The Australia Times

Recipe by Kirsten Tibballs: Tahitian Vanilla Cupcakes

12 September 202210 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Tahiti Tourism National Vanilla Day **What a fabulous reason to eat cupcakes! To celebrate what is possibly one of the most delicious days on the calendar, one of the country’s best pastry chefs – Kirsten Tibballs – has created the attached recipes using the best vanilla in the world – from The Islands of Tahiti. … 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

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

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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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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

CHEFS GALLERY SET FOR A SCARY HALLOWEEN!

20 August 202223 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Ghosts, Witches and Creatures of Fright: Chefs Gallery Introduce Devil Sago Delights!

Chefs Gallery, Sydney’s favourite contemporary Chinese, have conjured up a terrifying new menu addition this Halloween. Wickedly delicious and frighteningly fun, the Devil Sago Delights are a terrifying treat for the tastebuds, and will be available 29th to 31st October only.

With a devilishly indulgent meringue laid to rest atop chocolate soil and silky coconut sago, the Devil Sago Delights are finished with a petrifying Chinese-spiced pumpkin sponge, and chocolate bone and cross. They will be available at Chefs Gallery restaurants in Town Hall, Macquarie Centre, Bankstown, Parramatta and Hurstville.

“Creating innovative food experiences has always been our mission at Chefs Gallery, but for Halloween we like to come up with special treats that are as sumptuous as they are spooky. Be sure to come in and summon our Devil Sago Delights, if you dare!” said Pastry Chef Candy Liang.

Chefs Gallery has become famous for its innovative desserts, from their hugely popular Piggy Faced Buns to the creamy delights of their Emoji buns, which encourage diners to poke a hole in their mouth, squeeze their head and watch the eggy custard goodness ooze from their mouth.

The experience of dining at Chefs Gallery is one that is unique in its theatre, artistry and taste. With chefs crafting hand-made noodles behind the glass walled kitchen, as well as a superbly curated menu bursting with taste sensations, Chefs Gallery is a true feast for the senses.

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Stay in touch with Chefs Gallery:

Website: www.chefsgallery.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChefsGalleryRestaurant

Instagram: @chefsgallery

Twitter: @chefsgallery

Chefs Gallery Locations:

Town Hall – Shop 12, 501 George Street Sydney NSW 2000

Macquarie Shopping Centre – Shop 402, North Ryde NSW 2113

Bankstown – Little Saigon Plaza Ground Floor – Shop G03-06, 462 Chapel Rd Bankstown NSW 2200

Parramatta – Westfield Parramatta Ground Floor – Shop 2184, 159-175 Church St Parramatta

Hurstville – Westfield Hurstville, 256 Forest Rd entrance via The Eatery, Hurstville

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Information and Image Courtesy of Chefs Gallery/Cardinal Spin – Amy Owen

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/

W: editorcsl.com

READ ON FOR INFO ON CHEFS GALLERY RESTAURANTS…

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…

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

Australia’s Most Opulent Champagne Lunch!

13 September 202223 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

SYDNEY FOOD & CHAMPAGNE LOVERS… Saké Double Bay offers free-flowing Dom Pérignon at Australia’s most opulent Champagne lunch, from Saturday 26th August. Saké Restaurant & Bar Double Bay is dialling up the decadence with free-flowing Dom Pérignon, where from Saturday, 26 August, guests can indulge in a carefully curated lunch menu ($75pp) every Saturday and … Read more

Welcome Back to Saké Shaun Presland!

13 September 202223 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Rockpool Dining Group welcomes Shaun Presland back to the fold, as Saké Executive Chef, and Resident Chef at Saké The Rocks. Shaun was a key member of the launch team of the first Saké Restaurant & Bar in The Rocks in 2008, and oversaw the broader group of Saké restaurants in Double Bay, Hamer Hall … Read more

Lunch on the Run with Saké’s Bento Box Express Lunch

13 September 202222 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Saké’s Bento Box Express Lunch

Review by Celeste Iuliano…”a real stand-out”.

It can be hard to grab a satisfying lunch on the run. The good news is that you can ditch your sad servo sandwich, because Saké Restaurant & Bar has recently launched the Bento Box Express Lunch at their five locations across Melbourne and Sydney.

Part of Australia’s largest dining group, Rockpool Dining Group, Saké upholds the brands’ reputation for quality and innovation. Their bento box is a creative and refined taken on the traditional Japanese workers’ lunch, featuring modern classics prepared with fresh ingredients. The many elements of a bento box naturally guarantee that you’ll be spoilt for choice, however Saké’s version rotates on occasions to keep things interesting!

The Bento Box currently on offer comes with miso soup, sashimi, nasu dengaku (miso-glazed eggplant), popcorn shrimp, and ginger garlic chicken. It’s hard to know where to begin when everything looks so good. Fortunately you’ll start your meal off with a generous serving of warm, slightly salty edamame seasoned with nori chilli. These humble soybeans are a favourite snack in Japan, where people often enjoy them with a good beer at their local izakaya. Saké offers two fantastic Coedo beers on tap to help you wash them down – Shiro, a smooth white beer with a hint of banana, and the sharper Marihana.

Once you’ve whet your appetite, you’re ready for the main event! The nasu dengaku has a deliciously sticky coating with 5 types of sesame seeds, and is a fantastic introduction to the bento box. As for the chicken, it’s sous-vide for 12 hours then flash fried to give the skin a light crisp. Its flavours are delicate, with the mushrooms in the dipping sauce giving it a nice umami. Of course, the seafood is the hero of the meal. The sashimi is fresh, with the salmon being a personal highlight, and the popcorn shrimp is a fun addition – springy and chewy with the light acidity of yuzu juice cutting through the creamy coating.

You’ll definitely be feeling full and happy at this point, but there’s always room for dessert. The final element of the lunch is a delicious scoop of green tea ice-cream, made fresh in-house every 2 days.

This is an express lunch, so of course you can take it away to enjoy in the comfort of your office. But, if you find yourself with some time up your sleeve, there’s no better way to escape these cold winter days than by savouring your meal in the transportive restaurant. The choice is yours.

The Bento Box Express Lunch is available daily from 12pm-3pm at all Saké restaurants

sakerestaurant.com.au

**Celeste Iuliano was a guest of Saké Restaurant & Bar, Flinders Lane, Melbourne. She is a regular writer for The Australia Times Gourmet News, and loves nothing better than checking out the latest menus and tasty morsels around her city, as well as attending awesome events, sharing her experiences with readers. Her last fab review? The Donut & Beer Fest!

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Images Courtesy of Thomas Bindley/Saké Restaurant & Bar/Michelle Campbell – Minc Communications/Rockpool Dining Group

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

**Read on for the Bento Box Express Lunch Menu & Additional Pics…

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