The Australia Times

PROJECT KARMA LAUNCHES AT GLASS MERCHANTS

5 December 20225 December 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Project Karma Launch at Glass Merchants

Balaclava Melbourne

Words by Amy Foyster

Images Courtesy of David Diep – That’s The Shot Photography

New Melbourne charity fights child sex trafficking

Project Karma is a new, Melbourne-based charity fighting child exploitation across the globe.

At their recent launch event at Balaclava’s Glass Merchants, Project Karma’s founder Glen Hulley, spoke about his experiences working in the Victorian Police force and ultimately, how he came to found the charity. After a trip to Cambodia in 2013 when Hulley was offered a child for sexual services, he returned to Australia, sold everything he owned and formed Project Karma.

Hulley’s background in the police force has enabled him to assist Australian and international law enforcement and government bodies, diplomats, consuls and ambassadors, in addressing child exploitation in South East Asia.

Project Karma aims to disrupt the organised crime networks that create and supply a market of children for sexual exploitation. These networks often get away with this illegal activity due to how dangerous they are, and because wealthy western paedophiles are their main customers. Project Karma are committed to taking the risks and means required to take on these networks and change the situation.

Glass Merchants served an impressive array of finger food, wine and beer, including large cheese and charcuterie boards for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

Further Information/Donations: www.projectkarma.com.au

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

W: editorcsl.com

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MORE GREAT PICS FROM PROJECT KARMA LAUNCH AT GLASS MERCHANTS…

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…

FARM FRESH DINING AT BELLBIRD DINING + BAR

13 September 202227 October 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Sydney Restaurant Launches Saturday 4th November 12pm – 2pm

Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Launches Brand New Seasonal Dining Destination

**Sydney writer Lucy Collins will be heading to next week’s launch for The Australia Times Gourmet News

It might be named after the abundant songbirds populating the adjacent riverside, but Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre’s soon-to-be-launched Bellbird Dining + Bar is anything but commonplace.

Launching on Saturday 4 November, 12 – 2pm the new seasonal dining destination spins traditional restaurant models on their heads, with an ever-changing menu offering exquisite fine dining out west – at pub prices!

With a whopping 65% of produce grown and harvested just 50 metres from the kitchen door, Bellbird Dining + Bar champions sustainability and low food miles. Paired with direct relationships with artisan suppliers from the local NSW area, it offers a genuine farm-to-table culinary experience, with all dishes $18 or under.

Having already gained a loyal word-of-mouth following, Bellbird’s official opening will be part of an exciting launch day at CPAC, with the Wendy Harmer Curates exhibition kicking off at 2PM, plus Sydney Film Festival’s monthly screening for November, the enchanting cat docco Kedi, at 4PM.

The launch is a great chance to sample Bellbird’s fantastic fare for yourself, with canapes showcasing seasonal herbs and vegetables harvested on-site alongside fresh Hawkesbury River oysters, calamari, eco-farmed pork, quail, and goat’s cheese sourced locally around NSW. Drinks will also be provided by South Western Sydney brewery Stockade Brew Co., plus wines from Artemis in the Southern Highlands.

At the helm is Cordon Bleu-trained Head Chef Federico Rekowski, best known for his 12 years at the highly-rated Courtney’s Brasserie in Parramatta. Supported by Sous Chef Steven Pham (Ex-Courtney’s Brasserie, Fish Face), Federico’s inspiring dishes blend French haute cuisine flair with contemporary Asian and South American influences.

Bellbird will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 3pm, and is raising the bar on what to expect from arts centre dining. It marks the continuation of a grand new refresh of CPAC. Bellbird also serves dinner to accompany select evening events, screenings and performances.

Event Info
What: Bellbird Dining + Bar Official Launch
When: Saturday 4 November, 12 – 2pm
Where: Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula NSW 2170 (don’t forget, Casula has its own train station!)

Bellbird Dining + Bar

Opening Hours: 7 days a week, 10am – 3pm
Website: http://www.casulapowerhouse.com/visit/bellbird-dining-and-bar Facebook: www.facebook.com/bellbirdatcasulapowerhouseliverpool Contact: (02) 9824 1121

Information & Images Courtesy of Bellbird Dining & Bar/Cardinal Spin

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/

READ ON FOR INFO ON BELLBIRD’S HEAD CHEF & SOUS CHEF, THE CPAC KITCHEN GARDEN, CASULA POWERHOUSE’S EVOLUTION, LIVERPOOL MAYOR, PLUS ADDITIONAL PICS…

SLEEK AND STYLISH: MELBOURNE’S NEW DIESEL BAR

13 September 202229 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

Words by Kelly Sargent

Images Courtesy of Carly Ravenhall

Melbourne’s newest CBD Bar, Diesel, is as ‘Melbourne’ as it gets; that is, an inconspicuous facade with plenty of action on the inside.

Located at 202 Little Lonsdale St and part of Melbourne Central, the new Diesel Bar and Eatery is a spacious three level venue which could be dismissed as another heritage brick building should you miss the sign. Diesel boasts a stylish fit out; a classy bar perfect for after work drinks, or a lively night out.

The entry door opens to the middle floor, revealing a long room and open kitchen where you can watch the chefs in action. There’s a friendly vibe, with both reasonably priced and fine wine options. It’s not too often ‘friendly and stylish’ go together, but the middle floor at Diesel bar makes it work. Couldn’t get enough of the tenderised beef bites and tasty spring rolls, topped off with a drop or two of sparkling!

The sleek downstairs powder room hosts both girls and guys…yes they’re unisex toilets! Apparently this is an increasing trend in inner city bars, and if you thought this was due to lack of space, that’s not the case at Diesel.

Upstairs you’ll hear city beats pumping across a chic, industrial space. There’s a sizeable central island bar with booths on one side, great for socialising, or perhaps you’d prefer to slink into a private space. The romantic lighting and warm atmosphere make this an excellent date night choice, or a great spot for an intimate catch-up with the girls.

The outdoor area is part of the rear laneway, offering a smoking area only. This is fine given all that’s happening inside, typically Melbourne once again.

With a slick interior of various dynamic spaces, along with fine food and wine, Diesel Bar and Eatery has quickly earned the reputation as one of Melbourne’s most sought after bars.

www.dieselbar.melbourne/

**Kelly was a guest of Helen Reizer hrpr

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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 OF DIESEL BAR & EATERY HERE…

#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…

FASHION+AID 2017

13 September 202229 August 2017 by Connie Lambeth

FASHION+AID partners with HARROLDS

Words by Sumaiya Rizvi

At the recent red carpet Media Launch, FASHION+AID announced they are partnering with Australia’s luxury boutique department store, Harrolds, who are set to showcase the world’s finest designers at this highly anticipated event to be held on 9th of September at the Crown Palladium.

FASHION+AID 2017 celebrates it’s milestone 10th year anniversary, and is a benchmark event on the social calendar.

Harrolds is set to unveil some of latest designer master pieces and collections from Victoria Beckham, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Tom Ford, Comme des Garçons, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Valentino and Kenzo, to name a few.

This year FASHION+AID will be hosted by Dave Hughes, with the Leukaemia Foundation the charity beneficiary for the live pledge. The event will continue with it’s groundbreaking tradition to forge the fashion, music and entertainment industries in support of a worthy cause. This will be a night to remember and is expected to be an exclusive sell out event.

Tickets start from $350 per ticket, with general tables of 10 starting from $3,500 and premium tables of 10 starting from $4,500. But for the best seats in the house, you can opt for the VIP experience and take a front row table at $5,500.

The event offers a luxurious three-course meal, sipping on the finest wines, whilst witnessing one of the best fashion events of the year. And if you are up for more…there’s an exclusive ‘after party’ to be held at Bond Melbourne (@bondmelb).

**over 250 guests attended the launch at Bond Melbourne, hosted by Dave Hughes. Harrolds are the major sponsors for Fashion Aid 2017, along with Mercedes Benz and Pommery.

Sumaiya Rizvi (@melbourne_blog) is a Melbourne Events writer for The Australia Times Gourmet News and was a guest of Helen Reizer HRPR

Her last article: www.theaustraliatimes.com/news (July 4) – Interview with Acclaimed Chef Tobie Puttock – Truffle & Charcuterie Celebration Prahran Market

Additional Information Courtesy of Helen Reizer (@hellreizer)

Photography: Carly Ravenhall (@carlyravenhall)

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

MORE PICS FROM THE MEDIA LAUNCH OF FASHION+AID…

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