The Australia Times

Fratelli Fresh Introduces New Spring Menu

12 September 202227 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Sydney’s Fratelli Fresh Entertainment Quarter Words by Rose Schleicher Images Courtesy of Rockpool Dining Group Spring has finally found its way into our spirits as well as the kitchens of some of Sydney’s most coveted restaurants, including Fratelli Fresh, who recently introduced their new spring menu sure to satisfy your pasta cravings during the warmer … Read more

WINE ISLAND RETURNS TO DROP ANCHOR IN SYDNEY HARBOUR!

12 September 202217 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

‘ENJOY A DROP IN THE HARBOUR THIS NOVEMBER WHEN WINE ISLAND RETURNS TO DROP ANCHOR’ Now in its third year, Australia’s most tropical and unique wine festival, Wine Island, returns to Clark Island, Sydney Harbour from Friday 10 November – Sunday 12 November, 2017. This is the place where you can feel like you’re leaving … Read more

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

THE HOF DOWNTOWN IS BACK!

13 September 202212 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Melbourne – The Hof Downtown Relaunch

Words by Celeste Iuliano

Images Courtesy of Jim Lee & Thomas Bindley

Celeste headed to the Relaunch gig at Melbourne’s The Hof Downtown last week and tucked into Bavarian beer and bretzels…and as the pics suggest, a whole lot more!

October is officially underway with Melburnians plunging into the spirit of Oktoberfest! What better time could there be for the relaunch of The Hof Downtown? The German bar and restaurant is the trendy little sister of Melbourne institution The Hofbräuhaus. Perched in the heart of the Docklands, The Hof was abuzz with footy fans and the after-work crowd before forced to close for flood renovations in March.

That same festive atmosphere was definitely present at the reboot last week, when I turned up to find the party in full swing. With one foot barely in the door, I predictably gravitated to the giant wall of bretzels, warm and chewy – a dream come true – and made sure to grab a stein of weissbier to wash mine down. The Hof boasts ten imported Bavarian boutique beers on tap so, of course, I took the opportunity to follow it up with a dark weissbier for comparison. It smelt surprisingly like toffee!

The evening’s menu showcased the hearty German fare and European-inspired staples that The Hof is known for. Rich chicken liver pâté and cheeses, crispy schnitzel and lemon wedges, beef consommé served with style in a shot glass, salmon with mint and roe, fresh oysters, and flourless chocolate cake to finish. My favourite dish was the mixed skewer of grilled, traditional sausages. A mini version of the sausage platter (yes, there are that many types of German sausages!), it features two types of bratwurst and a kasekrainer. Be sure to have a serviette on hand, though – the kasekrainer is filled with liquid cheese, and things can get a little messy!

Bavarian beer halls are famed meeting grounds for friends, and The Hof’s regular menu certainly encourages a sharing culture. If you head over for lunch or dinner, you can tackle the 1.5kg roast pork knuckle with sauerkraut and mashed potato or the käsespätzle, rich, baked egg noodles with cheese.

Considering the lively vibe, you may even make some new friends to help you out.

Prost!

PLEASE CREDIT 2017 JIM LEE PHOTO — 2017 JIM LEE

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**Celeste was a guest of Helen Reizer hrpr/The Hof Downtown

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

www.editorcsl.com

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

MORE PICS…

Cocktail & Menu Taste Night at StoryVille

13 September 202210 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Tastings at Melbourne’s StoryVille

Words by Kate Taylor

Images supplied

Kate chalked up a night of fine offerings as well as ‘a flight of fantasy’ at StoryVille on the weekend.

We welcome her to the Melbourne team, pleased to see she is a ‘word nerd’ and loves a culinary adventure!

Saturday evening’s cocktail and menu tasting at Melbourne’s StoryVille boasted four story-themed cocktails, three canapés, and a Gatsby-esque enthusiasm for the indulgent. Champagne flowed, cameras flashed, pacy music persisted, while a sparkling mermaid blew scented smoke-filled bubbles into the reaching crowd.

Entering StoryVille is like crossing a threshold. It’s a backstage pass to the fanciful – the return to a travelling carnival that previously only existed in your childhood dreams.

The night kicked off when a tray of glowing cocktail tasters floated around the room, skilfully weaving through the throng.

First Cocktail: Polyjuice (Harry Potter) – kiwi, lime, basil, gin and a dash of ginger liqueur – first on the menu and first in my mouth. Harry Potter tells us Polyjuice Potion enables the consumer to assume the physical appearance of another person – a fitting first drink for those of us entering StoryVille for the first time. You might say that Polyjuice is the altered form of the classic Southside; a refreshing and fun new twist on a timeless cocktail.

Next came a tray of mouthwatering canapés – Lavosh crackers supported delicate pieces of Fourme d’Ambert (cow’s milk blue cheese) atop pickled baby figs, with a dollop of peach and muscatel chutney. A highly recommended combination if you’re in the mood for an exciting cheese platter.

Second Cocktail: Through the Looking Glass – a foggy cocktail crafted with berries, cream tea and white rum, was poured from teapots and sipped from teacups. In Alice in Wonderland we fall upon the Mad Hatter’s tea party rather accidentally, but in Alice Through the Looking Glass we make a knowing step with Alice into a strange and mysterious world. This is a sweet cocktail with a strong rum flavour, and a nurturing backbone to carry you comfortably through to the other side.

StoryVille’s food menu is dominated by their humbling and perfectly toasted white bread jaffles, leaving me to happily savour two: Three Blind Mice and Cinderella’s Ride.

Three Blind Mice is a three cheese, Dijon mustard and red onion dream, as you can imagine. Although the cheeky tang from the mustard and the onion remind you you’re an adult, you can’t help being drawn back to the melted cheese toasties of your childhood.

Cinderella’s Ride is the accidental hero of the food menu. A roast pumpkin, Meredith goat’s cheese and spinach, golden toasted memory from the depths of your grandma’s love for you – with a little sriracha kick. Subtle and sweet with surprising bursts of earthy flavour, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and everything you ever wanted in a jaffle. Share this and Three Blind Mice with your best friend and you won’t be disappointed.

If you missed the candied bacon cocktail phase a few years ago, slow your worries because it’s back! On StoryVille’s cocktail list is Mr Pilkington’s Neighbour (Animal Farm). This is sweet and salty bacon-washed Bulleit bourbon, with spiced apple syrup, and comes with a side of candied maple bacon. While not for the faint of heart it is however, a complicated drink for a complicated comrade!

More trays of cocktail tasters moved around the bar. A standout was a Chinese rice tea infused vodka martini with a twist of lemon. This one doesn’t appear officially on their menu, so it doesn’t have a name yet. I’d like to suggest the Jekyll and Hyde – civilising tea, and fraying vodka. A contradiction of concepts; a perfect storm.

The lasting ‘after taste’ of the soft savoury tea was a great nightcap, and slowly roused a gentle reality. It was time to wake up.

https://www.storyvillemelbourne.com.au/

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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 from StoryVille TASTE Night…

The Cliveden to Serve up ‘Footy Lovers Buffet’ on Grand Final Day

13 September 202221 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

MELBOURNE – The Cliveden Bar & Dining – Saturday 30 September Watch the action on 64-inch TV screens! A stones throw away from The G, hear the roar of the crowd and echo of the sirens, whilst enjoying classics like: • ‘The G Roast Roll’ – a tribute to the classic MCG Beef Roll … Read more

#GLEN GETS MOJO!

13 September 20228 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Melburnians love White Mojo, so when Helen Reizer hrpr invited us to the VIP Launch of new White Mojo Plus+ in Glen Waverley, @we8melbourne were counting the sleeps! White Mojo is a Speciality Coffee Roaster with a unique, breakfast, brunch and dinner menu, alongside hand-roasted speciality coffee, ‘guaranteed to lift your spirits any morning of the week.’

Words by we8melbourne

The latest addition to the booming Glen Waverley food scene is the amazing White Mojo! We had the pleasure of attending their VIP launch last week and what a pleasure it was. The front of the venue is pared back with wide windows revealing a view to the rear. We were more than excited as we walked the red carpet to to be greeted on entry by two lovely ladies! Floral installations hanging from a white panelled ceiling, are particularly eye-catching, adding to the visual appeal of this beautiful new haven for Melbourne food lovers.

The place was buzzing with a DJ rocking some great tunes, while guests in *B+W chatted away sipping on their champers, as we took a sneak peek to the left momentarily thinking we were in heaven! A dessert table…yes!!! Think…chunks of chocolate, macaroons and other sweet delicacies! Further along we noted what could only be described as the ‘ultimate cheese platter table’… nothing could have prepared us for such a delectable spread. We savoured pretty well everything, however voted the smoked salmon as the ‘perfect palate pleaser’.

There’s a first for everything and the donut wall was a first for us! I mean a whole wall full of donuts? Who could say ‘no’, especially when they happened to be from **Bistro Morgan? Donut overindulgence seemed completely appropriate to fit the occasion!

We eventually found ourselves in the dining room, where a stunning suspended floral feature was demanding a considerable amount of attention, with guests taking advantage of such a photogenic backdrop.

Meanwhile it was hard to ignore the large dining table overflowing with gift bags for home. Mmmmm…coffee beans, croissants, juice and more…perfect for those with sore heads the next morning.

*black + white

**@bistromorgan set up the Donut Wall and Installation

https://www.instagram.com/whitemojo/

https://www.whitemojo.com.au/

info@whitemojo.com.au

GLEN WAVERLEY: White Mojo Plus+

83-85 Kingsway

Glen Waverley Vic 3150

Mon to Frid 7am to 11pm

Weekends 8am to 11pm

BALWYN: White Mojo Speciality Coffee & Roaster

182-184 Whitehorse Rd

Balwyn Vic 3103

Mon to Frid 7am – 4pm

Weekends 8am to 5pm

CITY: White Mojo Speciality Coffee & Roaster

115 Hardware St

Melbourne Vic 3000

Mon to Fri 7am – 4pm

weekends 8am – 5pm

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Additional Information & Images Courtesy of White Mojo/Helen Reizer hrpr

Images: we8melbourne & Matt Breckenridge

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

View further pics on the Launch of White Mojo Glen Waverley…

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

INTRODUCING…StoryVille

10 December 20226 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

StoryVille set to launch in MELBOURNE! Words by Keti Kezunovic This September, Melbourne’s CBD is excited to welcome an unforgettable bar to its evening landscape – StoryVille. Owned by Steve and Keti Thomas – the team behind Pawn & Co. and 29th apartment– StoryVille honours childhood fables and fairytales in an exquisite fit-out that evokes … Read more

Cherry Blossom Season with Celebratory Cocktails at Saké

9 December 20224 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Saké Celebrates the Arrival of Cherry Blossom Season Saké Restaurant & Bar is gearing up for its annual, month-long Cherry Blossom celebrations of all that spring and the new season has to offer… The celebrations run from Monday 4th – Saturday 30th September and kick off with the release of a range of gorgeous, seasonal cocktails designed by Rockpool Dining Group’s National … Read more

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