The Australia Times

‘THE STILETTO WOMAN’ LAUNCHES AT MON BIJOU

8 December 202214 December 2017 by Connie Lambeth

‘The Stiletto Woman’ – an empowering new book by Marisa Ferraro

Words by Sarah Gill – Images Courtesy of Kon Iatrou

Mon Bijou is located in an alley way off Melbourne’s Flinders Lane. A red carpet and neon sign are the only hints of this secret little bar, evoking a ‘celebrity feel’.

A speedy lift to level 10 and I’ve arrived at this unique penthouse venue with ‘floor-to-ceiling’ windows revealing panoramic views of the inner city skyline. Handed an espresso martini, it was hard to miss the bar with a guest lineup of martinis. Plus plenty of sparkling wine of course! The ceiling provided an interesting conversation point, with pink hexagon shapes reflecting the crowd below. It was intriguing and made for a great photo opportunity. The canapés on offer were zesty and fresh, with my favourite the moorish smoked trout mousse on a petite pancake.

The launch of ‘The Stiletto Woman’ by Marisa Ferraro seemed the perfect fit for this luxe venue, part of the Adelphi Hotel. As the book is all about sister solidarity, Mon Bijou is certainly the place to bring the girls.

This is a book that tells it like it is. It gives you the support and pep talk you need to find your way through the issues many women face today in the dating world, and the search for the right partner. ‘The Stiletto Woman’ is about taking control of your love life and finding empowerment in that control.

The designer crowd matched the designer venue, with guests exuding sophistication, confidence, and empowerment, ideally enhancing the themes of Marisa’s book.

“Take control of your love life and find your happiness by rediscovering the beautiful woman that is you.”

Mon Bijou

187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC

https://www.missmarisa.com.au/product/the-stiletto-woman/

**Sarah was a guest of Helen Reizer HRPR

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, BEVERAGE & GUEST PICS…

‘LAUNCHING’ AT THE CLIVEDEN!

10 December 20224 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

THE CLIVEDEN BAR AND DINING

Words by Celeste Iuliano

Images Courtesy of Thomas Bindley, The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co.

Last week’s Launch Event at The Cliveden Bar and Dining kept the cocktails flowing, as the crowd moved between tables of tempting bites. Charcuterie? Freshly shucked oysters anyone? Plenty of action at the bar too, with my personal fave a flamboyant passionfruit cocktail, aptly tagged ‘Flaming Passion’, chartreuse alight! This is one beverage designed to end an impressive meal, or kick off a night on the town!

The Cliveden offers guests a ‘new way to buffet’. There are 5 different buffet menus, influenced by Mediterranean and European flavours, all with a focus on fresh ingredients and artisanal food. Between charcuterie, perfectly cooked meat and seafood, and delicate desserts, you’ll enjoy quantity and quality.

While you’re at The Cliveden, be sure to spend some time in the lounge. With 116 seats and a relaxing vibe, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your Espresso Martini! The bar boasts European and local craft beers, ciders, a selection of the best Australian wines, and signature cocktails such as the Bloody Aussie Negroni, a creation of Four Pillars Shiraz Gin (Vic), Red Økar Amaro (S.A.), and Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (Vic).

The Cliveden Bar & Dining is part of Pullman Melbourne on The Park’s $6 million makeover. Conveniently located a stone’s throw from the MCG, it is based on the site of the original 1887 mansion. In early Federation Melbourne, The Cliveden was a popular social club, and host to several balls and garden parties. Today it retains the original stained glass panelling and restored woodwork, however the bar and dining area has been given a modern makeover. The combination of classic and contemporary elements makes for a classy, intimate space.

Love an imaginative Cocktail, flavour packed dining choices, and a beaut spot to chill?

Head to the Cliveden!

The Cliveden Bar & Dining Pullman Melbourne On The Park 192 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002

Reservations: thecliveden@accor.com

Website: www.theclivedenbaranddining.com.au

Instagram @thecliveden
Facebook @theclivedenbaranddining

**Celeste was a guest of The Cliveden Bar & Dining and Kate & Co.

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Additional Information Courtesy of The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co. – Hayley Edwards

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Looking for more pics from the Launch? Read on…

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…

THE CLIVEDEN OPENS IN EAST MELBOURNE

13 September 202230 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Cliveden Bar & Dining opened this week. A fitting tribute to an 80s and 90s restaurant icon…

The Cliveden Bar & Dining in East Melbourne, showcases a ‘new way to buffet’, with a keen focus on local and artisan produce and beverages, across an impressive 1000 square metre space.

The Cliveden Bar & Dining (phonetically pronounced Cleev-den) is situated on the same site as one of Melbourne’s most exclusive fine dining restaurants of the 1980s and 1990s – The Cliveden Room – where A- listers such as Barry Humphries, Bert Newton and Jeff Kennett were amongst its famous clientele.

Executive Chef John Ross has curated five unique buffet menus for the restaurant. Concepts include European and Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, comforting roasts, and weekend brunch featuring seafood and pancakes. Separate to the buffet menu, guests can enjoy afternoon share plates, high tea (launching in October), and a charcuterie offering.

The oversized Cliveden Bar shines as a focal point of the space, animated by mixologists shaking up Insta-worthy cocktails, including the Bloody Aussie Negroni made with Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin (Vic), Maidenii Sweet Vermouth (Vic) and Red Økar Amaro (SA), served on a sphere of ice with burnt orange zest. Guests can snuggle into a cosy nook, perch at the bar, or gather at low-set round tables, and enjoy live oyster shucking (selected days).

The wine list showcases some of Victoria’s best wines from producers in the Yarra Valley, Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, as well as European varietals. There will be a particular focus on craft beer and cider, plus a range of European brews – both bottled and on tap – and signature spirits (a bespoke spirit range is in development), perfect for pre and post drinks after major sporting events at the MCG and surrounding stadiums.

The Cliveden Bar & Dining Pullman Melbourne On The Park 192 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002

Reservations: thecliveden@accor.com Website: www.theclivedenbaranddining.com.au Instagram @thecliveden
Facebook @theclivedenbaranddining

Information & Images Courtesy of The Cliveden Bar & Dining/Kate & Co. – Hayley Edwards

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Read on for additional info and Pics on The Cliveden…

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…

FEAST ON A MIDDLE EASTERN THEMED MENU AT TRUNKTOWN

13 September 202221 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

New Middle Eastern themed menu launched recently at Melbourne’s Trunk Restaurant & Bar…

Trunk

275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

The new Middle Eastern themed menu at Melbourne’s Trunk Restaurant and Bar is going down a treat with Melbourne food lovers, with founding owner, Nick Kutcher, predicting this ancient cuisine as about to have a renaissance.

“It’s clear Middle Eastern food is picking up momentum in 2017. International chef, Yotam Ottolenghi, visited Australia this year, and there was a lot of interest around his use of Middle Eastern flavours – it really pushed the cuisine into the spotlight. Places like Tulum are further putting the spotlight on Middle Eastern food.”

“Modern day Middle Eastern food is inspired by so many different countries – it’s incredibly diverse and many people might not realise this. Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel, all play a part in the kaleidoscope of flavours found in Middle Eastern food.”

“It’s been a fascinating cuisine to explore at Trunk Restaurant and Bar. The colourful Persian jewelled rice, served with pistachio crusted chicken is such a pretty dish; it’s definitely one of my favourite additions,” said Kutcher.

Other highlights from the Middle Eastern menu include tuna tartare with sashimi grade tuna, burghul, pomegranate, taramasalata, quail egg, and crisps; Bastilla with confit duck, dates, walnuts, cinnamon, radicchio and beetroot salad; and char grilled octopus with merguez, smoked paprika, potatoes, peppers and walnuts.

For dessert, try the highly Instragrammable Arabian Pavlova, a rosewater meringue piled high with pistachio semifreddo, halva, Turkish delight, and berries.

For a more casual offering, Trunk Diner – located adjacent to Trunk Restaurant – serves American-style breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks 7 days a week from a stand-alone kitchen and bar. Trunk Diner seats 60.

And it’s not all about the food; guests from the restaurant, bar and diner spill out into the CBD’s biggest outdoor beer garden – Trunk Beer Garden – with 14 tap beers, 30 speciality cocktails, and more than 100 different wines on offer.

Kick off the night with an indulgent Espresso Martini, with 5 creations, including the Ferrero Rocher (Frangelico, Wyborowa vodka, cold-drip coffee, choc-hazelnut wafer, chocolate floss) and the Salted Caramel, (house-infused caramel vodka, Kahlua, caramel, cold-drip coffee, chocolate pretzel rim). For a Middle Eastern twist, try the Rose Martini (Melbourne Gin Company gin, grapefruit, lemon, eau de rose, and pistachio crumb).

A private dining option is also available at Trunk’s Rintel Room – an intimate event space hosting up to 60 guests. The Restaurant and Bar, Diner, Beer Garden, or the entire venue can be reserved for events.

Restaurant and Bar: Open every day 12.00pm until late

Trunk Diner and Trunk Beer Garden: Open weekdays 7.30am until late; Weekends 8.00am until late

Trunk

Ph: 03 9663 7994

E: info@trunktown.com.au

W: www.trunktown.com.au

Instagram @trunktown

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Information & Images Courtesy of Trunk/Kate & Co – Hayley Edwards

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

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

Read on to check out the back story of Trunk…

Smooth Festival of Chocolate in the Rocks

13 September 20229 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Rocks Sydney – Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th August 2017

10am to 6pm daily

The sweet cravings of chocolate lovers everywhere will be thoroughly tested this weekend at Smooth Festival of Chocolate in the Rocks! Chocolate indulgences will include gelato, popsicles, doughnuts, brownies, cheesecake, double choc cookie ice cream sandwiches, tiramisu, doughnuts, profiteroles, chocolatey desserts, nutella and salted caramel temptations, plus more treats at every turn! Then there’s the double choc cookie ice cream sandwiches…and the must try ‘smooth Chocolate Ale’, a collaboration by Endeavour Beer and Sydney Chocolate, crafted exclusively for the fest.

Exhibitors:

This year’s line-up includes amazing offerings from Black Star Pastry, Gelato Messina, Serendipity Ice Cream, Jasper & Myrtle, The Profiterole Project, The Dessert House, Dessert Jars by Rocco, The Vogue Café, Piazza D’Oro.

For the full exhibitor list, regularly updated: https://www.smooth.com.au/events/smooth-festival-chocolate-exhibitors

Highlights at this year’s festival include:

The Lindt Lounge, Cooking Demonstrations, The Baci Chocolatier’s Quarters featuring: a Pop Up Baci Chocolate Shop and over 10 artisan chocolatiers, Mr Black Espresso Martini Bar, The smooth Star’s Stage, The smooth Relaxation Station, Zumbo Ski Lodge, The Cellarmasters Touring Cellar Door, the ”Bone Shaker” moving chocolate masterpiece, and The Sydney Props Specialist Jungle Laneway.

Information & Images Courtesy of: Smooth Festival of Chocolate in the Rocks

www.smooth.com.au/smooth/festival-of-chocolate/

**Read Natalie Salvo’s article – 2016 Fest:

https://theaustraliatimes.com/magazine/gourmet/issue/411/#40

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

Email: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for Additional Information & Pics…

Winemakers of Rutherglen to Bring Pop-Up Wine Bar to Melbourne City Laneway

13 September 20227 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

The Winemakers of Rutherglen will bring a pop-up wine bar to a Melbourne CBD laneway from Friday 25 August 2017 to Sunday 27 August 2017 for a one-time-only, three-day wine event: Rutherglen in the City.

Rutherglen in the City will bring the essence and wines of the iconic Rutherglen wine region to The Strand Melbourne’s Driver Lane and provide Melburnians with the opportunity to taste and learn more about the region’s unique wine varietals and its winemakers.

Capturing the true Rutherglen feeling, Driver Lane will be transformed into a winter wine bar right in the heart of the city with fairy lights, wine barrels, Australian foliage, communal furniture, acoustic tunes and a mock cellar door.

Melbourne wine enthusiasts will have the chance to meet and chat with the winemakers face-to-face; sample a selection of wines, before indulging in some of the region’s best offerings.

Melburnians will discover 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.

Fast Facts

When: Friday 25 August 2017 – Sunday 27 August 2017

Time: Friday: 5pm-10pm; Saturday: 12pm-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Where: Driver Lane, The Strand Melbourne

Cost: Free entry and complimentary cellar door tastings, food and wine at bar prices

For more info or to share the love, visit:

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen

www.winemakers.com.au

Information & Images Courtesy of Winemakers of Rutherglen, Georgie James Photography/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big Marketing PR

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

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for more Information & Pics from The Winemakers of Rutherglen…

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