The Australia Times

Step into StoryVille

12 September 202220 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

StoryVille

185 Lonsdale Street

Melbourne

Words by Celeste Iuliano

“Written on the pages of Storyville are tales of spirits stirred and shaken.”

With these words we stepped through the pages of a storybook and were transported away from Melbourne’s bustling laneways into a fantasy land. Magic mushrooms hung low over tables as love birds canoodled in the golden cage, at the launch of StoryVille, the latest addition to vibrant Lonsdale Street.

StoryVille is a themed bar that draws inspiration from classic books. Avid readers will love the feature wall on the upper floor (a giant’s dream library), and the signature cocktails with references to stories that will take you back to childhood. The aptly named ‘Drink me’ list has nods to tales as diverse as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Clockwork Orange, each served with a fantastical twist!

Potterheads, such as myself, can choose to brew their own polyjuice potion at their table, combining gin, ginger liqueur, kiwi, basil, and lime to taste. Or perhaps you’d rather a taste of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, in which case you might order Through the Looking Glass. It combines vanilla tea, Havana 3 Year Rum with a side of cream, and comes served under a veil of fog, inviting you to peek through the looking glass like Alice.

I’m a big fan of Roald Dahl, so I chose to try the New York Peach, a fruity concoction inspired by James and the Giant Peach. The mix of Cognac, Kirsch, cherry, peach, and lemon make for a sweet and tangy treat, but it comes topped with a surprising nod to James’ creepy crawly friends! It’s definitely one for the more adventurous.

Don’t worry if you’re feeling a little peckish after the hard work of choosing a cocktail, the ‘Eat me’ list boasts more than your average bar snacks. Charcuterie by Savour & Grace is on offer, as well as bespoke Jaffles by Om Nom, with themed flavours such as Green Eggs and Ham and Little Red Hen. My absolute favourite is the Three Blind Mice, a three cheese jaffle that’s tangy, mustardy, creamy, and morish. I may have had seconds.

So if you’re feeling a little adventurous this spring, be sure to take a peek inside.

Storyville may well set the scene for your next magical night out.

Images Courtesy of APL PHOTOGRAPHY & Thomas Bindley

APL PHOTOGRAPHY - www.aplphotography.com.au — APL PHOTOGRAPHY – www.aplphotography.com.au

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Footnote:

Read more about StoryVille: https://theaustraliatimes.com/2017/09/06/introducing-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 nostalgia and ignites imagination.

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

Email: functions@storyvillemelbourne.com.au

Instagram: @storyville

Facebook link

Instagram link

29th apartment – www.29thapartment.com.au – https://www.facebook.com/29thapartment/ -@29thapartment

Pawn and Co. – pawnandco.com.au – https://www.facebook.com/PawnAndCo/ – @pawnandco

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

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

View additional pics…

BIG Change for small change Charity Day – QV Melbourne Thursday 21st September

19 September 202220 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

QV Melbourne is celebrating spring in the city with Fresh / Take, a program of events that offers a new approach to wellness, living and thinking. Fresh / Take launched a couple of days ago and runs for two weeks, closing with a public holiday party on 29 September. BIG Change for Small Change Charity … Read more

OKTOBERFEST Returns to Hophaus Southgate Sat 16th Sept – Annual Dachshund Race Saturday 23rd September

13 September 202211 September 2017 by Connie Lambeth

MELBOURNE

OKTOBERFEST AT HOPHAUS SOUTHGATE

16th September to 22nd October

Teckelrennen Annual Dachshund Race Saturday 23 September

Time to don your dirndl and lederhosen, as Oktoberfest returns to Melbourne at Hophaus Southgate from Saturday 16 September to Sunday 22 October

With over six million people predicted to attend the 207th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Germany, Hophaus Bavarian Bier Bar Grill will transport Melbourne to Munich with a five-week program of festivities and events from 16 September to 22 October 2017.

Hophaus’ Oktoberfest 2017 will see the return of a cult favourite calendar event: the Teckelrennen Annual Dachshund Race on 23 September. Short dog legs will race with fury and fanfare for the third annual event that draws swarms of fest and dog lovers alike. Dog costumes are expected to increase in creativity as competition for Best Dressed Dachshund becomes ever more fierce.

The official Opening Day on Saturday 16 September will see former Melbourne Football Club Captain, David Neitz, trade his football jersey for Lederhosen and take over official duties as Hoptoberfest’s Mayor for this year’s festivities. With his German heritage proudly on show, Neitz, also the founder of Brewmanity Beer Company, will welcome guests to the fest launch at Hophaus with the traditional Tapping of the Keg at midday and free bier frothing until the keg runs dry.

The most paw-pular event on the spring racing calendar, Hophaus’ Annual Dachshund Race is co-presented by Southgate Melbourne and My Dachshund Online, and will raise money for Dachshund Rescue Australia.

‘The dog race that stops the nation’ is held in the Southgate Podium Courtyard with heats starting at 11am followed by finals. Witness the four-legged frenzy as the dachshunds make a mad dash down the 15-metre racetrack in the bid for the top prize.

Hophaus is proud to have raised over $6200 for Dachshund Rescue Australia over the last two years, with over 150 sausage dogs having taken part.

The dogged Costume Parade will be held at midday. Watch pampered pooches strut their stuff down the ‘dogwalk’ for the coveted prize and then continue the festivities at Hophaus with a refreshing German lager, German food and plenty of entertainment with one of Melbourne’s best German bands the Black Forest Trio playing into the night.

For more information and to view the full Hophaus Oktoberfest 2017 program of events visit hophaus.com.au.

What: Oktoberfest 2017 at Hophaus Southgate

When: Saturday 16 September – Sunday 22 October 2017

Hoptoberfest Opening Day Saturday 16 September

Location: Hophaus Bier Bar Grill, Mid Level, Southgate Melbourne, 3 Southgate Avenue Southbank

Where: Hophaus Bier Bar Grill, south end of the mid level overlooking the Yarra River, Southgate Melbourne. Southgate is located opposite Flinders St Station, on the Yarra River adjacent to the Arts Centre.

**The Dachshund Race will be held in the Southgate Podium Courtyard, outside St Johns Church.

www.hophaus.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/hophausbar/

https://www.facebook.com/Hophausbar

https://twitter.com/HOPHAUSBAR

@HOPHAUSBAR

>#HophausDachyRace

Bookings: Bookings are advised for Lunch or Dinner throughout Oktoberfest. Get in early and Book your table online, call 03 9682 5900 or email prost@hophaus.com.au.

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Information & Images Courtesy of Hophaus Southgate/Fuller PR

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

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @tatgourmetmag

READ ON FOR OKTOBERFEST PROGRAM OF EVENTS/FOOD & BIER AT HOPHAUS SOUTHGATE

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#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

‘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…

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

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…

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