiya was a guest of Helen Reizer HRPR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

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

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The Spook-tacular Fitzroy Street Halloween Festival!

13 September 202231 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

St Kilda, Melbourne

Last Saturday 28th October

The Fitzroy Street Halloween Festival was totally spook-tacular as you can see by the fabulous pics!

Roving entertainment and fun-filled activities ensured there was something for everyone whatever the age.

The Fitzroy Street Halloween Festival ran from afternoon through to early eve, with celebrations spanning the entire length of Fitzroy Street. Special appearances from some of our favourite Halloween personalities, included the Addams Family, the creepy cast of Rocky Horror, and the one and only Dracula, helped maintain a vibrant atmosphere.

However this community event wasn’t all screams and scares! Endless family friendly entertainment included stilt walkers, fire twirlers, and face painters keen to transform fresh faces.

There were plenty of treats alongside the tricks last Saturday, with a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars along Fitzroy Street guaranteed to calm your terror.

Many of the traders and stores along the famous Fitzroy Street strip also got in on the action, decorating their stores, and hosting some of the special guests.

The cauldron was certainly brewing with Fitzroy Street totally transformed, entertaining both Halloween first-timers, to veterans of the festival.

Thanks to Helen Reizer hrpr

Images by HRPR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

E: editorcsl.com

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

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FASHION+AID SYDNEY

13 September 202221 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

FASHION+AID held their first ever FASHION+AID Sydney event at the exclusive Hyatt Regency last Saturday 14th October, hosted by renowned media icon James Mathison and Real Housewives of Sydney star Melissa Tkautz.

The night was an infusion of incredible live music and entertainment, alongside show stopping fashion creations making their statement on the runway.

Guests dined on a luxurious three-course meal, paired with some of the finest wines available, with the Leukaemia Foundation being this year’s charity beneficiary.