The Australia Times

Review of StoryVille’s WINTER FESTIVAL WEEKEND

14 September 202224 July 2018 by Connie Lambeth

StoryVille’s Winter Festival Weekend Words and Images by Daria Kill-Smith / Additional Images: StoryVille Located in Melbourne’s CBD sits the fantasy world of StoryVille – a literary-themed cocktail venue in Waratah Place. Following General Manager Adam, we headed up low-lit, snow-clustered stairs headlong into a bookish dream – an embroidery of literary classics ranging from … Read more

BOOK LAUNCH: ‘I AM SASHA’

8 October 202212 June 2018 by Connie Lambeth

‘I AM SASHA’ by Anita Selzer – Book Reading – Jeffreys Books, Melbourne Review by Sumaiya Rizvi – @melbourne_blog Images Courtesy of Helen Reizer / HRPR Anita Selzer’s latest book ‘I Am Sasha’, recently launched at Jeffreys Bookstore / jeffreysbooks.com.au in Malvern. The book is based on the memoir of the author’s grandmother, who in 1994 said … Read more

THE COUNTRY’S SWEETEST EVENT RETURNS, UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

2 November 202216 April 2018 by Connie Lambeth

CAKE BAKE & SWEETS SHOW Sydney – 23rd to 25th November/Melbourne – 30th November to 2nd December 2018 In possibly the most delicious news in more than a year for sweet-tooths, Cake Bake & Sweets Show will return in late 2018 after a year’s absence. Under new management, the events will be produced … Read more

Soak Up Japanese Craft Beers At Yokocho – GOOD BEER WEEK MONDAY 14 MAY

22 October 20229 April 2018 by Connie Lambeth

Soak up Japanese craft beers with bottomless golden tempura at YokochoGood Beer Week 2018, Monday 14 MayYokocho is taking part in this year’s Good Beer Week program, offering bottomless golden tempura to soak up a series of Japanese craft beers for one night only. Get comfortable atop the open-air balcony on Monday 14 May; locally sourced seafood dipped in a … Read more

Say Cheese – It Is Always Wine Time!

12 September 202227 March 2018 by Connie Lambeth

Melbourne’s Wine and Cheese Fest Words & Images by Keti Kezunovic Every year wine and cheese enthusiasts get the chance to sample a variety of artisanal food and wine offerings from over 30 boutique vendors, at the Wine and Cheese Fest. Celebrating the 6th year of the festival this one was no exception. Hosted in … Read more

Royal Stacks Burgers and a Classic Movie – LIDO ON THE ROOF – Wednesday 21 March

12 September 202219 March 2018 by Connie Lambeth

Melbourne’s cult burger venue Royal Stacks is teaming up with Lido Cinemas to cater for a special screening of the 80’s classic movie, Coming to America, on Wednesday 21 March at Lido on the Roof. Royal Stacks has always paid homage to everyone’s favourite Prince of Zamunda with one of their burgers named the McDowell, … Read more

Truly, Madly, Deeply Melbourne – Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

29 November 20229 February 2018 by Connie Lambeth

Truly, Madly, Deeply Melbourne – Part Three at The Plaza Ballroom Melbourne Food and Wine Festival On Tuesday 20 March, The Plaza Ballroom will once again host an indulgent night of degustation and entertainment not to be missed, as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. With the previous two years quickly selling … Read more

‘THE STILETTO WOMAN’ LAUNCHES AT MON BIJOU

8 December 202214 December 2017 by Connie Lambeth

‘The Stiletto Woman’ – an empowering new book by Marisa Ferraro

Words by Sarah Gill – Images Courtesy of Kon Iatrou

Mon Bijou is located in an alley way off Melbourne’s Flinders Lane. A red carpet and neon sign are the only hints of this secret little bar, evoking a ‘celebrity feel’.

A speedy lift to level 10 and I’ve arrived at this unique penthouse venue with ‘floor-to-ceiling’ windows revealing panoramic views of the inner city skyline. Handed an espresso martini, it was hard to miss the bar with a guest lineup of martinis. Plus plenty of sparkling wine of course! The ceiling provided an interesting conversation point, with pink hexagon shapes reflecting the crowd below. It was intriguing and made for a great photo opportunity. The canapés on offer were zesty and fresh, with my favourite the moorish smoked trout mousse on a petite pancake.

The launch of ‘The Stiletto Woman’ by Marisa Ferraro seemed the perfect fit for this luxe venue, part of the Adelphi Hotel. As the book is all about sister solidarity, Mon Bijou is certainly the place to bring the girls.

This is a book that tells it like it is. It gives you the support and pep talk you need to find your way through the issues many women face today in the dating world, and the search for the right partner. ‘The Stiletto Woman’ is about taking control of your love life and finding empowerment in that control.

The designer crowd matched the designer venue, with guests exuding sophistication, confidence, and empowerment, ideally enhancing the themes of Marisa’s book.

“Take control of your love life and find your happiness by rediscovering the beautiful woman that is you.”

Mon Bijou

187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC

https://www.missmarisa.com.au/product/the-stiletto-woman/

**Sarah was a guest of Helen Reizer HRPR

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, BEVERAGE & GUEST PICS…

QV Melbourne’s Wrap Party 6th to 22nd December

5 December 20226 December 2017 by Connie Lambeth

PARTY ON AT QV MELBOURNE’S WRAP / PARTY!

That’s a wrap: new-school carols, dance battles, The After Bar pop-up, free rides on the Christmas Carousel and more in an all-out end of year party at QV Melbourne.

As production closes on 2017, the crew at QV Melbourne are hosting a 17-day Wrap / Party to celebrate the year that was. The program of tinsel-tastic entertainment and events will take over iconic QV Square and surrounding laneways from 6-22 December.

Kicking off with a glitter-bomb-bang at 5pm on Wednesday 6 December, the Wrap / Party launch event will feature new-school carols performed by some of Melbourne’s best voices. Main stage entertainment comes from a range of dance groups including internationally acclaimed hip-hop crew Superhoodz (Australia’s Got Talent) and leading break-dancers BreakHoodz. Joining them are MiniHoodz and JnrHoodz (aged 5-12), busting out advanced hip-hop, funk and break dance moves.

Hip Hop Crew - SuperHoodz — Hip Hop Crew –
SuperHoodz

Be one of the first to snap the perfect ‘Carouselfie’ on the free Christmas Carousel, strike a pose at the spectacular Christmas balloon installation and sip on free cocktails at The After Bar, all while enjoying roving entertainment throughout QV Melbourne’s many laneways. Host Kate Meade (radio host and Victorian Dance Festival founder) will oversee proceedings at the launch event, ensuring the maximum level of fun is achieved.

In striking pastels and summery hues, QV Melbourne’s FREE Christmas Carousel isn’t just for kids. Hop on the Insta-worthy horses and circle the square to the tunes of the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, with some Christmas classics thrown in for good measure. The Christmas Carousel is open from 12pm to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm daily. Take a much-needed pit-stop at The After Bar pop-up in QV Square, open 6 and 15 December from 5pm until late. The After Bar serves up FREE fruity and flirty cocktails and mocktails: the perfect pick-me-up after a long day of shopping cardio.

Kick up your sneakers on Friday 15 December when Wrap / Party gets large with an epic Dance Battle at 6.30pm, when Superhoodz go head to head with their mini-me companions, youth hip-hop group Minihoodz. Breakhoodz and JnrHoodz will also compete. Cheer your favourites with free cocktails from 5pm at The After Bar.

Hip Hop Junior Crew - MiniHoodz — Hip Hop Junior Crew – MiniHoodz

On Wednesday 20 December DJ Chango Phat (Victorian Champion, Australian Turntable Championships) will set the scene for the silly season, spinning tunes from 4pm until 8pm while Schnitz will pop up with a bar serving craft beers and wine, plus some free cheeky Schnitz chips.

Dress your dog in their festive best and bring them along for a complimentary Pooch-mas Photography session on Saturday 9 December and Saturday 16 December between 11am – 4pm. Assemble your squad and get snap-happy as the Christmas Balloon Selfie Station sets up shop in the QV Square from 10am – 8pm daily. Tag @QVMelbourne on 6 December for the chance to win an awesome prize from Harvey Norman.

Wrap / Party is the third installation in QV Melbourne’s Laneway Series: a seasonal program of eclectic outdoor events, festivals and activations in the QV Square and surrounding laneways.

What: QV Melbourne’s Wrap / Party: celebrating 2017 with a range of entertainment and events

Where: QV Square, Level 2, QV Melbourne, corner Swanston and Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne

When: Wednesday 6 December to Friday 22 December.

Times vary, visit qv.com.au for details.

**Information & Images Courtesy Of QV Melbourne/Fuller PR – Keshia Hutchens

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/

Read on for QV Melbourne Wrap / Party Program…

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/