The Australia Times

The Bavarian Beerhaüs Opens RNA Showgrounds Brisbane – Friday 25 May

10 October 202221 May 2018 by Connie Lambeth

The Bavarian Beerhaüs brings 40 beers and carnivalesque escapades to Brisbane The Bavarian Beerhaüs turns on the taps to Queensland’s best selection of beer and a fairground-inspired eating and entertainment experience when it opens at the RNA Showgrounds at 11am on Friday 25th May. Located in the Showgrounds’ refurbished dining precinct, King Street Co-Op, at … Read more

HOLY DUCK! FLIES UP NORTH OVER THE BRIDGE

13 November 20226 March 2018 by Connie Lambeth

Another Holy Duck! for Sydney Get ready to go quackers – Holy Duck!, Kensington Street’s go-to eatery for fresh fusion eats, are bringing their mouth-watering magic to Castlecrag. With a funky new location at the Quadrangle Shopping Village, Holy Duck! will serve up the best of modern Chinese cuisine with all the atmosphere of a … Read more

SUMMER SCREENINGS AT LIDO ON THE ROOF

12 September 202228 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Summer at Lido on the Roof – Melbourne Lido on the Roof returns for its third year in the moonlight, showcasing the best of new release films and a curated selection of retro classics. With a new and improved rooftop bar and extended trading hours, patrons can head upstairs to meet friends for a drink … Read more

HAWTHORN’S LIDO ON THE ROOF RETURNS

10 September 202223 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Lido Cinemas – Melbourne Words by Kate Taylor You may have heard of the Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn, but what you may not have heard is that they have a rooftop. And on that rooftop they have a bar. And to the left of that bar, is a large outdoor cinema screen. Scattered around … Read more

Wine Island 2017

12 September 202222 November 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Wine Island – Sydney Harbour

Words & Images by Rose Schleicher

Barely quarter after nine on a Friday morning and we’re at the steps of the ‘Man O War’ pier at Sydney Opera House, keen to board the three-deck ferry along with a large ensemble of wine enthusiasts. Wine Island. It sounds like a magical place, and Dionysus, Greek God of vino and ecstasy, would quite possibly agree. We’re bound for Clark Island, just a 20 minute boat ride from Sydney Harbour, to a popular event now in its third year. Understandably so; who doesn’t want to be stranded on an island with views of Sydney’s iconic skyline while savouring refreshing beverages under blue skies? Exactly. Me too.

As the ferry pulls up to the the island’s wharf, the sun is blasting in full spring glory, so there’s plenty of appreciation for the island staff who present each guest with a fresh bottle of water. Excellent thinking! ‘Holidaymakers’ rapidly disembark and fan out left and right to secure one of the highly-sought-after sun loungers by the water, and of course get first taste of more than 100 new waves and classic wines on offer. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red, a light white or something with a little more fizz – here, you can be certain there’s a hut for it.

Cured Meats & Cheeses by @churburgersurryhills

Meanwhile award-winning kitchen guru Warren Turnbull from Chur Burger Surry Hills, whipped up some scrumptious bites to go with the liquid diet. The menu featured freshly shucked oysters, assorted cheeses, Hawaiian poke and fish tacos, amongst other delectables. For those who were craving a heartier meal, succulent spit-roasted lamb pitas, plus Turnbull’s signature Chur burgers were on offer too.

Spit-roasted Lamb Pita by @churburgersurryhills

Hawaiian Poke Bowl by @churburgersurryhills

If you were looking to fill your stomachs as well as educate your senses, Wine Selectors offered a range of entertaining Masterclasses. You could put your wine knowledge to the test at ‘Vino Trivia’, expand your expertise on Cold-blooded Reds, or dance to Daft Punk and other alluring beats at ‘Silent Disco Drops’. The Dessert Masterclass was a exceptional treat, pairing a selection of curated desserts from the pastry wizards at Barangaroo’s 12-Micron with matching semi-sweet dessert wines.

Peanut Butter , Rosella, toast ice cream — Peanut Butter , rosella, toast ice cream by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron

While we could feel our hearts sink a bit when boarding the Luxe Bubbles boat for the inevitable return trip, it’s fair to say that it was for the best. After all, all good things come to an end. However, a few bottles of our favourite rosé made their way home with us, and will undoubtedly help us cherish this day for some time to come. Or at the very least until the very last drop has been savoured.

**Sydney Food/Wine/Events writer Rose Schleicher was a guest of Wine Island/The Modern Society PR

https://wineisland.com.au/

Wine Island 2015 was awarded the title of Best New Event 2015 by Concrete Playground (www.concreteplayground.com)
Wine Island 2016 won the Experiential Award for Best Festival by the Plus Ones & The Socialites

Pyengana Cheddar, Milk Chocolate, Plum, Honeycomb — Pyengana Cheddar, milk chocolate, plum, honeycomb by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron

Peanut Butter, Rosella, toast ice cream by @ashcamsmith 12 Micron — Peanut Butter, Rosella, toast ice cream by
@ashcamsmith 12 Micron

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 PICS FROM WINE ISLAND…

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/

MORE PICS…

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

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…

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…

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